Why do the Nazgul need clothes? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Kalimac · 05-14-2002, 12:56 AM

No, really, why do they? It's explained in FOTR of the Nazgul that "their chief power is to inspire terror" but it's also mentioned that they are capable of doing this even when they are invisible to mortals. Just to be in the presence of a Nazgul, whether or not you can see them, is to be frightened ("night terror" or whatever you might call it). It's true that the black horses and sinister black robes certainly made a dramatic effect on the likes of Harry the gatekeeper and Bill Ferny, helping persuade them that passing on information was the wisest course.

But supposing the Nazgul hadn't worn any robes at all? They would have been completely invisible, but still able to inspire fear. And as dramatic as the black robes were, they were also a great way for them to be noticed. If Frodo saw them in the distance, he would go in the other direction. If they weren't wearing anything, though, he might not know that the Nazgul were even around until an invisible hand grabbed him. Granted he would be feeling very frightened beforehand, but when was Frodo NOT feeling frightened, especially once they'd left Crickhollow? (except for Bombadil's house, of course). This isn't meant to be flippant really - maybe the answer is that the Nazgul were incapable of, for example, picking him to carry off to Mordor unless they were doing it with something material like a glove or long sleeve. But why did they need to make themselves so conspicuous and thus so much easier to avoid?

05-14-2002, 12:56 AM	#1
Kalimac Candle of the Marshes Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Flyover Country Posts: 780	Why do the Nazgul need clothes? No, really, why do they? It's explained in FOTR of the Nazgul that "their chief power is to inspire terror" but it's also mentioned that they are capable of doing this even when they are invisible to mortals. Just to be in the presence of a Nazgul, whether or not you can see them, is to be frightened ("night terror" or whatever you might call it). It's true that the black horses and sinister black robes certainly made a dramatic effect on the likes of Harry the gatekeeper and Bill Ferny, helping persuade them that passing on information was the wisest course. But supposing the Nazgul hadn't worn any robes at all? They would have been completely invisible, but still able to inspire fear. And as dramatic as the black robes were, they were also a great way for them to be noticed. If Frodo saw them in the distance, he would go in the other direction. If they weren't wearing anything, though, he might not know that the Nazgul were even around until an invisible hand grabbed him. Granted he would be feeling very frightened beforehand, but when was Frodo NOT feeling frightened, especially once they'd left Crickhollow? (except for Bombadil's house, of course). This isn't meant to be flippant really - maybe the answer is that the Nazgul were incapable of, for example, picking him to carry off to Mordor unless they were doing it with something material like a glove or long sleeve. But why did they need to make themselves so conspicuous and thus so much easier to avoid? __________________ Father, dear Father, if you see fit, We'll send my love to college for one year yet Tie blue ribbons all about his head, To let the ladies know that he's married.