Quote:
Originally Posted by TheLostPilgrim
A question: Why did Sauron take on the identity of the "Necromancer"? I ask because commonly, a "Necromancer" is thought to be one with the power to raise the dead--In fiction usually a dark, evil wizard who controls armies of undead. Why was this name given to Sauron during the period in which he dwelled in Mirkwood?
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Well, you could argue that while the Nazgul were not technically "undead" (since they never actually died) they were functionally very similar to something along the lines of litches, and anyone who was not familiar (as the wise were) with the history of them who encountered them would probably assume them to be undead. If you believed that, and you were aware of the fact the Nazgul served Sauron (or more accurately, served whoever it was who lived in Dol Guldur, it would not be a strech to assume that He was the one who had rasied them, and assuming him to be a Necromancer seems logical.
This would be doubly so if anyone was familiar with the Wtich King, who really probably actually
is a necromancer (he called up the barrow wights and bad them inhabit the barrow, so he has the ability to summon spirits of some sort. And it would not suprise me if he turned out to have had a hand in the construction of the Watchers, he may have been the one to put the spirits in the stone). If a Necromancer serves an evil wizard, many might assume said wizard also knows necromancy himself.