J.R.R TOLKIEN'S LEGENDARIUM

The Nazgûl (in the Black Speech); (English: Ringwraiths, sometimes written Ring-wraiths, also referred to as the Black Riders or as the Nine; or the Ulairi in Quenya) were the dreaded ring-bound servants of the Dark Lord Sauron in Middle-earth throughout the Second and Third Age, and they dwelt during the Third Age in Minas Morgul.

 

Once nine great Kings of Men, they were all given Rings of Power. The Nine took them without question and subsequently, after the forging of the One Ring, became slaves of Sauron and later his chief lieutenants. After centuries the effect of the rings left the kings spectral, invisible to all but Sauron and whoever wore the One Ring. Their rings were forged approximately SA 1500.

 

The nine Nazgûl traveled abroad in black cloaks and hauberks of silver mail which gave them visible form. Widely feared, the Nine were known as Sauron's "most terrible servants," the most notable of whom was the Witch-king of Angmar. His second is Khamûl, who was previously a King of Rhun, making him a former Easterling. He is the one who meets Farmer Maggot at night, saying, "Shire... Baggins...", to which the farmer says that the Bagginses are "...up in Hobbiton." However,Khamûl is not the one who chases Frodo near Bucklebury Ferry, but rather the Witch-king, who is the leader of the Nine.