What if Sauron Regained the One Ring: Would the Nazgul Have Returned It?

Have you ever wondered what might have happened if the One Ring returned to Sauron in Middle-earth? The fate of the Nazgul, the Ring Wraiths, plays a crucial role in this hypothetical scenario. Let's explore this interesting theory and delve into the intricacies of the Nazgul's existence and loyalty to Sauron.

Logical Constraints of the Nazgul

The Nazgul, with their potent status as the Nine, were crafted by Sauron through the power of the One Ring. They are bound by their rings, which prevent them from holding or controlling the One Ring themselves. If they were capable of taking possession of the ring on their own, they would have likely acted much differently. However, the Nazgul required Frodo to carry the Ring back to Sauron through his wraith transformation on Weathertop.

Given the Nazgul's submission to Sauron, it is highly unlikely they would have any capability for power-seeking behavior or treachery. The One Ring, as we know, maintains a firm grip on those who come into contact with it, ensuring their loyalty and submission to Sauron.

Deepening the Understanding: The Nature of the Nazgul

The Nazgul, or Ring Wraiths, were once proud and powerful men enchanted by the One Ring. But once they became the Nazgul, they lost their individual wills and were trapped within an unbreakable bond. This bond not only bound their spirits to the physical realm but also to Sauron. Their allegiance to the Dark Lord was absolute, as their very existence was tied to his dominion.

Their status as "Ring Wraiths" indicates a profound transformation: they are beings of pure magic and necromancy, their spirits bound to the Rings of Power. Despite their immense demonic power and independence, the Nazgul remained servants of Sauron, unable to resist his will. Even the most powerful among them, the Witch King, could not escape this vicious cycle.

The One Ring’s Dominance

It is essential to understand the omnipotence of the One Ring. As the master Ring, it controls all the lesser Rings of Power, including those given to the Nazgul. These rings of power gifted by Sauron to the mortal human kings, the Seven, and the mortal men, the Nine, were all bound to the One Ring.

When the One Ring was lost and destroyed, it was believed that the Nazgul might have been freed from their binding. However, with their mortal nature, they were swiftly reclaimed by the Gift of Man, which sent them to the Underworld. Sauron's necromantic power ensured their loyalty to him, ultimately compelling them to return the Ring to their master.

The Poetic Insight: The Rings and Sauron

The poem carved on the Ring itself provides further insight into the relationship between the Nazgul and Sauron. The first line of the poem begins with, "Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky, Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone, Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die, One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne.

Sauron's control over the Nazgul is evident in the line, 'One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.' Here, the One Ring is symbolically represented as the unifying force that maintains the power of Sauron over the Nazgul.

According to this inscription, Sauron's will is so firmly rooted in the Nine Rings, and through them, in the Nazgul, that any attempt to resist or betray Sauron would be futile. The Nazgul, as Ring Wraiths, are unrelentingly bound to the service of the Dark Lord and serve his will without question.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if Sauron had regained the One Ring, it is highly improbable that the Nazgul would have acted otherwise than to return it to their master. The Nazgul exist as beings of pure obedience, slaves to the will of Sauron, and any attempt to distance themselves from this servitude would be utterly extinguished by the power of the One Ring.

Image Credit - Anton Jorch