Nine for Mortal Men Doomed to Die

[Laivine]

Sauron controlled the Nine while the Nazgul actually kept them.

I also think that is what was meant by Sauron HOLDING the rings.

Besides, wouldn't the Nazgul, deprived of their rings, just go mad the way Gollum did?

Not in the same way, I think, as Gollum. But I don't think there was possible taking away their rings, except perhaps by Sauron. And why would he do that?! They Nazgul was his 2nd most powerful weapon; they were fear! He had no need to have the 9 rings to himself, all he needed was The One, and then the bearers of the other Rings would have to obey him.

or destroy them, and if sauron had the rings, would he not use them to his advantage?

He wouldn't destroy the Nazguls, after The One they were the most powerful weapon he had, and he already uses them to his advantage...

[ November 11, 2002: Message edited by: Laivine ]

[ November 11, 2002: Message edited by: Laivine ]

[ November 11, 2002: Message edited by: Laivine ]