Literature
The Unlikely Defeat of the Witch-king of Angmar: A Deep Dive into Tolkiens Legendarium
The Unlikely Defeat of the Witch-king of Angmar: A Deep Dive into Tolkien's Legendarium
The character of the Witch-king of Angmar in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium appears destined to defy defeat, based on a prophecy he believed. However, this belief is ultimately subverted, showcasing the unexpected nature of fate and heroism in Tolkien's works.
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The Prophecy and Its Impact
Initially, the Witch-king arrogantly believed a prophecy stating that he would not fall by the hand of any man. This arrogance was his keystone, as many other characters in Tolkien's legendarium feared him because of this belief. However, this prophecy is later subverted. Glorfindel, an Elf Lord of Rivendell, foresees the Witch-king's fall but only states that it will not be by the hand of a man. This means that any being, with or without the help of another, can end his reign of terror.
The Role of Destiny and Fate
The prophecy is not a strict requirement but a foresight that leaves room for interpretation. When Eowyn and Merry from The Lord of the Rings are the ones to defeat the Wraith-Lord, it is more a matter of fate and serendipity rather than strict adherence to the prophecy. The prophecy emphasized that the Witch-king's downfall would be due to someone other than a man, which becomes true through the unexpected intervention of a woman and a hobbit.
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Prophecy and Psychological Advantage
The prophecy played a psychological advantage in the battle between Eowyn and the Witch-king. Eowyn's desire to die already, combined with the prophecy, diminished the Witch-king's power. This detail adds a layer of complexity and unpredictability to the narrative, as the prophecy itself was the driving force of fate.
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The Battle at Fornost and Prophecy Interpretation
After the defeat at the Battle of Fornost, the prophecy was further subverted. Ernur, the Gondorian captain, faced the Witch-king and managed to defeat him with the aid of Elven forces led by Glorfindel. Glorfindel's intervention was based on his foresight, utilizing his understanding of the music of creation and knowing that confronting the Witch-king would be unwise for Ernur.
However, Ernur's impetuous nature led him to ignore Glorfindel's advice, ultimately resulting in his own defeat years later. This scenario demonstrates that the prophecy, while powerful, does not guarantee invincibility. The Witch-king's defeat at the hands of Boromir I, a great Gondorian captain, further illustrates that his power is not absolute and can be neutralized by various means, including human intervention.
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Conclusion: Unpredictability and Empowerment of the Unexpected
The narrative of the Witch-king of Angmar highlights the themes of courage, fate, and the unexpected sources of heroism. Prophecies, while powerful, can be interpreted and subverted, making room for champions like Eowyn, Merry, Ernur, and Boromir I. This unpredictability in the face of fate emphasizes the importance of decisive action, psychological advantage, and the unexpected sources of strength in Tolkien's legendarium.