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The Nazg?l: Origins and Fates of the Nine Ringwraiths
The Nazg?l: Origins and Fates of the Nine Ringwraiths
The Nazg?l, also known as the Ringwraiths, were at the forefront of Sauron's forces when the One Ring was lost and the War of the Ring began. Sauron's nine greatest servants, these hateful spirits were once mighty kings of men who had accepted magical rings and now served Sauron through unending service and unquenchable hatred.[1]
Names and Origins
The Nazg?l are named and documented in various Elvish chronicles and histories. They include:
The Witch-king of Angmar The Dark Marshal (Kham?l the Easterling) The Easterling The Betrayer The Shadow Lord The Undying The Dwimmerlaik The Tainted The Knight of UmbarThese spirits were the kings of men given magical rings by Sauron. Accepting these rings made the kings and their followers slaves to the will of Sauron. They were colorless, shadows in black, spirits of darkness and fear. Their origin and specific kingdoms from which they came are not explicitly stated in the literature. [2]
The Witch-king of Angmar
The Witch-king of Angmar is the only Ringwraith identified by name. His origins are shrouded in mystery, but scholars speculate that he may have been a Numenorean, especially if Tar-Atanamir from Unfinished Tales is considered a candidate. Tar-Atanamir, born in the year 1800 SA, ruled for 192 years until 2221 SA. He was known for his pride and greed for wealth, and his people often exacted heavy tribute from the coasts of Middle-earth. [3]
Khumul the Easterling (Kham?l)
Khumul, or Kham?l the Easterling, is the only Ringwraith mentioned by name in literature. He is described as a great king and sorcerer who was ensnared by his ring and enslaved by Sauron. It is believed that the Nazg?l did not appear as such until approximately 2250 SA, meaning they had to have been affected by their rings for several years before fading according to their normal lifespans and the strength of their will. [4]
Tar-Atanamir as a Candidate
Tar-Atanamir, a contender for the Witch-king of Angmar, lived until 2221 SA and is described as unwilling to lay down his life, a characteristic that aligns with his potential corruption by the ring. His life as a king of Numenoreans and his knowledge of the realm make him a likely candidate for the identity of the Witch-king. If the story of his 'dotage' is true, it could explain a life spent in service and corruption. [5]
Numenorean Sorcery and Mortal Knowledge
The Second Age of Middle-earth saw the Numenoreans as masters of sorcery, and many suggest that a Ringwraith could have been a mortal who learned this knowledge. Numenoreans were visited by Maiar and Eldar, who were willing to share their knowledge. Tar-Atanamir's unwillingness to renounce his rule could be explained as a result of his corrupted desire to avoid the consequences of his actions. [6]
Shadow of Numenorean Kings
The residue of Numenorean kings could have long lasting effects, and the story of Tar-Atanamir reflects the potential for a human to become a servant of darkness through the power of a magic ring. Just as a Numenorean could be ensnared, so too could a mortal in the absence of divine restraint.
In conclusion, while we may not have definitive answers to the origins and names of the Nazg?l, the legends of Middle-earth offer clues and possibilities. The Ringwraiths were once great men who, for the promise of power and immortality, became tools of Sauron's will. Their story continues to fascinate and provoke imagination, especially the potential origins of the mysterious figures known as the Nazg?l. [7]