The Fate of the Nine Rings: Sauron and the Nazg?l

In the expansive universe of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, the fate of the Nine Rings has puzzled many readers. Were these powerful artifacts kept by Sauron, or did the Nazg?l still wear them during their dark reign? This article delves into the intricacies of this question, utilizing insights from Tolkien's writings and interpretations of his legendarium.

Understanding the Nine Rings

The Nine Rings were crafted by Celebrimbor and Sauron, designed to grant immense power and prolonged existence to their wearers. However, once bound to Sauron's One Ring, they became inextricably linked to his will, shaped into the evil wraith-kings known as the Nazg?l.

According to Tolkien, the Nazg?l were irrevocably transformed, fully bound to their Rings, which were deeply connected to the One Ring. The destruction of the One Ring would inevitably destroy the Nazg?l, meaning only their annihilation by the One Ring could break this bond.

Sauron's Possession of the Nine Rings

Tolkien's early drafts initially suggested that Sauron confiscated the Nine Rings from the Nazg?l. However, this information was ultimately omitted from the final version of the story. Despite this, it makes sense that Sauron kept the Nine Rings; in his early drafts, Tolkien explained how the Rings work and why the Nazg?l's robes do not vanish. The power to move things between the visible world and the hidden wraith world requires a Ring, and overuse of their power left the Nazg?l trapped in the wraith world, unable to remove their robes.

Did the Nazg?l Keep Their Rings?

Given that the Nazg?l were bound to their Rings, it seems unlikely that they still wore them. In Gandalf's prophecy, it is stated, The Nine the Nazg?l keep. However, in Gandalf's other writings, which were later published, it is mentioned that Sauron kept all the Nine Rings. This suggests that, upon enslaving the Nazg?l, Sauron reclaimed and kept the Rings.

When the Witch-King of Angmar was defeated on the Pelennor Fields, there was no mention of the fate of his Ring. This indicates that he did not wear it at the time of his death, further supporting the idea that Sauron took back the Nine Rings.

Tolkien's Writing and Ambiguity

Despite the seemingly clear statements in Tolkien's writings, there is some ambiguity. Gandalf says, The Nine the Nazg?l keep, while Galadriel mentions that Sauron kept them. However, when the Nazg?l searched for the One Ring in the North, it is reasonable to assume that Sauron allowed them to use their Rings, as Gandalf could tell that the Nine Rings were involved in their search. Once the Nazg?l returned to Mordor without the One Ring, Sauron likely reclaimed the Nine Rings.

The logical conclusion is that Sauron allowed the Nazg?l to use their Rings during their search, but he regained possession of them when they returned without the One Ring. All nine of these powerful artifacts were likely destroyed along with the One Ring and the fall of Mordor.