What Race Did the Nazgûl Belong to Before They Were Corrupted?
The Nazgûl, also known as the Ringwraiths, were the most terrifying servants of Sauron in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. But before they were corrupted by the power of the One Ring, what race did they belong to? This question has puzzled Tolkien scholars and fans for decades. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Nazgûl and explore the possible answers to this question.
The Origins of the Nazgûl
The Nazgûl were once human, but they were corrupted by the power of the One Ring and became servants of Sauron. They were nine in number, and each one was given a ring by Sauron to control and bind them to his will. The Nazgûl were once powerful and noble men, but they were consumed by the power of the Ring and became servants of Sauron.
Theories on the Origin of the Nazgûl
There are several theories on the origin of the Nazgûl. Some believe that they were once the kings and nobles of Men, while others believe that they were once the servants of Sauron. Here are some of the most popular theories:
- The Black Númenóreans: One theory is that the Nazgûl were once the Black Númenóreans, who were the servants of Sauron in Númenor. This theory is supported by the fact that the Nazgûl were said to be the servants of Sauron, and that they were given rings by him to control and bind them to his will.
- The Men of the Mountains: Another theory is that the Nazgûl were once the Men of the Mountains, who lived in the mountains of Middle-earth. This theory is supported by the fact that the Nazgûl were said to be the servants of Sauron, and that they were given rings by him to control and bind them to his will.
- The Easterlings: A third theory is that the Nazgûl were once the Easterlings, who were the servants of Sauron in the East. This theory is supported by the fact that the Nazgûl were said to be the servants of Sauron, and that they were given rings by him to control and bind them to his will.
The Evidence
While there is no definitive answer to the question of what race the Nazgûl belonged to before they were corrupted, there are several pieces of evidence that support the theory that they were once the Black Númenóreans. Here are some of the most significant pieces of evidence:
- The Ring of Power: The Ring of Power was given to the Nazgûl by Sauron, and it was said to be the source of their power and corruption. This suggests that the Nazgûl were once the servants of Sauron, and that they were given the Ring to control and bind them to his will.
- The Nazgûl’s Appearance: The Nazgûl were said to be tall and dark, with eyes that glowed like embers. This suggests that they were once the servants of Sauron, and that they were given the power of the Ring to control and bind them to his will.
- The Nazgûl’s Behavior: The Nazgûl were said to be cruel and ruthless, and they were given the power of the Ring to control and bind them to his will. This suggests that they were once the servants of Sauron, and that they were given the Ring to control and bind them to his will.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is no definitive answer to the question of what race the Nazgûl belonged to before they were corrupted, there are several pieces of evidence that support the theory that they were once the Black Númenóreans. The Ring of Power, the Nazgûl’s appearance, and their behavior all suggest that they were once the servants of Sauron, and that they were given the power of the Ring to control and bind them to his will.