How Isildur in Shadow of War: A Fallen Hero Reimagined
In Middle-earth: Shadow of War, Isildur’s portrayal diverges significantly from Tolkien’s original narrative. Instead of simply succumbing to orc arrows and losing the One Ring in the Gladden Fields, Isildur is resurrected by Sauron using one of the Nine Rings of Power and twisted into a Nazgûl. This corrupted version of Isildur becomes a servant of Sauron, a fate far removed from the flawed but ultimately noble figure depicted in the books. Furthermore, the game introduces the concept of Isildur’s Ring, a separate Ring of Power that Talion wears, further intertwining their fates as Talion himself eventually succumbs to the ring’s corruption and replaces Isildur as a Nazgûl. The game reimagines Isildur’s destiny, turning him into a tragic antagonist driven by Sauron’s will, thereby providing a compelling, if controversial, narrative twist to the existing lore.
Isildur’s Fate in Shadow of War: A Detailed Examination
The story in Shadow of War takes significant liberties with Tolkien’s established lore. Isildur’s established fate, wherein he perishes after claiming The One Ring, is dramatically altered.
Resurrection and Corruption
After being slain by Orcs, Isildur’s body is brought to Sauron, who then revives him using one of the Nine Rings of Power. This act of dark magic corrupts Isildur, breaking his spirit and transforming him into a Nazgûl, also known as a Ringwraith. This is a stark contrast to the books, where Isildur’s death is a result of mortal vulnerability and the Ring’s betrayal.
Isildur’s Ring and Talion’s Connection
Shadow of War introduces Isildur’s Ring, a separate Ring of Power distinct from the One Ring. Talion, the game’s protagonist, wields this Ring after being betrayed by Celebrimbor and Eltariel. This Ring grants Talion the ability to defy death and resist Sauron’s influence, but it also gradually corrupts him.
Talion’s Transformation
As Talion uses Isildur’s Ring to fight Sauron’s forces and maintain control within Mordor, the Ring’s power slowly consumes him. Decades pass, and Talion eventually succumbs to the Ring’s corruption, becoming a Nazgûl himself and replacing the resurrected Isildur among Sauron’s most feared servants.
Lore Divergence and Narrative Impact
Shadow of War’s portrayal of Isildur is a significant departure from Tolkien’s established lore. While some fans appreciate the narrative liberties taken to create a compelling story, others find the changes controversial due to their impact on the established canon. Despite the diverging interpretation, there is value in analysing the game’s narrative, as the study of games and learning offers insights into how narratives can be reinterpreted and experienced differently. To learn more about this, explore the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Talion become Isildur in Shadow of War?
No, Talion does not become Isildur in the sense of replacing his identity. Instead, Talion eventually succumbs to the corruption of Isildur’s Ring and becomes a Nazgûl, essentially taking Isildur’s place among the Ringwraiths after Isildur’s initial defeat within the game.
2. What exactly is Isildur’s Ring in Shadow of War?
Isildur’s Ring in Shadow of War is a Ring of Power distinct from the One Ring. It is not described in Tolkien’s original works. In the game, Talion wears this Ring after being betrayed. This grants him power and the ability to defy death but ultimately leads to his corruption.
3. How does Isildur become evil in Shadow of War?
In Shadow of War, Isildur is not inherently evil. He is revived and corrupted by Sauron using one of the Nine Rings. Through torture and the Ring’s influence, his spirit is broken, transforming him into a Nazgûl serving Sauron.
4. Is the Isildur in Rings of Power the same as in Shadow of War?
No. Amazon’s The Rings of Power depicts Isildur much earlier in his life, before the events that lead to his death and the creation of the Nazgûl, portrayed as a young, flawed, and morally ambiguous character. Shadow of War presents a corrupted, resurrected version serving Sauron.
5. Is there an Isildur boss fight in Shadow of War?
Yes, players encounter Isildur as a boss fight in Shadow of War. As a Nazgûl, Isildur possesses considerable power and fighting abilities, presenting a significant challenge for Talion.
6. Did Isildur truly become a Nazgûl in Tolkien’s original lore?
No. In Tolkien’s original works, Isildur dies from orc arrows after being betrayed by the One Ring. He does not become a Nazgûl. Shadow of War’s portrayal of Isildur as a Ringwraith is a deviation from the source material.
7. Was Isildur half-elf in Tolkien’s legendarium?
No, Isildur was not half-elf. He was a Dúnedain, a descendant of the men of Númenor, who possessed longer lifespans than regular men due to their lineage tracing back to Elros, the brother of Elrond, who chose mortality.
8. How does Sauron revive Isildur in Shadow of War?
Sauron revives Isildur in Shadow of War by using one of the Nine Rings of Power. By placing the Ring upon Isildur’s corpse, Sauron corrupts and resurrects him, turning him into a Nazgûl.
9. Does Isildur ever become Sauron in Shadow of War?
No, Isildur never becomes Sauron in Shadow of War. He is revived by Sauron as a Nazgûl and serves as one of Sauron’s servants, but he does not replace or become Sauron himself.
10. Why does Isildur not destroy the One Ring in Tolkien’s story?
In Tolkien’s story, Isildur claims the One Ring after Sauron’s defeat, but he is too tempted by its power to destroy it. He intends to keep it as a weregild for his father and brother who were killed in the war. This decision ultimately leads to his demise.
11. Who are the nine Nazgûl mentioned in the lore?
While Tolkien does not provide detailed backstories for all nine Nazgûl, the most prominent is the Witch-king of Angmar. The others are shrouded in mystery, with hints of their past lives as kings, sorcerers, and warriors corrupted by Sauron’s Rings.
12. How old is Isildur when he dies?
In Tolkien’s lore, Isildur dies at the age of 232. This longer lifespan is due to his Númenórean heritage.
13. Why does Celebrimbor betray Talion in Shadow of War?
Celebrimbor betrays Talion because he wants to dominate Sauron and rule Mordor himself. They use their new Ring to fight Sauron but eventually, Celebrimbor reveals his ambition to overthrow Sauron rather than destroy him, leading to a conflict with Talion.
14. What do the orcs call Talion in Shadow of War?
The orcs in Shadow of War often refer to Talion as “the Tark.” This term is likely a shortened version of “Tarkû,” an Orcish word for a member of the Ranger (Tarkil).
15. Is Isildur actually dead in Rings of Power?
Whether Isildur is actually dead in the Amazon series remains ambiguous at the time of his seeming death. The most important thing to note about the character is that Isildur survives and plays a crucial role in future events, including cutting the One Ring from Sauron’s hand. His eventual fate is predetermined, so his alleged death is only temporary.
By analyzing Isildur’s role in Shadow of War, we can see how video games provide a unique medium for exploring and reinterpreting established narratives.