The Truth About Nazgul Horses in LOTR: Are They Supernatural or Just Ordinary Horses?

In Middle-earth, the lore surrounding the Nazgul has often been shrouded in mystery and fear. One of the most enduring and feared aspects of the Nazgul are their horses. Are these majestic creatures supernatural beings or just normal horses that have been specially bred and trained for war purposes? This article will delve into the nature of these horses in The Lord of the Rings, exploring their characteristics and their purpose in Sauron's evil army.

Depiction in Literature and Film

The Nazgul horses in the literary world of The Lord of the Rings are often depicted as being faster and more powerful than ordinary horses. They can instill fear in those who see them, as they are associated with the dark powers of Sauron and are part of the overall menacing presence of the Nazgul. In the movie adaptations by Peter Jackson, these horses are given a more supernatural and ethereal quality, further emphasizing their connection to the dark forces of Mordor. However, this portrayal is not entirely accurate according to the original text.

Are They Supernatural or Not?

The horses associated with the Nazgul were indeed real and not wraiths or anything supernatural, despite their spectral appearance in the films. Their cloaks are real physical raiments used to give them shape, and their nature is more about breeding and training than any supernatural qualities. The Nazgul, in their wraith form, are simply without a physical body, and their horses serve as their eyes and means of transportation.

Interestingly, the Nazgul horses were actually the eyes of their masters. Since the Nazgul are fully wraiths and have difficulty seeing living beings in the real world, the horses do a significant amount of seeing for them. This is especially evident in the passage from The Return of the King where it is stated that the Nazgul horses are not so terrified of the Nazgul that they panic at the sight of them, and they can be ridden.

In The Fellowship of the Ring, Gandalf, while speaking to the Council of Elrond, mentions the Nazgul horses: they were 'real horses that had been bred and trained in Mordor to serve the wraiths. They were not magical beasts; they were simply normal horses that were accustomed to the presence and command of the Nazgul. This breed and training made them superior in many ways, but they were still ‘regular horses.’

Rohirrim Raids

The Nazgul horses also played a significant role in the raids of Mordor on the herds of Rohan. Mordor would always take the black ones, and this was a recurring theme in the films and the text. This further highlights their importance in the Nazgul’s war effort and their association with the dark forces of Mordor.

Conclusion

While the Nazgul horses may appear supernatural in both literature and film, they are, in fact, normal horses that have been specially bred and trained for war purposes. Their superior speed and power are due to their upbringing and training in Mordor, not any inherent supernatural qualities. Their role as the eyes of the Nazgul and their importance in the raids of Mordor demonstrate their significance in the battles and conflicts of Middle-earth.