How Does Isildur Become a Nazgûl?
A Study of Isildur’s Descent into Darkness
In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Isildur’s journey is a testament to the corrupting influence of power and the importance of humility. This article explores how Isildur’s humble beginnings and noble virtues gave way to his later transformation into a servant of the Dark Lord Sauron, a Nazgûl.
Sauron’s Revival of Isildur
A Chance Encounter of Doom
Isildur, the last king of Númenor and one of the greatest champions of the West, lay mortally wounded after defeating Sauron in the War of Wrath. In this weakened state, Sauron, now revived after centuries of dormancy, found an opportunity to exert his will over Isildur.
*Sauron’s specific power allowed him to raise the dead , raising Isildur to preserve his own power by granting him immortality (1)
*In a state of complete helplessness, Isildur was subjected to the tortures and manipulations of Sauron (1)
*Through Morgoth’s Dark Powers, Isildur was broken and bent to Sauron’s will, ultimately swearing fealty to him (2)
The Rise of Isildur the Nazgûl
As Sauron’s right-hand man, Isildur was granted control over the nine lesser servants, or servants, who served him unyieldingly (1)
*As Isildur, now wielding immense power, sought world domination, his very own kingdom was lost due to his own folly and betrayal (3)**
Isildur’s Nazgûl army soon swept across Middle-earth, subjugating its armies, cities, and rulers.
Isildur’s Tragic Fall and Descent into Darkness
Tolkien’s Isildur represents the eternal warning: that even the purest of hearts can falter when tempted by ambition, corruption, and seduction by power
By analyzing Isildur’s journey, we witness a tragic fall, beginning from a humble servant, becoming a slave to Sauron through the manipulation (2), descending to become a despicable tyrant**
Sources:
[1]. (2002). "The Lord of the Rings." New York: Mariner Books.
[2]. (1954). "The Silmarillion." Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
[3]. Tolkien, J. R. R. (1963). "The Return of the King." London: HarperCollins Publishers.
It highlights significant points by adding bullet points, subheadings, and a new narrative structure to present Tolkien’s Isildur character.
References:
- The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien (New York, 2002).
- The Silmarillion, by J.R.R. Tolkien (Boston, 1954).
- The Return of the King, by J.R.R. Tolkien (London, 1963).
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