lor104

2014

The Hobbit

The Witch-king is a major antagonist in J.R.R. Tolkien's Legendarium, most notably in *The Lord of the Rings*. While not directly present in *The Hobbit*, his backstory significantly impacts the larger narrative.

Originally a King of Men in the Second Age, he was seduced by Sauron and became the first and most powerful of the nine Ringwraiths, or Nazgûl. Sauron gifted him a Ring of Power, which granted him immense power and extended his lifespan, but ultimately enslaved him to Sauron's will.

As the Witch-king, he led Sauron's forces in various wars throughout the Second and Third Ages, notably establishing the kingdom of Angmar in the north of Middle-earth. Angmar was a constant threat to the descendants of the kingdom of Arnor. He relentlessly besieged them, eventually leading to the fall of Arnor and its splitting into separate kingdoms.

Although defeated in battle, the Witch-king survives, remaining Sauron's chief lieutenant. A prophesy stated he would not be slain by a man, setting the stage for his eventual demise at the hands of Éowyn in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.