When Does Shadow Of Mordor Take Place

When Does Shadow of Mordor Take Place? Unraveling the Timeline of Mordor's Shadowy Past

This article delves into the intriguing question of when exactly Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor takes place within Tolkien's vast legendarium. Understanding the game's chronological placement is crucial to appreciating its narrative context and the impact it has on the broader Tolkien universe. While not explicitly stated, careful analysis of in-game events and references to established lore allows us to pinpoint its location within the timeline with reasonable accuracy.

The Second Age's Unfolding Tragedy:

The game's narrative firmly places it within the Second Age of Middle-earth. This is a crucial detail, setting the stage for the events and the power dynamics at play. The Second Age is a period of significant upheaval, marked by the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms, and ultimately culminating in the downfall of Sauron. Many key elements within Shadow of Mordor directly tie into this era. For example, the presence of specific Orcish clans, the architecture of Minas Ithil (later Minas Morgul), and the overall political landscape all point toward the Second Age.

Key Events and Temporal Markers:

Several in-game elements help us further refine the game's placement within the Second Age:

• The White Council's Activities: The game alludes to the White Council's activities, a powerful alliance of Elves and Wizards combating Sauron. Their involvement suggests the game occurs during a period of intense conflict against Sauron's growing power, before his ultimate defeat in the War of the Last Alliance.

• The Status of Minas Ithil: The game begins with Minas Ithil, a Gondorian outpost, still standing. This is critical, as it's later conquered and renamed Minas Morgul by Sauron. This signifies the game unfolds before Minas Ithil's fall.

• Sauron's Power: While Sauron is not physically present in the game, his influence and power are palpable. His growing strength and the establishment of his forces in Mordor indicate the game happens during a period of his increasing dominance, rather than at the peak of his power.

Pinpointing the Years:

While the exact year remains elusive, scholarly discussions and analyses place Shadow of Mordor sometime between the year 1000 and 2000 of the Second Age. This window considers the various hints offered by the game and aligns well with the events of the Second Age as depicted in Tolkien's writings. It's crucial to remember that Tolkien never gave precise dates for many events in the Second Age, leaving room for interpretation.

Conclusion: A Critical Piece of the Second Age Puzzle

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor's setting within the Second Age is not merely a backdrop; it's integral to the narrative and character development. By placing the story in this specific period, the game cleverly weaves itself into the broader Tolkien lore, allowing players to experience a crucial yet relatively unexplored era in Middle-earth's rich history. Understanding this temporal placement allows for a deeper appreciation of the game's themes and the significance of its events within the grand narrative of the Second Age.