Is Shadow of War Set Before Lord of the Rings? Unraveling the Timeline
Yes, Middle-earth: Shadow of War is definitively set before the events of The Lord of the Rings. It’s crucial to understand that this game, along with its predecessor, Shadow of Mordor, occupies a specific time period within J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium. Specifically, both games take place during the sixty-year gap between the events of The Hobbit and the beginning of The Lord of the Rings. This allows for a unique narrative space, exploring the growing threat of Sauron and his forces, while also incorporating familiar elements and characters in ways that, while not canon, offer fresh interpretations. The game’s setting therefore serves as a bridge, providing a deeper look into the darkening years before the Fellowship’s journey. This period is intentionally fertile ground for storytelling, allowing developers to introduce new narratives while weaving them into the existing tapestry of Middle-earth.
Understanding the Timeline
The games strategically position themselves within this sixty-year void, using it to explore the rise of Sauron’s power and the resistance against him before the well-known adventures of Frodo and his companions. We see the beginnings of Sauron’s return, his manipulation of powerful forces, and the desperate attempts by others to thwart his plans. This allows players to witness a crucial period of Middle-earth history that is less documented in the core texts of Tolkien. The game does not interfere with the established lore of the Lord of the Rings saga and is not designed to be a direct prequel or alternate telling, but instead it creates an engaging story that draws heavily on the existing framework of the world.
The Significance of the 60-Year Gap
This significant gap in the timeline allows for creative freedom in portraying events and characters. The Ring of Power is not at the forefront of the narrative, leaving room for a different focus. Instead, the story focuses on new characters and unique scenarios, allowing players to experience a different perspective of Middle-earth, which is still deeply influenced by the lore and the established universe. This period allows the developers to introduce characters like Talion and Celebrimbor, and weave their story into the existing lore, without altering major plot points from the books.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the game’s placement in the Middle-earth timeline and its relationship to the lore:
1. Is Shadow of Mordor also set before Lord of the Rings?
Yes, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is also set within that 60-year period between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It lays the groundwork for Shadow of War and explores the early conflict between Talion and Sauron.
2. Is Shadow of War considered canon to the Lord of the Rings?
No, neither Shadow of War nor Shadow of Mordor are considered canon to Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings lore. They are creative interpretations and adaptations set within the established universe but are not part of the official timeline. The game is designed to expand the world of Middle-earth in a new and exciting way while still remaining true to the spirit of Tolkien’s works.
3. How does Shadow of War fit into the timeline exactly?
The game specifically takes place during the decades between The Hobbit and the start of The Lord of the Rings. It covers a period of time where the threat of Sauron is growing, but the events are still focused in Mordor and do not yet involve the main events involving the Fellowship of the Ring. The exact timeframe is flexible, but it sits firmly within those 60 years.
4. Is Gandalf featured in Shadow of War?
While Gandalf isn’t a core character in the main narrative of Shadow of War, he does appear in the mobile version of the game, Shadow of War Mobile. It is important to note, this is a separate experience and doesn’t reflect his role (or lack thereof) in the main console/PC game.
5. Is Talion, the main character, mentioned in Lord of the Rings?
No, Talion is an original character created for the game series and is not mentioned in The Lord of the Rings books or the associated lore. He’s specifically crafted for these games, and his story is entirely separate from the canonical tales.
6. Did Talion become a Nazgûl in the Lord of the Rings timeline?
In the narrative of Shadow of War, Talion does indeed become a Nazgûl, but this is a narrative addition of the game itself and is not part of the canonical Lord of the Rings lore. In the original timeline, Isildur, who Talion replaces in the games, did become one of the Nazgûl.
7. Is Isildur’s ring part of the Lord of the Rings lore?
In the games, Isildur’s ring plays a significant role in Talion’s story, but this is another creative liberty taken by the game. While Isildur possessed the One Ring, the game does introduce a narrative element of another ring. This is not part of the lore.
8. Is Celebrimbor a character from Lord of the Rings?
Celebrimbor is indeed a character from Tolkien’s lore, but his depiction and actions in Shadow of War are heavily altered and expanded upon. While he was the creator of the Rings of Power, his motives and story in the game are a deviation from the source material. His role in the game should not be considered canonical.
9. Are there Hobbits in Shadow of War?
While Hobbits do exist in Middle-earth during the game’s timeframe, the only one to appear is Gollum. They are generally not a focus of the game. The primary setting being Mordor has very little to do with the Hobbits and their Shire.
10. Does Shadow of War stay true to the lore?
While Shadow of War is set within Tolkien’s Middle-earth and uses established characters and settings, it deviates significantly from the core lore in many ways. It is more of a creative adaptation than a direct adherence to the canon. The game uses lore elements as inspiration rather than sticking strictly to the original narrative.
11. Why does Celebrimbor betray Talion in Shadow of War?
In the game’s story, Celebrimbor betrays Talion because he believes his own power is the only way to defeat Sauron. He views Talion as a means to an end, a vessel to gain more power. This character motivation is a development within the game and not from Tolkien’s books.
12. Is Minas Tirith present in Shadow of War?
Yes, Minas Tirith is featured in Shadow of War, particularly during sieges and battles. However, its appearance and the events surrounding it in the game are interpretations of what could be occurring around that time and not a depiction of established events.
13. What happened to Celebrimbor after the events of Shadow of War?
In the game’s narrative, Celebrimbor’s fate is tied to the events of Shadow of War. However, in the original timeline, Sauron tortured Celebrimbor to death, but this is not how the character’s story ends in the game. The games’ timelines deviate significantly here.
14. Is Talion more powerful than Sauron?
The game implies that Talion can challenge Sauron due to the powers he wields, including Isildur’s ring, though this is not part of Tolkien’s established narrative. In the canonical stories, no one was able to overpower Sauron, although the destruction of the One Ring was his ultimate undoing, which was not achieved by a single force.
15. Does Talion serve Sauron willingly?
In Shadow of War, Talion is forced to serve Sauron through the corrupting influence of the ring, even becoming a Nazgûl. This serves as a dramatic conclusion to his story within the game, but this is not part of the canon. He is shown as a reluctant servant. This is not something that happened in the established Lord of the Rings timeline.
By understanding that Shadow of War is an adaptation set within the 60-year gap before The Lord of the Rings, players can better appreciate its story and the unique interpretations it presents of Middle-earth. This allows both fans of the books, and those new to the series to enjoy an exciting adventure within a well established and well loved fictional world.