Nazgûl: Difference between revisions

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{{race
{{race infobox
|image=[[Image:Diego Iaconfcic - Black Riders.jpg|250px]]
| name=Nazgûl
|name=Nazgûl
| image=[[File:John Howe - The Hunt for the Ring.jpg|275px]]
|dominions=[[Angmar]], [[Dol Guldur]], [[Minas Morgul]]
| caption=''The Hunt for the Ring'' by [[John Howe]]
|languages=[[Black Speech]], [[Westron]]
| pronun=
|height=Man-high
| othernames=Ringwraiths, the Black Riders, the Nine, ''Úlairi'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
|length=
| origin=[[Men]] who received the [[Nine Rings]]; corrupted by [[Sauron]]
|skincolor=
| location=[[Mordor]], [[Angmar]], [[Dol Guldur]], [[Minas Morgul]]
|haircolor=
| affiliation=[[Sauron]]
|feathers=
| rivalry=
|distinctions=Without physical form
| language=[[Black Speech]], [[Westron]]
|lifespan=Indefinite
| people=
|members=[[Witch-king|Witch-king of Angmar]], [[Khamûl]]
| members=[[Witch-king]], [[Khamûl]]
| lifespan=Indefinite
| distinctions=Without physical form
| height=Man-high
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=Black robes
| weapons=[[Morgul-knife]]
}}
}}


<center>{{quote| 'They come from [[Mordor]],' said [[Aragorn|Strider]] in a low voice. 'From Mordor, [[Barliman Butterbur|Barliman]], if that means anything to you.' |''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[Strider (chapter)|Strider]]}}</center>
<center>{{quote| 'They come from [[Mordor]],' said [[Aragorn|Strider]] in a low voice. 'From Mordor, [[Barliman Butterbur|Barliman]], if that means anything to you.' |''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Strider (chapter)|Strider]]"}}</center>
The '''Nazgûl''' ([[Black Speech]]: '''Ringwraiths''', sometimes written '''''Ring-wraiths'''''), also known as the '''Nine Riders''' or '''Black Riders''' (or simply '''the Nine'''), are evil servants of [[Sauron]] in [[Middle-earth]]. The rarely used [[Quenya]] name for them is '''''Úlairi'''''. The Nazgûl are [[Sauron]]'s "most terrible servants".
The '''[[#Etymology|Nazgûl]]''' ([[Black Speech]]: '''Ringwraiths''', sometimes written '''''Ring-wraiths'''''), also known as the '''Nine Riders''' or '''Black Riders''' (or simply '''the Nine'''), were [[Sauron]]'s "most terrible servants" in [[Middle-earth]]. They were mortal [[Men]] who had been turned into wraiths by their [[Nine Rings]] of power.


== History ==
==History==
The nine Nazgûl arose as Sauron's most powerful servants in the [[Second Age]] of Middle-earth. It is said that three of the Nine were lords of [[Númenor]] corrupted by Sauron. They were all powerful mortal [[Men]] to whom Sauron gave nine [[Rings of Power]]. These proved to be their undoing:
===Origins===
{{quote|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 thralldom of the ring that they bore and of 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 Enemy's most terrible servants; darkness went with them, and they cried with the voices of death.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]"}}
Sometime during the [[Second Age]] (after the year {{SA|1697|n}}<ref group=note>Sauron captured the Rings of Power in the [[Sack of Eregion]] around this year, and later distributed the Nine Rings (cf. {{App|B}} and {{UT|Concerning}}).</ref>) Sauron gave [[Nine Rings|nine Rings of Power]] to nine mortal [[Men]]. It is said that three of the Nine were great lords of [[Númenoreans|Númenorean]] race.<ref name=Akallabeth>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref><ref>{{L|156|39}}, "There were evil Númenoreans: Sauronians, [...] the wicked Kings who had become the Nazgûl or Ringwraiths."</ref>


[[Image:John Howe - Nazgul.jpg|thumb|left|''Nazgûl'' by [[John Howe]]]]
The bearers of the rings gained great wealth and prestige and became "''mighty in their day, kings, sorcerers, and warriors of old''". The rings enabled them to turn invisible and see the [[Unseen]]. Their lives were prolonged so they seemed unending, but life became unendurable to them. Over time, depending on their native strength and their initial good or evil will, they succumbed to the powers of the rings and the domination of the [[The One Ring|One Ring]]. Their bodily forms faded until they became permanently invisible and turned into [[wraiths]].<ref name=Rings/>
For many years the bearers used the rings to gain great wealth, prestige and power. The corrupting effect of the rings caused their bodily forms to fade over time until they had become wraiths entirely. Given form only through the attire of black cloaks and hauberks of silver mail, their original form was completely gone and invisible to mortal eyes. Their hypnotic eyes could be plainly distinguished from their dark clothing, and in a rage they appeared in a hellish fire. Untouchable to mortal men (unless blessed by weapons or tools of the ancient [[Elves]] of the [[First Age]] or by the [[Dúnedain]], such as the barrow-blade used by [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] on the [[Witch-king|Witch-king of Angmar]]), they had many weapons, which included long swords of steel and flame, daggers with venomous properties, and black maces of great strength.


Their arsenal of deadly armaments was not confined to physical means; they also had seemingly magical weapons of devastating power. They were surrounded by an aura of terror, which affected all living creatures; their "breath" (called the ''[[Black Breath]]'') was poisonous, and their cries caused terror and despair in all who heard them. Some of the Nazgûl appear to have been accomplished sorcerers and used magic to devastating effect. According to Tolkien, though, it was the fear they inspired that was the chief danger:
Known as the Nazgûl, they first appeared around {{SA|2251}}<ref name=AppB1/> and were soon established as Sauron's principal servants. However, the circumstances of this appearance are unknown, as are their actions during the [[Dark Years]], during Sauron's capture to [[Númenor]], and in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. When Sauron was overthrown in {{SA|3441}} at the hands of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]], the wraiths faded into the shadows.<ref name="AppB1">{{App|B1}}</ref>
{{quote|They have no great physical power against the fearless," he wrote, "but what they have, and the fear that they inspire, is enormously increased in darkness|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]''}}
===Third Age===
The One Ring which dominated the Nazgûl was taken from Sauron and then it was lost in [[Anduin]] for the following centuries; both Sauron and the wraiths lost their powers and remained hidden.<ref name=Rings/> However around {{TA|1050|n}} of the [[Third Age]] Sauron returned in the form of a shadow in [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]], triggering also the return of his servants. [[Third Age 1100|About 50 years later]] [[the Wise]] of that Age discovered the [[shadow]] of [[Dol Guldur]] and theorized that it was one of the Nazgûl.<ref name=AppB2/>


The Nazgûl first appeared around [[Second Age 2251]] and were soon established as Sauron's principal servants. They were dispersed after the first overthrow of Sauron in 3441 at the hands of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]], but their survival was nonetheless assured while [[the One Ring]] persisted. They re-emerged around 1300 of the [[Third Age]], when the Lord of the Nazgûl, the [[Witch-king|Witch-king of Angmar]], led Sauron's forces against the human kingdom of [[Arnor]]. He was eventually defeated in battle in 1975 and returned to [[Mordor]], gathering the other Nazgûl in preparation for the return of Sauron to that realm. In 2000, they besieged [[Minas Ithil]] and captured it after a two-year siege. The city thereafter became the stronghold of the Nazgûl, from where they directed the rebuilding of Sauron's armies, also acquiring a [[palantíri|palantír]] for the Dark Lord.
But it was around {{TA|1300}} when evil things, like the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]], multiplied again, and the Nazgûl definitely reappeared; it was then when [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] gathered evil [[Men]] and founded the Witch-kingdom of [[Angmar]]. From there he led Sauron's forces against the mannish kingdom of [[Arnor]] in {{TA|1409}}.<ref name=AppB2/> 


In 2942 Sauron returned to Mordor and declared himself openly in 2951. Two or three of the Nazgûl were sent to his fortress at [[Dol Guldur]] to garrison that outpost.  
Meanwhile [[Gondor]] was weakened by the [[Great Plague]] and [[Wainrider/Balchoth War|War]], and it was believed that Sauron's plan was to open the way to [[Mordor]]; indeed as the watch on Mordor stopped and Gondor's borders withdrew, it is believed that the Nazgûl freely re-entered Mordor around {{TA|1856|n}} or later.<ref name=gondor>{{App|Gondor}}</ref>


In [[Third Age 3017]] Sauron commanded the Ringwraiths to recover [[the One Ring]] of Power from "Baggins of the Shire". Disguised as horse riders clad in black (hence the term ''Black Riders''), they sought out [[Bilbo Baggins]] who, as [[Gollum]] had revealed, had the One Ring in his possession.
The Witch-king was eventually [[Battle of Fornost|defeated]] in battle in {{TA|1975|n}} and [[Third Age 1980|sometime later]] returned to [[Mordor]], gathering the other Nazgûl in preparation for the return of Sauron to that realm.<ref name=AppB2/><ref name=gondor/>
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Attack of the Wraiths.jpg|thumb|''The Attack of the Wraiths'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
The Nazgûl at this point were dependent on their black horses (stolen from [[Rohan]]) for transportation. When they were swept away by the waters of the river [[Bruinen]], their horses were killed.  The Ringwraiths were forced to return to Mordor to regroup. They reappeared later mounted on [[Fell beasts|flying creatures]], at which point they were referred to as '''Winged Nazgûl'''.
[[Image:Ted_Nasmith_-_The_Nazgûl.jpg|left|thumb|200px|''The Nazgûl'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
By the conclusion of the [[War of the Ring]], all of the Nine Nazgûl were destroyed.  The [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] himself was slain by [[Éowyn]], the niece of King [[Théoden]] (with help from [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], known as "The Magnificent" thereafter) during the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].  The remaining eight Ringwraiths attacked the Army of the West during the last battle at the [[Black Gate]].  However, when [[Frodo Baggins]] put on the ring in the fires of [[Mount Doom]], Sauron ordered the eight remaining Nazgûl to fly with all possible speed to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. They arrived too late, with the Ring falling into the fire along with the hapless Gollum. The Nazgûl were caught in the firestorm of the erupting mountain and were destroyed.


== Identities ==
In {{TA|2000|}}, they issued by [[Cirith Ungol]], began a two-year siege against [[Minas Ithil]] and [[Second Fall of Minas Ithil|captured it]]. The city thereafter became their stronghold Nazgûl, from where they directed the rebuilding of Sauron's armies, also acquiring [[Ithil-stone|one of]] the ''[[palantíri]]'' for the Dark Lord.<ref name=AppB2>{{App|B2}}</ref>


Only a few of the Nazgûl are named or identified individually in Tolkien's works. Their leader was the [[Witch-king|Witch-king of Angmar]], and his second in command was named [[Khamûl]]. At least three of them were of [[Black Númenóreans|Black Númenórean]] race{{fact}}. Khamûl was a lord of [[Easterlings]], and was the only Nazgûl known by his name.
During the [[Watchful Peace]], when Sauron hid from the power of the [[White Council]], the Nazgûl also remained hidden in [[Morgul Vale]], allowing some peaceful time for the first [[Ruling Stewards]] of Gondor.<Ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref>


[[Gothmog, Lieutenant of Morgul]], may have been one of the Nazgûl. It is also possible that either [[Herumor (Black Númenórean)|Herumor]] or [[Fuinur]], or both, became Nazgûl. They were renegade Númenóreans who rose to great power among the Haradrim and it is highly likely that Sauron would have wanted them as Ringwraiths.
But after his defeat in [[Dol Guldur]], Sauron returned to Mordor in {{TA|2942|n}} and declared himself openly in {{TA|2951|n}}. Three of the Nazgûl were sent to his fortress at Dol Guldur to garrison that outpost.<ref name=AppB2/>
[[File:Angus McBride - Rivendell.gif|thumb|''Rivendell'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
In {{TA|3017|n}} Sauron commanded the Ringwraiths to recover [[the One Ring]] of Power from "Baggins of the Shire". Disguised as horse riders clad in black (hence the term ''Black Riders''), they sought out [[Bilbo Baggins]] who, as [[Gollum]] had revealed, had the One Ring in his possession.


== Powers and Abilities ==
The [[Dwarves]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] spoke of a rider who had come to offer Sauron's friendship and ask about [[Hobbits]]. As a token of their friendship he asked for a "trifle", a ring, "the least of rings", that the [[Bilbo Baggins|thief]] had stolen.<ref name=council>{{FR|II2}}</ref><ref group=note>The identity of the messenger is unknown. In [[fandom]] it has been proposed that he was the [[Mouth of Sauron]]. [[Michael Martinez]] [http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/01/26/is-the-messenger-sent-to-dain-a-black-rider-or-the-mouth-of-sauron/ considers it more likely] that it was a Nazgûl.</ref>


The Nazgûl existed mostly in the wraith world (the [[Unseen]]), making them extremely difficult to harm.  Ordinary weapons would not hurt them, and even weapons of [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] manufacture would be destroyed if they passed through the wraith forms of the Nazgûl.  They could not, however, interact normally with the material world (the [[Seen]]): they needed garments and weapons provided by Sauron to give them form. Consequently, they could be defeated by attacks that destroyed their disguises, forcing them to return to [[Sauron]] to receive new ones.
===War of the Ring===
Sauron decided to assault Gondor directly. In [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack]] on [[Osgiliath]] he let the Nazgûl lead, causing terror with the [[Black Shadow]] among the [[Gondorians]]<ref name=council/><ref name=b3>{{app|B3}}</ref> and making them think that they are the vanguard of Sauron's military force. However this was a feigned move of Sauron, who intended them to send them invisible to look for the Ring.<Ref name=hunt>{{UT|Hunt}}</ref>


The Nazgûl spread terror in mortal creatures merely by their presence.  Only specially trained horses or the [[fell beasts]] of [[Mordor]] could bear them. They caused panic and despair in their enemies simply by flying overhead, and only individuals of great courage could face them in combat.
The Nazgûl were given black horses (stolen from [[Rohan]]) for transportation and set off to find "[[the Shire]]", on their way learning from a [[Squint-eyed southerner]] that [[Saruman]] was not a true ally of Sauron. Failing to find it, they returned to the [[Wold]] empty-handed; messengers from Sauron sent them to [[Isengard]]. There they encountered [[Gríma Wormtongue]], who told them of the location of the Shire.<Ref name=hunt/>


They were also poisonous to mortal beings, causing a condition known as the [[Black Breath]]. Merely being in the vicinity of one of them could cause disorientation and illness.  Intense exposure could be lethal.
Crossing the [[Fords of Isen]], they reached [[Sarn Ford]] at evening and drove off the guard of [[Rangers of the North]] and five pursued the Rangers eastward, then returned to guard the [[Greenway]]. The other four entered the Shire before the dawn of [[23 September]]; at nightfall [[Khamûl]] came to [[Hobbiton]] and interrogated [[Hamfast Gamgee]] asking for "[[Baggins]]", not knowing that [[Frodo Baggins]], the [[Ring-bearer]], had left Bag End on his way out of Hobbiton that same day.<ref name=b3/>


The Nazgûl had poor vision in the material world, but they were acutely aware of the beings with a presence in the wraith world, like the wearer of [[the One Ring]] and certain elves. Anyone who could see into the wraith world could see the Nazgûl as they had appeared in their mortal lives.
On [[24 September]] a Rider approached Frodo and his companions near the [[Woody End]], when a [[Wandering Companies|Wandering Company]] of [[Elves]] approached from [[Emyn Beraid]], chanting the name of "[[Elbereth]]", and the rider fled away.<Ref name=Three>{{FR|Three}}</ref>{{rp|78-9}} The [[25 September|next day]] a Rider came to [[Bamfurlong]] and approached [[Farmer Maggot]], asking about Baggins. The farmer directed him to Hobbiton. The Rider said that the individual had already left Hobbiton and offered Maggot gold if he would inform the rider if he saw Baggins. The farmer felt chill and was enraged by his trespassing and threatened him with his [[dogs]], which, however, yelped and ran. The Rider, infuriated by his defiance, hissed and rode away.<ref>{{FR|I4}}</ref>


The [[Witch-king]] could also affect matter with his voice, shattering the dagger that Frodo had gotten in the [[Barrow-downs]] and weakening the gates of [[Minas Tirith]]. Whether other Nazgûl could perform similar feats is unknown.
On [[26 September]], two Riders came to ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' at [[Bree]] and asked [[Nob]] for "Baggins", making the dogs and geese noisy. Nob, terrified, slammed the door on them, and the Riders continued all the way to [[Archet]].<ref name=strid>{{FR|Strider}}</ref>


== Other Titles ==
Some days later, the hobbits arrived at the ''Prancing Pony''. The Riders visited [[Bill Ferny]] in Bree, who gave information about how one of the hobbits mysteriously "disappeared", but [[Merry]] spotted them outside, and notified the others after narrowly escaping himself.<ref name=strid/>
* The Ringwraiths
 
* The Black Riders
In the early hours of [[30 September]], Riders raided [[Crickhollow]] while others silently snuck into the ''Prancing Pony'' and raided the hobbits' room, but [[Aragorn]] had taken them to his room for safety. Aragorn led the hobbits away from Bree later that day.<ref name=knife>{{FR|Knife}}</ref>
* The Fell Riders
 
* The Nine Riders
The Riders pursued [[Gandalf]] from Bree and attacked him at night on [[Weathertop]], where he defended himself with his [[magic]].<ref name=b3/> Four Riders followed Gandalf as he escaped to the north.<ref name=council/> The others later attacked [[Aragorn]] and the [[hobbits]] while they were camping under Weathertop, and the Witch-king [[Morgul-wound|wounded]] [[Frodo Baggins]] with a [[Morgul-knife]].<ref name=b3/><ref name=knife/>
* The Black Wings
 
* The Shadows
On [[11 October]] {{TA|3018|n}}<ref name=b3/> three Riders were guarding the [[Last Bridge]] of [[Mitheithel]], expecting [[Aragorn]] and the [[hobbits]] on their journey to [[Rivendell]]. Their plan was foiled by [[Glorfindel]], who drove them away.<ref name=b3/><ref name=Flight>{{FR|Flight}}</ref> Two days later, some of them pursued Frodo across the [[Ford of Bruinen]].<ref name=b3/> [[Elrond]] and [[Gandalf]] released a flood and the waters of [[Bruinen]] swept away and drowned the horses of the Riders.<ref name=council/>
* The Nine
 
* The Nine Servants of the Lord of the Rings
[[File:Ted_Nasmith_-_The_Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|''The Nazgûl'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]
* The Shriekers
 
* [[Úlairi]] ([[Quenya]])
The Ringwraiths were forced to return to Mordor to regroup.<ref name=Disguises>{{FR|South}}, p. 275</ref> They reappeared later mounted on [[Fell beasts|flying creatures]],<ref name=White/> at which point they were referred to as '''winged Nazgûl'''.<ref>{{TT|Uruk}}, p. 446</ref>
 
By the conclusion of the [[War of the Ring]], all of the Nine Nazgûl were destroyed. The [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] himself was slain by [[Éowyn]], the niece of King [[Théoden]] (with help from [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]]) during the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].<ref>{{RK|Battle}}, 840-2</ref> The remaining eight Ringwraiths attacked the Army of the West during the last battle at the [[Black Gate]].<ref>{{RK|Gate}}, p. 892</ref> However, when [[Frodo Baggins]] put on the ring in the fires of [[Mount Doom]], Sauron ordered the remaining Nazgûl to fly with all possible speed to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. They arrived too late, with the Ring falling into the fire along with the hapless Gollum. The Nazgûl were caught in the firestorm of the erupting mountain and were destroyed.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}, pp. 946-7</ref>
 
==Characteristics==
===Appearance===
To mortals, the Nazgûl appeared as shadowy Men hidden by black hoods and cloaks that reached down to their boots.<ref name=Three/>{{rp|74}} Without their cloaks, they were shapeless,<ref name=MeetingsTwo>{{FR|Meetings}}, p. 222-3</ref> and invisible to all but the wearer of [[the One Ring]].<ref name=Rings/> When the Witch-king removed his hood, his crown could be seen, although his head was invisible and the red fires shone through it.<ref name=Siege>{{RK|Siege}}</ref>{{rp|829}} During the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, the deadly gleam of his eyes could be seen.<ref name=PelennorPage>{{RK|Battle}}, p. 840</ref>
 
When Frodo put on the Ring at Weathertop, he could see the forms of the Nazgûl clearly. They were tall, and beneath their black cloaks, they were robed in grey. Their hair was grey, and they wore silver helms, although the Witch-king wore a crown. Their eyes were merciless and piercing, and their hands were haggard. The Witch-king held a [[Morgul-knife|knife]], and the knife and his hand shone with a pale light.<ref name=Visible>{{FR|Knife}}, pp. 195-6</ref>
 
===Powers and abilities===
{{Blockquote|The Nazgûl came again, and as their Dark Lord now grew and put forth his strength, so their voices, which uttered only his will and his malice, were filled with evil and horror...At length even the stout-hearted would fling themselves to the ground as the hidden menace passed over them, or they would stand, letting their weapons fall from nerveless hands while into their minds a blackness came, and they thought no more of war, but only of hiding and of crawling, and of death.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Siege of Gondor]]"}}
 
The chief power of the Nazgȗl was the terror they struck in living things. As Tolkien wrote in [[Letter 210]], ''"Their peril is almost entirely due to the unreasoning fear which they inspire (like ghosts)."''
 
Their cries struck terror into the hearts of the bravest, causing them to cower as the Ringwraiths passed overhead.<ref name=Siege/>{{rp|823}} Even when they could not be seen or heard, their terrible presence could be felt, and those nearby felt a sense of dread.<ref>{{RK|Gate}}, p. 886</ref> Animals also feared them, and the only creatures that endured them were horses bred for the service of Sauron<ref name=MeetingsTwo/> and the [[Fell beasts|winged beasts]] that were given to them when their horses were destroyed.<ref name=White>{{TT|White}}, p. 498</ref> The evil aura that surrounded them was known as the ''[[Black Breath]]'', and those that came under its shadow fell ill, and eventually passed into silence and died.<ref name=Houses>{{RK|Houses}}</ref>
 
The Ringwraiths had physical weapons as well. At Weathertop they bore steel swords, and the Witch-king had a knife that he stabbed Frodo with.<ref name=Visible/> A shard of the [[Morgul-knife]] remained in Frodo's shoulder, and was moving deeper before it was removed by [[Elrond]]. It caused Frodo to begin to fade into the wraith-world, but was unable to pierce his heart and bring him completely under the control of the Nazgȗl.<ref name=MeetingsTwo/> The Ringwraiths were also known to use deadly black darts.<ref name=HousesPage/> The Witch-king used a black mace during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.<ref name=PelennorPage/>
 
The Nazgûl could not be slain by arrows,<ref name=White/> and only weapons endowed with a special power, such as the [[blade of Westernesse]] that Merry used, could do them any great damage.<ref>{{RK|Battle}}, pp. 842-4</ref> Any blades that pierced the Witch-king were destroyed.<ref name=Flight/>{{rp|198}}
 
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Attack of the Wraiths.jpg|thumb|''The Attack of the Wraiths'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
 
The Nazgûl existed mostly in the [[Unseen|wraith-world]] and required their cloaks to give them form during their interactions with the living.<ref name=MeetingsTwo/> When their steeds and disguises were destroyed, they were forced to return to Sauron to receive new ones.<ref name=Disguises/>
 
The Nazgûl had poor vision in the world of light, but they were aware of the presence of other beings, and their perception grew stronger in the dark. They could detect living things by the smell of their blood, and they were drawn by the Ring.<ref name=knife/>{{rp|189}} They could also see beings with a presence in the wraith world, such as the wearer of the One Ring, as well as certain powerful Elves with control over the [[Unseen]], such as [[Glorfindel]]. Anyone who could see into the wraith world could see the Nazgûl, as Frodo did on Weathertop<ref name=MeetingsTwo/> and at the Ford of Bruinen.<ref name=FlightPage>{{FR|Flight}}, p. 214</ref>
 
The [[Witch-king]] could also affect objects and people with his power, striking Frodo dumb and shattering the dagger that Frodo had gotten in the [[Barrow-downs]] by raising his hand,<ref name=FlightPage/> and weakening both hearts and stone with terrifying words of power while attacking the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith|Gate]] of [[Minas Tirith]]. He also caused flames to run along his sword.<ref name=Siege/>{{rp|828-9}} Whether other Nazgûl could perform similar feats is unknown.
 
==Identities==
Only a few of the Nazgûl are named or identified individually. Their leader was the [[Witch-king|Witch-king of Angmar]], and his second in command was named [[Khamûl]]. Khamûl was a lord of [[Easterlings]],<ref name=Black>{{UT|Black}}</ref> and was the only Nazgûl known by his name. Three of them were [[Númenóreans]].<ref name=Akallabeth/>


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
''Nazgûl'' means "ringwraiths" in the [[Black Speech]]. It is a compound of ''[[nazg]]'' ("ring") and ''[[gûl]]'' ("[evil] spirit under control of Sauron").<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry B '''Nazgûl''', p. 79</ref>


''Nazgûl'' means "ringwraiths" in the [[Black Speech]] (consisting of ''[[nazg]]'' + ''[[gûl]]'').<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 31, 79</ref>
==Other names==
Among their many names and titles were: the Ringwraiths,<ref name=Shadow>{{FR|Shadow}}, p. 51</ref> the Black Riders,<ref>{{FR|Three}}, p. 80</ref> the Fell Riders,<ref>{{RK|MT}}, p. 764</ref> the Nine Riders,<ref>{{FR|Flight}}, p. 214</ref> the Nine,<ref name=Shadow/> the Nine Servants of the Lord of the Rings,<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}, p. 261</ref> the Black Wings,<ref>{{TT|Gate}}, p. 646</ref> Winged Messenger(s),<ref>{{TT|White}}, p. 498</ref> the Shadows,<ref name=HousesPage>{{RK|Houses}}, p. 864</ref> and the Shriekers<ref>{{RK|Shadow}}, p. 925</ref>.


== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
An [[Elvish]] name given for the Ringwraiths is '''''Úlairi'''''.<ref name=Rings>{{S|Rings}}</ref><ref>{{PM|Akallabeth}}, p. 153 (§30)</ref> Linguists have remarked that it is a [[Quenya]] plural name of unknown meaning and etymology.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/eng-quen.rtf|articlename=English-Quenya Wordlist (Quettaparma Quenyanna)|dated=|website=Arda|accessed=25 June 2011}}</ref><ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]''</ref> [[Michael Martinez]], analysing the word, has tentatively suggested that:
'''1978: ''[[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:The Nine are clad in brown and black, and have red eyes. The attack on ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' is their deed, not that of any accomplices.


'''1980: ''[[Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King]]''
{{blockquote| ''Úlairi'' is a compound formed from ''Ú'' + ''lai'' + ''ri'' with probable meaning of "un (bad or immoral)" + "shadow" + "ones". In other words, the name may mean something like "those who are in/of unnatural shadow".<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Michael Martinez]]|articleurl=http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2014/08/15/what-is-the-literal-translation-of-ulairi/|articlename=What is the Literal Translation of Úlairi?|dated=15 August 2014|website=[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/ middle-earth.xenite.org]|accessed=16 August 2014}}</ref>}}
:The Nine are skull headed demons, who ride winged horses. The Witch-king himself rides a dragon-like creature, and has no face. Only a suspended crown and two red eyes can be seen. The Nazgûl have the [[Red Eye]] of [[Barad-dûr]] rather than the emblem of [[Minas Morgul]].


'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
==Other versions of the legendarium==
:The role of the Ringwraiths was expanded with material from ''[[The Hunt for the Ring]]''.  
The first appearance of a Black Rider in Tolkien's drafts was actually a disguised [[Gandalf]] who scared the Hobbits on their way to Rivendell, before revealing himself.<ref>{{RS|Hobbiton}}</ref>
 
== Portrayal in adaptations ==
{{Gallery
|title=Nazgûl in adaptations
|height=150
|width=200
|lines=3
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Ringwraiths.jpg|Four of the Nazgûl on horseback in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Ringwraith.jpg|A Ringwraith in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
|File:War in Middle Earth - Nazgul 2.png|A Nazgûl from ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Ringwraiths.jpg|The Nazgûl in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Nazgûl.jpg|The Nine in '[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings War in the North - Nazgûl.jpg|The Nazgûl attack [[Sarn Ford]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''.
}}
 
===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The Nine are clad in brown and black, and have red eyes. The attack on ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' is their deed, not that of any accomplices. After the attack, they cast off their hoods, revealing the black armour and hideous masks they wear beneath their cloaks.
 
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
:The Nine are skull headed demons, who ride winged horses. The [[Witch-king]] himself rides a dragon-like creature, and has no face. Only a suspended crown and two red eyes can be seen. The Nazgûl have the [[Red Eye]] of [[Barad-dûr]] rather than the emblem of [[Minas Morgul]].
 
'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:The Nazgûl serve as the main antagonists in the first half of [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|the first film]]. Their dialogue is changed; the conversation with [[Hamfast Gamgee]] is omitted, and the conversation with [[Farmer Maggot]] is reduced. In the [[Unseen]], they are pale white ghostly creatures.
 
:After the death of the Witch-king in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|the third film]], the other eight are taken out by [[Eagles]] and debris from [[Mount Doom]], however, nothing is told of their individual fates.
 
'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series) ]]:'''
:The Witch-king and the other Ringwraiths were buried in a dungeon in the [[High Fells of Rhudaur]] after the [[Battle of Fornost|fall]] of Angmar. The Witch-king initially appears in Dol Guldur, where he briefly fights [[Radagast]] with his Morgul-blade; he drops it and Radagast takes it, ultimately bringing it to [[Gandalf]], who then shows to the [[White Council]] in [[Rivendell]]. Later, Gandalf, following Galadriel's advice, visits the High Fells and discovers that the Nazgûl's cells were empty, broken open from the inside. Through this investigation, he is convinced that the Necromancer in Dol Guldur is indeed Sauron.
 
:During the [[Attack on Dol Guldur]] they appeared in armour, ghostly versions of their mortal forms. The Nine do battle with Galadriel, [[Saruman]], and Elrond. During the confrontation between Galadriel and Sauron, their living forms seem to [[Unseen|phase in and out of reality]] as holograms. Eventually they are driven to Mordor, with their master following suit.
 
===Television===
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''
:The Nine are featured in this adaptation through CGI as a passing shadow with their winged steed.They do not speak at all.
 
===Radio series===
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The role of the Ringwraiths was expanded with material from ''[[The Hunt for the Ring]]''.
 
===Games===
'''1977: [[War of the Ring (1977 board game)|''War of the Ring'' (board game)]]:'''
:The Nazgûl are present in this game. The Witch-king is the most powerful character available to the Sauron player. The second most powerful is identified as [[Gothmog]].
 
'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:The name of the eight, other than Khamûl, are given as ''Er-Mûrazôr'' (the [[Witch-king]], of Númenórean race), ''Dendra Dwar of Waw'', ''Jí Indûr Dawndeath'', ''Akhôrahil'' (Númenórean), ''Hôarmûrath of Dír'', ''Adûnaphel'' (female Númenórean), ''Ren the Unclean'' and ''Ûvatha Achef the Horseman''.<ref>{{ICE|Mannish}}</ref><ref>{{ICE|Angus}}</ref>
 
'''1995: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl appear as hazard cards within ''[[Middle-earth: The Wizards]]''. Their names are identical to those used in Middle-Earth Role Playing, except for the Witch-king, who is referred to only as the Witch-king of Angmar.  


'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
[[File:WiMe-Nazgûl-1-.png|thumb|200px]]
:The Nazgûl are portrayed as black figures with red eyes and purple mantle.
:The Nazgûl are portrayed as black figures with red eyes and purple mantle.


'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
'''2001-: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]'':'''
:All the Nazgûl are named - The Witch-king of [[Angmar]], The Dark Marshal, Khamûl The [[Easterlings|Easterling]], The Betrayer, The Shadow Lord, The Undying, The [[Dwimmerlaik]], The Tainted and The Knight of [[Umbar]]. Versions based on their depiction in ''The Hobbit'' trilogy retain the Witch-king and Khamûl; however, the remaining seven are dubbed the Dark Headsman, the Forsaken, the Lingering Shadow, and two pairs known as the Abyssal Knights and the Slayers of Men.
 
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Black Riders form a threat in the Shire-stages of the game, where they need to be avoided by the player (in the persona of [[Frodo Baggins]]), and as the end boss for the game (in the persona of [[Aragorn]]). They are tall and robed in black, and nothing is seen underneath.  
:Black Riders form a threat in the Shire-stages of the game, where they need to be avoided by the player (in the persona of [[Frodo Baggins]]), and as the end boss for the game (in the persona of [[Aragorn]]). They are tall and robed in black, and nothing is seen underneath.  


'''2001-3: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''
'''2001-7: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl serve as the suspense in the first half of [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|the first film]]. Their dialogue is changed; the conversation with [[Gaffer Gamgee]] is omitted, and the conversation with [[Farmer Maggot]] is reduced. The Nine have an iconic scream, provided by [[Fran Walsh]]. Under their robes, they are pale white ghostly creatures.
:The Nazgûl, other than the Witch-king, are given [[Neo-Elvish|Neo-Quenya]] titles based on their numbers, and various English titles:
:*Úlairë Attëa (from ''[[atta]]'' = 2); Black Predator, Keeper of [[Dol Guldur]], Second of the Nine Riders, The Easterling.
:*Úlairë Nelya (from ''[[neldë]]'' = 3); Black Hunter, Lieutenant of Morgul, Third of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Cantëa (from ''[[canta]]'' = 4); Black Assassin, Lieutenant of Dol Guldur, Fourth of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Lemenya (from ''[[lempe]]'' = 5); Black Enemy, Lieutenant of Morgul, Fifth of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Enquëa (from ''[[enquë]]'' = 6); Black Threat, Lieutenant of Morgul, Sixth of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Ostëa [''sic'', later corrected to Úlairë Otsëa] (from ''[[otso]]'' = 7); Black Specter, Lieutenant of Morgul, Seventh of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Toldëa (from ''[[tolto]]'' = 8); Black Shadow, Messenger of Morgul, Eighth of the Nine Riders
:*Úlairë Nertëa (from ''[[nertë]]'' = 9); Black Horseman, Messenger of Dol Guldur, Ninth of the Nine Riders.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=801|articlename=Naming the Nazgul|dated=|website=[http://forum.barrowdowns.com/index.php? Forum.Barrowdowns.com]|accessed=31 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/game_id/1/goal/|articlename=Lord Of The Rings (search function)|dated=|website=[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/ Trade Cards Online]|accessed=31 July 2012}}</ref>


:After the death of the Witch-king, the other eight are taken out by [[eagles]] and debris from [[Mount Doom]], however, nothing is told of their individual fates.  
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:The Mordor faction has two different Nazgûl units: "Witch-king on Fell Beast" and "Nazgûl on Fell Beast". They are primarily used for scouting and surprise attacks.


'''2004: ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:The Mordor faction has two different Nazgûl units: "Witch-king on Fell Beast" and "Nazgûl on Fell Beast". They are primarily used for scouting and surprise attacks.
:A new Ringwraith is introduced in the expansion pack, ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king|The Rise of the Witch-king]]''. Morgomir is the "Lieutenant of Carn-Dûm", the right-hand man of the Witch-king, of [[Black Númenóreans|Black Númenórean]] descent. The design is similar to that in [[Peter Jackson]]'s films: he is hooded and cloaked when he works for the [[Mordor]] faction, and white and ghostly when he fights for Angmar.
 
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl appear throughout the game. Three are Easterlings: "The Bane of Rhûn", "The Woe of Khand", and "The Cursed Rider"; three are [[Haradrim]]: "The Grim Southron", "The High Sorcerer of Harad", and "The Forsaken Reaver"; and three are of Númenórean origin: "The Black Blade of Lebennin", "The Gloom of Nurn", and the Witch-king of Angmar. The Nazgûl are also given the [[Sindarin]] name "Gwatharan" (pl. "Gwetherain").
 
:Early in the game one of the Nine wounds a [[Dúnedain]] ranger, Amdir, with a [[Morgul-knife|Morgul blade]], who is later transformed into a Wraith himself, despite the best efforts of Free Peoples. Later, the player attempts to resist the troubles the Nine are spreading in Bree-Land. During the Fellowship's stay in [[Lothlórien]], the [[Galadhrim]] Elves launch a military strike against [[Dol Guldur]], to draw the attention of the Eye from the company departing down the Shores of Anduin. During their travel down the waters of the Great River, Legolas shot and killed a fell shadow in the sky, not knowing it to be a Nazgûl. The player is later able to find the corpse of the fell beast in the [[Brown Lands]] and it becomes clear that a Nazgûl is not far. At night, the Wraith ambushes the player who manages to drive him away with the use of fire.
 
:During the Battle of the Pelennor, the Witch-king plays the role as described in the books. The High Sorcerer of Harad and the Woe of Khand guard the way to Gothmog in the raid instance "Throne of the Dread Terror", and the Forsaken Reaver is found at the end of the "Quays of the [[Harlond (Gondor)|Harlond]] instance, in which he attempts to prevent Aragorn and his host from joining the battle. The Gloom of Nurn confronts the players at the conclusion of "The Silent Street" instance, as he attempts to reclaim the crown of Eärnur among the tombs of Gondor's kings and stewards.


'''2006: ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:A new Ringwriath is introduced in the expansion pack, ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king|The Rise of the Witch-king]]''. Morgomir is the "Lieutenant of Carn-Dûm", the right-hand man of the Witch-king, of [[Black Númenóreans|Black Númenórean]] descent. The design is similar to that in [[Peter Jackson]]'s films: he is hooded and cloaked when he works for the Mordor faction, and white and ghostly when he fights for Angmar.
:In the Evil Campaign, the Eight Nazgûl bring the Witch-King back to life after Sauron reclaims the One Ring.


===Middle-earth Role Playing===
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
The [[Middle-earth Role Playing]] games by [[Iron Crown Enterprises]] name the eight, other than Khamûl, ''Er-Murazor'' (the [[Witch-king]], of Númenórean race), ''Dwar'', ''Ji Indur'', ''Akhorahil''(Númenórean), ''Hoarmurath'', ''Adunaphel'' (female Númenórean), ''Ren'' and ''Uvatha''.<ref>{{ICE|Mannish}}</ref><ref>{{ICE|Angus}}</ref>
:The Nazgûl appear in a flashback during the prologue of the game, in which they attack the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] at [[Sarn Ford]], the entrance of [[the Shire]]. Later in the flashback their leader, the [[Witch-king]], speaks with [[Agandaûr]].<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref>


These names have been so widespread that some think they are [[canon]] i.e. referenced by Tolkien, however they are not: It is particularly unlikely, in the context of the books, that any of the Nazgûl would have been female. Nor is it clear who were of Númenórean descent: only Khamûl's origin is given with certainty, and he was an Easterling. While the Witch-king is by many thought of as a Númenórean lord, this cannot be confirmed by any statement in Tolkien's writings.
'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''
:Although the Nazgûl do not appear in the game, they are mentioned many times within it.


==Trivia==
'''2017: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'':'''
* The term ''Nazgûl'' has been used to refer to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM IBM's] cadre of lawyers, with whom it has been said that IBM can blacken the sky.
:The Nazgûl are featured in the game. Besides the [[Witch-king]] and [[Khamûl]] the other Nazgûl are:
* Nâzgul is a girl's name of Persian origin, adopted in various Middle-eastern languages, meaning "Shy rose" or "delicate flower".
* [[George R. R. Martin]]'s novel ''[[The Armageddon Rag]]'' is about a fictional rock band named the Nazgûl.
* Nazgûl is also the name of an Orkish black metal band from Italy, who sing The Lord of the Rings-inspired songs in Latin.
* Nazgûl is also the name of a pagan black metal band from Spain. Commonly mistaken for the Italian Orkish black metal band and the Norwegian band of the same name.
* The bird-like Ra'zac from Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Trilogy are heavily inspired by the steeds of the Nazgûl, particularly their breath, which acts as a mind-numbing drug of sorts.
* In Led Zeppelin's "The Battle of Evermore" (from Led Zeppelin IV) there is an allusion to a Ringwraith. One of the lyrics reads, "The drums will shake the castle walls, the ringwraiths ride in black, ride on."
* The Garo from The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask somewhat resemble the Ringwraiths. The Garo are undead "shells" that are basically robes. The Garo spy on the undead Ikana. The four Poes that haunt the Arbiter's Grounds in Twilight Princess also resemble them.
* Nazgûl appear as enemies in the roguelike computer game NetHack. They breathe a gas that can put your character to sleep, and carry cursed rings that bestow invisibility.


{{references}}
:*[[Helm|Helm Hammerhand]], the king of Rohan who fell into darkness after receiving a Ring of Power from Sauron and Celebrimbor, and in his rage he was turned into a Nazgûl.  
* <small>''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', passim.
:*[[Talion]], who succumbed into the power of the Ring.
* ''[[The Two Towers]]'', passim.
:*[[Isildur]], whose body was found by Orcs. He was revived by Sauron after receiving a Ring of Power; he was eventually freed by Talion who took his place amongst the Nazgûl.
* ''[[The Return of the King]]'', passim.
:*Suladân, an original character, who was once a Númenórean king.
* ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]]
:*The Nazgûl Sisters, also original characters, known as Riya and Yuka, who stole their Rings from the other Nazgûl and took their places.
* ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix B]]
* ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[The Hunt for the Ring]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Akallabêth]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]], [[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]"
* ''[[The Treason of Isengard]]'', [[The Great River (HoMe)|The Great River]]
* ''[[The War of the Ring]]'', [[The Passage of the Marshes (HoMe)|The Passage of the Marshes]]
* ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 156|#156]], [[Letter 210|#210]], [[Letter 212|#212]], [[Letter 246|#246]], [[Letter 297|#297]]
* [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[Guide to the Names in The Lord of the Rings]]'', in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'' (edited by [[Wayne G. Hammond|W. G. Hammond]] and [[Christina Scull|C. Scull]])</small>


== See Also ==
==See also==
* '''[[:Category:Images of Nazgûl|Images of Nazgûl]]'''
* The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]]
* the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]]
* [[Khamûl]]
* [[Khamûl]]
==External links==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2014/01/29/what-is-the-history-of-the-nazgul/ What is the History of the Nazgul?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
{{references|note}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nazgul}}
[[Category:Black Speech words]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Nazgûl]]
[[Category:Nazgûl]]
[[Category:Undead]]
[[Category:Undead]]
[[de:Nazgûl]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/nazgul]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/nazgul]]
[[fi:Sormusaaveet]]

Latest revision as of 03:07, 20 February 2024

Nazgûl
Race
John Howe - The Hunt for the Ring.jpg
The Hunt for the Ring by John Howe
General Information
Other namesRingwraiths, the Black Riders, the Nine, Úlairi (Q)
OriginsMen who received the Nine Rings; corrupted by Sauron
LocationsMordor, Angmar, Dol Guldur, Minas Morgul
AffiliationSauron
LanguagesBlack Speech, Westron
MembersWitch-king, Khamûl
Physical Description
LifespanIndefinite
DistinctionsWithout physical form
Average heightMan-high
ClothingBlack robes
WeaponryMorgul-knife
GalleryImages of Nazgûl
" 'They come from Mordor,' said Strider in a low voice. 'From Mordor, Barliman, if that means anything to you.' "
The Fellowship of the Ring, "Strider"

The Nazgûl (Black Speech: Ringwraiths, sometimes written Ring-wraiths), also known as the Nine Riders or Black Riders (or simply the Nine), were Sauron's "most terrible servants" in Middle-earth. They were mortal Men who had been turned into wraiths by their Nine Rings of power.

History[edit | edit source]

Origins[edit | edit source]

Sometime during the Second Age (after the year 1697[note 1]) Sauron gave nine Rings of Power to nine mortal Men. It is said that three of the Nine were great lords of Númenorean race.[1][2]

The bearers of the rings gained great wealth and prestige and became "mighty in their day, kings, sorcerers, and warriors of old". The rings enabled them to turn invisible and see the Unseen. Their lives were prolonged so they seemed unending, but life became unendurable to them. Over time, depending on their native strength and their initial good or evil will, they succumbed to the powers of the rings and the domination of the One Ring. Their bodily forms faded until they became permanently invisible and turned into wraiths.[3]

Known as the Nazgûl, they first appeared around S.A. 2251[4] and were soon established as Sauron's principal servants. However, the circumstances of this appearance are unknown, as are their actions during the Dark Years, during Sauron's capture to Númenor, and in the War of the Last Alliance. When Sauron was overthrown in S.A. 3441 at the hands of the Last Alliance, the wraiths faded into the shadows.[4]

Third Age[edit | edit source]

The One Ring which dominated the Nazgûl was taken from Sauron and then it was lost in Anduin for the following centuries; both Sauron and the wraiths lost their powers and remained hidden.[3] However around 1050 of the Third Age Sauron returned in the form of a shadow in Greenwood the Great, triggering also the return of his servants. About 50 years later the Wise of that Age discovered the shadow of Dol Guldur and theorized that it was one of the Nazgûl.[5]

But it was around T.A. 1300 when evil things, like the Orcs of the Misty Mountains, multiplied again, and the Nazgûl definitely reappeared; it was then when Lord of the Nazgûl gathered evil Men and founded the Witch-kingdom of Angmar. From there he led Sauron's forces against the mannish kingdom of Arnor in T.A. 1409.[5]

Meanwhile Gondor was weakened by the Great Plague and War, and it was believed that Sauron's plan was to open the way to Mordor; indeed as the watch on Mordor stopped and Gondor's borders withdrew, it is believed that the Nazgûl freely re-entered Mordor around 1856 or later.[6]

The Witch-king was eventually defeated in battle in 1975 and sometime later returned to Mordor, gathering the other Nazgûl in preparation for the return of Sauron to that realm.[5][6]

In T.A. 2000, they issued by Cirith Ungol, began a two-year siege against Minas Ithil and captured it. The city thereafter became their stronghold Nazgûl, from where they directed the rebuilding of Sauron's armies, also acquiring one of the palantíri for the Dark Lord.[5]

During the Watchful Peace, when Sauron hid from the power of the White Council, the Nazgûl also remained hidden in Morgul Vale, allowing some peaceful time for the first Ruling Stewards of Gondor.[7]

But after his defeat in Dol Guldur, Sauron returned to Mordor in 2942 and declared himself openly in 2951. Three of the Nazgûl were sent to his fortress at Dol Guldur to garrison that outpost.[5]

Rivendell by Angus McBride

In 3017 Sauron commanded the Ringwraiths to recover the One Ring of Power from "Baggins of the Shire". Disguised as horse riders clad in black (hence the term Black Riders), they sought out Bilbo Baggins who, as Gollum had revealed, had the One Ring in his possession.

The Dwarves of Erebor spoke of a rider who had come to offer Sauron's friendship and ask about Hobbits. As a token of their friendship he asked for a "trifle", a ring, "the least of rings", that the thief had stolen.[8][note 2]

War of the Ring[edit | edit source]

Sauron decided to assault Gondor directly. In attack on Osgiliath he let the Nazgûl lead, causing terror with the Black Shadow among the Gondorians[8][9] and making them think that they are the vanguard of Sauron's military force. However this was a feigned move of Sauron, who intended them to send them invisible to look for the Ring.[10]

The Nazgûl were given black horses (stolen from Rohan) for transportation and set off to find "the Shire", on their way learning from a Squint-eyed southerner that Saruman was not a true ally of Sauron. Failing to find it, they returned to the Wold empty-handed; messengers from Sauron sent them to Isengard. There they encountered Gríma Wormtongue, who told them of the location of the Shire.[10]

Crossing the Fords of Isen, they reached Sarn Ford at evening and drove off the guard of Rangers of the North and five pursued the Rangers eastward, then returned to guard the Greenway. The other four entered the Shire before the dawn of 23 September; at nightfall Khamûl came to Hobbiton and interrogated Hamfast Gamgee asking for "Baggins", not knowing that Frodo Baggins, the Ring-bearer, had left Bag End on his way out of Hobbiton that same day.[9]

On 24 September a Rider approached Frodo and his companions near the Woody End, when a Wandering Company of Elves approached from Emyn Beraid, chanting the name of "Elbereth", and the rider fled away.[11]:78-9 The next day a Rider came to Bamfurlong and approached Farmer Maggot, asking about Baggins. The farmer directed him to Hobbiton. The Rider said that the individual had already left Hobbiton and offered Maggot gold if he would inform the rider if he saw Baggins. The farmer felt chill and was enraged by his trespassing and threatened him with his dogs, which, however, yelped and ran. The Rider, infuriated by his defiance, hissed and rode away.[12]

On 26 September, two Riders came to The Prancing Pony at Bree and asked Nob for "Baggins", making the dogs and geese noisy. Nob, terrified, slammed the door on them, and the Riders continued all the way to Archet.[13]

Some days later, the hobbits arrived at the Prancing Pony. The Riders visited Bill Ferny in Bree, who gave information about how one of the hobbits mysteriously "disappeared", but Merry spotted them outside, and notified the others after narrowly escaping himself.[13]

In the early hours of 30 September, Riders raided Crickhollow while others silently snuck into the Prancing Pony and raided the hobbits' room, but Aragorn had taken them to his room for safety. Aragorn led the hobbits away from Bree later that day.[14]

The Riders pursued Gandalf from Bree and attacked him at night on Weathertop, where he defended himself with his magic.[9] Four Riders followed Gandalf as he escaped to the north.[8] The others later attacked Aragorn and the hobbits while they were camping under Weathertop, and the Witch-king wounded Frodo Baggins with a Morgul-knife.[9][14]

On 11 October 3018[9] three Riders were guarding the Last Bridge of Mitheithel, expecting Aragorn and the hobbits on their journey to Rivendell. Their plan was foiled by Glorfindel, who drove them away.[9][15] Two days later, some of them pursued Frodo across the Ford of Bruinen.[9] Elrond and Gandalf released a flood and the waters of Bruinen swept away and drowned the horses of the Riders.[8]

The Nazgûl by Ted Nasmith.

The Ringwraiths were forced to return to Mordor to regroup.[16] They reappeared later mounted on flying creatures,[17] at which point they were referred to as winged Nazgûl.[18]

By the conclusion of the War of the Ring, all of the Nine Nazgûl were destroyed. The Lord of the Nazgûl himself was slain by Éowyn, the niece of King Théoden (with help from Merry) during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.[19] The remaining eight Ringwraiths attacked the Army of the West during the last battle at the Black Gate.[20] However, when Frodo Baggins put on the ring in the fires of Mount Doom, Sauron ordered the remaining Nazgûl to fly with all possible speed to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. They arrived too late, with the Ring falling into the fire along with the hapless Gollum. The Nazgûl were caught in the firestorm of the erupting mountain and were destroyed.[21]

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Appearance[edit | edit source]

To mortals, the Nazgûl appeared as shadowy Men hidden by black hoods and cloaks that reached down to their boots.[11]:74 Without their cloaks, they were shapeless,[22] and invisible to all but the wearer of the One Ring.[3] When the Witch-king removed his hood, his crown could be seen, although his head was invisible and the red fires shone through it.[23]:829 During the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, the deadly gleam of his eyes could be seen.[24]

When Frodo put on the Ring at Weathertop, he could see the forms of the Nazgûl clearly. They were tall, and beneath their black cloaks, they were robed in grey. Their hair was grey, and they wore silver helms, although the Witch-king wore a crown. Their eyes were merciless and piercing, and their hands were haggard. The Witch-king held a knife, and the knife and his hand shone with a pale light.[25]

Powers and abilities[edit | edit source]

The Nazgûl came again, and as their Dark Lord now grew and put forth his strength, so their voices, which uttered only his will and his malice, were filled with evil and horror...At length even the stout-hearted would fling themselves to the ground as the hidden menace passed over them, or they would stand, letting their weapons fall from nerveless hands while into their minds a blackness came, and they thought no more of war, but only of hiding and of crawling, and of death.
The Return of the King, "The Siege of Gondor"

The chief power of the Nazgȗl was the terror they struck in living things. As Tolkien wrote in Letter 210, "Their peril is almost entirely due to the unreasoning fear which they inspire (like ghosts)."

Their cries struck terror into the hearts of the bravest, causing them to cower as the Ringwraiths passed overhead.[23]:823 Even when they could not be seen or heard, their terrible presence could be felt, and those nearby felt a sense of dread.[26] Animals also feared them, and the only creatures that endured them were horses bred for the service of Sauron[22] and the winged beasts that were given to them when their horses were destroyed.[17] The evil aura that surrounded them was known as the Black Breath, and those that came under its shadow fell ill, and eventually passed into silence and died.[27]

The Ringwraiths had physical weapons as well. At Weathertop they bore steel swords, and the Witch-king had a knife that he stabbed Frodo with.[25] A shard of the Morgul-knife remained in Frodo's shoulder, and was moving deeper before it was removed by Elrond. It caused Frodo to begin to fade into the wraith-world, but was unable to pierce his heart and bring him completely under the control of the Nazgȗl.[22] The Ringwraiths were also known to use deadly black darts.[28] The Witch-king used a black mace during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.[24]

The Nazgûl could not be slain by arrows,[17] and only weapons endowed with a special power, such as the blade of Westernesse that Merry used, could do them any great damage.[29] Any blades that pierced the Witch-king were destroyed.[15]:198

The Attack of the Wraiths by Ted Nasmith

The Nazgûl existed mostly in the wraith-world and required their cloaks to give them form during their interactions with the living.[22] When their steeds and disguises were destroyed, they were forced to return to Sauron to receive new ones.[16]

The Nazgûl had poor vision in the world of light, but they were aware of the presence of other beings, and their perception grew stronger in the dark. They could detect living things by the smell of their blood, and they were drawn by the Ring.[14]:189 They could also see beings with a presence in the wraith world, such as the wearer of the One Ring, as well as certain powerful Elves with control over the Unseen, such as Glorfindel. Anyone who could see into the wraith world could see the Nazgûl, as Frodo did on Weathertop[22] and at the Ford of Bruinen.[30]

The Witch-king could also affect objects and people with his power, striking Frodo dumb and shattering the dagger that Frodo had gotten in the Barrow-downs by raising his hand,[30] and weakening both hearts and stone with terrifying words of power while attacking the Gate of Minas Tirith. He also caused flames to run along his sword.[23]:828-9 Whether other Nazgûl could perform similar feats is unknown.

Identities[edit | edit source]

Only a few of the Nazgûl are named or identified individually. Their leader was the Witch-king of Angmar, and his second in command was named Khamûl. Khamûl was a lord of Easterlings,[31] and was the only Nazgûl known by his name. Three of them were Númenóreans.[1]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Nazgûl means "ringwraiths" in the Black Speech. It is a compound of nazg ("ring") and gûl ("[evil] spirit under control of Sauron").[32]

Other names[edit | edit source]

Among their many names and titles were: the Ringwraiths,[33] the Black Riders,[34] the Fell Riders,[35] the Nine Riders,[36] the Nine,[33] the Nine Servants of the Lord of the Rings,[37] the Black Wings,[38] Winged Messenger(s),[39] the Shadows,[28] and the Shriekers[40].

An Elvish name given for the Ringwraiths is Úlairi.[3][41] Linguists have remarked that it is a Quenya plural name of unknown meaning and etymology.[42][43] Michael Martinez, analysing the word, has tentatively suggested that:

Úlairi is a compound formed from Ú + lai + ri with probable meaning of "un (bad or immoral)" + "shadow" + "ones". In other words, the name may mean something like "those who are in/of unnatural shadow".[44]

Other versions of the legendarium[edit | edit source]

The first appearance of a Black Rider in Tolkien's drafts was actually a disguised Gandalf who scared the Hobbits on their way to Rivendell, before revealing himself.[45]

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

Nazgûl in adaptations
Four of the Nazgûl on horseback in The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)  

Films[edit | edit source]

1978: The Lord of the Rings (1978 film):

The Nine are clad in brown and black, and have red eyes. The attack on The Prancing Pony is their deed, not that of any accomplices. After the attack, they cast off their hoods, revealing the black armour and hideous masks they wear beneath their cloaks.

1980: The Return of the King (1980 film)

The Nine are skull headed demons, who ride winged horses. The Witch-king himself rides a dragon-like creature, and has no face. Only a suspended crown and two red eyes can be seen. The Nazgûl have the Red Eye of Barad-dûr rather than the emblem of Minas Morgul.

2001-03: The Lord of the Rings (film series):

The Nazgûl serve as the main antagonists in the first half of the first film. Their dialogue is changed; the conversation with Hamfast Gamgee is omitted, and the conversation with Farmer Maggot is reduced. In the Unseen, they are pale white ghostly creatures.
After the death of the Witch-king in the third film, the other eight are taken out by Eagles and debris from Mount Doom, however, nothing is told of their individual fates.

2012-14: The Hobbit (film series) :

The Witch-king and the other Ringwraiths were buried in a dungeon in the High Fells of Rhudaur after the fall of Angmar. The Witch-king initially appears in Dol Guldur, where he briefly fights Radagast with his Morgul-blade; he drops it and Radagast takes it, ultimately bringing it to Gandalf, who then shows to the White Council in Rivendell. Later, Gandalf, following Galadriel's advice, visits the High Fells and discovers that the Nazgûl's cells were empty, broken open from the inside. Through this investigation, he is convinced that the Necromancer in Dol Guldur is indeed Sauron.
During the Attack on Dol Guldur they appeared in armour, ghostly versions of their mortal forms. The Nine do battle with Galadriel, Saruman, and Elrond. During the confrontation between Galadriel and Sauron, their living forms seem to phase in and out of reality as holograms. Eventually they are driven to Mordor, with their master following suit.

Television[edit | edit source]

1993: Hobitit:

The Nine are featured in this adaptation through CGI as a passing shadow with their winged steed.They do not speak at all.

Radio series[edit | edit source]

1981: The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series):

The role of the Ringwraiths was expanded with material from The Hunt for the Ring.

Games[edit | edit source]

1977: War of the Ring (board game):

The Nazgûl are present in this game. The Witch-king is the most powerful character available to the Sauron player. The second most powerful is identified as Gothmog.

1982-97: Middle-earth Role Playing:

The name of the eight, other than Khamûl, are given as Er-Mûrazôr (the Witch-king, of Númenórean race), Dendra Dwar of Waw, Jí Indûr Dawndeath, Akhôrahil (Númenórean), Hôarmûrath of Dír, Adûnaphel (female Númenórean), Ren the Unclean and Ûvatha Achef the Horseman.[46][47]

1995: Middle-earth Collectible Card Game:

The Nazgûl appear as hazard cards within Middle-earth: The Wizards. Their names are identical to those used in Middle-Earth Role Playing, except for the Witch-king, who is referred to only as the Witch-king of Angmar.

1988: J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth:

The Nazgûl are portrayed as black figures with red eyes and purple mantle.

2001-: The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game:

All the Nazgûl are named - The Witch-king of Angmar, The Dark Marshal, Khamûl The Easterling, The Betrayer, The Shadow Lord, The Undying, The Dwimmerlaik, The Tainted and The Knight of Umbar. Versions based on their depiction in The Hobbit trilogy retain the Witch-king and Khamûl; however, the remaining seven are dubbed the Dark Headsman, the Forsaken, the Lingering Shadow, and two pairs known as the Abyssal Knights and the Slayers of Men.

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game):

Black Riders form a threat in the Shire-stages of the game, where they need to be avoided by the player (in the persona of Frodo Baggins), and as the end boss for the game (in the persona of Aragorn). They are tall and robed in black, and nothing is seen underneath.

2001-7: The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game:

The Nazgûl, other than the Witch-king, are given Neo-Quenya titles based on their numbers, and various English titles:
  • Úlairë Attëa (from atta = 2); Black Predator, Keeper of Dol Guldur, Second of the Nine Riders, The Easterling.
  • Úlairë Nelya (from neldë = 3); Black Hunter, Lieutenant of Morgul, Third of the Nine Riders
  • Úlairë Cantëa (from canta = 4); Black Assassin, Lieutenant of Dol Guldur, Fourth of the Nine Riders
  • Úlairë Lemenya (from lempe = 5); Black Enemy, Lieutenant of Morgul, Fifth of the Nine Riders
  • Úlairë Enquëa (from enquë = 6); Black Threat, Lieutenant of Morgul, Sixth of the Nine Riders
  • Úlairë Ostëa [sic, later corrected to Úlairë Otsëa] (from otso = 7); Black Specter, Lieutenant of Morgul, Seventh of the Nine Riders
  • Úlairë Toldëa (from tolto = 8); Black Shadow, Messenger of Morgul, Eighth of the Nine Riders
  • Úlairë Nertëa (from nertë = 9); Black Horseman, Messenger of Dol Guldur, Ninth of the Nine Riders.[48][49]

2004: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth:

The Mordor faction has two different Nazgûl units: "Witch-king on Fell Beast" and "Nazgûl on Fell Beast". They are primarily used for scouting and surprise attacks.

2006: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II:

A new Ringwraith is introduced in the expansion pack, The Rise of the Witch-king. Morgomir is the "Lieutenant of Carn-Dûm", the right-hand man of the Witch-king, of Black Númenórean descent. The design is similar to that in Peter Jackson's films: he is hooded and cloaked when he works for the Mordor faction, and white and ghostly when he fights for Angmar.

2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:

The Nazgûl appear throughout the game. Three are Easterlings: "The Bane of Rhûn", "The Woe of Khand", and "The Cursed Rider"; three are Haradrim: "The Grim Southron", "The High Sorcerer of Harad", and "The Forsaken Reaver"; and three are of Númenórean origin: "The Black Blade of Lebennin", "The Gloom of Nurn", and the Witch-king of Angmar. The Nazgûl are also given the Sindarin name "Gwatharan" (pl. "Gwetherain").
Early in the game one of the Nine wounds a Dúnedain ranger, Amdir, with a Morgul blade, who is later transformed into a Wraith himself, despite the best efforts of Free Peoples. Later, the player attempts to resist the troubles the Nine are spreading in Bree-Land. During the Fellowship's stay in Lothlórien, the Galadhrim Elves launch a military strike against Dol Guldur, to draw the attention of the Eye from the company departing down the Shores of Anduin. During their travel down the waters of the Great River, Legolas shot and killed a fell shadow in the sky, not knowing it to be a Nazgûl. The player is later able to find the corpse of the fell beast in the Brown Lands and it becomes clear that a Nazgûl is not far. At night, the Wraith ambushes the player who manages to drive him away with the use of fire.
During the Battle of the Pelennor, the Witch-king plays the role as described in the books. The High Sorcerer of Harad and the Woe of Khand guard the way to Gothmog in the raid instance "Throne of the Dread Terror", and the Forsaken Reaver is found at the end of the "Quays of the Harlond instance, in which he attempts to prevent Aragorn and his host from joining the battle. The Gloom of Nurn confronts the players at the conclusion of "The Silent Street" instance, as he attempts to reclaim the crown of Eärnur among the tombs of Gondor's kings and stewards.

2009: The Lord of the Rings: Conquest:

In the Evil Campaign, the Eight Nazgûl bring the Witch-King back to life after Sauron reclaims the One Ring.

2011: The Lord of the Rings: War in the North:

The Nazgûl appear in a flashback during the prologue of the game, in which they attack the Rangers at Sarn Ford, the entrance of the Shire. Later in the flashback their leader, the Witch-king, speaks with Agandaûr.[50]

2014: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor:

Although the Nazgûl do not appear in the game, they are mentioned many times within it.

2017: Middle-earth: Shadow of War:

The Nazgûl are featured in the game. Besides the Witch-king and Khamûl the other Nazgûl are:
  • Helm Hammerhand, the king of Rohan who fell into darkness after receiving a Ring of Power from Sauron and Celebrimbor, and in his rage he was turned into a Nazgûl.
  • Talion, who succumbed into the power of the Ring.
  • Isildur, whose body was found by Orcs. He was revived by Sauron after receiving a Ring of Power; he was eventually freed by Talion who took his place amongst the Nazgûl.
  • Suladân, an original character, who was once a Númenórean king.
  • The Nazgûl Sisters, also original characters, known as Riya and Yuka, who stole their Rings from the other Nazgûl and took their places.

See also[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Notes

  1. Sauron captured the Rings of Power in the Sack of Eregion around this year, and later distributed the Nine Rings (cf. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B: The Tale of Years (Chronology of the Westlands) and J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn", "Concerning Galadriel and Celeborn").
  2. The identity of the messenger is unknown. In fandom it has been proposed that he was the Mouth of Sauron. Michael Martinez considers it more likely that it was a Nazgûl.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Akallabêth: The Downfall of Númenor"
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Note 39 to Letter 156, (dated 4 November 1954), "There were evil Númenoreans: Sauronians, [...] the wicked Kings who had become the Nazgûl or Ringwraiths."
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"
  4. 4.0 4.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Second Age"
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
  6. 6.0 6.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion"
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", "The Stewards"
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years"
  10. 10.0 10.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Hunt for the Ring"
  11. 11.0 11.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Three is Company"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Short Cut to Mushrooms"
  13. 13.0 13.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Strider"
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Knife in the Dark"
  15. 15.0 15.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Flight to the Ford"
  16. 16.0 16.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Ring Goes South", p. 275
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The White Rider", p. 498
  18. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Uruk-hai", p. 446
  19. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields", 840-2
  20. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Black Gate Opens", p. 892
  21. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Mount Doom", pp. 946-7
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Many Meetings", p. 222-3
  23. 23.0 23.1 23.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Siege of Gondor"
  24. 24.0 24.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields", p. 840
  25. 25.0 25.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Knife in the Dark", pp. 195-6
  26. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Black Gate Opens", p. 886
  27. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Houses of Healing"
  28. 28.0 28.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Houses of Healing", p. 864
  29. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields", pp. 842-4
  30. 30.0 30.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Flight to the Ford", p. 214
  31. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Hunt for the Ring", "(i) Of the Journey of the Black Riders"
  32. J.R.R. Tolkien, "Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings", in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), entry B Nazgûl, p. 79
  33. 33.0 33.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Shadow of the Past", p. 51
  34. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Three is Company", p. 80
  35. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Minas Tirith", p. 764
  36. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Flight to the Ford", p. 214
  37. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Many Meetings", p. 261
  38. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Black Gate is Closed", p. 646
  39. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The White Rider", p. 498
  40. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Land of Shadow", p. 925
  41. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "V. The History of the Akallabêth", p. 153 (§30)
  42. Helge Fauskanger, "English-Quenya Wordlist (Quettaparma Quenyanna)", Ardalambion (accessed 25 June 2011)
  43. Ruth S. Noel, The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth
  44. Michael Martinez, "What is the Literal Translation of Úlairi?" dated 15 August 2014, middle-earth.xenite.org (accessed 16 August 2014)
  45. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Return of the Shadow, "The First Phase: II. From Hobbiton to the Woody End"
  46. Peter C. Fenlon, Jr. et al. (1987), Lords of Middle-earth Vol II: The Mannish Races (#8003)
  47. Jessica Ney (ed.; 1990), Angus McBride's Characters of Middle-earth (#8007)
  48. "Naming the Nazgul", Forum.Barrowdowns.com (accessed 31 July 2012)
  49. "Lord Of The Rings (search function)", Trade Cards Online (accessed 31 July 2012)
  50. The Lord of the Rings: War in the North, Prologue