Where does Shadow of War fit into LOTR?
Shadow of War is set in the Middle-earth universe, taking place between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies, making it a unique addition to the LOTR lore. The game’s story is an original tale woven around the known history of Middle-earth, featuring both canon and non-canon characters, including the protagonist Talion, who is not part of the original J.R.R. Tolkien works but plays a crucial role in the game’s narrative.
Understanding the Connection to LOTR
To understand where Shadow of War fits into the LOTR universe, it’s essential to explore the game’s storyline and characters in more depth. The game is a sequel to Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, and both games are based on Tolkien’s legendarium, offering a fresh perspective on the Middle-earth universe.
FAQs
1. Is Shadow of War connected to Lord of the Rings?
Shadow of War is connected to The Lord of the Rings as it is set between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies, drawing inspiration from Peter Jackson’s film trilogies.
2. Is Shadow of War canon to LOTR?
While Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War feature both canon and non-canon characters, the stories of both games are original tales that expand on the known history of Middle-earth, without being part of the core LOTR canon.
3. Where does Talion fit in Lord of the Rings?
Talion, the protagonist, is a non-canonical character who does not originate from J.R.R. Tolkien’s works but plays a vital role in the Middle-earth games, inspired by Boromir from The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
4. Does Gandalf appear in Shadow of War?
Yes, Gandalf is one of the characters from the Lord of the Rings films that can be unlocked in Middle-earth: Shadow of War, along with Aragorn, Gimli, and others.
5. How does Shadow of War and Shadow of Mordor fit into the Tolkien LotR Universe?
Both games take place within J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, with Shadow of War being a sequel to Shadow of Mordor, offering an intricate tie into Tolkien’s Legendarium without being part of the official LOTR canon.
6. How is Isildur in Shadow of War?
In Shadow of War, Isildur’s fate differs from the book; he is revived by Sauron using one of the nine rings and later becomes a Nazgûl after being tortured.
7. Is Talion from Shadow of War in Lord of the Rings?
No, Talion is not a character in the original Lord of the Rings lore, despite his significant role in the Middle-earth games.
8. Is Talion related to Boromir?
Talion is inspired by Boromir, indicating a conceptual connection but not a direct familial relationship.
9. Is Talion Nazgul canon?
Talion becoming a Nazgûl is not part of the official LOTR canon, as he is a non-canonical character.
10. Is Talion based on Boromir?
Yes, the game’s protagonist, Talion, was inspired by Boromir from The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
11. What did Sauron think of Talion?
Sauron views Talion as a tool to be used, similar to how he views Celebrimbor, and also as a significant annoyance and distraction.
12. Did Isildur become a Nazgûl?
Yes, in Shadow of War, Isildur is revived by Sauron and becomes a Nazgûl after his spirit is broken through torture.
13. Why did Celebrimbor betray Talion?
Celebrimbor betrays Talion to overthrow Sauron rather than destroy him, possessing Eltariel to achieve this goal.
14. Was Galadriel in Shadow of War?
Yes, Galadriel makes a brief appearance in both Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Middle-earth: Shadow of War.
15. Does Shadow of War fit into the lore?
Shadow of War takes place within J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth and is intricately tied into Tolkien’s Legendarium, even though it may not be considered part of the official LOTR canon, offering a unique expansion of the Middle-earth universe.