The Lord Of The Rings: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Nazgûl

Sauron corrupted his Nine servants some time during the Second Age of Middle-earth, but Tolkien gave us little information as to what they did during this time. After Sauron's defeat during the War of the Last Alliance, the Nine essentially disappeared along with their master.

Around a thousand years into the Third Age, the Lord of the Nazgûl reappeared, establishing the evil Kingdom of Angmar. During this time he set about destroying Arnor - the sister Kingdom of Gondor and the home of the Northern Dúnedain.

Soon after, Prince Eärnur of Gondor arrived with an army, and together with the elves of Rivendell, defeated the Witch-king's forces. During the final stages of the battle, the Prince challenged the Witch-king to single combat, but his horse was so terrified it fled. The Lord of the Nazgûl laughed at the Prince's dismay before making his escape.

Years later, when Eärnur was king, the Witch-king - who by now occupied Minas Morgul - challenged him to single combat once again. At first he refused but the shame of his earlier encounter forced him to act. He rode to the Gates of Minas Morgul with a small party of knights, but was never seen again.

King Eärnur had no son's and his death led to the Rule of the Stewards, until the return of Aragorn.