Minas Morgul: Demise and Dominion of the Nazg?l

Minas Morgul, originally known as Minas Ithil, was a prominent fortress in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, located near the borders of Mordor. This monument of power and might played a crucial role in the overall saga of The Lord of the Rings. After falling into the hands of Sauron, it served as a stronghold for the dark forces, primarily the Nazg?l, also known as the Ringwraiths.

The Original Gondorian City

Before its fall, Minas Ithil was a Gondorian city inhabited by men of Gondor who were tasked with guarding against the threat of Mordor. However, this city, like many others, was not spared the corrupting influence of Sauron. Over time, Minas Ithil was transformed into a place of evil, reflecting the dark influence of Sauron. This transformation had a profound impact on the city's inhabitants, warping their minds and destroying their will.

The Fall and the Nazg?l Occupation

After its corruption, Minas Ithil was taken over by Sauron and renamed Minas Morgul. From then on, it became the domain of the Nazg?l. The city's mere presence was said to fill even the hearts of orcs and lesser servants of Sauron with fear. Tolkien writes, 'It was dark and lifeless for the Orcs and lesser creatures of Mordor that had dwelt there had been destroyed in battle, and the Nazg?l were abroad.' This passage highlights the terrifying and inescapable terror that Minas Morgul instilled in its visitors.

Resident Beings and Dark Influence

According to Tolkien, the only known inhabitants of Minas Morgul were the Nazg?l. It is reasonable to assume that the creature's steeds were also present, as they played a significant role in their activities. Furthermore, it is possible that some Black Númenóreans and Dark Sorcerers may have resided within the city as well, further solidifying its status as a fearsome and dark place.

Political and Military Significance

Before Minas Ithil fell to the forces of darkness, it served as a golem of Gondor. However, with the rise of Minas Morgul, the political landscape was dramatically altered. The Tower of Sorcery, or Minas Morgul, became the sole dwelling place of the Ringwraiths and their fallen servants. The Tower of the Moon, which was once a symbol of beauty and power, was transformed into a symbol of dread and terror. Meanwhile, Minas Anor, the Sun Tower, was renamed Minas Tirith, the Tower of Guard.

The ancient capital of Gondor, Osgiliath, was allowed to fall into ruin, although it was never fully abandoned. It was into this eerie and foreboding city that the last line of Gondor's kings went to confront the Witch-king of Angmar in single combat. After the failed mission, Mardil the Good Steward ruled in his stead, marking the beginning of the line of Ruling Stewards, which culminated with Denethor II during the War of the Ring. Although the Ruling Stewards ruled as kings would in other lands, they never sat on the throne or wore the crown, instead using a white staff of office as their device.

Tolkien's lore is rich and profound, with Minas Morgul serving as a testament to the dark forces that undermine even the mightiest of structures. This well-known section of Middle-earth continues to inspire readers and scholars alike, making it a vital part of the Lord of the Rings universe.

Note: While I hold a deep love and appreciation for Middle-earth and the Lord of the Rings series, I do not consider myself an expert. The true expert, as Stephen Colbert so eloquently pointed out, is Stephen Colbert. I am therefore open to being corrected in the comments if any errors have been made.

Adjacent to this, the Silmarillion is a favorite work for me, primarily due to its fascinating exploration of the history and mythology of the Ages of Middle-earth.

Keywords: Minas Morgul, Nazg?l, Lord of the Rings