The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has the potential to illuminate longstanding mysteries surrounding the Ringwraiths, captivating fans of the franchise. Produced by J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, this series is set during the Second Age of Middle-earth, a period that may surprise many casual viewers who are more familiar with the cinematic adaptations rather than J.R.R. Tolkien’s extensive lore. For these viewers, the existence of the Ringwraiths during the Second Age has been largely overlooked, leaving many questions unanswered about these iconic characters. The upcoming series appears poised to explore this chapter, potentially providing unique insights into the enigmatic Nazgûl during this time.
Despite some criticism aimed at the choice to feature Gandalf earlier than chronologically expected, the show may indeed remain authentic to the history of the Nazgûl. Peter Jackson’s acclaimed adaptations positioned Gandalf firmly within the Third Age, aligning with Tolkien’s own descriptions from his seminal 1955 work. However, The Rings of Power seems to draw inspiration from a lesser-known note by Tolkien, suggesting that Wizards may have existed in the Second Age. In contrast, the show has the opportunity to craft a backstory explaining the Ringwraiths’ puzzling disappearance during this critical historical period.
Unveiling the Ringwraiths’ Fate in Tolkien’s Second Age
The Mystique of the Ringwraiths’ Early Years
Among the myriad debates within The Lord of the Rings fandom is the fate of the Ringwraiths during their formative years. While it is widely accepted that the Ringwraiths served as Sauron’s formidable weapons amidst Frodo’s Third Age quests, the creation and dissemination of the Rings took place in the Second Age, as noted in The Silmarillion (1977). Intriguingly, the Nazgûl are conspicuously absent from these accounts, leaving a gap that The Rings of Power may adeptly fill by exploring their development and their involvement—or lack thereof—during pivotal events such as the War of the Last Alliance.
Clarifying the Ringwraiths’ Role in Key Events
Diving Deeper into the Nazgûl’s Storyline
It is highly probable that Amazon’s adaptation will not only include storylines featuring the Ringwraiths but also unpack their relationship with the War of the Last Alliance. Recently, the conclusion of season 2 hinted at Sauron seizing the Rings of Men from the vulnerable Galadriel, suggesting that he will distribute them before the creation of the One Ring, per the source material. As the series progresses, it is likely that the origins of the Nazgûl will be intricately woven into the narrative, culminating in their role—or lack thereof—in forthcoming battles.
While the third season may shed light on the identities of some Nazgûl, significant events like the Fall of Númenor are expected to unfold across seasons three or four, with the War of the Last Alliance likely slated for season five. The creators aim to encapsulate the prologue leading into The Fellowship of the Ring over five seasons. This means that by the end of season five, viewers might witness Sauron’s defeat intertwined with vital explanations regarding why the Nazgûl were absent from key historical conflicts.