Could Nazg?l Have Destroyed the One Ring?

The One Ring, a powerful and malevolent artifact in the world of Middle-earth, holds a significant position in the story of Lord of the Rings. Its destruction is crucial in thwarting the evil plans of Sauron. One often debated question is whether the Nazg?l, the Ring-wraiths, could destroy the ring they sought and feared. This article delves into the complexities of the Nazg?l’s abilities, their connection to the One Ring, and the ultimate fate of the ring and its wielders.

Understanding the One Ring’s Uniqueness

According to J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, the fires of Mount Doom, where the One Ring was forged, were the only place where it could be destroyed. Mount Doom’s tremendous volcanic energy was necessary for the annihilation of the ring’s dark powers.

The Nazg?l’s Limited Powers

The Nazg?l’s abilities were severely limited by their reliance on the One Ring. This blackened ring made them paler and more hideous, and it was essential to their existence. The nine rings given to men corrupted them, and the Nine then became Nazg?l, the Ringwraiths, under the power of the One Ring.

Dependency on the Ring

According to Tolkien, the Nazg?l’s power was contingent upon the One Ring. Should the ring be destroyed, the Ringwraiths would fade away. The rings the Nine gained from Sauron kept them from fading completely. The horizon of their life was defined within the scope of the ring’s power. This is why they are called Ring-wraiths—wraiths tethered to their master’s will through the ring.

What Would Happen if the Nazg?l Found the One Ring?

Even if the Nazg?l managed to find the One Ring, their fate would be intertwined with the ring’s destruction. If they tried to destroy it, the same dark energy that once sustained them would be unleashed, leading to their own destruction. Tolkien’s writings indicate that the Nazg?l’s reign and the existence of the Ring-wraiths would end with the ring’s annihilation.

The Master Ring's Return

Despite the Nazg?l’s dependency on the ring, it is highly unlikely that they would destroy it themselves. Instead, they would likely return the ring to Sauron, their master. Sauron’s control over the Nazg?l is evident in Tolkien’s letters and other writings. Even without his One Ring, Sauron had complete control over the nine rings given to men, which the Nazg?l wore.

Competition for Control

According to Tolkien, should someone else attempt to claim the One Ring, the Nazg?l would be sent to fetch it and bring it to Sauron. The same would have happened if Frodo had kept the ring long enough. Even if Frodo wore the ring, Sauron would have won the competition for control over it because the ring was made specifically for him. Sauron’s masterful control and persuasive power would ensure that the Nazg?l served his will.

Gandalf’s Unlikely Chance

Of all the potential ring-bearers, only Gandalf had a chance of winning the competition against Sauron for control over the ring. Gandalf possessed multiple rings of power and was wise beyond measure, making him the least likely to fall to the ring’s corrupting influence.

Conclusion: The Fate of the Nazg?l and the Ring

In conclusion, the Nazg?l’s situation was one of dependency. While they sought to find and possess the One Ring, their ultimate fate was intertwined with its destruction. They would never willingly destroy the ring, as it was the source of their power and identity. The only way the Ring-wraiths could fade away was if the ring itself was destroyed, leading to their own demise.

For the sake of Middle-earth and all who dwelled in it, the destruction of the One Ring was paramount. And while the Nazg?l played a crucial role in Sauron's efforts to reclaim the ring, it was ultimately Frodo and his companions who succeeded in their quest to destroy the ring and vanquish the dark lord.