Here's a bit more about the nature of Ringwraiths and their vulnerabilities:
1. Origin and Nature:
Ringwraiths, also known as Nazgûl, were once powerful human kings and sorcerers who were corrupted by the One Ring forged by the Dark Lord Sauron. They became enslaved to the Ring and gradually lost their physical forms, existing as dark, shadowy beings.
2. Power and Abilities:
Ringwraiths possess formidable powers, including the ability to instill terror and fear in their enemies. They are also invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen by those who wear the One Ring or possess exceptional sight. In addition, Ringwraiths are powerful warriors and wield sharp weapons called Morgul-blades, which are capable of causing mortal wounds.
3. Destruction:
Although Ringwraiths are not entirely immortal, destroying them is a challenging task. They are not harmed by regular weapons and most forms of magic.
- Elendil's Sword: One notable exception is the sword of Elendil, Narsil, which was reforged into Andúril by Aragorn. When wielded by individuals like Elendil, Isildur, or Aragorn, it has the power to harm or even destroy Ringwraiths.
- Destroying the One Ring: The ultimate way to defeat Ringwraiths is to destroy the One Ring. By destroying the source of their power, the Nazgûl will lose their form and ultimately perish.
4. Notable Deaths and the Fellowship:
In the storyline, several Ringwraiths meet their demise at specific points:
- The Witch-king: He is killed by Éowyn, a shield-maiden of Rohan, with Merry's assistance. However, this requires Éowyn to use the reforged Narsil.
- Other Ringwraiths: Some of the other Ringwraiths are destroyed when the One Ring is cast into the fires of Mount Doom by Frodo Baggins during the quest described in The Lord of the Rings.
It's important to note that while the Ringwraiths can be defeated or destroyed, their existence was bound to the power of the One Ring. By destroying the Ring, their fate was ultimately sealed, leading to their permanent demise and the end of their servitude to Sauron.