Is Middle-earth: Shadow of War Canon?
The debate surrounding the canonicity of Middle-earth: Shadow of War has been ongoing among fans and scholars of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works. As the second installment in the Shadow of Mordor series, Shadow of War has received both praise and criticism for its departure from the original lore. In this article, we will delve into the question of whether Middle-earth: Shadow of War is canon or not.
Direct Answer: No, Middle-earth: Shadow of War is Not Canon
Before we dive into the details, it’s essential to address the direct answer to this question. Middle-earth: Shadow of War is not considered canon by the Tolkien Estate, the official custodians of Tolkien’s works. In an interview, the game’s creative director, Michael de Plater, acknowledged that the game is not part of the official canon, stating that "we’re not trying to create a new canon, we’re trying to create a new story within the world of Middle-earth."
The Problem with Canon
For those unfamiliar with the concept of canon, it refers to the official, authoritative stories and events within a fictional universe. In the case of Middle-earth, the Tolkien Estate has established a clear hierarchy of canon, with Tolkien’s published works (such as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit) serving as the foundation. Any subsequent works, including films, games, and adaptations, must adhere to this established canon or risk being considered non-canonical.
The Discrepancies
So, what are the discrepancies that have led to Shadow of War being deemed non-canonical? Here are a few key points:
• Characterizations: The game’s portrayal of certain characters, such as Gollum and Shelob, deviates significantly from their original descriptions in Tolkien’s works. For example, Gollum is depicted as a more sympathetic character, while Shelob is shown to be a mere servant of Sauron rather than a powerful, independent entity.
• Timeline: The game’s storyline takes place during the events of The Lord of the Rings, but the timeline is altered to accommodate the game’s narrative. This includes the presence of certain characters, such as Éowyn, in places and at times that are not consistent with the original story.
• Geography: The game’s depiction of Middle-earth’s geography is also inconsistent with Tolkien’s works. For example, the game features a massive wall surrounding Mordor, which is not present in the original stories.
• Story: The game’s storyline, while exciting and engaging, deviates from the original narrative. This includes the introduction of new characters, plot twists, and events that are not supported by Tolkien’s works.
The Implications
So, what are the implications of Shadow of War being deemed non-canonical? For fans of Tolkien’s works, it means that the game’s story and characters should not be considered part of the official Middle-earth canon. However, this does not necessarily mean that the game is without value or merit. Many fans have praised the game’s engaging gameplay, rich world-building, and stunning visuals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Middle-earth: Shadow of War is an excellent game in its own right, it is not considered canon by the Tolkien Estate. The game’s deviations from the original lore, including characterizations, timeline, geography, and story, are significant enough to warrant its exclusion from the official canon. However, this does not diminish the game’s value as a standalone work of fiction or its ability to enrich the world of Middle-earth.
