The question “Which Nazgul Is Talion” has long echoed through the shadowed realms of Middle-earth. Talion, the relentless ranger whose spirit became entwined with the wraith of Celebrimbor, is a figure of immense power and a haunting presence. But to understand his ultimate fate, we must delve into the grim hierarchy of Sauron’s most terrifying servants, the Nazgûl. This exploration aims to shed light on his destiny and answer the burning question of his identity among the Ringwraiths.
The Path to Damnation The Story of Talion
Talion’s journey is one of profound tragedy and desperate ambition. Driven by vengeance and a thirst for justice against those who destroyed his family, he forged an unholy alliance with the elven smith Celebrimbor’s ghost. This union granted him incredible power, allowing him to become a formidable force against Sauron’s legions. However, this potent connection came at a terrible cost. As his power grew, so did his entanglement with the forces of darkness. The very essence of his being began to fray, pulling him closer to the abyss from which there is no return.
The lore surrounding the Nazgûl provides crucial context for Talion’s potential transformation. Initially, there were nine mortal kings of men who were seduced by the Rings of Power, their souls twisted and bound to Sauron’s will. These became the Ringwraiths, the most feared servants of the Dark Lord. Consider the known fates of some of these nine:
- The Witch-king of Angmar The most powerful and recognized leader.
- Khamûl the Easterling The second in command.
- The Undying King Another prominent figure.
- The Shadow of Mordor The less defined roles.
Talion’s story in Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War shows a man consumed by his quest, willing to wield dark magic and command the very orcs he hunts. This descent mirrors the fate of men who once ruled kingdoms but were ultimately enslaved by the One Ring. The game mechanics, where Talion commands armies of orcs and gains spectral abilities, strongly suggest his path leads to becoming one of Sauron’s spectral legions. While specific in-game dialogue and narrative choices point towards him becoming one of the unnamed Nazgûl, his influence and power suggest a significant position within their ranks.
To truly grasp which Nazgûl Talion might be, we can examine a simplified timeline of his potential fall:
- Talion’s initial quest for vengeance.
- His pact with Celebrimbor, gaining wraith-like powers.
- Escalating use of dark magic and dominance over orc forces.
- Ultimate loss of his mortal self, becoming bound to Sauron’s will.
The evidence strongly suggests that Talion, in his final moments, succumbs to the corrupting influence of the Ring and his own relentless pursuit of power, becoming one of the Nazgûl. The exact number of the Ringwraiths is fixed at nine, and Talion’s narrative arc in the games effectively fills a vacant or replaced position within their dread company.
For a comprehensive understanding of the Nazgûl and their origins, we recommend consulting the detailed lore presented within the game’s own extensive codex and narrative sequences. These resources offer an in-depth look at the history and individual stories of Sauron’s most loyal servants, providing further clues to Talion’s ultimate fate.