When does Middle-earth Shadow of Mordor take place? This is a question that has intrigued many fans of the game since its release in 2014. Set in the dark and foreboding world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, the game is a prequel to the events of The Lord of the Rings and focuses on the rise of Sauron and the fall of the Free Peoples. Understanding the timeline of Shadow of Mordor is crucial for fans who wish to delve deeper into the rich lore of Tolkien’s universe.
The game’s narrative is set during the early stages of the War of the Ring, a period that spans from the year 2984 to 3019 in the fictional calendar of Middle-earth. This timeline is significant because it places the events of Shadow of Mordor directly before the climactic battles depicted in The Lord of the Rings. During this time, the forces of Sauron are growing stronger, and the Free Peoples of Middle-earth are struggling to hold back the darkness.
The game begins in the year 2984, with the Númenórean, a race of people from the lost land of Númenor, arriving in Middle-earth. This event is pivotal, as it sets the stage for the subsequent rise of Sauron. The Númenóreans, led by their king, Ar-Pharazôn, seek to conquer Middle-earth and establish a new empire. Their arrival triggers a series of events that lead to the rise of Sauron and the beginning of the War of the Ring.
As the game progresses, players follow the story of Talion, a ranger who is killed by orcs and resurrected as a wraith by Sauron himself. Talion’s quest for revenge against the orcs and his determination to save his wife and child from Sauron’s clutches become central to the narrative. Throughout the game, players witness the fall of various Free Peoples, including the Elves, Men, and Dwarves, as they are defeated by the overwhelming power of Sauron’s forces.
The timeline of Shadow of Mordor is further solidified by the inclusion of various historical events and characters from Tolkien’s legendarium. For instance, the game references the fall of the Kingdom of Gondor, the rise of the Witch-king, and the rise of the Easterling tribes. These events are crucial in understanding the broader context of the War of the Ring and the struggle against Sauron.
In conclusion, Middle-earth Shadow of Mordor takes place during the early stages of the War of the Ring, from the year 2984 to 3019. This timeline allows players to witness the rise of Sauron and the fall of the Free Peoples, setting the stage for the events that unfold in The Lord of the Rings. Understanding this timeline is essential for fans who wish to appreciate the depth and complexity of Tolkien’s fictional universe.
