The Fantasy Review‘s brief history of the Witch King from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Introduction
The Witch King of Angmar, also known as the Lord of the Nazgûl, is a memorable villain from Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. I remember watching the movies as a kid and being terrified of his character; to this day I find him to be one of the most facinating of the Dark Lord’s minions.
The Rise of the Witch King
The tale of the Witch King begins in the Second Age of Middle-earth when he was still a mortal man. He was one of the nine men Sauron gifted with corrupting Rings of Power. Over time, the ring transformed him into an undead wraith, the most powerful of the Nazgûl.
The Reign of Angmar
In the Third Age, the Witch King founded the realm of Angmar in the northern regions of Middle-earth. From his fortress in Carn Dûm, he waged war against the northern kingdoms of men, aiming to expand Sauron’s influence. He was brutal and cruel in his rule, and eventually caused the fall of the North Kingdom, Arnor.
The Fall of the Witch King
The Witch King met his end during the War of the Ring, at the battle of the Pelennor Fields. Prophecy foretold that no man could kill him. However, he was slain by Éowyn (”I am no man!”). In the final war against Sauron, Éowyn’s bravery at the battle of the Pelennor Fields started to tip the scales in favour of men.
Conclusion
The Witch King of Angmar’s story is an inportant part of The Lord of the Rings. His transition from a powerful king to a servant of Sauron illustrates the seductive and corrupting power of the Rings. His tale, much like the land he once ruled, is a chilling testament to the darkness that can arise when power is pursued without wisdom.
