Does Isildur become a Nazgûl?

Isildur does not become a Nazgûl in the original J.R.R. Tolkien books, but in some adaptations and interpretations, such as Middle-earth: Shadow of War, he is shown to have become a Nazgûl after his death at the Gladden Fields, when Sauron places one of the Nine Rings on his finger, which resurrects him. The concept of Isildur becoming a Nazgûl is not consistent across all Lord of the Rings media, highlighting the complexities and variations within the Middle-earth universe.

Understanding the Context

To delve deeper into the question of whether Isildur becomes a Nazgûl, it’s essential to understand the context of Middle-earth and the roles of its key characters. Isildur, as a significant figure in the Lord of the Rings saga, plays a crucial part in the history of Middle-earth, especially concerning the One Ring and the defeat of Sauron.

Exploring the Lore

The Original Storyline

In the original storyline by J.R.R. Tolkien, Isildur is the son of Elendil and the king of Gondor. He is known for cutting the One Ring from Sauron’s hand, but instead of destroying it, he keeps it for himself, which ultimately leads to his downfall. Isildur’s death occurs at the Gladden Fields, where he is ambushed by Orcs.

Adaptations and Interpretations

In adaptations and games like Middle-earth: Shadow of War, the storyline deviates from the original, suggesting that Isildur becomes a Nazgûl. This interpretation offers a different perspective on Isildur’s fate, exploring the what-if scenarios within the Middle-earth universe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are the Nazgûl?: The Nazgûl, also known as Ringwraiths, are Sauron’s most powerful servants, created by giving Nine Rings to mortal men, turning them into wraiths bound to Sauron’s will.
2. What happened to Isildur in the Rings of Power?: In The Rings of Power, Isildur is portrayed in an earlier stage of his life, showing his character development and the events that shape him before the main storyline of The Lord of the Rings.
3. Is Isildur Aragorn’s Father?: No, Isildur is not Aragorn’s father; he is Aragorn’s ancestor, with Aragorn being the heir of Isildur’s lineage.
4. Is Celebrimbor evil?: Celebrimbor’s character varies across adaptations; in the original lore, he is not depicted as evil but rather as a victim of Sauron’s deceit.
5. Did Celebrimbor love Galadriel?: There is no direct indication in the original lore that Celebrimbor loved Galadriel, but their relationship and interactions are explored in various adaptations.
6. Can Nazgûl cross water?: Nazgûl are hesitant to cross water due to their fear of Ulmo’s power, which is believed to still reside in the waters of Middle-earth.
7. Is the Witch-king a Nazgûl?: Yes, the Witch-king of Angmar is the chief of the Nazgûl and one of Sauron’s most powerful servants.
8. Who killed the Witch-king of Angmar?: The Witch-king was killed by Éowyn in the book The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
9. How old was Isildur when he died?: Isildur died when he was 232 years old, which, due to his Númenórean heritage, made him appear as if he were 66 years old.
10. Why is Halbrand Sauron?: Halbrand is Sauron in disguise, having assumed a new physical form and identity to deceive others in The Rings of Power.
11. How long was the Ring lost after Isildur died?: The One Ring was lost for over 2,000 years after Isildur’s death, until it was found by Bilbo Baggins.
12. Did Isildur destroy Sauron?: No, Isildur did not destroy Sauron; he cut the One Ring from Sauron’s hand, but Sauron’s spirit survived.
13. Is Isildur half-elf?: Isildur is not half-elf, but as a descendant of Elros, he inherits a longer lifespan typical of the Númenóreans.
14. What happened to Isildur in Rings of Power?: In The Rings of Power, Isildur’s earlier life is explored, showing his journey and character development.
15. Is Celebrimbor a Ringwraith?: Celebrimbor does not become a Ringwraith in the original lore; he is slain by Sauron and does not receive one of the Nine Rings.

Conclusion

The question of whether Isildur becomes a Nazgûl is complex and dependent on the specific adaptation or interpretation of the Lord of the Rings lore. Through the original books and various adaptations, Isildur’s character and fate are explored, offering a deep and rich history to the Middle-earth universe. Understanding the different storylines and character developments enriches the reader’s engagement with the world created by J.R.R. Tolkien.