The Nine Nazg?l in Lord of the Rings and Their Numerical Symbolism

The quest for understanding and interpreting the world around us often leads to intriguing parallels between fiction and real-life events. A common debate among fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is whether the nine Nazg?l, the Ringwraiths, symbolize real historical events, such as the invasion of countries by Adolf Hitler. While this notion might seem compelling at first glance, a deeper dive into the Lord of the Rings reveals that the numbers and characters in the story were crafted for reasons far removed from historical events.

Origins and Symbolism of Nine

The number nine features prominently in the Lord of the Rings, most notably in the nine Nazg?l. The selection of nine as the number of Nazg?l can be seen from a mystical and symbolic perspective rather than a historical one. Ernest points out that numbers like three, seven, and nine hold significant meanings in mysticism and are often used in literature and storytelling for their symbolic power. In numerology, the number nine represents culmination, finality, and a sense of completion.

Tolkien, who was deeply rooted in mythology and linguistics, was well-versed in the use of symbolism and numerology. The Lord of the Rings is replete with such elements, all crafted to enhance the narrative and convey deeper meanings. For example, the Fellowship of the Ring is formed with nine members (nine actually, before one falls), and the Nazg?l, with their nine wraiths, mirror this asymmetry in structure. However, the story wouldn't have changed if the numbers were different, as Ernest also points out. In fact, the narrative is so rich and complex that any deviation in the numbers would likely have required significant adjustments in the plot and character development.

Historical Context vs. Fictional Constructs

From a historical perspective, it's important to note that the nine Nazg?l were not inspired by Adolf Hitler's invasions. The Nazg?l, as creatures of Sauron, were created long before Hitler came to power. Sauron, the primary antagonist in the Lord of the Rings, is a powerful and ancient evil from an immense backstory. The nine Nazg?l represent the triumph of dark powers and the corruption of individuals who are willingly drawn into service. They were part of the ancient wars and the distribution of the Great Rings by Sauron himself, predating the fascist invasion of any country by many centuries.

The nine rings were given to Men, and over time, they were claimed by nine kings. These kings later became the Nazg?l, which symbolizes the potency and corruption of power when wielded for evil purposes. The story of the Nazg?l is more about the allure of forbidden knowledge and power than a specific historical event. While Hitler's invasions and the historical context of World War II have echoes of control and conquest, the Nazg?l are a product of a different narrative, rooted in the ancient world of Middle-earth.

Celestial and Religious Meaning

The number nine also holds significant meaning in various religious and celestial hierarchies. In many religious and spiritual traditions, the celestial hierarchy comprises nine classes of angels, which include seraphim, cherubim, thrones, dominions, virtues, powers, archangels, principalities, and angels. This celestial hierarchy is a reflection of the structured order of the universe and the divine hierarchy, further emphasizing the symbolic nature of numbers in storytelling.

Similar to the celestial hierarchy, the nine Nazg?l can be seen as representing a nine-fold dark manifestation, embodying the corruption and enticement of power. This linkage between the celestial hierarchy and the Nazg?l suggests a parallel between the divine order and the corrupt and dark forces described in the novel. Both serve as vehicles to explore themes of morality, power, and the human condition.

Conclusion

While it's intriguing to draw parallels between the nine Nazg?l in Lord of the Rings and historical events like Adolf Hitler's invasions, it's essential to recognize the multifaceted and symbolic nature of Tolkien's creations. The numbers and characters in the Lord of the Rings are designed to convey broader themes of power, corruption, and morality. The nine Nazg?l, with their nine wraiths, are not a direct reference to historical events but are instead part of a larger narrative exploring the dark side of power and the human capacity for evil.

Understanding this symbolic and narrative context enriches the reader's experience and allows for a deeper appreciation of Tolkien's masterful storytelling.