Did the Nazgul Ever Attack Frodo in the Shire?

In the expansive universe of The Lord of the Rings, the Nazgul, or the Nine Ringwraiths, play a significant role in the struggle against the forces of darkness. Many fans often wonder if these powerful dark lords ever ventured into the peaceful Shire, the home of the Shire-folk. This question has sparked much debate among Tolkien enthusiasts and fans of Peter Jackson's film adaptations. In this article, we will explore the events surrounding the Nazgul's activities in and around the Shire, right up until the pivotal incident on Weathertop.

The Nazgul's Role in the Fellowship of the Ring

The Nazgul, commanded by the Witch-King of Angmar, were relentless in their pursuit of the One Ring, specifically the Ring that the Hobbits Frodo and Sam bore. In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, we see the nine Ringwraiths closely follow Frodo and his companions as they traverse the lands of Middle-earth. The Witch-King's initial attempt to kill Frodo on Amon Sul, Weathertop, is well-documented and vividly portrayed in both the books and the films. This event is so significant that it serves as a turning point in the narrative, with Frodo ultimately escaping to Rivendell with the guidance and help of Elrond.

The Nazgul in the Shire

One of the common misconceptions is that the Nazgul pursued Frodo into the Shire. However, according to Tolkien's works and Peter Jackson's adaptations, the Nazgul never actually made it to the Shire itself. Instead, they were always trailing behind the Hobbits, keeping their distance and waiting for the right moment to strike.

Fatty Bolger and the Pretend Hobbit

There is an additional, lesser-known narrative that adds depth to the situation. In the Shire, a character named Fatty Bolger stayed behind, pretending to be Frodo in his old home. Specifically, Frodo moved to a new house known as Crickhollow, where Fatty Bolger remained, maintaining the illusion that Frodo still lived there.

This ruse was necessary to prevent the Nazgul from discovering that Frodo had left the Shire. Once Frodo, Sam, and Pippin had taken the Ring south, it fell to Fatty to maintain the facade of their continued residency. However, the myth of Frodo was not entirely successful. The Nazgul did attack Crickhollow, creating a tense and dangerous situation for Fatty. Despite their efforts, the Nazgul did not manage to catch Frodo during this time.

The Nazgul's Activity Elsewhere

While the Nazgul did not directly target the Shire, they did engage in other notable activities that affected the narrative. One such incident is their approach to Hobbiton and Bree, as well as their attack on Frodo on Weathertop.

The Attack in Bree and the Deception of Strider

The Nazgul were close to the Shire on several occasions. After Frodo and his companions had taken the Ring away from the Shire and left for Bree, the Nazgul prepared to strike. It is here that we witness Lord Aragorn's use of an alias, "Strider," to thwart their plans. Aragorn's timely intervention led the Nazgul to believe that he was a simple traveling horseman, and they did not realize that they were up against a character who had the wiles of kings.

These tactics proved effective, and the Nazgul were unable to finish their mission in Bree. However, their eventual attack on Frodo at Weathertop cut short their pursuit of Hobbiton, but it left a lasting impact, as the wound Frodo received was permanent.

The Final Confrontation on Weathertop

One of the most dramatic and decisive moments of the Nazgul's pursuit of Frodo and the other Ringbearers was the attack on Frodo at Weathertop. Here, the Ringwraiths managed to come very close and even inflicted a grievous wound on Frodo with a Morgul-blade. This moment is pivotal, as it marks a significant setback in Frodo's journey to destroy the One Ring and highlights the grave danger he faced at the hands of the Nazgul.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Nazgul did not manage to attack Frodo in the Shire itself, although their presence and pursuit were constant and threatening. The Nazgul's activities were focused on interception and harassment, rather than direct confrontation within the Shire. The events of Weathertop and Bree serve as crucial touchpoints in the narrative, emphasizing the relentless danger posed by the Ringwraiths throughout the journey to Mount Doom. For those interested in delving deeper into the complex world of Middle-earth, reading J.R.R. Tolkien's works and reviewing Peter Jackson's film adaptations can provide further enlightenment and appreciation for the rich details of this epic tale.