Middle-earth: Shadow of War Story Trailer Stars a Key Historic Figure

WB Games released a jaw-dropping story trailer for Middle-earth: Shadow of War this morning. Just when you thought you were able to walk away from "another licensed action game," WB shows up to drag you back on to the hype train. Watch the trailer above.

"Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has unveiled a NEW Story Trailer for Middle-earth: Shadow of War, showcasing Talion and Celebrimbor as they use the power of the New Ring to forge an army and confront the deadliest of enemies, including Sauron and his Nazgul, in a monumental battle for Middle-earth. The video features a host of new allies, villains and creatures that The Bright Lord will encounter throughout this completely original narrative, which is brought to life through the expanded Nemesis System."

Perhaps the most interesting character in this entire narrative for Lord of the Rings fans will be Celebrimbor, who forged the three greatest rings of power among any of the mortal or immortal races of Middle-earth. When Sauron approached the Elven smithies, masquerading as a bringer of gifts, and taught them how to craft rings, Celebrimbor alone distrusted him. The rings were unknowingly created in such a way as to imbue them with power that ultimately lead to slavery under the one true ring of power crafted by Sauron himself.

Celebrimbor holds a special place in history because his rings were never touched by Sauron and imbued with his evil. Though they were in fact dominated by the one ring, they were not dominated by the dark lord. Celebrimbor sent these rings away to be hidden, and was ultimately martyred for his heroism in a most brutal fashion that I won't describe in this article.

Knowing that Talion will be joining forces directly with this mythic figure of Middle-earth's old history is exciting to say the least, and I for one can't wait to learn more about his character through the game. Though he played a role in Shadow of Mordor, we're looking forward to seeing a more fleshed out (no wraith puns intended) Celebrimbor here.

Middle-earth: Shadow of War launches on October 10 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. It will come to Project Scorpio at a later date.