Quote:
Originally Posted by mhagain
(aside from a note cited by Hammond and Scull that he was "probably" one).
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The "probably" is important, isn't it? The point is that we don't know. In my opinion, thematically speaking, it's important that we know as little about the Nazgūl as possible. I think their anonymity is meant to enhance their horror.
I don't think it's unreasonable for the Lord of the Nazgūl to have been a Nśmenórean, but yes it's important to remember that he wasn't
necessarily one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mhagain
There also seems no reason for him to have any particular grudge against Nśmenór aside from just carrying out his masters will.
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I agree. In fact taking a Ring actually seems to be quite compatible with the fallen Nśmenórean mindset.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mhagain
According to the Tale of Years, the Shadow fell on Numenor about SA1800, with the Ringwraiths first appearing about SA2251.
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I suppose it depends how long it took for them to become wraiths, because 2251 is only 30 years after the reign of Tar-Atanamir when the tribute was exacted and 222 years after his reign began. If they received their rings during the tribute period, ie during the reign of Tar-Atanamir at some point, that's not
that much time for a Nśmenórean to exceed his natural lifespan. But I suppose it could be enough depending on how old they were and how quickly the Rings worked.
The Nśmenóreans had been settling Middle-earth during the reign of Tar-Minastir, Tar-Ciryatan's grandfather, however, which was still about a century after the War of the Elves and Sauron, so there were plenty of opportunities when Sauron might have been dispensing Rings.