Research Notes: The Nine Kings Who Became Ringwraiths - Sauron's Greatest Deception

Overview

The transformation of nine mortal kings into the Nazgûl (Ringwraiths) represents one of the most horrifying and complete corruptions in Tolkien's legendarium. It is a cautionary tale about power, immortality, and the vulnerability of mortal ambition. Over centuries, these once-great rulers—kings, sorcerers, and warriors who received Rings of Power from Sauron—were gradually enslaved, becoming neither living nor dead, bound to the will of the One Ring for nearly 4,000 years. This transformation reveals fundamental themes in Tolkien's work: the nature of mortality as a gift, the corrupting influence of power, and the tragedy of seeking to escape death.

Primary Sources

The Silmarillion

- Quote: "And one by one, sooner or later, according to their native strength and to the good or evil of their wills in the beginning, they fell under the thraldom of the ring that they bore and under the domination of the One, which was Sauron's." (The Silmarillion, "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age")

- "Those who used the Nine Rings became mighty in their day, kings, sorcerers, and warriors of old. They obtained glory and great wealth, yet it turned to their undoing. They had, as it seemed, unending life, yet life became unendurable to them. They could walk, if they would, unseen by all eyes in this world beneath the sun, and they could see things in worlds invisible to mortal men; but too often they beheld only the phantoms and delusions of Sauron. And one by one, sooner or later, according to their native strength and to the good or evil of their wills in the beginning, they fell under the thraldom of the ring that they bore and under the domination of the One, which was Sauron's. And they became forever invisible save to him that wore the Ruling Ring, and they entered into the realm of shadows. The Nazgûl were they, the Ringwraiths, the Úlairi, the Enemy's most terrible servants; darkness went with them, and they cried with the voices of death."

- "It is said that three of those who succumbed to the Nine Rings were great lords of Númenórean race."

The Lord of the Rings

- Gandalf's description: "The Nazgûl, the Ringwraiths, the Enemy's most terrible servants; darkness went with them, and they cried with the voices of death."

- Merry's blade at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields: "No other blade, not though mightier hands had wielded it, would have dealt that foe a wound so bitter, cleaving the undead flesh, breaking the spell that knit his unseen sinews to his will." (The Return of the King, "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields")

- Glorfindel's prophecy at the Battle of Fornost (T.A. 1975): "Do not pursue him! He will not return to these lands. Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man shall he fall."

- Gandalf on providence and purpose: "There was something else at work, beyond any design of the Ring-maker. I can put it no plainer than by saying that Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, and not by its maker. In which case you also were meant to have it."

Unfinished Tales

- Identifies Khamûl as "the Black Easterling" or the "Shadow of the East," second-in-command of the Nazgûl

- Details the Nazgûl's search for the One Ring in the Shire: "The Ringwraiths only had two pieces of information to go on: Shire and Baggins."

- Khamûl stationed at Dol Guldur: "The Chieftain of the Ringwraiths dwelt in Minas Morgul with six companions, while the second to the Chief, Khamûl the Shadow of the East, abode in Dol Guldur as Sauron's lieutenant, with one other as his messenger."

- "After the Witch-king, Khamûl had the best ability to perceive the presence of the One Ring, but his power was most confused and diminished by daylight."

The History of Middle-earth

- Christopher Tolkien notes a passage: "The Nazgûl came once more, slaves of the Nine Rings, and to each, since now they were utterly subject to his will, their Lord had given again that ring of power that he had used of old."

- The word "again" suggests textual variation regarding whether Sauron held the Nine Rings or returned them to the Nazgûl at different points in history.

Letters

- Quote: "They would have obeyed or feigned to obey any minor commands of his that did not interfere with their errand – laid upon them by Sauron, who still through their nine rings (which he held) had primary control of their wills."

- This confirms that during the War of the Ring, Sauron physically held the Nine Rings and controlled the Nazgûl through them, not through the One Ring alone.

- On the transformation process: "They bonded with their Rings such that they draw sustenance from them even when apart, and they grew mentally dependent on Sauron even as they grew physically dependent on their Rings. At this point, they are mere extensions of his will, and their bodies are sustained by their Rings even when not wearing them."

Key Facts & Timeline

Second Age

- c. SA 1500: Sauron, disguised as Annatar ("Lord of Gifts"), befriends the Elven-smiths of Eregion, led by Celebrimbor. They begin forging the Rings of Power together. (Source: The Silmarillion, Tolkien Gateway)

- c. SA 1590: Celebrimbor secretly forges the Three Rings for the Elves without Sauron's involvement. (Source: Tolkien Gateway)

- c. SA 1600: Sauron forges the One Ring in Mount Doom. The Elves immediately perceive his betrayal and remove their Three Rings. (Source: The Silmarillion)

- c. SA 1697: Sauron attacks Eregion and captures the remaining Rings of Power (Seven and Nine). He distributes the Nine to mortal Men, including three Númenórean lords and at least one Easterling (Khamûl). (Source: The Silmarillion, Tolkien Gateway)

- c. SA 2251: The Nine Nazgûl first appear as visible wraiths, approximately 550-750 years after receiving their rings. This indicates the corruption was gradual but inexorable. (Source: The One Lore)

- SA 3261: Ar-Pharazôn of Númenor forces Sauron to surrender. Sauron allows himself to be taken captive to Númenor. (Source: The Silmarillion)

- SA 3262-3319: Sauron corrupts Númenor from within as Ar-Pharazôn's adviser, convincing the King to worship Morgoth and ultimately assault the Undying Lands. (Source: The Silmarillion, Downfall of Númenor - Tolkien Gateway)

- SA 3319: Númenor is destroyed. Sauron's body is killed, and he loses forever the ability to take fair form. His spirit flees to Mordor. (Source: Sauron - Tolkien Gateway)

- SA 3320: Sauron's spirit returns to Mordor and begins slowly rebuilding his power. (Source: Sauron - Tolkien Gateway)

- SA 3429-3441: War of the Last Alliance. The Nazgûl are notably absent from major battles, possibly organizing forces in distant lands. (Source: CBR - Where Were the Nazgûl During the War of the Last Alliance)

- SA 3441: Sauron is defeated and the One Ring is cut from his hand. The Nazgûl "go into the shadows," dispersed and inactive for nearly 2,741 years. (Source: The One Lore)

Third Age

- c. TA 1000: Sauron begins to take shape again, establishing himself in Dol Guldur. (Source: Tolkien Gateway)

- c. TA 1300: The Nazgûl re-emerge. The Witch-king establishes the realm of Angmar in the northern reaches of the Misty Mountains to destroy the successor kingdoms of Arnor. (Source: Tolkien Gateway, The One Lore)

- TA 1409: The Witch-king destroys the kingdom of Cardolan. The last prince of Cardolan falls in battle; his enchanted blades (later found by the hobbits) are buried with him. (Source: Daggers of Westernesse - Tolkien Gateway)

- TA 1974: The Witch-king captures Fornost, destroying the last remnant of Arnor (Arthedain). (Source: Witch-king - Tolkien Gateway)

- TA 1975: Battle of Fornost. Gondorian forces under Prince Eärnur and Elves led by Glorfindel destroy Angmar's army. The Witch-king flees, and Glorfindel prophesies: "Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man shall he fall." (Source: Witch-king - Tolkien Gateway)

- TA 2000-2002: The Nazgûl besiege and capture Minas Ithil, transforming it into Minas Morgul, which becomes the Witch-king's fortress. The palantír falls into Sauron's hands. (Source: Minas Morgul - Tolkien Gateway)

- TA 2043: Eärnur becomes King of Gondor. The Witch-king challenges him to single combat, but the Steward Mardil restrains him. (Source: Eärnur - Tolkien Gateway)

- TA 2050: The Witch-king issues a second challenge. Eärnur rides to Minas Morgul with a small escort and is never seen again. The line of Kings in Gondor ends; rule passes to the Stewards. (Source: Eärnur - Tolkien Gateway)

- TA 2941: The White Council attacks Dol Guldur, where Khamûl and other Nazgûl are stationed. (Source: Dol Guldur sources)

- TA 3018: The Hunt for the Ring. The Nazgûl search for Frodo in the Shire and pursue the Fellowship. (Source: Unfinished Tales - "The Hunt for the Ring")

- TA 3019, March 15: Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Merry stabs the Witch-king with a Barrow-blade forged specifically to fight Angmar, breaking the spell that sustains him. Éowyn kills him, fulfilling Glorfindel's prophecy. (Source: The Return of the King)

- TA 3019, March 25: The remaining eight Nazgûl are destroyed when the One Ring is unmade in Mount Doom. (Source: The Return of the King)

Significant Characters

The Witch-king of Angmar (Chief of the Nazgûl)

- Original Identity: Unknown; Tolkien deliberately left this mysterious. Most likely of Númenórean origin based on Tolkien's translator notes. - Titles: Lord of the Nazgûl, Witch-king of Angmar, Morgul-lord, Black Captain, Captain of Despair - Significance: The most powerful of the Nine, he led Sauron's forces throughout the Third Age. He destroyed the North-kingdom of Arnor through a 675-year campaign and ended the line of Kings in Gondor by killing or capturing King Eärnur. - Death: Killed by Éowyn (a woman) and Merry (a hobbit) at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, fulfilling the prophecy that he would not fall by the hand of man.

Khamûl the Easterling (Second Chief)

- Original Identity: An Easterling lord from Rhûn - Titles: The Black Easterling, Shadow of the East, the Second Chief - Significance: The only Nazgûl besides the Witch-king to be named in Tolkien's canon. Served as Sauron's lieutenant at Dol Guldur. After the Witch-king, he had the best ability to sense the One Ring, though his power was diminished in daylight. - Role: Second-in-command; stationed in northern Mirkwood to control that strategic region

The Other Seven Nazgûl

- Original Identities: Unknown in canon. Three were Númenórean lords; the remaining four are unspecified (possibly other Easterlings, men from Harad, or other kingdoms). - Significance: Tolkien intentionally left them unnamed, emphasizing that their individual identities had been completely consumed by their service to Sauron. They are extensions of his will, not individuals.

Sauron (originally Mairon)

- Nature: A Maia (angelic being) who served Aulë the Smith before being corrupted by Morgoth in the First Age - Role: Creator and distributor of the Nine Rings, the mastermind of the deception - Strategy: Disguised as Annatar ("Lord of Gifts"), he taught ring-making to the Elves, then forged the One Ring to control all other Ring-bearers - Long-term Plan: The Nine Rings were weapons designed to enslave the most powerful rulers of Men, turning them into immortal servants bound to his will

Celebrimbor

- Identity: Greatest Elven-smith of the Second Age, leader of the Gwaith-i-Mírdain in Eregion - Role: Deceived by Sauron (as Annatar) into forging the Rings of Power; created the Seven and Nine under Sauron's guidance - Tragedy: Realized Sauron's betrayal when the One Ring was forged; secretly created the Three Elven Rings without Sauron's involvement - Fate: Killed by Sauron when Eregion was destroyed in SA 1697

Geographic Locations

Eregion (Hollin)

- Description: Elven realm in the Second Age, west of the Misty Mountains - Significance: Site where the Rings of Power (including the Nine) were forged in collaboration between Sauron (as Annatar) and Celebrimbor - Fate: Destroyed by Sauron in SA 1697 when the Elves discovered his treachery

Angmar

- Description: Kingdom established by the Witch-king in northern Eriador circa TA 1300 - Significance: Base of operations for the Witch-king's 675-year campaign to destroy Arnor - Fate: Destroyed after the Battle of Fornost in TA 1975

Minas Morgul (formerly Minas Ithil)

- Original Name: Minas Ithil ("Tower of the Moon"), an eastern fortress of Gondor - Capture: Besieged and captured by the Nazgûl in TA 2000-2002 - Transformation: Became a fortress of evil, radiating a sickly pale light; the Witch-king's primary stronghold with six other Nazgûl - Significance: A palantír kept here fell into Sauron's hands; King Eärnur disappeared here in TA 2050

Dol Guldur

- Description: Sauron's fortress in southern Mirkwood during much of the Third Age - Nazgûl Connection: Khamûl served as Sauron's lieutenant here with one other Nazgûl as messenger - Significance: Strategic stronghold controlling Mirkwood and threatening both Lothlórien and the Woodland Realm

Barad-dûr and Mordor

- Description: Sauron's primary fortress and realm - Significance: The Nazgûl ultimately served Sauron here; the destruction of the One Ring in Mount Doom ended their existence

Númenor

- Description: Island kingdom of Men, the greatest civilization of the Second Age - Relevance to Nazgûl: Three of the Nine were Númenórean lords, suggesting they may have been corrupted during or after Númenor's period of greatest pride and ambition - Fate: Destroyed in SA 3319 after Sauron corrupted it from within

Themes & Symbolism

The Corruption of Power

The Nine Rings represent the ultimate corruption through power. Unlike the One Ring's immediate, overwhelming temptation, the Nine worked slowly, seductively. The rings gave their bearers exactly what ambitious rulers desired: unending life, great wealth, invisibility, and supernatural sight. Yet these "gifts" became chains. The tragedy is that the corruption grew from within—the rings amplified existing desires for power and immortality until the bearers became hollow shells, slaves to Sauron's will.

Death as a Gift vs. Immortality as a Curse

Tolkien stated the "real theme" of The Lord of the Rings was "Death and Immortality." The Nazgûl embody the horror of rejecting the Gift of Men (mortality). Their lives were extended for nearly 5,000 years, but this longevity violated their biological and spiritual nature as mortals. The result: "life became unendurable to them." They exist in perpetual torment, unable to die yet unable to truly live, caught between the physical and spiritual worlds. This reflects Tolkien's Catholic belief that death is not an enemy but a gift—a release from the sorrows of the world and passage to what lies beyond.

The Gradual Nature of Corruption

The transformation took centuries—approximately 550-750 years before the Nine first appeared as visible wraiths. The Silmarillion specifies they fell "one by one, sooner or later, according to their native strength and to the good or evil of their wills in the beginning." This demonstrates that corruption is not instantaneous but gradual, working through pre-existing character flaws. Those with greater "native strength" and better initial character resisted longer, but none could resist forever. This mirrors how temptation and sin work in Christian theology.

The Loss of Identity

The most horrifying aspect of the Nazgûl's fate is the complete erasure of their individual identities. Except for the Witch-king and Khamûl, we don't even know their names. They are defined entirely by their service to Sauron—they have become his "most terrible servants," extensions of his will rather than autonomous beings. This represents the ultimate dehumanization that comes from surrendering one's will to evil.

Deception and the Trojan Horse Strategy

Sauron's distribution of the Nine Rings demonstrates his mastery of long-term deception. He didn't conquer these kings militarily; he gave them gifts that played into their deepest desires and vulnerabilities. The rings seemed like blessings but were actually weapons of enslavement. This parallels Sauron's earlier deception as Annatar ("Lord of Gifts") and his corruption of Númenor as a captive—he consistently achieves through cunning what he cannot achieve through force.

Providence and Eucatastrophe

The ultimate defeat of the Nazgûl demonstrates Tolkien's Catholic theme of eucatastrophe—"the sudden joyous turn" brought about by grace. The Witch-king is killed not by the greatest warriors but by a woman and a hobbit, fulfilling a prophecy made a thousand years earlier. Merry's blade was forged centuries before specifically to fight Angmar and happened to be found in a barrow. These are not coincidences but examples of what Gandalf calls something "beyond any design of the Ring-maker"—a providential will working through free choices to achieve unexpected victory.

The Vulnerability of Ambition

The Nine were chosen specifically because they were vulnerable to corruption through ambition. They were "mighty in their day, kings, sorcerers, and warriors of old"—men at the height of power who wanted more. Their greatness made them targets. The rings exploited their desire for permanence, their fear of death, and their hunger for control. This reflects the Christian warning about pride and the desire to be like God.

Scholarly Interpretations & Theories

Why Three Númenóreans?

Several scholars have analyzed why three of the Nine were Númenórean lords. The timing is significant: Sauron distributed the Nine around SA 1697, after capturing Eregion. Númenor was at its height during this period but also growing increasingly prideful. Some theories:

1. Pre-Fall Corruption Theory: The three Númenórean Nazgûl may have been corrupted before Númenor's fall (SA 3319), representing the spiritual decline that made Númenor vulnerable to Sauron's later corruption as a captive.

2. Strategic Targeting Theory: Sauron specifically targeted Númenórean lords because they were the most powerful and influential men in Middle-earth, making them the most valuable servants.

3. Black Númenórean Theory: Some scholars speculate whether these three were "Black Númenóreans"—those who worshipped Morgoth and opposed the Valar even before Ar-Pharazôn's time. However, the timeline suggests they may have been corrupted before the Black Númenórean faction fully emerged.

The Debate Over Ring Possession

There's scholarly debate about whether the Nazgûl wore their rings or whether Sauron held them:

- Letter 246 (circa 1963) explicitly states Sauron "held" the Nine Rings during the War of the Ring and controlled the Nazgûl through them. - However, a passage in The History of Middle-earth suggests Sauron "gave again" the rings to the Nazgûl, implying he may have returned them at some point. - The consensus interpretation: The Nazgûl originally wore their rings until they became fully enslaved, at which point Sauron reclaimed them for more direct control. The Nazgûl remained dependent on the rings even when not wearing them.

Why Were the Nazgûl Absent from the War of the Last Alliance?

The Nazgûl's absence from the final battle of the Second Age is notable. Theories include:

1. Fear Factor Theory: The Nazgûl's terror was less effective against Númenóreans and Elves of the Second Age, who were not as fearful of wraiths as later generations.

2. Strategic Deployment Theory: The Nazgûl may have been organizing forces in distant lands (Rhûn, Harad) or establishing fallback positions for Sauron.

3. Narrative Necessity Theory: Tolkien may have deliberately kept them out to focus on the confrontation between Sauron and the Last Alliance.

The Prophecy: Prediction vs. Observation?

Glorfindel's statement "not by the hand of man shall he fall" has been debated:

- Some interpret it as a binding prophecy—the Witch-king literally could not be killed by a man due to magical protection. - Others (closer to Tolkien's text) interpret it as Glorfindel's foresight—he saw what would happen, not what couldn't happen. The key word is "will" not "can." - The fact that Merry's enchanted blade was necessary supports the magical protection interpretation.

Tolkien's Intentional Mystery

Multiple scholars note that Tolkien deliberately left the Nazgûl mostly unnamed and without backstories. This serves several purposes:

1. Emphasizes Loss of Identity: Their names don't matter because they are no longer individuals. 2. Increases Horror: The unknown is more frightening than the known. 3. Universal Application: Any ambitious ruler could become a Nazgûl; they represent a universal warning, not specific historical figures.

Contradictions & Different Versions

Ring Possession: A Textual Inconsistency

The question of whether the Nazgûl wore their rings or Sauron held them shows textual variation:

- The Silmarillion: Describes them falling "under the thralldom of the ring that they bore," implying they wore them. - Letter 246 (1963): Explicitly states Sauron "held" the Nine Rings and controlled the Nazgûl through them. - The War of the Ring (HoME VIII): Contains a passage saying Sauron "gave again" their rings, suggesting he returned them.

Christopher Tolkien notes this inconsistency. The most coherent interpretation: Initially the Nine wore their rings, but as they became fully enslaved, Sauron reclaimed the rings for more direct control. The relationship between the Nazgûl and their rings remained even when separated.

The Witch-king's Original Conception

In early drafts, Tolkien considered different origins for the Witch-king:

- Early Version: Called the "Wizard King," possibly a renegade Istari or even an immortal Maia - Final Version: A mortal man, probably Númenórean, whose lust for power led to his corruption

Tolkien ultimately chose to make him mortal to emphasize the tragic corruption of human ambition.

Timeline of Corruption: How Long?

The timeline of the Nine's fall varies slightly across sources:

- The Nine first appeared as visible wraiths around SA 2251 - They received their rings around SA 1697 (when Sauron captured them from Eregion) - This suggests a 554-year corruption period

However, The Silmarillion states they fell "sooner or later, according to their native strength," implying different individuals fell at different times. Some may have become wraiths within a few centuries, while others with greater strength may have resisted for nearly the full period before all Nine had fallen by SA 2251.

Nazgûl Activity During Sauron's Absence

After Sauron's defeat at the end of the Second Age (SA 3441), the Nazgûl "went into the shadows." Questions remain:

- Where exactly were they during the ~2,741 years before re-emerging in TA 1300? - Were they conscious but powerless, or in some form of suspended existence? - How much autonomy did they retain when separated from Sauron's direct will?

Tolkien provides no definitive answer, though the text suggests they remained in a diminished, inactive state until Sauron regained enough power to summon them.

Cultural & Linguistic Context

Etymology of "Nazgûl"

- Nazgûl is Black Speech, Sauron's invented language - Likely derives from: nazg (ring) + gûl (wraith/phantom) - Literal meaning: "Ring-wraith" or "Ring-phantom" - Alternative names in other languages: - Úlairi (Quenya): "The Undead" or "Those Who Are Not Dead" - Ringwraiths (Common Speech translation)

"Witch-king" - A Deceptive Title

The title "Witch-king" doesn't imply magic-use in the modern fantasy sense:

- In Old English and medieval usage, "witch" could mean sorcerer, wizard, or one who uses dark arts - The term emphasizes his mastery of fear, corruption, and necromantic power - Tolkien used archaic English to evoke medieval evil

The Barrow-Blades: Cultural Significance

The enchanted daggers that the hobbits find were forged by the Dúnedain of Cardolan specifically to fight Angmar:

- Represents the long memory of Middle-earth: weapons forged over 1,500 years earlier fulfill their purpose - The Dúnedain were descendants of Númenor, creating irony: Númenórean craft defeats a (probably) Númenórean Nazgûl - Emphasizes that not all power is corrupting—weapons can be made for righteous defense

Catholic Theological Parallels

Tolkien's Catholicism deeply influenced the Nazgûl concept:

- Eucatastrophe: The "good catastrophe" or sudden joyous turn, exemplified by the Witch-king's defeat - Providence: Gandalf's statement that Bilbo was "meant" to find the Ring reflects divine plan working through free will - Death as Gift: Directly parallels Christian teaching that death is not the enemy but passage to eternal life - Corruption from Within: Reflects Catholic teaching on sin growing from unchecked desires - Loss of Self: Parallels the concept that sin enslaves and destroys one's true nature

Real-World Inspirations

While Tolkien disliked direct allegory, scholars have identified possible influences:

- Medieval Wraith Legends: European folklore of vengeful spirits and the undead - Germanic Mythology: Concepts of warriors bound after death (einherjar, draugr) - The Flying Dutchman: Cursed to eternal wandering, unable to die - Faustian Bargains: Trading one's soul (identity/autonomy) for power and longevity

The Number Nine: Symbolic Significance

The choice of nine has been analyzed:

- Numerology: In medieval Christian symbolism, nine represents finality (3×3, trinity of trinities) - Practical: Enough to be a significant force but few enough to be individually terrifying - Contrast: Three for Elves (divine, uncorrupted), Seven for Dwarves (resistant but affected), Nine for Men (fully corrupted)—each race's response to the rings reveals their nature

Questions & Mysteries

Why Did Sauron Choose These Specific Individuals?

We know three were Númenórean lords and one was an Easterling (Khamûl), but several questions remain:

- What we know: They were "mighty in their day, kings, sorcerers, and warriors of old" who possessed great ambition - What we don't know: - Were they already evil or corruptible, or did the rings turn good men evil? - Did Sauron approach them directly, or use intermediaries? - Were they aware of what accepting the rings would mean? - What specific vulnerabilities did Sauron exploit in each?

This mystery emphasizes that anyone, regardless of initial character, can be corrupted by the desire for power and immortality.

What Were Their Original Names?

Tolkien deliberately withheld this information for all but Khamûl, creating questions:

- What we know: The Witch-king was likely Númenórean; Khamûl was an Easterling lord - What we don't know: Any of their birth names, their kingdoms, their families, their accomplishments before corruption - Why it matters: The erasure of their identities is the ultimate tragedy—they are defined entirely by their corruption

Some scholars speculate the Witch-king might have been a known Númenórean from the historical record, but Tolkien never confirmed this.

Could the Nazgûl Have Been Redeemed?

This raises profound theological questions:

- What we know: They were "forever invisible" and had "entered into the realm of shadows," suggesting irreversibility - What we don't know: Whether destruction of the One Ring (before it happened) would have freed them or destroyed them - Theological implications: Does complete corruption eliminate free will? Can grace reach even the most enslaved?

Tolkien never addresses this directly, but the Catholic doctrine of grace suggests redemption is theoretically possible until final impenitence at death—yet the Nazgûl's state exists between life and death, complicating this.

What Happened to Eärnur?

King Eärnur of Gondor accepted the Witch-king's challenge in TA 2050 and disappeared in Minas Morgul:

- What we know: He rode with a small escort to Minas Morgul and "none ever returned" - Speculation: He was "believed to have died in torment in Minas Morgul" - The mystery: Was he killed? Tortured to death? Did the Witch-king attempt to make him a wraith? - Significance: His disappearance ended the line of Kings in Gondor, beginning 969 years of Steward rule

Why Didn't the Nazgûl Use Their Rings Offensively?

If the Nine Rings granted great power, why don't we see the Nazgûl using ring-powers in battle?

- Possible answer 1: Sauron held the rings (Letter 246), so they couldn't access their full power - Possible answer 2: The rings' primary power was the corruption itself—longevity, invisibility, and enslavement to Sauron - Possible answer 3: Their most terrible weapons were fear, the Black Breath, and numbers—they didn't need additional powers

This remains unclear in the text.

How Much Autonomy Did They Retain?

The Nazgûl are described as Sauron's "slaves" and "extensions of his will," yet they:

- Led armies independently (Witch-king at Angmar) - Made strategic decisions (Hunt for the Ring) - Showed individual characteristics (Khamûl's sensitivity to daylight, Witch-king's pride)

Compelling Quotes for Narration

1. "Those who used the Nine Rings became mighty in their day, kings, sorcerers, and warriors of old. They obtained glory and great wealth, yet it turned to their undoing. They had, as it seemed, unending life, yet life became unendurable to them." - The Silmarillion, "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"

2. "And one by one, sooner or later, according to their native strength and to the good or evil of their wills in the beginning, they fell under the thraldom of the ring that they bore and under the domination of the One, which was Sauron's." - The Silmarillion

3. "They became forever invisible save to him that wore the Ruling Ring, and they entered into the realm of shadows. The Nazgûl were they, the Ringwraiths, the Enemy's most terrible servants; darkness went with them, and they cried with the voices of death." - The Silmarillion

4. "Do not pursue him! He will not return to these lands. Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man shall he fall." - Glorfindel's prophecy, The Return of the King

5. "No other blade, not though mightier hands had wielded it, would have dealt that foe a wound so bitter, cleaving the undead flesh, breaking the spell that knit his unseen sinews to his will." - The Return of the King (on Merry's blade)

6. "They would have obeyed or feigned to obey any minor commands of his that did not interfere with their errand – laid upon them by Sauron, who still through their nine rings (which he held) had primary control of their wills." - Tolkien, Letter 246

7. "A creature of an older world maybe it was, whose kind, lingering in forgotten mountains cold beneath the Moon, outstayed their day, and in hideous eyrie bred this last untimely brood, apt to evil. And the Dark Lord took it, and nursed it with fell meats until it grew beyond the measure of all other things that fly; and he gave it to his servant to be his steed." - The Return of the King (describing the fell beasts)

8. "There was something else at work, beyond any design of the Ring-maker. I can put it no plainer than by saying that Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, and not by its maker. In which case you also were meant to have it." - Gandalf on providence, The Fellowship of the Ring

9. "The Black Breath... a serious and often fatal condition, resulting from contact with a Nazgûl." - Tolkien Gateway description

10. "The real theme of The Lord of the Rings is Death and Immortality." - J.R.R. Tolkien

Visual Elements to Highlight

1. The Forging in Eregion: Sauron (as beautiful Annatar) working alongside Celebrimbor and the Elven-smiths, creating the Nine Rings in a glowing forge, the deception hidden beneath beauty

2. The Gradual Transformation: A visual progression showing a king receiving a golden ring, then centuries passing—first he appears powerful and youthful, then increasingly gaunt and shadowy, finally becoming a wraith visible only as darkness

3. The Nine First Appearing (SA 2251): Nine hooded figures on horseback emerging from shadow, their faces no longer visible, having fully entered the wraith-world

4. The Witch-king Establishing Angmar: A fortress of ice and iron rising in the northern mountains, armies of orcs gathering beneath a banner of terror

5. The Fall of Minas Ithil: A beautiful white tower glowing with moonlight slowly being corrupted, its light turning sickly and pale, transforming into Minas Morgul

6. Glorfindel's Prophecy at Fornost: The Witch-king fleeing on a black horse, Glorfindel radiant with the light of Valinor proclaiming the prophecy, Eärnur held back by his advisors

7. Éowyn's Defiance: "I am no man!"—Éowyn removing her helmet as the Witch-king recoils, Merry's blade glowing with ancient enchantments

8. The Hunt for the Ring: Black-robed figures on horseback searching through the peaceful Shire, hobbits hiding in terror, the contrast between pastoral innocence and approaching evil

9. Fell Beasts: Massive pterodactyl-like creatures with leathery wings and horrible beaks, the Nazgûl astride them circling above burning Minas Tirith

10. The Final Destruction: The eight remaining Nazgûl circling above Mount Doom as the One Ring falls into the fire, their forms dissipating into screaming shadows as their existence ends

Sources Consulted

Primary Tolkien Works

Tolkien Gateway (Comprehensive Wiki)

Other Wikis and Databases

Scholarly Articles and Essays

Analysis and Explanatory Articles

Additional Notes

The Ultimate Irony: Three Númenóreans

The presence of three Númenórean lords among the Nine creates profound irony. Númenor was blessed by the Valar as the greatest kingdom of Men, given extended lifespans (200-400 years naturally) as a gift. Yet these three lords, unsatisfied with their already exceptional longevity, accepted rings that promised unending life—only to find that immortality became a curse worse than natural death. They rejected the Gift of Ilúvatar (death) and received instead eternal slavery.

This parallels Númenor's later fate: the entire island-kingdom sought to take immortality by force, assaulting the Undying Lands, and was destroyed for its pride. The three Númenórean Nazgûl foreshadowed their civilization's doom.

The Nazgûl as Anti-Types to the Istari

Interesting parallel: Both the Nazgûl and the Istari (Wizards) are beings sent to Middle-earth with specific purposes:

- Istari: Maiar (angelic beings) sent to Middle-earth in limited mortal-like forms to guide the Free Peoples - Nazgûl: Mortals given rings that made them immortal wraith-like beings to enslave the Free Peoples

Both exist between the mortal and immortal worlds but inverted: - Istari: Immortal spirits in mortal bodies, forbidden to dominate - Nazgûl: Mortal spirits in wraith-bodies, existing only to dominate

The Long Defeat and Sudden Victory

The Nazgûl's story spans nearly 4,000 years of apparent victory: - 554 years to fully corrupt the Nine - 3,441 years of service to Sauron - Only truly defeated in the final days of the Third Age

This exemplifies Tolkien's theme of the "Long Defeat"—the Elves and good peoples of Middle-earth fight a losing battle against time and evil for millennia. Yet the final victory comes suddenly, through unexpected means (hobbits and women), demonstrating eucatastrophe. The longest-serving and most terrible of Sauron's servants are destroyed in a moment when the Ring is unmade.

Why the Nazgûl Feared Water

While not explicitly explained by Tolkien, the Nazgûl showed fear of water (refusing to cross the Bruinen without orders). Theories:

1. Ulmo's Influence: Water is the domain of Ulmo the Vala; as spiritual beings, the Nazgûl sensed his power 2. Running Water Folklore: Traditional European belief that evil spirits cannot cross running water 3. Elven Connection: Many rivers in Eriador had Elven associations; the Bruinen was near Rivendell 4. Spiritual Purity: Water represents cleansing and life; the Nazgûl represent corruption and un-death

The Black Breath: Spiritual Poison

The Black Breath is one of the most fascinating aspects of the Nazgûl. It's not a physical disease but a spiritual malady:

- Victims: Faramir, Éowyn, Merry (all treated by Aragorn with athelas) - Symptoms: Despair, cold, unconsciousness, approaching death - Key insight: "Despair is the medium in which the Black Shadow grows" - Treatment: Athelas (kingsfoil) used by the rightful king

This represents Tolkien's understanding that spiritual wounds require spiritual healing. Aragorn's ability to heal the Black Breath validates his kingship and demonstrates that legitimate authority can counter illegitimate domination.

Connection to Modern Themes

The Nazgûl remain culturally resonant because they embody timeless warnings:

1. Faustian Bargains: Trading long-term freedom for short-term power 2. Erosion of Identity: How surrendering autonomy gradually destroys the self 3. Addiction Metaphor: The rings work like addictive substances—initial pleasure becomes dependency becomes enslavement 4. Authoritarian Control: How tyrants create willing servants by offering what people desire most 5. The Mortality Crisis: Modern medical technology extends life, raising questions about whether longer is always better

Unanswered Creative Possibilities

While respecting Tolkien's intentional mysteries, certain questions spark imagination:

- What if one of the Nine had resisted completely? Would the ring have destroyed them, or would Sauron have reclaimed it? - Did the Nine know each other before their corruption, or were they isolated in their enslavement? - What kingdoms fell or dynasties ended when these nine kings disappeared into shadow? - Are there stories of loved ones searching for the Nine after they vanished, not knowing they'd become wraiths?

These questions can never be answered canonically, but they demonstrate the depth of tragedy in the Nazgûl's story.

Discrete Analytical Themes

Theme 1: The Weaponization of Desire

Theme 2: The Mechanics of Gradual Corruption

Theme 3: Mortality Rejected, Immortality Cursed

Theme 4: Total Enslavement Through the One Ring

Theme 5: The Erasure of Identity

Theme 6: The 4,000-Year Arc of the Long Defeat

Theme 7: Providence Working Through Prophecy and Preparation

Theme 8: The Three Númenórean Nazgûl as Foreshadowing