Were The Nazgul Controlled By Lord Of The Rings

Were the Nazgûl Controlled by Sauron in the Lord of the Rings? A Deeper Look at their Allegiance

The Nazgûl, the terrifying Ringwraiths of Mordor, are iconic figures in Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Their chilling presence and unwavering obedience to Sauron have led many to believe they were mere puppets, completely controlled by the Dark Lord. However, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced relationship, one built on fear, power, and a lingering, albeit corrupted, sense of self. This article will delve into the complexities of their allegiance, exploring the degree of Sauron's control and the remaining vestiges of their individual wills.

Understanding the Nazgûl's Origins: Initially, the Nazgûl were nine powerful kings and sorcerers who succumbed to the allure of the Rings of Power. Each was gifted – or perhaps cursed – with one of the nine rings crafted by Sauron, binding them to his will. This initial subjugation wasn't complete domination; it was a slow, insidious process of corruption. The rings didn't simply erase their personalities; they twisted and warped them, amplifying their existing desires for power and dominion.

The Nature of Sauron's Control: Sauron's control over the Nazgûl wasn't a direct, mind-control-style manipulation. Instead, it was a more subtle and insidious form of dominance stemming from their addiction to the Rings of Power. Their subservience was rooted in their dependence on the power the rings provided and the crippling fear of Sauron’s wrath. This fear, coupled with the profound corruption of their minds and spirits, ensured their unwavering loyalty, at least for the most part.

Instances of Independent Action (or Apparent Independence): While generally obedient, there are instances suggesting a degree of individual agency, or at least, the illusion of it. For example:

• The Witch-king's arrogance: The Witch-king, the leader of the Nazgûl, often displays a level of independence and even arrogance, sometimes acting without explicit orders from Sauron. This might stem from his original power and status before his downfall, a remnant of his former self clinging to a twisted sense of self-importance.
• Strategic decisions: The Nazgûl's actions, while ultimately serving Sauron’s aims, sometimes demonstrate a degree of tactical decision-making. Their strategies in hunting the Ringbearer, while ultimately driven by Sauron's overarching goal, weren't always rigidly dictated, showing a level of initiative.
• Varying degrees of obedience: The individual Nazgûl show slightly varying levels of obedience, suggesting that the corrupting influence of the Rings wasn't uniformly absolute.

The Influence of the One Ring: Sauron's power over the Nazgûl was directly linked to the One Ring. The One Ring amplified his influence, strengthening his control over those who wielded the lesser rings. This is evident in the increased power and ferocity of the Nazgûl as Sauron's power grew.

Conclusion: A Complex Relationship: The relationship between Sauron and the Nazgûl was not one of simple control, but rather a complex interplay of power, fear, and corruption. While Sauron undoubtedly held immense influence over them through the Rings of Power, the Nazgûl weren't entirely devoid of individual will. They were broken, twisted versions of their former selves, their agency significantly diminished but not entirely extinguished. Their actions demonstrate a mixture of obedience and a lingering, albeit corrupted, sense of self, making them far more than just mindless puppets. They were agents of Sauron’s will, but with shades of their own dark desires and motivations woven into their actions.