Who Killed the Witch-king of Angmar in the Book?
In J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic novel "The Lord of the Rings," the Witch-king of Angmar is the primary antagonist and the right-hand man of Sauron. He is said to be the most powerful of the nine Nazgûl, and his defeat is crucial to the quest of the Fellowship. In this article, we will explore who killed the Witch-king of Angmar in the book, and the events leading up to his demise.
The Witch-king’s Immortality
Before delving into the question of who killed the Witch-king, it is essential to understand his nature and abilities. As a Ringwraith, the Witch-king is an undead being, sustained by Sauron’s power. He is immune to normal attacks and possesses supernatural abilities, including the power of darkness, fear, and shadow. The Witch-king is essentially indestructible, making it seem impossible for anyone to kill him.
Merry’s Magic Dagger
In the book, Merry’s magic dagger plays a crucial role in the Witch-king’s downfall. The dagger, forged by the elves, is enchanted with magic that can pierce even the Witch-king’s dark armor. When the Witch-king attacks Merry, the hobbit unwittingly stabs him with the dagger, weakening the dark lord’s powers and leaving him vulnerable to subsequent attacks.
Éowyn’s Brave Strike
With the Witch-king weakened, Éowyn, the noble lady of Rohan, sees an opportunity to strike. Recognizing the Witch-king’s vulnerability, she rushes forward and strikes him down with her sword, claiming "I am no man!" as her battle cry. Éowyn’s bravery and determination are crucial in ultimately killing the Witch-king, who is "the most powerful of all the servants of Sauron".
The Fearsome Black Breath
Despite his defeat, the Witch-king’s dark lord, Sauron, continues to exert his malevolent influence over Middle-earth. The Witch-king’s "Black Breath," a powerful and oppressive force, lingers even after his death, spreading fear and despair among the enemies of Sauron. This serves as a testament to the Witch-king’s enduring legacy and his importance in the larger scheme of the story.
Table: The Witch-king’s Weaknesses
| Weaknesses | Description |
|---|---|
| Merry’s Magic Dagger | Forged by the elves, the dagger is enchanted to pierce even the Witch-king’s dark armor. |
| Éowyn’s Bravery | Éowyn’s courage and determination are crucial in striking down the Witch-king. |
| Weakened by Mortal Stab | The Witch-king’s dark powers are weakened by Merry’s lucky stab, making him more vulnerable to subsequent attacks. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Éowyn and Merry together killed the Witch-king of Angmar in the book, with Éowyn striking the final blow. Despite the Witch-king’s formidable powers, his immortality was not enough to save him from the combined efforts of Merry and Éowyn. The Witch-king’s defeat serves as a major turning point in the story, paving the way for the ultimate victory of the Free Peoples of Middle-earth.
Key Takeaways
- The Witch-king is an undead being, sustained by Sauron’s power.
- Merry’s magic dagger can pierce even the Witch-king’s dark armor.
- Éowyn’s bravery and determination are crucial in striking down the Witch-king.
- The Witch-king’s dark lord, Sauron, continues to exert his malevolent influence even after his death.