Is Shadow of War Canon?
The question of whether Middle-earth: Shadow of War is canon has been a topic of debate among fans and critics alike since the game’s release. As a sequel to Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Shadow of War continues the story of Talion, a human Ranger, and Celebrimbor, the Dark Lord Sauron’s forge-master. But what exactly does "canon" mean in the context of Middle-earth, and where does Shadow of War stand in relation to J.R.R. Tolkien’s original works?
What does "Canon" Mean?
In the context of Middle-earth, "canon" refers to the official, authoritative narrative that has been established by J.R.R. Tolkien through his published works, such as The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. This includes everything from the characters, settings, and events described in these books to the internal chronology and genealogies of the world.
**Tolkien’s Legacy and the Games Industry**
After Tolkien’s death, his estate and literary rights have been managed by the Tolkien Estate, which has played a crucial role in defining what is considered canon within the Middle-earth franchise. The estate has also given permission for various adaptations and interpretations of Tolkien’s works, including films, books, and video games.
In the case of Middle-earth: Shadow of War, the game was developed by Monolith Productions, in collaboration with the Middle-earth Enterprises, a division of the Tolkien Estate responsible for licensing and managing the intellectual property of Middle-earth. This collaboration raises the question of whether the game is considered canon or not.
The Connection between Shadow of War and the Original Works
On its surface, Shadow of War appears to be a more faithful adaptation of Middle-earth than its predecessor, Shadow of Mordor. The game’s storyline takes place during the Third Age of Middle-earth, just before the events of The Lord of the Rings. The game’s setting is also largely faithful to the original works, with detailed recreations of the Black Gate of Mordor, the city of Minas Tirith, and the forests of Ithilien.
**The Narrative Deviations**
However, Shadow of War also introduces significant deviations from the original narrative, which have raised questions about its canonicity. The game’s story explores the relationship between Talion and Celebrimbor, as well as their rebellion against Sauron. While these events are hinted at in the original works, the game’s take on these events is certainly not canonical.
One significant deviation is the character of Shelob, who in the game is portrayed as a powerful, independent spider rather than a mere creature of Sauron. Additionally, the game introduces new characters and factions that are not present in the original works, such as the Nazgûl and the armies of Gondor.
What Does the Tolkien Estate Think?
In 2017, the Tolkien Estate released a statement indicating that they had not authorized Monolith Productions to create a sequel to Shadow of Mordor, citing concerns about the game’s deviance from the original works. This statement sparked speculation about the game’s canonicity, with many fans and critics concluding that Shadow of War was not considered canon.
However, in a 2020 interview, Michael Flynn, the game’s narrative designer, stated that the development team had worked closely with the Tolkien Estate to ensure that the game remained "true to the spirit of Middle-earth." While this statement does not explicitly confirm the game’s canonicity, it suggests that the team had aimed to create a narrative that respected the original works while also exploring new ideas and stories.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether or not Middle-earth: Shadow of War is considered canon is a matter of interpretation. While the game’s deviations from the original narrative may be seen as significant, the fact that it was developed in collaboration with the Tolkien Estate and features a largely faithful recreation of Middle-earth setting and characters suggests that it is at least inspired by the original works.
Below is a table summarizing the key points:
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| What is canon? | Refers to the official, authoritative narrative established by J.R.R. Tolkien |
| Tolkien’s Legacy and the Games Industry | The Tolkien Estate manages the Middle-earth franchise and grants permissions for adaptations and interpretations |
| Connection between Shadow of War and the Original Works | The game’s setting and characters are largely faithful to the original works, but the narrative deviates significantly |
| Narrative Deviations | The game introduces new characters and factions not present in the original works, and alters existing ones |
| What Does the Tolkien Estate Think? | The estate has expressed concerns about the game’s deviations from the original works and has not explicitly confirmed the game’s canonicity |
In conclusion, while Middle-earth: Shadow of War may not be considered canon in the classical sense, it is clear that the game was heavily inspired by the original works and aimed to respect the spirit of Middle-earth. For fans of the franchise, the game offers a thrilling and immersive experience that expands on the world and characters created by Tolkien. Whether or not it is considered canon, Shadow of War is undoubtedly a testament to the enduring power of Tolkien’s imagination and the appeal of Middle-earth.
