The Fate of the Nazg?l: How Many After The Battle of the Five Armies

The Nazg?l, also known as the Nine Ringwraiths, were a formidable force in Middle-earth. In this article, we will explore their numbers, fate, and significance within J.R.R. Tolkien's epic The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

The Nine Original Nazg?l

At the start, there were nine Nazg?l: each representing a kingdom in Middle-earth. These powerful servants of Sauron, the Dark Lord, were originally mortal men who were gifted Rings of Power by Sauron himself. These rings granted them immense strength, longevity, and control over the minds of others, effectively transforming them into wraiths, the living dead. Throughout the history of Middle-earth, the Nazg?l served as Sauron's most dangerous and loyal warriors.

The War and the Destruction of the One Ring

The end of the Third Age was marked by the climax of the War of the Ring. When the One Ring was destroyed by Frodo Baggins in Mount Doom, the Nazg?l were dealt a mortal blow. Their primary purpose was to protect the One Ring, and with that task accomplished, their existence became unsustainable. In particular, the Witch-King of Angmar, the Ringwraith who was the leader of the Nazg?l, was defeated during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields by the combined efforts of éowyn and Meriadoc Brandybuck.

The Final Destruction of the Nazg?l

When the One Ring was finally destroyed, the Nine Rings lost their power, and the Nazg?l were unable to maintain their otherworldly form. They were reduced to mere mortal forms and eventually perished. The Witch-King was the first to fall, while the remaining eight Nazg?l dispersed and eventually met their end. Not a single Nazg?l survived the war, making the number of Nazg?l left after the Battle of the Five Armies zero. The memory of their power and presence faded from the annals of Middle-earth history.

Various Scenarios and Encounters

Throughout the course of the story, various encounters and battles showcased the power and the ultimate downfall of the Nazg?l. For instance, in their first major confrontation with the members of the Fellowship, the Nazg?l were driven back by the sword forged by Numenorian exiles. Similarly, in the battle at Weathertop, all nine Nazg?l were present, and although they initially deferred to Gandalf, they eventually attacked, showing that their power was still formidable as long as the One Ring was in Sauron's possession. However, once the Ring was destroyed, their power waned, and they faced their inevitable defeat.

Conclusion

Understanding the fate of the Nazg?l is crucial to grasping the overall narrative of the Middle-earth legends. Their numbers, from their initial nine to their final demise, reflect the ultimate triumph over darkness and the power of good. In the end, the destruction of the One Ring not only ended the War of the Ring but also marked the end of the Nazg?l's reign over Middle-earth.

Note: For a more detailed exploration of the story, we recommend reading J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.