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43 Nemesis (Melee)Of all the unusual happenings throughout the lands in recent months, perhaps none is more strange and ominous than the appearance of the chilling Black Riders that have been encountered between Bree-land and the Shire, as well as throughout the further regions of Eriador. These dreadful figures, cloaked in heavy, hooded robes which obscure their faces in shadow, speak little, but when they do, their hissing voices instill terror and a cold fear that threatens to stop even the most stout listener's heart. The curious way these strangers sniff the air, seeming to smell their intended victim, only serves to add to their dark mystery.
Though the Black Riders have not yet caused physical harm to any in the surrounding regions (as far as anyone knows) there is a growing sense of dread that these creatures, astride their tremendous black steeds, are a bad omen for Middle-earth. One would do well to stay clear of these creatures as they approach, or better yet, find safe haven behind a locked door and wait for them to pass by.
The Nazgûl, as they are known by their ancient name, are the shadowy figures of nine ancient kings of Men, now enslaved to the One Ring and to the Dark Lord Sauron. They seek the Ring-bearer and pursue their prey relentlessly. Minions of evil often follow in the wake of Nazgûl --crebain, wolves, wargs, goblins (and worse!)-- perhaps finding solace in the darkness that seems to spread with the Black Riders' passing. There are even those who say their actions are not only closely entwined with the Dark Lord of Mordor to the east, but also with the mysterious rise of the dark shadow in Angmar far to the north, former realm of the Witch-king, Lord of the Nazgûl. There is little doubt that an ancient evil enshrouds and protects these dark servants.
Nazgûl
Quick Facts
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| Dates: | First seen c. II 2250; went 'into the shadows' II 3441; reappeared in Middle-earth c. III 1300; finally destroyed in III 3019 | ||||||||||||||
| Race: | Men | ||||||||||||||
| Divisions: | Various, including some Númenóreans | ||||||||||||||
| Pronunciation: | na'zgool | ||||||||||||||
| Meaning: | A word from the Black Speech apparently meaning 'ring-wraith' | ||||||||||||||
| Other names: | Ringwraiths | ||||||||||||||
| Titles: | Black Riders, The Nine, Nine Riders, Nine Servants, Winged Shadows | ||||||||||||||
| Note: | 'Nazgûl' is both a singular and a plural term | ||||||||||||||
Sauron's Nine Servants
A word from the Black Speech, usually translated 'Ringwraith'; the name of the nine Men corrupted by the power of Sauron's Nine Rings, and transformed into his dark and deathless servants.
