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Westerly Wizard · 11-07-2002, 09:52 PM

I would have to say they do not have the Rings

There is quite a bit of evidence to show the Nine Rings were held by Sauron, not worn by the Nazgul.

in the Unfinished Tales, Tolkien writes "They [the naz-gul] were by far the most powerful of his servants, and the most suitable for such a mission, since they were entirely enslaved to the Nine Rings, which he now himself held" (The Hunt for the Ring")

Also, in Letter # 246 Tolkien wrote: "Sauron, who still through their nine rings (which he held) had primary control."

Galadriel also says* to Frodo: "You saw the Eye of him that holds the seven and the Nine." (FOTR - The Mirror of Galadriel) confirming Sauron's direct possession of the nine.

"Gandalf enters Dol Guldur, and discovers that its master is indeed Sauron, who is gathering all the Rings*and seeking for news of the One, and Isildur’s heir." (appendix B).

Furthermore, Frodo gives a thorough description of the appearence of the nazgul in "A Knife in the Dark" but no mention of a ring.

The only dissenting argument is tha Gandalf says at the Council of Elrond: "The Nine the Nazgul keep." But this is one saying (by a character (albeit the wisest)) among several that clearly go against it.

11-07-2002, 09:52 PM	#3
Westerly Wizard Haunting Spirit Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 72	I would have to say they do not have the Rings There is quite a bit of evidence to show the Nine Rings were held by Sauron, not worn by the Nazgul. in the Unfinished Tales, Tolkien writes "They [the naz-gul] were by far the most powerful of his servants, and the most suitable for such a mission, since they were entirely enslaved to the Nine Rings, which he now himself held" (The Hunt for the Ring") Also, in Letter # 246 Tolkien wrote: "Sauron, who still through their nine rings (which he held) had primary control." Galadriel also says* to Frodo: "You saw the Eye of him that holds the seven and the Nine." (FOTR - The Mirror of Galadriel) confirming Sauron's direct possession of the nine. "Gandalf enters Dol Guldur, and discovers that its master is indeed Sauron, who is gathering all the Rings*and seeking for news of the One, and Isildur’s heir." (appendix B). Furthermore, Frodo gives a thorough description of the appearence of the nazgul in "A Knife in the Dark" but no mention of a ring. The only dissenting argument is tha Gandalf says at the Council of Elrond: "The Nine the Nazgul keep." But this is one saying (by a character (albeit the wisest)) among several that clearly go against it. __________________ "He was sent by a mere prudent plan of the angelic Valar or governors; but Authority had taken up this plan and enlarged it, at the moment of its failure."