When in the Timeline is Shadow of Mordor?
Shadow of Mordor is set in the 60-year gap between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, specifically around 2940-2941 according to Torvin’s Diary in Lord of the Hunt, making it a crucial part of the Middle-earth storyline. This placement allows the game to explore the prequel events leading up to the main Lord of the Rings narrative, delving into the lore and expanding the Tolkien universe in a faithful yet original manner.
Understanding the Timeline
To grasp the context of Shadow of Mordor, it’s essential to understand its position within the Middle-earth timeline. The game follows the story of Talion, a Captain of Gondor stationed at the Black Gate of Mordor, as he navigates the challenges of Sauron’s growing power.
Exploring the FAQs
Below are key questions and answers that provide deeper insight into Shadow of Mordor and its place within the Middle-earth universe:
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Is Shadow of Mordor a prequel to Shadow of War? Yes, Shadow of Mordor is the predecessor to Shadow of War, with Shadow of War continuing the story as a direct sequel, exploring the aftermath of Talion’s revenge and his continued battle against Sauron.
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How does Shadow of War fit into the Lord of the Rings? Shadow of War is set between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, utilizing the 60-year gap to tell an original story that expands on the Tolkien lore without interfering with the canonical events of the books or movies.
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Is Gandalf in Shadow of War? Yes, Gandalf makes an appearance in Shadow of War, specifically in the mobile version, bringing his wisdom and power to the game’s storyline.
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Why is Gollum in Shadow of Mordor? Gollum is in Shadow of Mordor because he is drawn to the power of the Ring-maker in Mordor, seeking to recover his “Precious” and playing a significant role in the game’s narrative.
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Does Shadow of Mordor follow the lore? While Shadow of Mordor takes creative liberties, it is generally faithful to the themes and ideas presented in Tolkien’s work, making it a compelling addition to the Middle-earth universe for fans.
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Is it OK to play Shadow of War without playing Shadow of Mordor? Yes, the story of Shadow of War is designed to be accessible to new players, requiring no prior knowledge of Shadow of Mordor or the Tolkien narratives to enjoy.
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Is Shadow of Mordor canon? Shadow of Mordor introduces original ideas not directly from Tolkien’s work, making it non-canonical but still respectful and engaging within the Middle-earth context.
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In what order should I play Middle Earth games? For a chronological experience, play The Hobbit trilogy, followed by Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor, and then Middle-Earth: Shadow of War, though each game has a standalone plot.
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Did Isildur become a Nazgul? In the context of Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War, Isildur does not become a Nazgul in the traditional sense, but Talion does eventually succumb to the corruption and becomes a Nazgul.
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How long was Talion alive for? Talion’s time in Mordor, including his life as a Ringwraith, spans approximately 77 years, during which he does not age due to being deceased.
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Is Talion mentioned in Lord of the Rings? No, Talion is exclusive to the Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War games and does not appear in The Lord of the Rings books or movies.
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Why does Smeagol call Deagol my love? Smeagol refers to Deagol as “my love” due to their familial bond as cousins, using a term of endearment common among their people.
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Is Galadriel in Shadow of Mordor? Yes, Galadriel makes a brief appearance in both Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Middle-earth: Shadow of War, bringing her wisdom and authority to the games.
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How old is Gollum in Shadow of Mordor? Gollum, influenced by the Ring’s power, lives an extended life, being nearly 600 years old by the time of the events in The Lord of the Rings, far exceeding the average hobbit lifespan.
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Are the Nazgul in Shadow of War? Yes, the Nazgul, or Black Riders, are present in Shadow of War, serving as powerful enemies that Talion must confront throughout his journey.
By understanding the timeline and the roles of key characters like Talion, Gandalf, and Gollum, fans of Middle-earth can delve deeper into the lore and enjoy the Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War games as part of the broader Tolkien universe.