The Return of the Nazgul: A Path of Corruption and Dominion

Throughout J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tales, the Nazgul, also known as Ringwraiths, stand as one of the scarcest and most feared villains of Middle-earth. Their journey from mere mortal kings to wraiths bound to Sauron's will, and ultimately back to their former strength, is a gripping tale of corruption and dominion.

Origins and Corruption

The Nazgul originated as nine human kings who were corrupted by the dark lord Sauron through the gift of the Nine Rings of Power. These rings bestowed immense power and wealth upon their bearers, but they also enslaved their possessors with their corrupting influence. As a consequence, the kings lost their physical forms, becoming wraiths bound to Sauron's will, often referred to as the Ringwraiths. They lacked the will of their own and only existed to serve their master.

The Return and Their Role

In the War of the Ring, the Nazgul's return played a crucial role in Sauron's strategy. Once Sauron regained power and strength, these wraiths were tasked with locating the One Ring, which had been lost for centuries. As he regained his power, the Nazgul’s influence and power steadily increased. By the time of the War of the Ring, they were fully resurrected, powerful servants capable of instilling fear and commanding legions of orcs and other creatures.

Victory and Resurrection

The journey of the Nazgul from their earthly existence to their current form is a tale of resilience and endurance. They never truly left; they merely existed in a state of limbo until Sauron's return. When Sauron appeared once more, seeking to reassert his control, he demanded the return of their rings. With these rings in his possession, he could reawaken them and rationalize them into his will, binding them to his cause.

Their Journey to Mordor

The manner of their return is particularly intriguing. Unlike their allies, the Nazgul did not leave the realm of death entirely. Their horses, which were integral to their earlier journey, met their end at the River Ford near Rivendell. This meant that they had to walk or float back to Mordor, a perilous journey that could take several months. This detail highlights their immortality and the difficulty of defeating them, as the Fellowship's journey was also contingent on their timely arrival in Mordor.

Eowyn's Achievement and the Fate of the Nazgul

A notable event in the War of the Ring was the apparent 'killing' of a Nazgul by Eowyn, a virtuous and skilled warrior. While this seems to be the only known incident of a Nazgul being 'felled', it is uncertain whether the Witch King, the chief among the Nazgul, could eventually return or if Sauron had to gift the Ring to another human to replace him. This detail remains unresolved, adding to the mystery and allure of the Nazgul's existence.

Legends and Lore

For many readers, the true nature of the Nazgul's revival remains a mystery until they witness the scene in the movie where Radagast enters Dol Guldur. The title of The Necromancer, applied to Sauron, hinted at his mastery over the spirits of the dead. This detail confirms that Sauron had the power to revive the Nazgul, re-awakening them with the Rings of Power to serve his dominion.

The Nazgul remain a pivotal and enduring element of Tolkien's cinematic and literary legacies, embodying the dark and unforgiving nature of power and corruption.