Khamûl
Khamûl | |
---|---|
Easterling (early) Ringwraith (later) | |
"Khamûl the Easterling" by John Howe | |
Biographical Information | |
Other names | Shadow of the East, the Black Easterling |
Position | Second-in-command to Witch-king |
Location | East of Middle-earth Mordor Dol Guldur |
Affiliation | Sauron and Witch-king |
Birth | Second Age East of Middle-earth |
Death | 25 March T.A. 3019 (aged 4200+) Battle of the Morannon |
Notable for | Commanding Dol Guldur Pursuing Frodo Baggins |
Physical Description | |
Race | Easterling (early) Ringwraith (later) |
Gender | Male |
Steed | Black horse |
Gallery | Images of Khamûl |
Khamûl[note 1] was one of the nine Ringwraiths, second only to the Witch-king himself. He was called Sauron's lieutenant, "Shadow of the East", [1] and "the Second Chief" or "the Black Easterling"[2].
History
He was a king of Easterlings during the Second Age, and he was one of the nine Men to whom Sauron gave one of the Rings of Power. Like the others, he became a powerful sorcerer and ruler until eventually faded into a Wraith and his will was surrendered to Sauron.[3] By S.A. 2251 he was already one of Sauron's servants.[4]
It was said that, after the Witch-king, Khamûl was most ready to perceive the presence of the One Ring, but his power was most confused and diminished by daylight.
In T.A. 2951 Sauron returned to Mordor and declared openly to his enemies. Khamûl and two other Ringwraiths were sent to the fortress of Dol Guldur and Khamûl took command.[5]
During the War of the Ring he was one of the Ringwraiths who entered the Shire, and asked Hamfast Gamgee for "Baggins". However it was the day after Frodo Baggins had left Hobbiton, and he then pursued the Hobbits to Bucklebury Ferry in the Shire some days later.[2]
Following the destruction of the One Ring, Khamûl perished with the rest of the Ringwraiths.[6]
Portrayal in adaptations
2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:
- The Nazgûl in charge of Dol Guldur is known simply as "The Lieutenant of Dol Guldur", formerly "The Cursed Rider". He is said to have been an Easterling chieftain who wielded the Ring "Orôm, the Warmonger".
See also
Notes
- ↑ He was the only Ringwraith whose name is revealed in the Legendarium.
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Hunt for the Ring"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Hunt for the Ring", note 1
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Second Age"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Mount Doom"