Wraiths

Wraiths

Other names:
Their names when they were still alive, those special among them: Nazgûl, The Nine, Ring-Wraiths, Black Riders

Origin and History:
Neither dead nor truly living Wraiths are caught in-between, in the Wraith-World where they can take form.

This world is not entirely dissimilar to the World of the Unseen, home to all that has no form, be it spirit, tiny or powerful, or thought, living or dead. Yet, the World of the Unseen is neither good nor evil, the Wraith-World knows only loss, cold, darkness, loneliness, pain and fear.

It is great un-finished business or great dishonor and guilt or, indeed, some darker means and foul magic that keeps a Wraith there and does not allow them any rest. Such much darker means are rumored to keep nine cursed men in the service of Sauron, binding what remains of their long corrupted will to that of their terrible master.

Offered as gift nine rings of power were given to the greatest among Men of their Age, leaders, kings, warriors and sorcerers, wise men. Their hunger for power, prestige and wealth, as well as for wisdom, made them blind to the price that they eventually would have to pay. Immortality they gained, yet, their bodies withered and their minds faded into cold darkness, forever bound and restless they remain, and what is left of who they once were is uncertain. Only the Haradrim, perhaps, still believe that they have been blessed and that theirs is the ultimate and highest state of existence. Others see them as but a tragic shadow of life, haunted and driven by a desire not their own that can never be quenched.

It seems possible that victims killed by their poisonous weapons will not find rest either, but instead join them, forced to obey their will and follow their lead.

Gorlim is said to have appeared to Beren in a dream, and Helm Hammerhand is rumored to haunt all enemies of Rohan.

And the Men of the White Mountains who betrayed Isildur and broke their oath are said to still haunt the caves into which they retreated and in which they hid, cursed to remain there until their deed be forgiven and their debt paid.

Many of the people of Middle Earth have their legends of wraiths of different kinds roaming the world and haunting their lands. Yet, most common are sightings in the Dead Marshes where so many died and some may not even have realized that they should leave, in Mordor and Dol Guldur.

The Nine remain the most notable among them, lead by the Witch-King of Angmar.

Physical characteristics:
Most wraiths cannot truly take form and interact with the physical world directly. They will use intermediaries or appear in dreams and visions, lure or force their victim to overstep the line that separates the world of the living from their own. As shadowy figures, whispering mists and ghostly lights they may appear, a dark thought, a trick of light, a cold touch, suddenly, out of nowhere.

Only the Nine are known to take on near human form and appear as faceless knights and hooded figures, wielding great swords, riding mute horses and fell beasts.

Typical behavior:
Some wraiths are said to be repenting, searching for a means to finish what has been left unfinished, to make amends and lift the shame and guilt that minds them. Some, especially in areas where disaster or battle killed many suddenly and quickly, are said to be confused, not even aware that they have died. And even more rarely they are said to protect the living that they feel connected to.

Yet, most of them are described as vicious and angry, cursing their fate and seeking revenge on any and all things living.

Affiliation:
Many lower wraiths are selfish, angry and lost. Yet many more, lower and higher, serve, are created and controlled by their master in Mordor, Sauron.