Nazgûl

Nazgûl, also known as Ringwraiths, are among the principal antagonists in J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium. They serve the Dark Lord Sauron and are tasked with locating the One Ring and enforcing his will across the lands. In origin, they were nine mortal men who were given Rings of Power by Sauron. The rings granted long life but warped their bearers, who gradually fell under Sauron’s domination and faded from visible humanity as their spirits became bound to the Dark Lord.

These beings appear as cloaked, hooded figures, often mounted on black horses. They are rarely seen clearly and are typically perceived as a cold, oppressive presence or as shadows. Their primary function is to seek the Ring-bearer and the Ring itself; they can sense the Ring and travel swiftly over great distances when summoned by Sauron.

The Nazgûl rely mostly on fear, pursuit, and their master’s influence. They are formidable in darkness and in pursuit, but their direct combat power is limited against well-armed opponents. Conventional weapons are of limited effect on their incorporeal forms, and their strength is closely tied to the power of Sauron and the presence of the Ring. They are not a uniformly matched group; their effectiveness varies with circumstance and proximity to their master.

Their leader is the Witch-king of Angmar, the chief of the Nazgûl. He is ultimately slain by Éowyn and Meriadoc Brandybuck during the Battle of Pelennor Fields. When the One Ring is destroyed, the Nazgûl lose their power and fade from existence.