Does Shadow of Mordor Break Canon?
Shadow of Mordor does indeed break canon, as it introduces non-canonical characters and storylines that contradict the original Tolkien lore. The game’s narrative, although inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, takes creative liberties that deviate from the established canon, making it a non-canonical entry in the Lord of the Rings universe.
Understanding Canon and Non-Canon in the Lord of the Rings Universe
To understand why Shadow of Mordor breaks canon, it’s essential to grasp the concept of canon in the context of the Lord of the Rings universe. Canon refers to the official, authorized narrative that is considered “true” within the fictional world. In the case of Middle-earth, the canon is based on Tolkien’s writings, including The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and other published works.
The Impact of Non-Canonical Storytelling
Non-canonical stories, like those found in Shadow of Mordor, can still be enjoyable and engaging, but they do not align with the official narrative. This means that events, characters, and plot twists introduced in the game **are not considered part of the official *Lord of the Rings* story**.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 15 FAQs that provide additional insights into the relationship between Shadow of Mordor and the Lord of the Rings canon:
- Is Shadow of Mordor still canon?: No, Shadow of Mordor is not considered canon in any way, as it contradicts Tolkien’s writings and introduces non-canonical elements.
- Will Talion ever be canon?: It’s unlikely that Talion, a vital character in the Middle-earth games, will become a canon character in the Lord of the Rings lore.
- Does Shadow of Mordor follow the lore?: While Shadow of Mordor is based on Tolkien’s written narratives, it takes creative liberties and deviates from the established canon.
- Is Talion canonically a Nazgul?: According to the game’s storyline, Talion eventually becomes a Nazgul, but this is not considered part of the official canon.
- Is Shadow of War part of the Lord of the Rings Canon Universe?: No, Shadow of War is not part of the Lord of the Rings canon universe, as it introduces non-canonical elements and contradicts Tolkien’s writings.
- Is Talion ever mentioned in LotR?: No, Talion appears only as a game character in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Middle-earth: Shadow of War, and is not mentioned in the Lord of the Rings books.
- Which Nazgul did Talion replace?: According to the game’s storyline, Talion replaces Isildur as a Nazgul, but this is not considered part of the official canon.
- Is Talion related to Boromir?: The character of Talion is inspired by Boromir, but they are not related in the Lord of the Rings canon.
- How did Sauron trick Celebrimbor?: Sauron, in disguise, deceived Celebrimbor and the smiths of Eregion into making Rings of Power, and then secretly made the One Ring to gain control over all the others.
- Where does Shadow of Mordor fit in?: Shadow of Mordor takes place in the 60-year gap between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, but its storyline is not considered part of the official canon.
- What do the orcs call Talion?: The orcs and orc captains refer to Talion as “the Tark“.
- Did Isildur become a Nazgul?: According to the game’s storyline, Isildur was revived by Sauron with one of the nine Rings of Power and became a Nazgul, but this is not considered part of the official canon.
- Why did Celebrimbor betray Talion?: Celebrimbor‘s betrayal of Talion is a key plot point in the game, but its canonicity is disputed.
- Is Gandalf in Shadow of War?: Yes, Gandalf is a character in Shadow of War, but his appearance in the game is not considered part of the official canon.
- Did Talion free Isildur?: According to the game’s storyline, Talion chose to spare Isildur and release his spirit, allowing him to proceed into the afterlife, but this is not considered part of the official canon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shadow of Mordor does indeed break canon, introducing non-canonical characters and storylines that contradict the original Tolkien lore. While the game’s narrative can still be enjoyable and engaging, it **is not considered part of the official *Lord of the Rings* story**. By understanding the concept of canon and non-canonical storytelling, fans of the *Lord of the Rings* universe can appreciate the game’s creative take on the Middle-earth universe while also recognizing its limitations and deviations from the established canon.