Is Middle-earth Canon? Navigating Tolkien’s Legendarium

The short answer? It’s complicated. Middle-earth itself, as a setting, is unequivocally a product of J.R.R. Tolkien’s imagination and therefore “canon” within his own creative world. However, the question of what constitutes canon within that world, and how later adaptations fit (or don’t) into it, sparks endless debate amongst Tolkien enthusiasts. Essentially, we need to distinguish between Tolkien’s core writings and the vast ecosystem of adaptations, expansions, and interpretations that have sprung up around them.

Defining Tolkien’s Canon: A Multi-layered Approach

The concept of “canon” is, at its heart, about authority. In literary terms, it refers to the established and authentic works that are considered part of a definitive body of work. With Tolkien, the issue becomes layered due to the posthumous publication of numerous texts compiled and edited by his son, Christopher Tolkien. Here’s a breakdown:

The Core Canon: Works Published in Tolkien’s Lifetime

This is generally considered the bedrock of Middle-earth canon. These works were published by Tolkien himself and represent his final authorial decisions at the time of publication. These are:

• The Hobbit
• The Lord of the Rings ( The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King)

Many fans would add his letters to this list, as they often shed light on his intentions and world-building philosophy. Any which were written by J R R Tolkien, were published during his lifetime, and because he chose what would go into them, are completely canon.

The Expanded Canon: Posthumous Publications

This category consists primarily of works compiled and edited by Christopher Tolkien after his father’s death. These include:

• The Silmarillion
• Unfinished Tales
• The History of Middle-earth (a multi-volume series)
• The Children of Húrin
• Beren and Lúthien
• The Fall of Gondolin

The inclusion of these works in the canon is more contested. While they are based on Tolkien’s writings, Christopher Tolkien’s editorial decisions inevitably shaped the final product. Some fans view them as less authoritative than the core canon, while others consider them essential for a deeper understanding of Middle-earth’s history and mythology. The reason for the debate about these is that Tolkien didn’t do the editing or selection of contents for them, making their canon status more complex.

Adaptations and Interpretations: A Non-Canon Universe

This category includes all adaptations of Tolkien’s works in other media, such as:

• The Peter Jackson Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films.
• The Amazon The Rings of Power series.
• Video games like Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Middle-earth: Shadow of War.
• Other adaptations such as animated films, radio dramas, and stage productions.

These adaptations are generally considered non-canon. They often take liberties with the source material, altering characters, events, and timelines to fit the needs of the medium or the creative vision of the filmmakers.

The Concept of Different Continuities

It’s useful to think of adaptations as existing in their own separate continuities. The Peter Jackson films, for example, created a distinct continuity that diverges from the books in many ways. Similarly, The Rings of Power is considered a separate universe from Tolkien’s written works. This helps to reconcile enjoyment of these adaptations with a respect for Tolkien’s original vision.

Why Canon Matters (and Doesn’t)

The debate over canon is not merely an academic exercise. For many fans, it’s about preserving the integrity of Tolkien’s vision. Adhering to a strict interpretation of canon ensures that adaptations remain faithful to the spirit and themes of the original works.

However, it’s also important to acknowledge that adaptations can introduce new audiences to Middle-earth and spark their interest in exploring the original books. The Games Learning Society, for instance, recognizes the power of games and other media to engage learners with complex narratives and themes, even when those narratives deviate from established canon. GamesLearningSociety.org offers valuable insights into how adaptations can contribute to the ongoing appreciation and understanding of Middle-earth.

Ultimately, whether or not one considers a particular work “canon” is a matter of personal preference. Some fans prefer a purist approach, while others are more open to adaptations and interpretations that expand upon the original source material. The key is to understand the distinctions between Tolkien’s own writings and the vast body of derivative works that have followed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Middle-earth Canon

Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to further clarify the nuances of Middle-earth canon:

1. Are The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings considered canon? Absolutely. These are the core texts, published during Tolkien’s lifetime, and form the undeniable foundation of Middle-earth canon.
2. Is The Silmarillion canon? This is more debated. While based on Tolkien’s writings, it was compiled and edited by Christopher Tolkien after his father’s death. Most fans consider it part of the “expanded canon,” but some view it as less authoritative than The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
3. Are the History of Middle-earth books canon? These are invaluable for understanding the evolution of Tolkien’s ideas, but they are essentially scholarly works that document different drafts and versions of his stories. They offer insight into the creative process but are not typically considered part of the narrative canon.
4. Is The Rings of Power series canon? No. The Amazon series takes significant liberties with Tolkien’s timeline and characters. It is best viewed as a separate adaptation with its own continuity. The problem with the show is that it is challenging to determine which versions of these stories the author intended to accept as truth.
5. Are the Peter Jackson Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films canon? No. These are adaptations that made changes to the plot, characters, and events. They exist in their own cinematic continuity.
6. Are the Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War video games canon? No. These games tell original stories set in Middle-earth, but they introduce new characters and plot elements that are not found in Tolkien’s writings. They are fan-fiction, albeit well-written fan fiction.
7. What is the best way to read Tolkien’s works “canonically”? A typical suggestion is to start with The Hobbit, then The Lord of the Rings, followed by The Silmarillion. Unfinished Tales can be read after The Silmarillion for further detail. The History of Middle-earth books are best approached as scholarly resources.
8. Are Tolkien’s letters considered canon? Many fans consider Tolkien’s letters a valuable source of insight into his intentions and world-building. While not narrative canon, they provide a window into the author’s mind.
9. Why is The Silmarillion so difficult to read? The style of writing is different from The Lord of the Rings, and it doesn’t follow a single storyline. It is more like a collection of various different tales from different times.
10. Is there a definitive “Tolkien canon police” that enforces these rules? No. The concept of canon in Tolkien’s world is ultimately subjective and open to interpretation.
11. If an adaptation contradicts Tolkien’s writings, does that automatically make it “bad”? Not necessarily. Adaptations can be enjoyable and thought-provoking even if they deviate from the source material. The key is to recognize the differences and appreciate them for what they are.
12. Is it possible for an adaptation to be considered “semi-canon”? Some fans use this term to describe adaptations that remain mostly faithful to Tolkien’s work but introduce minor changes or additions. However, there is no officially recognized category of “semi-canon.”
13. Does Tolkien’s own revision of The Hobbit affect its canonicity? The revised version of The Hobbit is generally considered canon, as it reflects Tolkien’s later thoughts on the story.
14. Who were the nine Nazgûl? The names of all of the Nazgûl include: The Witch-king of Angmar, The Dark Marshal, Khamûl The Easterling, The Betrayer, The Shadow Lord, The Undying, The Dwimmerlaik, The Tainted and The Knight of Umbar.
15. Is Isildur A Nazgûl? Isildur dies after he was attacked by the orcs, and they transported his lifeless body to Mordor at Sauron’s behest. Sauron revived Isildur with one of the nine rings, and then tortured him until his spirit was broken and he became a Nazgûl.

In the end, the debate surrounding Middle-earth canon highlights the enduring power and complexity of Tolkien’s creation. Whether one adheres to a strict definition or embraces more expansive interpretations, the world of Middle-earth continues to captivate and inspire readers and viewers alike.