water as a symbol of good

[Sapphire_Flame]

generally mentions three forces of good (light, air, and water) but focuses on water,

Meaning dark, earth, and fire are forces of evil? *pouts and goes to play with matches in a cave*

To point out a more general issue of evil being detered by water, you could look back at medieval folklore. Creatures of darkness (vampires, spirits, etc.) were incapable of crossing running water. This may have been something Tolkien drew on when proposing that the Nazgul couldn't (or wouldn't) cross rivers or get near water. Thank'ee, Encaitare, for pointing this out as well.

However, this is contradicted at one point in Unfinished Tales, when it is stated that the Nazgul cross the River Isen, and later the Sarn Ford in the south of the Shire. Christopher noted this and marked it down as a slight inconsistancy on his father's part (sadly, I do not have UT with me at the moment, or I would find the exact quote).

Water is often used as a symbol for life, with good reason (if you don't get water, you die). Fire, also, can be used as such a symbol, only with an emphasis on renewal and change. You may note in LotR the Nazgul, embodiments of Sauron's evil, fear both of these elements (see "Knife in the Dark" and "Flight to the Ford"). It could represent a fear of life (the Nazgul are "neither living nor dead"), and fear of change, or a resentment of both of these. I came upon this particular theory thanks to a rather proficcient author I know. Here is the precise passage:

“You were right about fire, Strider,” Sam mused after awhile. “You really saved us last night. Those shadow-things really don’t like fire much, do they?”

“No, they don’t,” Aragorn said, “although I’m not certain why.”

“I know why,” Frodo said dreamily, gazing at the small campfire.

“I thought you were asleep, Mr. Frodo,” Sam said. “You need to try and sleep, sir.”

Frodo nodded, but continued to stare into the dancing flames.

The last thing Aragorn wanted Frodo to be thinking about was the Nazgûl, but his curiosity won out.

“Why don’t they like fire, Frodo?”

“It’s life,” Frodo murmured, “warmth and life. They can’t bear it. It’s the sun they’ll never feel again, and love, and hearts beating, and all the things forever lost to them. Forever lost…”

~"By Chance or Purpose" by shirebound

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The forces of evil in Middle-earth have always had trouble from Ulmo. It makes sense that the minions of evil would avoid Ulmo's element as much as possible. Also, the power of water can, as in the case of the Ford of Bruinen, be called upon by those with authority for good.

Then there's the theory my mom came up with: that the Nazgul are really made of cotton candy, and if they get in water they melt.

Abedithon le,

~ Saphy ~