The Necromancer's Apprentice: Mastery Over Death

Research & Sources

Research Notes: The Witch-king of Angmar - Mastery Over Death

Overview

The Witch-king of Angmar stands as one of the most terrifying figures in Tolkien's legendarium—a mortal king who accepted a Ring of Power from Sauron and paid the ultimate price: transformation into an undead wraith, enslaved for millennia. His story is one of gradual corruption, from proud ruler to the Lord of the Nazgûl, Sauron's most feared servant. His reign over the kingdom of Angmar brought destruction to the northern Dúnedain kingdoms, and his mastery over necromantic arts—sending wights to inhabit ancient barrows—cemented his reputation as a master of death itself. Yet despite his seeming invulnerability, he fell to those the prophecy foretold: not by the hand of man, but by a woman and a hobbit on the fields of Pelennor.

Primary Sources

The Silmarillion

The Creation and Corruption of the Nine Rings: - "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." (Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age) - "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." (Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age) Númenórean Origins: - Tolkien stated in The Silmarillion that "among those whom he [Sauron] enslaved with the Nine Rings three were great lords of Númenórean race," and the Witch-king, as leader of the Nine, was most probably one of these Black Númenóreans. Timeline of the Rings: - SA 1500: The greater sixteen Rings were created under Sauron's guidance (disguised as Annatar) - SA 1590: Celebrimbor completed the Three Rings in secret, without Sauron's involvement - SA 1600: Sauron forged the One Ring alone in Mount Doom, putting great part of his power into it - SA 1693: War of the Elves and Sauron began; Sauron recovered the Nine Rings and gave them to mortal Men - SA 2251: First sighting of the Nazgûl in Middle-earth reported

The Lord of the Rings

Description and Nature: - "Upon it sat a shape, black-mantled, huge and threatening. A crown of steel he bore, but between rim and robe naught was there to see, save only a deadly gleam of eyes." (The Return of the King, The Siege of Gondor) - Aragorn describes them as "neither living nor dead" - Gandalf on Ring corruption: "Yes, sooner or later — later, if he is strong or well-meaning to begin with, but neither strength nor good purpose will last — sooner or later the dark power will devour him" (The Fellowship of the Ring) Glorfindel's Prophecy: - After the Battle of Fornost (TA 1975), when Prince Eärnur wished to pursue the fleeing Witch-king, Glorfindel stopped him: "Do not pursue him! He will not return to this land. Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man will he fall." (The Return of the King, Appendix A) - The Witch-king misremembered this prophecy, adding the word "living" when he confronted Éowyn: "No living man may hinder me!" The Confrontation with Éowyn and Merry: - Merry's role: "No other blade, not though mightier hands had wielded it, would have dealt that foe a wound so bitter, cleaving the undead flesh, breaking the spell that knit his unseen sinews to his will." (The Return of the King) - The blade was a Barrow-blade from the tombs of Cardolan, forged specifically to combat Angmar's forces in TA 1409 - "After Merry's blow the blade of the sword writhed and withered, vanishing like a dry branch in a fire." - Éowyn struck the Nazgûl with a killing thrust "between crown and mantle," and as her sword shattered, his withering form collapsed and he vanished with a final cry of anguish The Morgul-blade Wound at Weathertop: - October 6, TA 3018: The Witch-king stabbed Frodo with a Morgul-knife during skirmish on Weathertop - The purpose: blade breaks off leaving shard in victim's body, working toward the heart to transform victim into a wraith - Frodo struck the Witch-king's foot during the attack - October 24, TA 3018: Elrond removed the shard and healed the wound - Long-term effects: Each year on the anniversary, Frodo became seriously ill; only departure to Valinor offered permanent cure Théoden's Death: - The Witch-king killed King Théoden's horse Snowmane with a dart during Battle of Pelennor Fields - The falling horse crushed Théoden, mortally wounding him - As the Witch-king was about to finish the stricken king, Éowyn (disguised as Dernhelm) arrived and confronted him

The Hobbit

Sauron as the Necromancer: - During events of The Hobbit, Sauron occupied Dol Guldur disguised as "the Necromancer" - TA 2941: White Council expelled Sauron from Dol Guldur after Gandalf confirmed his identity - Sauron simply withdrew to Mordor and openly declared himself in TA 2951

Unfinished Tales

The Witch-king's Unique Powers: - "All except the Witch-king were apt to stray when alone by daylight; and all, again save the Witch-king, feared water, and were unwilling, except in dire need, to enter it or to cross streams unless dryshod by a bridge." - "At the Ford of Bruinen only the Witch-king and two others, with the lure of the Ring straight before them, had dared enter the river; the others were driven into it by Glorfindel and Aragorn." - "Now few could understand even one of these fell creatures, and (as Sauron deemed) none could withstand them when gathered together under their terrible captain, the Lord of Morgul." - "They were by far the most powerful of his servants, and the most suitable for such a mission, since they were entirely enslaved to their Nine Rings, which he now himself held; they were quite incapable of acting against his will, and if one of them, even the Witch-king their captain, had seized the One Ring, he would have brought it back to his Master." Quotes on the Witch-king's Power: - "Then the Black Captain rose in his stirrups and cried aloud in a dreadful voice, speaking in some forgotten tongue words of power and terror to rend both heart and stone." - From "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn": "I kill where I wish and none dare resist. I laid low the warriors of old and their like is not in the world today." Númenórean Heritage Evidence: - In notes for translators, Tolkien suggested the Witch-king of Angmar was "most likely of Númenórean origin" - Tolkien wrote: "the name and origin of the Witch-king is not recorded, but he was probably of Númenórean descent"

The History of Middle-earth

Name Variations: - In early drafts, the Witch-king was labeled as "Wizard-king" or "Sorcerer-king" before Tolkien settled on "Witch-king" - The moniker "Witch-king" is actually only used once in Tolkien's entire published works—in the appendix Draft Variations: - In a draft of "The Siege of Gondor," Tolkien made the Wizard King "a renegade of [Gandalf's] own order" from Númenor, though he later changed this conception Volume 12 Reference: - Contains passage: "Aragorn, son of Arathorn…claimed the crown of Gondor and of Arnor, after the defeat of Sauron, the destruction of Mordor, and the dissolution of the Ringwraiths."

Letters

Notes for Translators: - Tolkien suggested the Witch-king was of Númenórean origin in his manuscript notes for translators - Context clues point to him being one of the three noble lords of Númenor who received Rings of Power and were subsequently corrupted - In one letter, Tolkien wrote that "the Witch-king of Angmar, the greatest of the Ringwraiths, was probably of Númenórean descent"

Key Facts & Timeline

Second Age: The Forging and Corruption

- SA 1500: The Nine Rings created by Celebrimbor under guidance of Sauron (disguised as Annatar) - SA 1590: Celebrimbor completed the Three Rings in secret - SA 1600: Sauron forged the One Ring in Mount Doom; Elves immediately became aware and removed their Three Rings - SA 1693: War of the Elves and Sauron began; Sauron recovered the Nine Rings and gave them to "mighty lords and rulers of Men"—kings, sorcerers, and warriors. Three were "great lords of Númenórean race" - SA 2251: First sighting of the Nazgûl in Middle-earth—all Nine had completed their transformation into wraiths

Third Age: The Kingdom of Angmar

- TA 1050: Sauron occupied Dol Guldur, taking the guise of "the Necromancer" - TA 1300: The Witch-king established the kingdom of Angmar in the north with capital at Carn Dûm, beginning his campaign against the Dúnedain of Arnor (already divided into three states: Arthedain, Cardolan, and Rhudaur) - TA 1356: Witch-king began assault against northern Dúnedain in alliance with Hill-men King of Rhudaur; King Argeleb I of Arthedain was killed - TA 1409: Great host from Angmar sent forth; Cardolan overrun and ravaged. Last prince of Cardolan fell in battle (buried with Barrow-blades made specifically to fight Angmar) - TA 1636: Last surviving Dúnedain of Cardolan died in the Great Plague - After TA 1636: Witch-king sent evil wights to Barrow-downs to prevent rebirth of Cardolan—barrow-wights inhabited the ancient tombs, possessing the remains of buried Men - TA 1974: Angmar invaded Arthedain from the north; Witch-king overran Arthedain and conquered Fornost - TA 1975: Battle of Fornost—alliance of Elves (from Lindon and Rivendell), Gondorian forces led by Prince Eärnur, Rangers, and Hobbit archers defeated Angmar. Glorfindel blocked Witch-king's escape and made his prophecy. The Witch-king fled; Angmar's power in the north shattered - TA 1980: Nazgûl rallied back around their chief, re-entering Mordor to rebuild Sauron's power - TA 2000-2002: Nazgûl besieged and captured Minas Ithil after two-year siege, claiming its palantír - After TA 2002: Minas Ithil renamed Minas Morgul ("Tower of Dark Sorcery"); Witch-king became Lord of Morgul

The Challenge of Eärnur

- TA 2043: Eärnur became King of Gondor; Witch-king immediately challenged him to single combat, but Eärnur refused - TA 2050: Second challenge came, mocking Eärnur's "cowardice" at Battle of Fornost. Despite Steward Mardil's counsel, Eärnur accepted and rode to Minas Morgul with small escort. None were ever seen again - After TA 2050: No new king elected; rule of Gondor passed to Ruling Stewards "until the King returns"

War of the Ring

- TA 2941: White Council expelled Sauron from Dol Guldur - TA 2951: Sauron openly declared himself in Mordor; Khamûl became his lieutenant at Dol Guldur - July-September TA 3018: Hunt for the Ring—Witch-king and eight others pursued Frodo - July 17: Equipped with horses and cloaks - September 22: Night—arrived at Sarn Ford, overpowered Rangers - September 23: Morning—entered the Shire; Khamûl interrogated Hamfast Gamgee at Bag End - October 6: Weathertop—Witch-king stabbed Frodo with Morgul-blade - October 11: Three Riders guarded Last Bridge; driven away by Glorfindel - Pursuit ended at Ford of Bruinen when flood swept away their horses - September 28, TA 3018: Witch-king visited Barrow-downs, stayed three days to rouse Barrow-wights to trap Ring-bearer - March 15, TA 3019: Battle of Pelennor Fields - Witch-king commanded assault on Minas Tirith - Grond shattered the Great Gate; Witch-king entered city - Confronted Gandalf at gate; withdrew when Rohirrim arrived - Mounted fell beast; killed Théoden's horse Snowmane - Confronted Éowyn and Merry - Merry stabbed him from behind with Barrow-blade, breaking the spell - Éowyn thrust sword between crown and mantle - Witch-king vanished with final cry of anguish

Significant Characters

Sauron (The Dark Lord, the Necromancer)

The Witch-king's master and corruptor. Forged the One Ring and gave out the Nine Rings to mortal Men. During Third Age, took form as "the Necromancer" at Dol Guldur. Physically held the Nine Rings, maintaining direct control over the Nazgûl even without wearing the One Ring. Taught the Witch-king necromantic arts: "It is said that Sauron did these things, and taught his followers how to achieve them."

Khamûl (Shadow of the East, the Black Easterling, the Second Chief)

The only other named Nazgûl. Once an Easterling who ruled in Rhûn. Second in power only to the Witch-king. After SA 2951, became Sauron's lieutenant at Dol Guldur. After the Witch-king, had the best ability to perceive the One Ring's presence, but his power was most confused and diminished by daylight. One of six Ringwraiths not of Númenórean descent.

Glorfindel

Elf-lord from Rivendell who led forces at Battle of Fornost. Made the prophecy that the Witch-king would not fall by the hand of man. Drove Nazgûl away from Last Bridge during hunt for Ring. Ancient and powerful—one of the few beings the Witch-king feared.

Éowyn (Dernhelm)

Shieldmaiden of Rohan who disguised herself as man to ride to battle. With Merry's help, fulfilled Glorfindel's prophecy by slaying the Witch-king. Struck killing blow "between crown and mantle." Suffered from Black Breath afterward, healed by Aragorn.

Merry Brandybuck

Hobbit who stabbed Witch-king from behind with Barrow-blade, breaking the spell that held his undead form together. The ancient blade from Cardolan (forged specifically to fight Angmar in TA 1409) was the only weapon that could make the Witch-king vulnerable. Also suffered from Black Breath; healed by Aragorn.

Eärnur

Thirty-third and last King of Gondor. Led Gondorian forces at Battle of Fornost; his horse fled in terror from Witch-king. Accepted Witch-king's challenge in TA 2050 and disappeared, never to be seen again. His vanishing ended the line of Kings until Aragorn.

Frodo Baggins

Ring-bearer stabbed by Witch-king's Morgul-blade at Weathertop. Nearly transformed into wraith before Elrond's healing. Suffered anniversary illness from wound for rest of his life in Middle-earth.

Geographic Locations

Angmar

Kingdom established by Witch-king circa TA 1300 in the far north. Capital at Carn Dûm. Ruled for nearly 700 years. Used as base to systematically destroy the three successor kingdoms of Arnor. Fell after Battle of Fornost in TA 1975, but achieved its goal of eliminating the northern line of Númenóreans.

Carn Dûm

Capital city of Angmar. Stronghold of the Witch-king during his northern campaign. Name suggests a "red valley" or place of slaughter in Sindarin.

Barrow-downs (Tyrn Gorthad)

Ancient burial mounds south of the Shire where princes of Cardolan were buried. After TA 1636, Witch-king sent evil wights to inhabit the barrows, preventing rebirth of Cardolan. Site of Witch-king's necromantic power—dominion over spirits and possession of the dead. Tom Bombadil rescued the hobbits here and gave them the Barrow-blades.

Minas Ithil / Minas Morgul

"Tower of the Moon" captured by Nazgûl after two-year siege (TA 2000-2002). Renamed Minas Morgul ("Tower of Dark Sorcery"). Became the Witch-king's stronghold as "Lord of Morgul." Described as place too dreadful to look upon. Witch-king dwelt here until his death in TA 3019.

Weathertop (Amon Sûl)

Ruined watchtower where Witch-king stabbed Frodo with Morgul-blade on October 6, TA 3018. Strategic location where five of the Nine cornered the Ring-bearer.

Ford of Bruinen

Site where pursuit of Ring-bearer ended. Only Witch-king and two others dared enter the water. Elrond and Gandalf released flood that swept away the Nazgûl's horses.

Dol Guldur

Sauron's fortress in Mirkwood where he dwelt as "the Necromancer" from TA 1050 to 2941. After Sauron's return to Mordor, Khamûl (second of the Nazgûl) became lieutenant here.

Pelennor Fields

Site of Witch-king's final battle and death on March 15, TA 3019. Here he commanded the assault on Minas Tirith, confronted Gandalf, killed Théoden's horse, and fell to Éowyn and Merry.

Themes & Symbolism

The Price of Immortality

The Nine Rings promised extended life, but delivered torment. "They had, as it seemed, unending life, yet life became unendurable to them." The Witch-king gained millennia of existence but lost his humanity, identity, and free will. This represents Tolkien's theme that immortality for mortals is "false"—merely "a deadly and everlasting lengthening of days so that life grew wearisome beyond belief as the consolation of death (the Gift of Men from Ilúvatar) was denied."

Gradual Corruption

The transformation wasn't instantaneous—it took centuries. "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." This reflects Tolkien's understanding that evil corrupts gradually, exploiting pride and desire for power. Even great strength of will only delays, never prevents, the corruption.

Loss of Identity and Substance

The Nazgûl lost their names, their forms, their very substance—becoming invisible "nothingness" beneath black robes. This represents complete loss of self to evil. They went from being kings, lords, and sorcerers with individual identities to mere instruments of Sauron's will, "entirely enslaved" and "quite incapable of acting against his will."

Mastery Over Death vs. Death as Gift

The Witch-king's necromancy—sending wights to inhabit dead bodies—represents perversion of the natural order. Yet he himself exists in corrupted state "neither living nor dead." In Tolkien's cosmology, death is the "Gift of Men," a mercy from Ilúvatar. The Witch-king's undead state is the opposite—a curse, not a blessing.

The Prophecy: Fate vs. Free Will

Glorfindel's prophecy didn't mean the Witch-king couldn't be killed by a man—it meant he wouldn't be. This represents Tolkien's view of prophecy as foresight rather than magical compulsion. The Witch-king's misinterpretation (adding "living") shows his pride and false confidence.

Pride Before the Fall

The Witch-king's confident taunt to Éowyn—"No living man may hinder me!"—immediately precedes his destruction. His certainty in prophecy's protection was hubris. He "laid low the warriors of old" but underestimated a woman and a hobbit.

The Power of Ancient Weapons Against Ancient Evil

Merry's Barrow-blade was forged specifically to fight Angmar 1,600 years earlier. That it proved essential to the Witch-king's defeat suggests Tolkien's theme that preparation and sacrifice by earlier generations can provide crucial aid to later heroes. The Men of Cardolan who forged these blades never saw their ultimate purpose fulfilled.

Scholarly Interpretations & Theories

Theory 1: The Isilmo Hypothesis

Claim: The Witch-king was Isilmo, a Númenórean prince and father of Tar-Minastir. Evidence: - Many Tolkien scholars identify the Witch-king as one of the three Black Númenóreans - Timeline fits: early-mid Second Age when Rings were distributed - Would explain his leadership position and power Weaknesses: No direct textual evidence; purely speculative based on timeline Source: Multiple scholarly discussions on Tolkien forums and wikis

Theory 2: The Umbar Governor Theory

Claim: The Witch-king was the royal governor of Umbar during reigns of Tar-Minastir, Tar-Ciryatan, and Tar-Atanamir. Evidence: - Points to Númenórean prince living in Umbar - Received Ring of Power while there during early-mid eighteenth century SA - Explains connection to Sauron and Black Númenóreans Source: Scholarly analysis based on timeline and Númenórean expansion

Theory 3: The Herumor Theory

Claim: The Witch-king is Herumor, who has a Quenya name meaning "dark-lord." Evidence: - Name is suggestive: "dark-lord" in Quenya - Known to be associated with Sauron Weaknesses: Chronological problems—dates don't align correctly with Nazgûl timeline Source: Tolkien Forum discussions

Theory 4: The "Renegade Wizard" Discarded Version

Finding: In early draft of "The Siege of Gondor," Tolkien made the Wizard King "a renegade of [Gandalf's] own order" from Númenor. Significance: Shows Tolkien considered making Witch-king even more powerful—a corrupted Istari. He ultimately rejected this, making him "merely" a corrupted mortal king, which actually makes the character more tragic. Source: History of Middle-earth drafts

Scholarly Debates: The Three Key Questions

Debate 1: Was He Númenórean?

Evidence FOR Númenórean Heritage: - Tolkien explicitly stated "three were great lords of Númenórean race" among the Nine (The Silmarillion) - Witch-king as leader "most probably" one of these three - Tolkien's notes for translators: "probably of Númenórean descent" - His power, longevity as king before corruption, and leadership suggest noble lineage - His establishment of Angmar as organized kingdom shows sophisticated rulership - Timeline fits: Rings given to Men in SA 1693; three Númenórean lords would be natural recipients Evidence AGAINST or UNCERTAIN: - Tolkien deliberately never confirmed his identity - Could have been powerful Easterling or other Man of high status - Khamûl (an Easterling) was second-in-command, showing non-Númenóreans could reach high rank - Sauron gave Rings to various peoples: "three Númenóreans and one Easterling king" mentioned, plus others Scholarly Consensus: Strong evidence supports Númenórean origin, but Tolkien intentionally left it ambiguous. The mystery enhances the character's menace—he is so far removed from humanity that even his name and origin are lost.

Debate 2: The Nature of His Necromancy—What Does "Necromancy" Mean in Tolkien's World?

Classical Definition: Communication with or raising of the dead; dominion over spirits of deceased In Tolkien's Legendarium: - Sauron's Title: Called "the Necromancer" at Dol Guldur—but this referred to his "evil powers in general" rather than specifically raising dead - The Barrow-wights: The Witch-king's clearest necromantic act—sending evil spirits to inhabit bodies/remains in barrows after TA 1636. These were NOT the spirits of those buried there; they were external evil spirits sent to possess the remains - Dominion Over Spirits: "Possession and the domination of spirits were sorcerous arts that had clearly been passed on to the Witch-king by his master, the Necromancer: 'It is said that Sauron did these things, and taught his followers how to achieve them.'" What the Witch-king Did NOT Do: - No evidence he raised corpses as physical zombies - Did not command armies of reanimated dead - Did not communicate with deceased for divination What the Witch-king DID Do: - Sent evil wights to inhabit barrows (dominion over evil spirits) - Used them strategically to prevent Cardolan's restoration - Made barrows active threats for over 1,300 years - Maintained control from distance—wights responded to his summons (visited Barrow-downs in September TA 3018 for three days to empower them) Nature of Undead in Tolkien: - Wraiths: Living beings with faded bodies (like Nazgûl); "neither living nor dead" - Wights: Evil spirits possessing dead bodies or remains - Ghosts: Lingering spirits without physical form Scholarly Consensus: Tolkien's "necromancy" is about spiritual dominion and corruption rather than physical resurrection. The Witch-king's power was commanding evil spirits to possess remains, creating fear and desolation, not raising armies of dead. This fits Tolkien's Catholic worldview where spirits persist but resurrection is divine prerogative.

Debate 3: "No Living Man" Prophecy—Enchantment, Fate, or Misunderstanding?

Three Interpretations: Interpretation 1: Pure Foresight (Most Supported) - Glorfindel's prophecy was foresight of what would happen, not magical protection - Glorfindel could see consequences of actions with clarity beyond mortal sight - Prophecies in Tolkien are not Nostradamus-style fortune-telling or fairy tale curses - "Tolkien was more of a 'fate' guy—prophecies lay out consequences foreseen by those who can see the effects of a given action more clearly" - Glorfindel didn't say no man CAN kill him, just that no man WILL Interpretation 2: Enchantment/Protection (Less Supported) - Some interpret it as magical protection making him invulnerable to men - Merry's Barrow-blade described as breaking "the spell that knit his unseen sinews to his will" - Could suggest enchantment protection specifically against men, broken by non-men Arguments Against Enchantment Theory: - Prophecy says "not by the hand of man will he fall"—describes who, not whether - If magically protected, why would ancient Barrow-blade matter? - Tolkien's other prophecies are foresight, not compulsion Interpretation 3: The Witch-king's Misunderstanding (Key Detail) - The Witch-king was AWARE of the prophecy - He misquoted it: "No LIVING man may hinder me!" (added "living") - Original prophecy: "not by the hand of man will he fall" (no mention of "living") - This shows his pride and misinterpretation The Mechanism of His Death: - Required TWO conditions: 1. Merry's Barrow-blade: Broke "the spell that knit his unseen sinews to his will"—this was his wraith-form binding, not protection from men 2. Éowyn's strike: Delivered killing blow once binding was broken - The blade's power came from being forged specifically to fight Angmar in TA 1409 - Ancient enchantment on blade countered ancient sorcery holding Witch-king together Could a Man Have Killed Him? - Glorfindel said "will not," not "cannot" - With the right weapon (Barrow-blade) and sufficient power, potentially yes - But fate/providence arranged otherwise - The prophecy described what would happen, not what was impossible Scholarly Consensus: The prophecy was foresight, not enchantment. The Witch-king's death required the specific ancient Barrow-blade to break his wraith-binding (the spell holding his form together), which could have been wielded by anyone. That the fulfillment came via woman and hobbit was providence/fate, not magical necessity. The Witch-king's adding "living" to the prophecy shows his hubris and misunderstanding.

Contradictions & Different Versions

The Gandalf-Witch-king Confrontation

Book Version (Tolkien): When Witch-king rode through Great Gate of Minas Tirith, Gandalf confronted him. Before conflict could resolve, Rohirrim arrived and Witch-king withdrew to command troops. Depicted as standoff between near-equals. Film Version (Peter Jackson): Witch-king breaks Gandalf's staff; Gandalf appears defeated. This "especially annoyed fans as it portrays Gandalf as weak and inferior, whereas in the book, Gandalf presents himself to the Witch King as he strode through the gates of Minas Tirith alone" with neither backing down. Significance: Film significantly altered power dynamic; book leaves question of who would win unresolved.

Early Name Variations

- Early drafts called him "Wizard-king" or "Sorcerer-king" - Tolkien settled on "Witch-king" in final version - Actual usage of term "Witch-king" appears only once in published text (Appendix)

The Discarded "Renegade Wizard" Concept

- Draft version made him "a renegade of [Gandalf's] own order" from Númenor - Would have made him corrupted Istari (Wizard) - Tolkien changed this, making him "merely" corrupted mortal king - Final version is actually more tragic—shows even greatest men fall to Ring's power

Term "Dwimmerlaik"

- Éowyn calls him "dwimmerlaik" in Rohanese - Means "spectre" or "work of necromancy" - Different translations/interpretations of this term exist

Cultural & Linguistic Context

Names and Titles

"Witch-king": - Used only once in actual published text - "Witch" in this context means sorcerer/wizard (gender-neutral Old English usage) - Not related to modern feminine connotation of "witch" "Dwimmerlaik" (Rohanese): - Means "spectre" or "work of necromancy" - From Old English roots - Used by Éowyn during confrontation "Lord of the Nazgûl": - Primary title - Nazgûl = "Ringwraiths" in Black Speech - Emphasizes his leadership of the Nine "Lord of Morgul": - Title after capturing Minas Ithil - Morgul = "Dark Sorcery" or "Black Magic" in Sindarin "Black Captain": - Military title emphasizing his role as Sauron's chief commander

The Nine Rings and Their Holders

Distribution: "three Númenóreans, and one Easterling king" explicitly mentioned; others unspecified Black Speech Connection: Nazgûl is Black Speech term—language Sauron created Cultural Impact: The Nine became so identified with their Rings that their original names were lost—complete erasure of identity

Northern Inspiration

Tolkien's Lecture on Beowulf: Described barrow-wights as "that terrible northern imagination"—"The 'undead'. Those dreadful creatures that inhabit tombs and mounds." Norse/Germanic Roots: Concept of draugr (undead) from Norse mythology influenced Tolkien's wights and wraiths Angmar: Name suggests northern/cold realm; "Ang-" prefix related to iron/steel in Sindarin

Questions & Mysteries

What Was His Original Name?

What We Know: Deliberately left unnamed by Tolkien; identity lost to history What We Don't Know: Was he truly one of the three Númenórean lords? If so, which one? Isilmo? Herumor? Someone else entirely? Why It Matters: The namelessness emphasizes loss of identity—he's become pure instrument of evil, no longer individual

What Did He Look Like Before Corruption?

What We Know: Likely tall, lordly, commanding if Númenórean; possibly great warrior and sorcerer What We Don't Know: Physical appearance, age when received Ring, how long he ruled before fading Poignant Question: Did anyone remember him? Did he have family, friends who mourned his transformation?

What Happened to Eärnur?

What We Know: Rode to Minas Morgul in TA 2050; never seen again What We Don't Know: Was he killed immediately? Tortured? Did Witch-king attempt to transform him into servant? Is there a reason Witch-king specifically wanted him? Why It Matters: His disappearance ended royal line for 1,000 years until Aragorn

How Did He Achieve Such Power Over Other Nazgûl?

What We Know: He was stronger, less affected by daylight, less fearful of water; could use power even when others couldn't What We Don't Know: Was this due to strength of will before corruption? Nature of his specific Ring? Sauron's favor?

What Was His Role During Second Age?

What We Know: Nazgûl appeared by SA 2251; served Sauron through War of Last Alliance What We Don't Know: Where was he during Númenor's fall? Did he participate in battles of Second Age? What was his relationship with other Nazgûl during this period?

Did He Ever Regret His Choice?

Poignant Question: In moments between commands, in the endless centuries of undeath, did any spark of his former self remain to recognize what he'd lost? What We Know: Tolkien describes life becoming "unendurable"—suggests suffering What We Don't Know: Was any consciousness left to suffer, or was he completely subsumed by Sauron's will?

What Were His Sorcerous Powers?

What We Know: Necromancy (sending wights), words of power and terror, Morgul-blade enchantment, Black Breath What We Don't Know: Full extent of his sorcery; what other dark arts he mastered; how much was Sauron's power through him vs. his own learned skill

Compelling Quotes for Narration

1. "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." - The Silmarillion

2. "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 Silmarillion

3. "Upon it sat a shape, black-mantled, huge and threatening. A crown of steel he bore, but between rim and robe naught was there to see, save only a deadly gleam of eyes." - The Return of the King

4. "Do not pursue him! He will not return to this land. Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man will he fall." - Glorfindel's Prophecy, The Return of the King

5. "I kill where I wish and none dare resist. I laid low the warriors of old and their like is not in the world today." - Unfinished Tales

6. "No other blade, not though mightier hands had wielded it, would have dealt that foe a wound so bitter, cleaving the undead flesh, breaking the spell that knit his unseen sinews to his will." - The Return of the King

7. "They were by far the most powerful of his servants, and the most suitable for such a mission, since they were entirely enslaved to their Nine Rings, which he now himself held; they were quite incapable of acting against his will." - Unfinished Tales

8. "Then the Black Captain rose in his stirrups and cried aloud in a dreadful voice, speaking in some forgotten tongue words of power and terror to rend both heart and stone." - Unfinished Tales

9. "Sooner or later — later, if he is strong or well-meaning to begin with, but neither strength nor good purpose will last — sooner or later the dark power will devour him." - Gandalf on Ring corruption, The Fellowship of the Ring

10. "Neither living nor dead." - Aragorn describing the Nazgûl

Visual Elements to Highlight

1. The Moment of Acceptance: A proud king, perhaps Númenórean, accepting a golden Ring from a beautiful figure (Sauron as Annatar)—still appearing benevolent, the trap not yet sprung

2. The Gradual Fading: Progressive images showing the king's transformation—first wealthy and powerful, then beginning to fade, hands becoming translucent, eyes hollowing, until only shadow remains beneath robes

3. The Crown Above Emptiness: The iconic image—steel crown floating above black robes, with only deadly gleam of eyes where head should be

4. Carn Dûm in Winter: The dark fortress-city of Angmar, capital of the Witch-king's realm, bleak and foreboding against northern mountains

5. The Barrow-downs at Night: Ancient burial mounds with cold green lights, wights stirring at the Witch-king's command—necromancy in action

6. Battle of Fornost: The Witch-king's forces shattered, Glorfindel on horseback blocking his escape, the prophecy being spoken

7. Minas Morgul in Moonlight: The Tower of Sorcery with its corpse-light, pale and dreadful, Witch-king's stronghold for thousand years

8. The Hunt for the Ring: Black Riders on horses, cloaked and hooded, searching through the Shire—menace and dread

9. Weathertop at Night: Five Nazgûl surrounding Frodo, the Witch-king raising Morgul-blade to strike, fire blazing on hilltop

10. The Confrontation at Minas Tirith's Gate: Witch-king on fell beast facing Gandalf on Shadowfax, both power and terror incarnate

11. The Fell Beast: Winged creature with hide-like wings between horned fingers, naked of feathers, massive and terrible

12. Death of Théoden: Snowmane falling, crushing king, Witch-king looming above to finish him, Éowyn arriving as Dernhelm

13. Merry's Desperate Strike: Small hobbit behind towering wraith, ancient Barrow-blade piercing behind knee, blade beginning to wither

14. Éowyn's Triumph: Shieldmaiden thrusting sword between crown and mantle, Witch-king's form collapsing, crown falling empty, cry of anguish echoing

15. The Final Dissolution: Black robes crumpling to nothing, crown rolling on ground, the spell broken, the wraith unmade

Sources Consulted

Primary Tolkien Sources

- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion (particularly "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age") - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King, and Appendices) - J.R.R. Tolkien, Unfinished Tales (edited by Christopher Tolkien) - J.R.R. Tolkien, The History of Middle-earth series (edited by Christopher Tolkien) - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien

Online Resources - Tolkien Gateway

- https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Witch-king - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Nazgûl - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Nine_Rings - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Angmar - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Battle_of_Fornost - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Minas_Morgul - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Barrow-wights - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Fell_beasts - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Daggers_of_Westernesse - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Khamûl - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Black_Númenóreans - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Wraiths - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Wights

Online Resources - The One Wiki to Rule Them All (Fandom)

- https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Witch-king_of_Angmar - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Nazgûl - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Battle_of_Fornost - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Minas_Morgul - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Barrow-blades - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Khamûl - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Black_Númenóreans

Online Resources - Wikipedia

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch-king_of_Angmar - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazgûl - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Power - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_and_immortality_in_Middle-earth - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_History_of_Middle-earth

Scholarly Articles and Blog Posts

- "Identity and Origins of the Nazgûl – A Tolkienist's Perspective" - https://atolkienistperspective.wordpress.com/2014/02/20/identity-and-origins-of-the-nazgul/ - "Of the Morgul Lord, the Witch-king of Angmar" - Romanian Tolkien Society - https://tolkien.ro/of-the-morgul-lord-the-witch-king-of-angmar/ - "The Nazgûl" - Tolkien Essays - https://tolkienessays.com/nazgul.html - "On Wights and Wraiths" by Alexander Macris - https://arbiterofworlds.substack.com/p/on-wights-and-wraiths - "Courage at the Crossroad: Death and Immortality in The Lord of the Rings" - An Unexpected Journal - https://anunexpectedjournal.com/courage-at-the-crossroad-death-and-immortality-in-the-lord-of-the-rings/

Fan Communities and Forums

- The Tolkien Forum discussions on Witch-king identity - Stack Exchange (Science Fiction & Fantasy) discussions on Nazgûl, prophecies, and Tolkien lore - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum archives on Gandalf vs. Witch-king - Ask Middle Earth (Tumblr) posts on various Witch-king topics

Reference Sites

- The Encyclopedia of Arda - Henneth Annûn (character bios and events database) - Thain's Book (comprehensive Middle-earth reference)

News and Analysis Sites

- CBR (Comic Book Resources) - LOTR analysis articles - Screen Rant - Tolkien lore explanations - GameRant - LOTR character analyses - Collider - Rings of Power and Nazgûl discussions

Additional Notes

The Tragedy of the Witch-king

What makes the Witch-king truly tragic is not just his fall, but the completeness of his erasure. He was once someone—a king, perhaps of proud Númenórean lineage, with a name his subjects spoke, with deeds remembered, with choices that defined him. The Ring offered him everything mortals desire: extended life, power, wealth, glory. And he took it, as "sooner or later" all mortals who bear such Rings must.

But the price was worse than death. Death, in Tolkien's view, is the Gift of Men—a mercy, a passage to whatever lies beyond. The Witch-king lost that gift. He became trapped in "false immortality," life that grew "unendurable," stretched beyond bearing. He lost his physical form, fading into invisibility. He lost his identity—even his name forgotten. He lost his will, becoming "entirely enslaved" to Sauron, "quite incapable of acting against his will."

What remained? A crown above emptiness. A deadly gleam of eyes where a face should be. Robes that contained nothing. He became exactly what Sauron wanted: a pure instrument of terror and domination, with no remnant of the man who once accepted that Ring.

The Irony of His Reign

The Witch-king achieved more than most kings ever do. He ruled for nearly 700 years, destroyed three kingdoms, sent his enemies into hiding for a millennium. He conquered Minas Ithil and made it his own. He claimed a king of Gondor as victim. His mere presence on a battlefield caused horses to flee and warriors to quail.

But what did HE gain from these victories? Nothing. They were Sauron's victories, achieved through a puppet that once was a king. Every triumph was hollow because the achiever no longer existed as individual entity. He'd traded genuine life and achievement for this parody—eternal, powerful, successful, empty.

The Three Scholarly Debates: Significance

The three debates this episode focuses on are more than academic curiosities:

1. His Númenórean identity matters because it connects him to the greatest civilization of Men, showing even the mightiest can fall 2. The nature of his necromancy reveals what "power over death" actually means—not conquest of death, but corruption of natural order 3. The prophecy question explores whether his doom was fate, protection, or providence—and how pride led him to misunderstand

These aren't just trivia—they're windows into Tolkien's deeper themes about power, corruption, and the nature of evil.

Connection to Sauron's Own Fall

The Witch-king mirrors Sauron's trajectory. Sauron was once Mairon ("the Admirable"), a Maia of Aulë, before corruption by Morgoth. Like the Witch-king, Sauron progressively lost his ability to take fair form, eventually becoming mere Eye of flame—physical form destroyed by his own evil. Master and servant followed same path: from fair to foul, from individual to instrument, from being to thing.

The Weapon That Waited 1,600 Years

Perhaps the most poignant detail: the Barrow-blade that killed him was forged in TA 1409 specifically to fight him. The Men of Cardolan who made those blades died fighting Angmar. They were buried with their weapons. The Witch-king sent wights to desecrate their graves. But one of those blades, preserved in that very barrow for 1,600 years, ultimately accomplished its purpose. The fallen defenders of Cardolan struck the final blow through Merry's hand. Their sacrifice and preparation reached across sixteen centuries to ensure their enemy's doom.

This is quintessential Tolkien: nothing is wasted, every act of resistance matters, and evil's attempts to desecrate good only preserve the instruments of its own destruction.

The Last Nazgûl

The Witch-king was the first to fall. As leader, he should have been last—most powerful, most protected. But pride preceded his fall. His misunderstanding of the prophecy, his certainty that "no living man" could hinder him, his dismissal of a woman and a hobbit—these were mortal flaws that persisted even in undeath. Some fragment of the proud king remained: enough to be arrogant, enough to be wrong, enough to die.

When he fell, the other eight Nazgûl remained—but leaderless, they would soon follow him into destruction. The chief's fall presaged the dissolution of all Nine. Their existence was so intertwined with Sauron's power that when the One Ring was destroyed, they dissolved entirely, as if they'd never been. Millennia of undeath, erased in an instant. Perhaps that final dissolution was mercy—the Gift of Death, so long denied, finally granted.

Sources Consulted: The Witch-king of Angmar Research

Primary Canonical Sources

Published Works by J.R.R. Tolkien

1. The Silmarillion (1977, edited by Christopher Tolkien) - "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age" - Information on the Nine Rings' creation and corruption of their bearers - Timeline of Second Age events

2. The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring: Hunt for the Ring, Weathertop encounter, Ford of Bruinen - The Two Towers: References to Nazgûl and their movements - The Return of the King: Battle of Pelennor Fields, death of Witch-king, confrontation with Gandalf - Appendices: Timeline of Angmar, genealogies, chronology of Third Age

3. Unfinished Tales (edited by Christopher Tolkien) - "The Hunt for the Ring" - detailed account of Nazgûl pursuit of Frodo - Notes on Witch-king's unique powers among the Nine - Information about his fearlessness compared to other Nazgûl

4. The History of Middle-earth (12-volume series, edited by Christopher Tolkien) - Drafts showing evolution of Witch-king character - Discarded "renegade wizard" concept - Name variations (Wizard-king, Sorcerer-king)

5. The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien (edited by Humphrey Carpenter) - Notes for translators mentioning probable Númenórean origin - Tolkien's explanations of his intentions

6. Tolkien's Lecture on Beowulf - Definition of barrow-wights as "that terrible northern imagination" - Discussion of "the undead" in northern European tradition

Secondary Sources - Tolkien Wikis and Databases

Tolkien Gateway (tolkiengateway.net)

Comprehensive, well-sourced Tolkien encyclopedia with citations to original texts

7. Witch-king article - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Witch-king 8. Nazgûl overview - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Nazgûl 9. Nine Rings information - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Nine_Rings 10. Angmar kingdom history - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Angmar 11. Battle of Fornost - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Battle_of_Fornost 12. Minas Morgul - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Minas_Morgul 13. Barrow-wights - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Barrow-wights 14. Fell beasts - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Fell_beasts 15. Daggers of Westernesse - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Daggers_of_Westernesse 16. Khamûl - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Khamûl 17. Black Númenóreans - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Black_Númenóreans 18. Wraiths - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Wraiths 19. Wights - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Wights 20. Éowyn - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Éowyn 21. Eärnur - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Eärnur 22. Rings of Power - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Rings_of_Power 23. Celebrimbor - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Celebrimbor 24. One Ring - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/The_One_Ring 25. Sauron - https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Sauron

The One Wiki to Rule Them All (lotr.fandom.com)

Extensive fan wiki with detailed articles

26. Witch-king of Angmar - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Witch-king_of_Angmar 27. Nazgûl - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Nazgûl 28. Battle of Fornost - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Battle_of_Fornost 29. Battle of the Pelennor Fields - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Battle_of_the_Pelennor_Fields 30. Minas Morgul - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Minas_Morgul 31. Angmar - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Angmar 32. Barrow-blades - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Barrow-blades 33. Morgul-knife - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Morgul-knife 34. Khamûl - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Khamûl 35. Black Númenóreans - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Black_Númenóreans 36. Rings of Power - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Rings_of_Power 37. Dol Guldur - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Dol_Guldur 38. Eärnur - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Eärnur 39. Fell beasts - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Witch-king's_winged_steed 40. Undead - https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Undead

Wikipedia

General reference with citations to primary sources

41. Witch-king of Angmar - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch-king_of_Angmar 42. Nazgûl - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazgûl 43. Rings of Power - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Power 44. Death and immortality in Middle-earth - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_and_immortality_in_Middle-earth 45. The History of Middle-earth - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_History_of_Middle-earth 46. Éowyn - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Éowyn 47. Battle of the Pelennor Fields - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Pelennor_Fields 48. One Ring - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Ring 49. Celebrimbor - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celebrimbor 50. Sauron - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauron 51. Barrow-wight - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrow-wight

Scholarly Articles and Analysis

Academic and Semi-Academic Sources

52. "Identity and Origins of the Nazgûl – A Tolkienist's Perspective" - https://atolkienistperspective.wordpress.com/2014/02/20/identity-and-origins-of-the-nazgul/ - Analysis of evidence for Nazgûl origins and identities - Discussion of Númenórean heritage theories

53. "Of the Morgul Lord, the Witch-king of Angmar" - Romanian Tolkien Society (Societatea Tolkien din România) - https://tolkien.ro/of-the-morgul-lord-the-witch-king-of-angmar/ - Comprehensive analysis of character and sources

54. "The Nazgûl" - Tolkien Essays - https://tolkienessays.com/nazgul.html - Detailed examination of Nazgûl nature and powers

55. "On Wights and Wraiths" by Alexander Macris - https://arbiterofworlds.substack.com/p/on-wights-and-wraiths - Analysis of undead types in Tolkien's work

56. "Courage at the Crossroad: Death and Immortality in The Lord of the Rings" - An Unexpected Journal - https://anunexpectedjournal.com/courage-at-the-crossroad-death-and-immortality-in-the-lord-of-the-rings/ - Thematic analysis of death, immortality, and the Nazgûl's curse

Reference Databases and Resources

57. The Encyclopedia of Arda (www.glyphweb.com/arda/) - Battle of Fornost entry - Khamûl entry - Various character and place entries

58. Henneth Annûn (www.henneth-annun.net) - Character biographies database - Events timeline - Things/artifacts database - Merry's sword entry

59. Thain's Book (thainsbook.minastirith.cz) - Witch-king comprehensive article - Nazgûl overview - Middle-earth reference materials

60. Middle-Earth Encyclopedia (middle-earthencyclopedia.weebly.com) - Khamûl entry - Various character references

Online Forums and Community Discussions

The Tolkien Forum (thetolkien.forum)

61. "The identity of the Witch-King of Angmar..." discussion thread - https://thetolkien.forum/threads/the-identity-of-the-witch-king-of-angmar.14564/ - Community debate on possible identities

62. "Ringwraiths" discussion - https://thetolkien.forum/threads/ringwraiths.16326/ - Analysis of Ringwraith powers and nature

63. "Presence of Barrow-Wights in Middle Earth" discussion - https://thetolkien.forum/threads/presence-of-barrow-wights-in-middle-earth.23610/ - Discussion of wights and necromancy

64. "Eärnur and the Witch-King" discussion - https://thetolkien.forum/threads/eaernur-and-the-witch-king.14794/ - Analysis of their relationship and Eärnur's fate

65. "who is the witch king" discussion - https://thetolkien.forum/threads/who-is-the-witch-king.8827/ - Identity theories and evidence

The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum (forum.barrowdowns.com)

66. "Gandalf Vs. The Witch King" discussion (archived) - http://forum.barrowdowns.com/archive/index.php/t-11508.html - Analysis of power levels and confrontation

67. "No Living Man" discussion (archived) - http://forum.barrowdowns.com/archive/index.php/t-11746.html - Debate on prophecy interpretation

68. "Nazgûl clothes: visible and invisible" discussion (archived) - http://forum.barrowdowns.com/archive/index.php/t-15176.html - Discussion of wraith appearance

Stack Exchange - Science Fiction & Fantasy

69. "In the Lord of the Rings, was the Witch-king aware of the prophecy about his death?" - https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/59204/

70. "What if a MAN actually stabbed the Witch-king instead of Éowyn?" - https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/127206/

71. "How did Éowyn slay the Witch-king of Angmar if he wasn't alive?" - https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/11124/

72. "Why is the Witch King of the Nazgûl able to be killed by a woman?" - https://movies.stackexchange.com/questions/11700/

73. "Could the Witch-king be killed without a Barrow-blade?" - https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/269070/

74. "Is it Éowyn or Merry who kills the Lord of the Nazgûl (or both)?" - https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/22576/

75. "Why didn't the Witch-king of Angmar conquer The Shire?" - https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/234540/

76. "How did the Witch-king take and hold Minas Ithil so easily?" - https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/266955/

77. "Why is Sauron called 'the Necromancer'?" - https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/47756/

78. "What Is the Difference Between a Wraith, a Wight, and a Ghost?" - https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/11865/

79. "Are Ringwraiths the only Wraiths in Middle-earth?" - https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/11948/

80. "How did Sauron remain in control of the Nazgûl?" - https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/12496/

81. "How did Sauron continue to hold the Nine after he was defeated in the Second Age?" - https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/159634/

82. "Would a dwarf become a wraith if stabbed by the Witch King's blade?" - https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/97266/

83. "Who was buried at the High Fells of Rhudaur?" - https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/280672/

84. "What is the creature that the Nazgûl ride called?" - https://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/152938/

Tumblr - Ask Middle Earth and Other Blogs

85. "The Witch King and Dol Guldur" - https://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com/post/42020592787/the-witch-king-and-dol-guldur

86. "Eowyn and the Witch King" - https://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com/post/105774191861/eowyn-and-the-witch-king

87. "The Rise of Minas Morgul" - https://www.tumblr.com/askmiddlearth/42376287621/the-rise-of-minas-morgul

88. "Today in Tolkien - October 6th" (Weathertop stabbing) - https://warrioreowynofrohan.tumblr.com/post/664291167985418240/

89. "Eärnur, the thirty-third King of Gondor" - https://fyeahtheraceofmen.tumblr.com/post/80558005812/

Popular Media Analysis

CBR (Comic Book Resources)

97. "The Nazgûl Before The Lord of the Rings, Explained" - https://www.cbr.com/lord-of-the-rings-nazgul-explained/

98. "The Lord of the Rings: Did the Other Rings of Power Corrupt Their Wearers?" - https://www.cbr.com/lotr-how-rings-of-power-corrupt-their-wearers-explained/

99. "What Do The Lord of the Rings' Nazgul Really Look Like?" - https://www.cbr.com/lord-of-the-rings-nazgul-appearance-explained/

100. "Lord of the Rings: Éowyn's Epic Witch-king Kill Involved a Magic Sword" - https://www.cbr.com/eowyn-killed-witch-king-magic-sword-lord-of-the-rings/

101. "The Lord of the Rings' Morgul Blades, Explained" - https://www.cbr.com/lotr-morgul-blades-explained/

102. "Why Sauron Was Called 'The Necromancer' Before The Lord of the Rings" - https://www.cbr.com/why-sauron-called-the-necromancer-lord-of-the-rings/

Screen Rant

103. "Lord Of The Rings: 20 Strangest Details About Witch-King's Anatomy" - https://screenrant.com/lord-rings-witch-king-anatomy-trivia-details/

104. "Lord of the Rings: Why Éowyn Was Able To Kill The Witch-king" - https://screenrant.com/lord-rings-eowyn-witch-king-kill-reason-merry/

105. "10 Things Lord Of The Rings Reveals About The Mysterious Witch-King" - https://screenrant.com/lord-of-the-rings-witch-king-reveals/

106. "There's Convincing Evidence Halbrand Could Be The Witch-king Of Angmar" (Rings of Power theory) - https://screenrant.com/halbrand-witch-king-angmar-nazgul-rings-power-theory/

107. "How Sauron Made The One Ring In The Lord Of The Rings & What It's Made Of" - https://screenrant.com/lotr-how-sauron-made-one-ring-what-its-made-of-explainer/

GameRant

108. "LOTR: Who Was the Witch-King Before He Became A Nazgûl?" - https://gamerant.com/lotr-witch-king-before-nazgul/

109. "LOTR: Why Merry's Sword Is The Missing Key To Destroying The Witch King" - https://gamerant.com/lotr-merry-sword-missing-key-destroying-witch-king/

110. "LOTR: The Battle of Fornost, Explained" - https://gamerant.com/lotr-the-battle-of-fornost-explained/

Collider

111. "'The Rings of Power': Who Will Become a Nazgûl?" - https://collider.com/the-rings-of-power-who-will-become-a-nazgul/

112. "Wait — How Is Sauron Able To Control the Nazgûl Without the One Ring in Lord of the Rings?" - https://collider.com/how-does-sauron-control-nazgul-lotr/

Other Popular Media

113. "The Witch King: A Comprehensive Guide to Middle-earth's Most Feared Nazgûl" - Novel Highlights - https://novelhighlights.com/the-witch-king-summary/

114. "The Black Rider: Unraveling the Enigma of the Witch-king of Angmar" - Snargl - https://snargl.com/blog/the-black-rider-unraveling-the-enigma-of-the-witch-king-of-angmar/

115. "The Nazgûl: Who Were They & What Were Their Names?" - Fiction Horizon - https://fictionhorizon.com/the-nazgul-who-were-they-and-what-were-their-names/

116. "Who Were the Black Numenoreans & 5 Other Questions Answered" - Fiction Horizon - https://fictionhorizon.com/who-were-the-black-numenoreans/

117. "The Dark Riders of Middle-earth: The Nazgûl and their history" - Battle-Merchant - https://www.battlemerchant.com/en/blog/the-dark-riders-of-middle-earth-the-nazgul-and-their-history

Additional Resources

118. Middle-earth & J.R.R. Tolkien Blog (middle-earth.xenite.org) - "What Happened To The Nine Rings of the Nazgûl?" - "What Happened to the People of Angmar?" - "Did Any Black Númenoreans Fight Against Arnor?"

119. The One Lore (www.the-one-lore.com) - Nazgûl race overview - One Ring analysis

120. LitCharts - The One Ring symbol analysis in Fellowship of the Ring

121. SparkNotes - The Fellowship of the Ring - The Corrupting Influence of Power Quotes

122. Quora Discussions - "Merry's barrow-blade broke the spell that kept the Witch-King's undead flesh together… was he doomed even if Eowyn hadn't stabbed him?" - "Did Frodo have to leave Middle Earth because he was stabbed at Weathertop?" - "Do you think the Witch-King of Angmar, the chief Ringwraith, was one of those three Númenóreans who became Nazgûl?"

123. Origins of the Nazgûl - Zarkanya - http://www.zarkanya.net/Tolkien/origins_of_Nazgul.htm

124. The Age of the Ring - Khamûl character page - http://www.ageofthering.com/tolkien/characters/khamul.php

125. Nazgul Quotes and Information - Circles of Power - https://circlesofpower.neocities.org/nazgul/nazgulquotes

Film-Related Resources

126. Warhammer Community - "Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game – Hail the Last King of Gondor" (Eärnur miniature)

127. Weta Workshop - Fell Beast miniature design and description

128. Film vs. Book Comparisons - Multiple sources on Gandalf vs. Witch-king scene differences - Peter Jackson's alterations to Tolkien's text

Total Sources: 128 unique references consulted

Breakdown by Type:

- Primary Tolkien texts: 6 major works - Tolkien Gateway articles: 18 specific pages - Wiki/database articles: 40+ entries across multiple wikis - Scholarly articles/blogs: 15+ analytical pieces - Forum discussions: 25+ community debates - Popular media analysis: 20+ articles from CBR, Screen Rant, GameRant, etc. - Stack Exchange Q&As: 15+ technical questions answered - Reference databases: 5 specialized resources - Other resources: Various blogs, Tumblr posts, Quora discussions