How do you become a Nazgûl?
The question that has intrigued fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth for centuries. The Nazgûl, also known as the Ringwraiths or Black Riders, are powerful and terrifying servants of the Dark Lord Sauron. But what does it take to become one of these dark entities?
The Original Nine
Directly from the horse’s mouth, according to Tolkien’s book "The Fellowship of the Ring", it is stated that only the original nine kings of men who were twisted and deceived by Sauron via the Rings of Power were able to become Nazgûl. These nine kings were mortals who wore the nine Rings of Power given to them by Sauron, which slowly corrupted and enslaved them, transforming them into the wraithlike beings known as the Nazgûl.
| Original Nine | Fate |
|---|---|
| 1. Durin’s Bane | Corruption and enslavement to Sauron |
| 2. Gothmog | Death and failure to become a Nazgûl |
| 3. Akhorahil | Successful transformation into a Nazgûl |
| 4. Hoarmurath | Successful transformation into a Nazgûl |
| 5. Adunaphel | Successful transformation into a Nazgûl |
| 6. Ren the Unclean | Successful transformation into a Nazgûl |
| 7. Uvatha the Horseman | Successful transformation into a Nazgûl |
| 8. Khamûl | Successful transformation into a Nazgûl |
| 9. Unknown ( name not mentioned in book ) | Successful transformation into a Nazgûl |
The Curse of the Rings
The Rings of Power, also known as the One Ring’s relatives, were designed to enthrall and enslave those who wore them, slowly corrupting them over time. This corruption came in the form of desire for power and immortality, as the wearer’s senses and willpower were manipulated by Sauron to serve his purposes. It is this corruption that eventually led to the transformation of the original nine kings of men into the Nazgûl.
Case Study: Celebrimbor
Celebrimbor, the son of Curufin and the leader of the Noldor in Eregion, is another example of someone who almost became a Nazgûl. He was approached by Sauron in disguise, who promised him power and wisdom if he would create Rings of Power. Celebrimbor created three Rings of Power for himself and his fellow Elves, but eventually became suspicious of Sauron’s true intentions. Sauron, however, still manipulated Celebrimbor’s senses and willpower, leading to his downfall.
Can You Become a Nazgûl Today?
No. Becoming a Nazgûl is a rare and exclusive feat, reserved for the original nine kings of men and those who are already part of Sauron’s dark forces. Additionally, the Rings of Power no longer exist, and even if they did, the chances of becoming a Nazgûl are slim.