The Enigma of the Ringwraiths' Names: Unraveling the Mystery

In J.R.R. Tolkien's intricate world of Middle-earth, the Ringwraiths or Nazg?l are enigmatic beings that play a crucial role in the Earthen realms. Often referred to by their titles or roles, the identities of these shadowy figures are a subject of much speculation. This article delves into the known and the unknown to shed light on the names of the Ringwraiths and how they might be addressed by Sauron himself.

Undisclosed Names of the Ringwraiths

Tolkien, the master storyteller, intentionally left the names of the Ringwraiths unexposed. This deliberate choice allowed the reader to form their own impressions and left room for imagination. The secondary characters in The Lord of the Rings series, such as Kham?l the Easterling and the Witch-king of Angmar, are known, but a definitive list of all the Ringwraiths remains a quizzical mystery.

Kham?l the Easterling

Among the Ringwraiths, Kham?l is known to be the second-in-command of the Nazg?l. This title, "the Black Easterling," is often used in place of his actual name. However, Tolkien did provide a name for Kham?l, "Kham?l the Easterling," suggesting that he was an Easterling noble who submitted to the power of the One Ring.

The Witch-king of Angmar

The Witch-king of Angmar, as he is known, is the most powerful of the Ringwraiths. His title reflects his origins and the realm he once ruled before joining Sauron. Interestingly, Tolkien did not provide the Witch-king with a personal name in the text, leaving the reader's imagination to fill in the gaps.

Why Leave the Names Unnamed?

Tolkien's decision to avoid giving individual names to the Ringwraiths can be attributed to several factors. First, it allowed Sauron to maintain a sense of anonymity and omnipresence. The Ringwraiths were meant to embody the unfathomable and terrifying power of the One Ring, rather than as individual personnages. By keeping their names unknown, they remained a collective terror rather than specific individuals.

Second, Tolkien believed that the reader's imagination was more powerful than any preconceived notion of what a character's name might be. As he stated, "Tolkien wanted his Ringwraiths to remain nothing but vague impressions upon the reader's imagination. They were not presented as personalities but as the epitome of horror." This approach encouraged readers to form their own perceptions and associations, enhancing the narrative's impact.

If Given Names, What Would They Be?

Considering the limited information available and the mindset of Sauron, one can speculate about the names the Dark Lord might have chosen for his minions. For instance, assigning the Ringwraiths numbers or using fell titles could have been a method to strip away any remaining humanity or individuality.

Using Numbers as Designations

Assuming that Sauron replaced the Ringwraiths' birth names with numbers, the first nine numbers of the Black Speech could have served as their designations. Since only the odd numbers are known, these might include:

Ash: The first odd number Gakh: The second odd number Krak: The third odd number Udu: The fourth odd number Krith: The fifth odd number

This would align with Sauron's desire to dehumanize the Ringwraiths and create a sense of chaos and unpredictability.

Using Fell Titles

Another option might be to use fell titles or nicknames that reflect the dark and fearful nature of the Ringwraiths. These could include:

Witch-king Sword-lord Tormenter Pillager Cold Breath Far-Seer Soul-Reaver March-warden Slow Death

These titles would not only reflect the role and power of each Ringwraith but also serve as a constant reminder of the terror they represented.

Conclusion

The mystery surrounding the Ringwraiths' names adds to the rich tapestry of J.R.R. Tolkien's world. While we may never know their true identities, exploring the possibilities of what their names might be can provide a deeper understanding of their role and the darkness they embody. Whether through numbers or fell titles, the enrollment of the Nine Nazg?l remains a testament to Sauron's unyielding power and the ever-present danger he posed to Middle-earth.

**Keywords:** Ringwraiths, Nazg?l, Sauron, Black Speech, Tolkien