The Shadowy Origins of the Nazgûl: How the Ringwraiths Came to Be
The Ringwraiths, also known as the Nazgûl, the Nine Riders, or Black Riders, are among the most terrifying and iconic figures in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. They originated as nine mortal Men who were corrupted and enslaved by Sauron through the Nine Rings of Power he gifted to them. These rings, seemingly offering immortality and great power, were in reality instruments of domination. As the Men used the rings, their physical forms gradually faded, and they became spectral beings bound to the will of Sauron and the power of the One Ring. They became utterly dependent on Sauron, existing as invisible wraiths sustained only by his power, and tasked with hunting down the One Ring. The Ringwraiths are arguably Sauron’s “most terrible servants.”
The Fall from Grace: Men and the Rings of Power
Sauron, in his guise as Annatar, the Lord of Gifts, deceived the Elves of Eregion into forging the Rings of Power. While the Elves created the Three Rings for themselves, Sauron secretly forged the One Ring in Mordor to control all the others. He also had a hand in the creation of the Seven Rings for the Dwarves and the Nine Rings for Men.
Unlike the Elves, who quickly realized Sauron’s treachery and hid their rings, and the Dwarves, who proved resistant to the direct domination of the rings (though they did fuel their greed), the Men proved most susceptible. The Nine Rings amplified their wearers’ desires for power, wealth, and eternal life. These desires, combined with the inherent frailty of mortal Men, made them vulnerable to Sauron’s influence. Over time, the rings consumed their bearers, drawing them into the shadowy realm of wraiths.
Each Ringwraith was once a man of stature, potentially even a king or a sorcerer. The rings extended their lives far beyond their natural spans, but at a terrible cost. Their bodies became increasingly transparent, until they were only visible when cloaked in black robes or fueled by the power of Sauron. The Ringwraiths became utterly subservient to Sauron’s will, losing their own identities and becoming mere extensions of his evil. The One Ring completely controlled them. Their sole purpose became serving him and hunting down the One Ring.
The Nature of a Ringwraith
The transformation into a Ringwraith wasn’t merely a physical alteration; it was a complete spiritual and mental corruption. The Ringwraiths were not simply immortal beings; they existed in a state of perpetual torment, forever caught between the physical world and the unseen realm. They possessed heightened senses, able to perceive things invisible to ordinary beings, particularly those linked to the One Ring.
Their primary weapon was fear. The mere presence of a Ringwraith could instill terror in the hearts of even the bravest warriors. Their piercing shrieks and the aura of dread that surrounded them served to demoralize and paralyze their enemies. They were also skilled warriors, particularly when mounted on their fearsome steeds.
The Ringwraiths were, however, not invincible. They were vulnerable to fire, light, and weapons wielded by beings of great spiritual power, such as Elves or those of Númenórean descent. Their connection to Sauron also meant that their power waxed and waned with his own. The destruction of the One Ring would ultimately lead to their demise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the origins and nature of the Ringwraiths:
1. Why did only humans become Ringwraiths?
Men are more susceptible to the Rings of Power. Humans are inherently more susceptible to corruption and the allure of power. The rings amplified their desires and played upon their fears, ultimately leading to their enslavement. Dwarves were more resistant due to their stubborn nature, and Elves, through wisdom and foresight, largely avoided the Rings’ corrupting influence.
2. What is the origin of the Nazgûl?
The regions of Eriador and the White Mountains are among the final two sources from which the Nazgûl could have originated. Both the original Easterlings and the Men of the Mountains appear to be eligible candidates.
3. How did the 9 Kings become Nazgûl?
Unlike the Seven Rings given to the Dwarves, the Nine were not destroyed, but rather were kept by Sauron. The Men who wore the rings were easily corrupted. After a time, they became devoted servants of Sauron, and they are known as the Nazgûl.
4. How did Isildur become a Nazgûl?
The provided text inaccurately describes Isildur becoming a Nazgûl. Isildur was killed by Orcs after cutting the One Ring from Sauron’s hand. He did not become a Ringwraith. Some fan theories exist of Isildur becoming a ringwraith in alternative timelines.
5. Who was the Witch-king of Angmar before he became Nazgûl?
Many Tolkien scholars believe the Witch-king was one of the three Black Númenóreans who became Nazgûl. Some theorize that Isilmo, a Númenórean prince, could have been the man who became the Witch-king of Angmar.
6. Is Isildur a Ringwraith?
According to the core Lord of the Rings narrative, Isildur is not a Ringwraith. Some video games and other media may create scenarios where he does become one, but that is not found within the books.
7. Is the Witch-king a Numenorean?
Yes, the Witch-king is believed to be of Númenórean origin, possibly even a Black Númenórean.
8. Why are Nazgûl afraid of water?
The Nazgûl feared the power of Ulmo, the Vala associated with water. They believed some of his power might still flow through the waters of Middle-earth. Therefore, they avoided it as much as possible.
9. Why didn’t the Ringwraiths go after Smeagol?
The Ringwraiths were initially too weak to pursue Smeagol and were unaware they should be seeking the Ring, so they were unable to sense the ring even when he wore it.
10. Who got the 3 Elven rings?
Celebrimbor sent Nenya to Galadriel in Lothlórien, Vilya to High King Gil-galad, and Narya to Círdan.
11. Why did Gollum not become a wraith?
Hobbits were more resistant to the corrupting influence of the Ring. Gollum rarely wore it and was therefore transformed slower.
12. Why didn’t the dwarves become wraiths?
Dwarves’ spirits were more stubborn than Men’s. They resisted the domineering qualities of the Rings, which would’ve turned them into the Nazgûl.
13. Why didn’t elves turn into Nazgûl?
Elves exposed the Rings’ trickery. The Dwarves were created differently than Elves and Men, so they did not react to the rings in the same way.
14. Is Aragorn a descendent of Númenor?
Yes, Aragorn is a direct descendant of the Faithful Númenóreans from the line of Elendil.
15. Is Celebrimbor a Ringwraith?
The provided text claims Celebrimbor became a wraith after being killed by Sauron. However, this account is derived from the Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War video games, which are not considered canon to Tolkien’s main legendarium.
Conclusion
The Ringwraiths serve as a chilling reminder of the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of succumbing to one’s desires. Their descent into wraithdom is a tragic tale of the fall of Men, forever bound to the will of Sauron and serving as instruments of his dark designs. Their story provides a unique framework to educate others with the Games Learning Society.
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