Aragorn’s Connection to the Nazg?l: Exploring the Bloodline in Middle-earth
In the rich tapestry of Middle-earth, the story of Aragorn and the Nazg?l is a complex and intriguing narrative. This article delves into the nuanced relationships between Aragorn and the Nazg?l, specifically focusing on the Witch-king of Angmar, in the context of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium and fan interpretation.
Origins of the Nazg?l
The Nazg?l, or Ringwraiths, were once kings of Men who fell under the tyranny of Sauron. Each was given a unique Ring of Power, a gift that corrupted their soul and mind, making them servants of their master and the bearers of unending despair. Among them, the leader, the Witch-king of Angmar, was traditionally considered the most significant.
Aragorn's Ancestry
Aragorn, son of Arathorn and the heir to the throne of Gondor, traces his lineage to Isildur, who in turn inherited the One Ring from Sauron. Isildur's lineage can be traced back to Elros, the first king of Númenor, making Aragorn a descendant of this ancient line of kings. Elros had four children, and Aragorn's ancestors can be connected to Elros's younger children, thus fostering a distant familial link with the Nazg?l.
The Witch-king of Angmar
The Witch-king, the leader of the Nazg?l, was once a king of Men. His true identity remains ambiguous, as Tolkien did not explicitly reveal it. However, he is often associated with the line of men and by extension, with the ancient kings of Númenor. This shared lineage, while not familial, strengthens the bond between Aragorn and the Witch-king. Moreover, the idea that the Witch-king could be a descendant of Elros, through the younger line, makes him a sort-of cousin to Aragorn.
Historical Context and Interpretations
In The Silmarillion, it is stated that among those enslaved by the Nine Rings, three were great lords of Númenórean race. Given this context, it is reasonable to assume that at least some of the Nazg?l, including the Witch-king, were part of this lineage. The fan interpretation further complicates this by suggesting that the Witch-king might be a direct descendant of Elros.
Other Nazg?l and Their Connection to Aragorn
The other Nazg?l, besides the Witch-king, have a more tenuous connection to Aragorn through their possible association with the Haladin, one of the Three House of the Edain. Rian, Aragorn's direct foremother, was part-Haladin, which could imply a distant relationship through this line.
The Case of Kham?l
However, not all Nazg?l have a connection to Aragorn. According to Unfinished Tales, Kham?l, the fourth Nazg?l, was originally a Black Easterling from Rh?n. Being of different lineage and not Númenórean, Kham?l does not share a direct or even distant blood connection with Aragorn.
In essence, Aragorn is a sort-of cousin to at least three of the Nazg?l, and possibly related to five of them through the ancient legacy of Númenórean blood and the influence of the One Ring. Kham?l stands as an exception, unconnected to Aragorn's lineage.
While these connections might seem overlooked in the grand scheme of Middle-earth, they add depth to the characters and their roles in the epic narrative. The relationships between Aragorn and the Nazg?l serve as a reminder of the intricate web of connections and the unforeseen legacies held within the stories of The Lord of the Rings.