The Lord of the Rings

The Ringwraiths, also known as the Nazgûl or Black Riders, are formidable antagonists in J.R.R. Tolkien's *The Lord of the Rings*. They were once nine mortal kings of men, powerful in their own right, who were corrupted by Sauron and enslaved to his will through the Rings of Power.

Each king received a Ring, granting them extended life and abilities, but ultimately twisting them into wraiths, invisible to all but the most perceptive eyes. Their physical forms faded as their dependence on the Rings increased.

The Ringwraiths are Sauron's most terrifying servants, clad in black robes and riding black steeds. They hunt tirelessly for the One Ring, guided by its power and their absolute obedience to Sauron. Their primary weapon is fear; their presence induces terror and despair. They are also skilled warriors, wielding swords and possessing a chilling scream that can paralyze their enemies.

Led by the Witch-king of Angmar, the most powerful of the nine, the Ringwraiths pose a significant threat to the Fellowship and Middle-earth's resistance against Sauron. Their unyielding pursuit of the Ring drives much of the narrative conflict.