The Differences Between the Undeath of Nazg?l and the Undeath of Aragorn's Servants

In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, the concept of undead is a complex and multifaceted one. Two distinct types of undead serve the opposing sides of Lord Sauron and King Aragorn: the Nazg?l and the Army of the Dead. These two groups, while both undead, differ significantly in their origins, characteristics, and methods of service.

Nazg?l: The Ringwraiths

The Nazg?l, or Ringwraiths, are a product of the dark magic of the One Ring. These beings are not mere undead; they are once-human individuals who have been corrupted by the Ring to serve their master, Sauron. Here are the key points about the Nazg?l:

Origins: They were initially kings of Men who inherited the Nine Rings of Power. However, when they put on the Rings, they were corrupted and trapped in a spirit world, becoming wraiths. Condition: The Rings enforce a state of existence that places the Nazg?l in the spirit world, where they can be invisible to mortals. Long-term use of the Rings causes their physical forms to fade, making them permanently invisible. Servitude: The Nazg?l are unerringly loyal to Sauron, with their wills completely under his control. They are enslaved and serve his will without question.

When Frodo wore the Ring at Weathertop, he saw the Nazg?l more clearly because their original forms had long since faded away, leaving them as phantoms. Their existence is a result of their voluntary or forced use of the Rings, and they are not truly dead, but rather transformed into ghostly beings.

Army of the Dead: The Oathbound Men

In contrast, the Army of the Dead are men who died long ago, and their spirits are bound to Sauron through an oath.

Origins: These spirits were originally men who lived in Middle-earth during the time of King Elendil. They were promised a reward for their support in the war against Sauron, but upon their deaths, their spirits were not allowed to pass into the Halls of Mandos. Instead, they were trapped in a limbo outside Middle-earth, waiting for their heir to fulfill their oath. Condition: These spirits were not turned into wraiths by evil rings, but rather kept in a state of undead through their unfulfilled oaths. They are not truly invisible and can be seen, albeit under mysterious conditions or when summoned. Servitude: The spirits must be summoned by their promised heir, who outweighs their past dishonor and guilt with their future honor and duty. When summoned, they are bound to fight for their master, but their service is more of a divine punishment and a second chance at redemption.

Comparison: Nazg?l vs. Army of the Dead

The Nazg?l and the Army of the Dead differ in their origins, characteristics, and the nature of their servitude. While the Nazg?l are controlled completely by Sauron, the Army of the Dead are bound to a spirit of justice and redemption, serving their chosen lord under specific conditions. Their existence is a form of eternal punishment for their original sins, and they remain in a state of undeath until their oaths are fulfilled.

Conclusion

The Nazg?l and the Army of the Dead represent two starkly different forms of undead in Tolkien's lore. The Nazg?l are mere shadows, their wills utterly controlled by Sauron, while the Army of the Dead are bound to a concept of honor and redemption. Both serve, but for very different reasons and in very different ways.