Movements of the Nazgûl: 22 September–20 October 3018

by Ken Hernden

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Text, meta-text, and ‘canon’: (Re)tracing the Nazgûl

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Background note
Christopher Tolkien mentions yet another text, ‘notes recounting in detail the movements of the Black Riders’ (Unfinished Tales, p. 352, n. 1). A large part of this lengthy manuscript [MSS 4/2/36] was published in Reader’s Companion, but in sections appropriate to the development of the story (see pp. 97, 99, 116, 145, 164–5, 166, 166–7, 180–1, 194, 195–6, 262–3) and adapted to make it more comprehensible in this form, with descriptive phrases substituted for the letters ABCDEFGHI used by Tolkien to identify the individual Black Riders.[...]Tolkien wrote all of the Hunt for the Ring texts after The Fellowship of the Ring was in page proof at the end of September 1953, and before The Return of the King was completed for press – probably, then, in late 1954 or early 1955. The texts may have been written as supplements to The Lord of the Rings, but omitted when problems arose about the length of the Appendices.
Rider key

Morgul group (A–D)

  • Date
  • Nazgûl A Witch-king
  • Nazgûl B (Morgul Group)
  • Nazgûl C (Morgul Group)
  • Nazgûl D (Morgul Group)
  • Notes for A-D

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

  • Date2
  • Nazgûl E Khamûl (Dol Guldur Group)
  • Nazgûl F “Companion” (Dol Guldur Group)
  • Nazgûl G (Dol Guldur Group)
  • Nazgûl H (Dol Guldur Group)
  • Nazgûl I (Dol Guldur Group)
  • Notes for E-I

Dates are shown separately for each group. Paired entries do not necessarily share a date. A dash indicates that no entry is recorded.

Morgul group (A–D)

22–23 Sep

AWitch-king
75(I: 84). The riding figure sat quite still with its· head bowed, as if listening. From inside the hood came a noise as of someone sniffing to catch an elusive scent; the head turned from side to side of the road. -In the second part of 1954 Tolkien wrote several, differing accounts of the Black Riders’ search for the One Ring, summarized by Christopher Tolkien in The Hunt for the Ring, published in Unfinished Tales. At the end of one unpublished version it is said that the account was ‘drawn up by Gandalf, Elrond, and told to Frodo in Rivendell’ (Marquette MSS 4/2/36). It begins by noting that after the Black Riders overcame the Rangers guarding Sarn Ford, four of them, including the leader, the Witch-king, turned eastward (see note for p. 143), and five, including Khamûl, formerly the commander of Dol Guldur, entered the Shire and divided: Leads four [ABCD]; crosses Sarn Ford; drives off Rangers; turns east.
B
With A
C
With A
D
With A

Notes for A–D

LOTR:RC (2014): 97

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

22–23 Sep

EKhamûl
Leads 5 [EFGHI]; crosses at Sarn Ford; drives off Rangers; enters the Shire
F“Companion”
With E
G
With E
H
With E
I
With E

Notes for E–I

LOTR:RC (2014): 97

Morgul group (A–D)

23/24 Sep

AWitch-king
In Marquette MSS 4/2/36 (The Hunt for the Ring) it is said that after the Black Riders had overcome the Rangers guarding Sarn Ford, four of the Riders ABCD pursue Rangers along Greenway, and having slain them or driven them off Eastwards, make a camp at Andrath (where the road passes between the Barrowdowns and the South Downs) [cf. note for p. 177].
B
“[The other three Black Riders] BCD are left to guard the eastern borders, to watch the Greenway, and guard against Elves or Dúnedain coming from eastwards.”
C
“[The other three Black Riders] BCD are left to guard the eastern borders, to watch the Greenway, and guard against Elves or Dúnedain coming from eastwards.”
D
“[The other three Black Riders] BCD are left to guard the eastern borders, to watch the Greenway, and guard against Elves or Dúnedain coming from eastwards.”

Notes for A–D

LOTR:RC (2014): 145

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

23 Sep

EKhamûl
“[G]o through the central Shire, until they reach the East Road, probably near the Three-Farthing Stone. ([These] were probably Khamûl E and his companion, F from Dol Guldur; Dol Guldur; and [Khamûl E] [is] the most ready of all (save [the Witch-king A] to perceive the presence of the Ring, but also the one whose power was most confused and diminished by sunlight). ” “Drawn by the Ring [Khamûl E] goes to Hobbiton which he reaches at evening on Fri. Sep. 23rd. […] [Khamûl E] just misses Frodo, and misled by the Gaffers [sic] starts out east again.”
F“Companion”
[His companion F] keeps an eye on the East Road and Stock Road, lurking probably between the two, just south of Whitfurrows.
G
G “[K]eeps to the east, passing northwards towards the Marish and Bridge.”
H
With I “[T]akes road leading northwest to Michel Delving, and [another] goes with him, but there [?fares] on and traverses the North Farthing.”
I
With H “...[another] goes with him, but there [?fares] on and traverses the North Farthing.”

Notes for E–I

LOTR:RC (2014): 97

Morgul group (A–D)

~24 Sep

AWitch-king
[The Witch-king A] A now visits the Barrowdowns and stops there some days (probably until late on 27). This proves a main error, though in fact it was nearly successful, since the Barrowwights are roused, and all things of evil spirit hostile to Elves and Men are on the watch with malice in the Old Forest and on the Barrowdowns.
B
—
C
—
D
—

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

24 Sep

EKhamûl
[On 24 September he] [Khamûl E] picks up the Stock Road, and overtakes Frodo at approaches to Woody End - probably by accident; he becomes uneasily aware of the Ring, but is hesitant and uncertain because of the bright sun. He turns into the woods and waits for night.” (Day time on September 24, 3018). “According to Marquette MSS 4/2/36 (The Hunt for the Ring): ‘After dark, becoming acutely aware of the Ring, [Khamûl E] goes in pursuit; but is daunted by the sudden appearance of the Elves and the song of Elbereth. While Frodo is surrounded by the Elves he cannot perceive the Ring clearly.’” (Evening / nighttime on September 24, 3018)
F“Companion”
Proximate to E to be able to be called by cries on September 25. [His companion F] keeps an eye on the East Road and Stock Road, lurking probably between the two, just south of Whitfurrows.
G
—
H
—
I
—

Notes for E–I

LOTR:RC (2014): 97–98 LOTR:RC (2014): 99

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

25 Sep

EKhamûl
“As soon as the Elves depart [Khamûl E] renews his hunt, and reaching the ridge above Woodhall is aware that the Ring has been there. Failing to find the Bearer and feeling that he is drawing away, he [E]summons [his companion F] by cries. [He] [E] is aware of the general direction that the Ring has taken, but not knowing of Frodo’s rest in the wood, and believing him to have made straight eastwards, he [E] and [his companion F] F ride over the fields. They visit Maggot while Frodo is still under the trees. [Khamûl E] E then makes a mistake (probably because he imagines the Ringbearer as some mighty man, strong and swift): he does not look lurk near the farm, but sends [his companion F] F down Causeway towards Overbourn, while he goes north along it towards the Bridge. They tryst to return and meet one another at night; but do so just too late. Frodo crosses by ferry just before [Khamûl E] E arrives. [His companion F] F joins him soon after. [Khamûl E] E is now well aware that the Ring has crossed the river; but the river is a barrier to his sense of its movement.
F“Companion”
They [Khamûl E and F] visit Maggot while Frodo is still under the trees. [Khamûl E] E then makes a mistake (probably because he imagines the Ringbearer as some mighty man, strong and swift): he does not look lurk near the farm, but sends [his companion F] F down Causeway towards Overbourn, while he goes north along it towards the Bridge. They tryst to return and meet one another at night; but do so just too late. Frodo crosses by ferry just before [Khamûl E] E arrives. [His companion F] F joins him soon after.
G
—
H
—
I
—

Notes for E–I

LOTR:RC (2014): 116

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

26 Sep

EKhamûl
(The Nazgûl found one another easily, since they were quickly aware of a companion presence, and could hear the cries over great distances. They could see one another also from far away, even by day when to them a Nazgûl was the one clearly visible thing in a mist.) As soon as he has assembled his force [EFGHI] (in the early morning of 26th, probably) [Khamûl E] E leaves G to lurk near the Bridge and watch it; HI he sends along the East Road, with orders to report to [the Witch-king A] A the eastward movement of the Ring; he himself with [his companion F] F passes secretly into Buckland by the north gate of that land. But desiring to attract as little notice as possible he (mistakenly and against Sauron’s orders) sacrifices speed to stealth. HI pass along the East Road, and visit Bree and ‘The Prancing Pony’. They then go in search of [the Witch-king A] A but cannot at once find him [until 27th September. He A] HI at length find A, who is elated to learn that the Ring was really in the Shire, but is alarmed and angry at its escape; and also by the fact that the Bearer must now certainly know that he is being hunted. (If he is a person of power and knowledge he may find out indeed how to use it, and compel a Nazgûl to leave him unmolested at the least. But [he is told that Khamûl E] H reports that E has discovered that the Bearer is a v[ery] small spiritless creature with no pride or will power, and is filled with terror at the approach of a Ringwraith.)
F“Companion”
With Khamûl E in the morning.
G
With Khamûl E in the morning. “[Khamûl E] leaves one [G] to lurk near the Bridge and watch it;”
H
With Khamûl E in the morning. [H]e [Khamûl E] sends [two] HI along the East Road, with orders to report to [the Witch-king A] the eastward movement of the Ring; [...] [The two sent east] HI pass along the East Road, and visit Bree and ‘The Prancing Pony’. They then go in search of [the Witch-king E] but cannot at once find him [until 27th September. He] is elated to learn that the Ring was really in the Shire, but is alarmed and angry at its escape; and also by the fact that the Bearer must now certainly know that he is being hunted.
I
With Khamûl E in the morning. With H. [The two sent east] HI pass along the East Road, and visit Bree and ‘The Prancing Pony’. They then go in search of [the Witch-king E] but cannot at once find him [until 27th September. He] is elated to learn that the Ring was really in the Shire, but is alarmed and angry at its escape; and also by the fact that the Bearer must now certainly know that he is being hunted.

Notes for E–I

LOTR:RC (2014): 164 KH: Of the three in the group of five who are not Khamûl or his companion, there is consistently one who work alone and two who work together, so I have consistently kept H and I as the two who work together, which Bill Fliss’s information confirms.

Morgul group (A–D)

27 Sep

AWitch-king
H and I find A. [The Witch-king A] A is uncertain what to do. The Bearer seems to be making eastwards, he is therefore surely bound for Rivendell (not the Havens). He would have naturally used the East Road; but will he do so, now that he knows he is pursued? Probably he will attempt to escape from the Shire at some unexpected point, through the Old Forest and the Downs, and there make cross-country to strike the Road beyond Weathertop, maybe. In that direction [he A] A now sends out D, H, I separately, with orders to reassemble just east of Weathertop, and then return towards Bree along or near the Road. [He A] A himself, keeping B, C redoubles his vigilance on the east-borders along the Greenway... his counsels disturbed by threat of attack. Some of the Dúnedain have met Elvish messengers, and [he A] A is uneasily aware that many enemies are watching him and though none has yet come with power to challenge his.
B
“In that direction [he] now sends out [three Riders DHI] separately, with orders to reassemble just east of Weathertop, and then return towards Bree along or near the Road.” ...[He A] A himself, keeping BC redoubles his vigilance on the east-borders along the Greenway...
C
“In that direction [he] now sends out [three Riders DHI] separately, with orders to reassemble just east of Weathertop, and then return towards Bree along or near the Road.” ...[He A] A himself, keeping BC redoubles his vigilance on the east-borders along the Greenway...
D
“In that direction [he] now sends out [three Riders DHI] separately, with orders to reassemble just east of Weathertop, and then return towards Bree along or near the Road.” ...[He A] A himself, keeping BC redoubles his vigilance on the east-borders along the Greenway...

Notes for A–D

LOTR:RC (2014): 164–165

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

27 Sep

EKhamûl
“Meanwhile [Khamûl E and his companion F] are searching Buckland, but can do little except at night; and they are at a loss, since the Buckland did not appear in Saruman’s charts of the Shire at all. By good fortune they do not discover the Hay-gate or become aware that the Ring has departed.”
F“Companion”
With E
G
“[Khamûl E] leaves one [G] to lurk near the Bridge and watch it;”
H
Finds A and reports. With I. In that direction [he A] A now sends out D, H, I separately, with orders to reassemble just east of Weathertop, and then return towards Bree along or near the Road.
I
Finds A and reports. With I. In that direction [he A] A now sends out D, H, I separately, with orders to reassemble just east of Weathertop, and then return towards Bree along or near the Road.

Notes for E–I

LOTR:RC (2014): 164–165

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

28 Sep

EKhamûl
[On 28 September they] EF find Crickhollow at night, but do not attack though [Khamûl E] E is aware that the Ring has been, or is still, there. [Khamûl E] E lurks ?lurks near, and [his companion F] F is sent to bring G and the horses. Road between Bridge and Bree is thus left unwatched.
F“Companion”
Sent by E to fetch G and horses
G
Fetched by #6 to return with him to #5.
H
—
I
—

Notes for E–I

LOTR:RC (2014): 165

Morgul group (A–D)

29 Sep

AWitch-king
—
B
—
C
—
D
In Marquette MSS 4/2/36 (The Hunt for the Ring) it is said that the three Black Riders [DHI] who had been sent to Weathertop and told to ride back along the Road reached Bree at dusk [on 29 September], and soon learn from the Isengard-spy of the events in the Inn, and guess the presence of the Ring. One D is sent to the Captain [Witch-king A].... D is waylaid by Dúnedain and driven away does not reach [the Witch-king A] A until the next day.... HI foiled in their attempt to capture Merry make plans for attack on the Inn at night...

Notes for A–D

LOTR:RC (2014): 166

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

29 Sep

EKhamûl
Returns to Crickhollow with F and G. “[On 29 September Khamûl E and the other two Riders FG] come back to Crickhollow and watch it as night passes.” [Early on 29 September Khamûl E and the other two Riders] EFG come back to Crickhollow and watch it as night passes.
F“Companion”
With E
G
With E
H
With I In Marquette MSS 4/2/36 (The Hunt for the Ring) it is said that the three Black Riders [DHI] who had been sent to Weathertop [separately] and told to ride back along the Road reached Bree at dusk [on 29 September], and soon learn from the Isengard-spy of the events in the Inn, and guess the presence of the Ring. One D is sent to the Captain [Witch-king A].... D is waylaid by Dúnedain and driven away does not reach [the Witch-king A] A until the next day.... HI foiled in their attempt to capture Merry make plans for attack on the Inn at night...
I
With H In that direction [he A] A now sends out D, H, I separately, with orders to reassemble just east of Weathertop, and then return towards Bree along or near the Road. In Marquette MSS 4/2/36 (The Hunt for the Ring) it is said that the three Black Riders [DHI] who had been sent to Weathertop and told to ride back along the Road reached Bree at dusk [on 29 September], and soon learn from the Isengard-spy of the events in the Inn, and guess the presence of the Ring. One D is sent to the Captain [Witch-king A].... D is waylaid by Dúnedain and driven away does not reach [the Witch-king A] A until the next day.... HI foiled in their attempt to capture Merry make plans for attack on the Inn at night...

Notes for E–I

LOTR:RC (2014): 165–166 rimbë 1.11.001–013

Morgul group (A–D)

30 Sep

AWitch-king
“The Nazgûl are thus all [ABCDEFGHI] assembled at Andrath.[The Witch-king E] is exceedingly wroth, and feels certain that Bearer has gone east from Bree.He is not yet aware of the presence of Gandalf, and does not learn anything of Aragorn beyond the report of the spy that ‘a Ranger was in the Inn on the night of Sep[tember] 29’. [The Witch-king A] A now plans his pursuit. He sends FGHI across country from Andrath to Weathertop. He himself [A] with the BCDE scour all round the borders from Sarn Ford to Bree at speed, but can find out nothing, or feel any trace of the Ring ... [on 30 September] ABCDE knowing now that Ring has escaped East leave Greenway and take East Road [...].
B
With A at start of day; and then with ACDE scour all round the borders from Sarn Ford to Bree at speed, but can find out nothing, or feel any trace of the Ring ... [on 30 September] ABCDE knowing now that Ring has escaped East leave Greenway and take East Road [...].
C
With A at start of day; and then with ABDE scour all round the borders from Sarn Ford to Bree at speed, but can find out nothing, or feel any trace of the Ring ... [on 30 September] ABCDE knowing now that Ring has escaped East leave Greenway and take East Road [...].
D
With A at start of day; and then with ABCE scour all round the borders from Sarn Ford to Bree at speed, but can find out nothing, or feel any trace of the Ring ... [on 30 September] ABCDE knowing now that Ring has escaped East leave Greenway and take East Road [...].

Notes for A–D

LOTR:RC (2014): 166

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

30 Sep

EKhamûl
The Inn attacked by the two Riders HI in early hours before dawn [September 30, 3018]. Crickhollow attacked at about the same time. [by EFG] .. . Both attacks fail. “[The three from Crickhollow EFG] ride down the Buckland Gate and make also for Andrath [Sindarin Tong climb’, the ‘defile between the Barrow-downs and the South Downs through which the North-South Road (Greenway) passed’, Unfinished Tales, p. 418]. The Nazgûl are thus all ABCDEFGHI assembled at Andrath.” With A at start of day; and with the ABCD scour all round the borders from Sarn Ford to Bree at speed, but can find out nothing, or feel any trace of the Ring ... [on 30 September] ABCDE knowing now that Ring has escaped East leave Greenway and take East Road; soon after midnight they ride through Bree like a storm, casting down the gates.
F“Companion”
Crickhollow attacked at about the same time [as the Inn in the early hours before dawn September 30, 3018]. [by EFG] .. . Both attacks fail. “[The three from Crickhollow EFG] ride down the Buckland Gate and make also for Andrath [Sindarin Tong climb’, the ‘defile between the Barrow-downs and the South Downs through which the North-South Road (Greenway) passed’, Unfinished Tales, p. 418]. The Nazgûl are thus all ABCDEFGHI assembled at Andrath.” With A at start of day; then F with GHI sent across country from Andrath to Weathertop.
G
Crickhollow attacked at about the same time [as the Inn in the early hours before dawn September 30, 3018]. [by EFG] .. . Both attacks fail. “[The three from Crickhollow EFG] ride down the Buckland Gate and make also for Andrath [Sindarin: ‘long climb’, the ‘defile between the Barrow-downs and the South Downs through which the North-South Road (Greenway) passed’, Unfinished Tales, p. 418]. The Nazgûl are thus all ABCDEFGHI assembled at Andrath.” With A at start of day; then G with FHI sent across country from Andrath to Weathertop.
H
The Inn attacked by the two Riders HI in early hours before dawn [September 30, 3018]...Both attacks fail. HI go off in haste to find [the Witch-king A] A to report that Bearer has gone (without waiting for further news). With A at start of day; then H with FGI sent across country from Andrath to Weathertop.
I
The Inn attacked by the two Riders HI in early hours before dawn [September 30, 3018]... Both attacks fail. HI go off in haste to find [the Witch-king A] A to report that Bearer has gone (without waiting for further news). With A at start of day; then I with FGH sent across country from Andrath to Weathertop.

Notes for E–I

LOTR:RC (2014): 166 The attack on the Prancing Pony occurs entirely off the mainline. The text transitions from Crickhollow where EFG attack in rimbë 1.11.001–013 to the Hobbits being awakened by Strider after the attack on the inn. That attack happened at about the same time on September 29–30. The flight of EFG from the house at Crickhollow to the Buckland Gate is described on the mainline at rimbë 1.11.013. The immdiate aftermath of the attack in Bree is covered in rimbë 1.11.014–1.11.038.

Morgul group (A–D)

1 Oct

AWitch-king
Soon after midnight they [ABCDE] ride through Bree like a storm, casting down the gates. [this would be early October 1, 3018 then]
B
Soon after midnight they [ABCDE] ride through Bree like a storm, casting down the gates. [this would be early October 1, 3018 then]
C
Soon after midnight they [ABCDE] ride through Bree like a storm, casting down the gates. [this would be early October 1, 3018 then]
D
Soon after midnight they [ABCDE] ride through Bree like a storm, casting down the gates. [this would be early October 1, 3018 then]

Notes for A–D

LOTR:RC (2014): 166

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

1 Oct

EKhamûl
With Witch-king A Soon after midnight they [ABCDE] ride through Bree like a storm, casting down the gates. [this would be early October 1, 3018 then]
F“Companion”
—
G
—
H
—
I
—

Morgul group (A–D)

2 Oct

AWitch-king
—
B
—
C
—
D
—

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

—

EKhamûl
—
F“Companion”
According to another account, on 2 October the four Black Riders who were sent ahead [FGHI]: assemble near Weathertop. F remains.
G
According to another account, on 2 October the four Black Riders who were sent ahead [FGHI]: assemble near Weathertop. GHI go on eastwards on or near Road.
H
According to another account, on 2 October the four Black Riders who were sent ahead [FGHI]: assemble near Weathertop. GHI go on eastwards on or near Road.
I
According to another account, on 2 October the four Black Riders who were sent ahead [FGHI]: assemble near Weathertop. GHI go on eastwards on or near Road.

Notes for E–I

LOTR:RC (2014): 167–168

Morgul group (A–D)

3 Oct

AWitch-king
Gandalf reaches Weathertop but does not overtake ABCDE; for they become aware of his approach as he overtakes them on Shadowfax, and withdraw into hiding beside the road. They close in behind. [The Witch-king A] A is both pleased and puzzled. For a while he had been in great fear, thinking that by some means Gandalf had got possession of the Ring and was now the Bearer; but as Gandalf passes he is aware that Gandalf has not got the Ring. What is he pursuing? He himself must be after the escaping Bearer; and it must therefore somehow have gone on far ahead. But Gandalf is a great power and enemy. He must be dealt with, and yet that needs great force. ABCDE follow Gandalf hotly to Weathertop. Since Gandalf halts there, [the Witch-king A] A suspects that that is a trysting place.
B
With Witch-king A.
C
With Witch-king A.
D
With Witch-king A.

Notes for A–D

LOTR:RC (2014): 167–168

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

3 Oct

EKhamûl
With Witch-king A.
F“Companion”
—
G
—
H
—
I
—

Notes for E–I

LOTR:RC (2014): 167–168

Morgul group (A–D)

3–4 Oct

AWitch-king
Gandalf is attacked by ABCD and F on Weathertop on night 3–4. Frodo and Aragorn see the light of the battle in the sky from their camp.
B
With Witch-king A.
C
With Witch-king A.
D
With Witch-king A.

Notes for A–D

LOTR:RC (2014): 167–168

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

—

EKhamûl
Not present for some reason and even the MSS doesn’t state where he is? He was with Witch-king A on October 3 and he remains with Witch-king A watching Weathertop on October 4.
F“Companion”
With Witch-king A. Joined near Weathertop by ABCD and presumably E.
G
—
H
—
I
—

Notes for E–I

LOTR:RC (2014): 167–168

Morgul group (A–D)

4 Oct

AWitch-king
Oct. 4: Gandalf repulses the Nazgûl and escapes northwards at Sunrise, and follows the Hoarwell up towards the mountains. ... But [the Witch-king A and Khamûl E] the two chiefs AE remain watching Weathertop.
B
Oct. 4: Gandalf repulses the Nazgûl and escapes northwards at Sunrise, and follows the Hoarwell up towards the mountains. BCDF are sent in pursuit (mainly because [the Witch-king A] A thinks it possible he may know of the whereabouts or course of the Bearer).
C
BCDF are sent in pursuit of Gandalf northwards up the Hoarwell towards the mountains.
D
BCDF are sent in pursuit of Gandalf northwards up the Hoarwell towards the mountains.

Notes for A–D

LOTR:RC (2014): 167–168

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

4 Oct

EKhamûl
Oct. 4: Gandalf repulses the Nazgûl and escapes northwards at Sunrise, and follows the Hoarwell up towards the mountains. ... But [the Witch-king A and Khamûl E] the two chiefs AE remain watching Weathertop.
F“Companion”
BCDF are sent in pursuit of Gandalf northwards up the Hoarwell towards the mountains.
G
—
H
—
I
—

Notes for E–I

LOTR:RC (2014): 167–168

Morgul group (A–D)

5 Oct

AWitch-king
Thus they [the Witch-king A and Khamûl E] become aware of the approach of Frodo on Oct. 5.
B
—
C
—
D
—

Notes for A–D

LOTR:RC (2014): 167–168

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

—

EKhamûl
Thus they [the Witch-king A and Khamûl E] become aware of the approach of Frodo on Oct. 5.
F“Companion”
—
G
GHI return from East.
H
GHI return from East.
I
GHI return from East.

Notes for E–I

LOTR:RC (2014): 167–168

Morgul group (A–D)

6 Oct

AWitch-king
In Marquette MSS 4/2/36 (The Hunt for the Ring) Tolkien wrote: Oct. 6. Frodo reaches Weathertop observed by the Nazgûl. Aragorn sees [three Riders] [EHI] coming back from a patrol of the Road west of Weathertop. The camp is attacked at night by [five Riders] [AEGHI]; but they are driven off by Aragorn; and withdraw after wounding Frodo.” [The Witch-king A] A now knows who is the Bearer, and is greatly puzzled that it should be a small creature, and not Aragorn, who seems to be a great power though apparently ‘only a Ranger’. But the Bearer has been marked with the Knife and (he thinks) cannot last more than a day or two. It is a strange thing that the camp was not watched while darkness lasted of the night Oct. 6–7, and the crossing of the Road into the southward lands seems not to have been observed, sothat [the Witch-king A] A again lost track of the Ring. For this there were probably several reasons, the least to be expected being the most important, namely that [the Witch-king A] A, the great captain, was actually dismayed. He had been shaken by the fire of Gandalf, and began to perceive that the mission on which Sauron had sent him was one of great peril to himself both by the way, and on his return to his Master (if unsuccessful); and he had been doing ill, so far achieving nothing save rousing the power of the Wise and directing them to the Ring. But above all the timid and terrified Bearer had resisted him, had dared to strike at him with an enchanted sword made by his own enemies long ago for his destruction. Narrowly it had missedhim. How he had come by it – save in the Barrows of Cardolan. Then he was in some way mightier than the B[arrow]-wight; and he called on Elbereth, a name of terror to the Nazgûl. He was then in league with the High Elves of the Havens. Escaping a wound that would have been as deadly to him as the Mordor-knife to Frodo (as was proved at the end), he withdrew and hid for a while, out of doubt and fear both of Aragorn and especially of Frodo. But fear of Sauron, and the forces of Sauron’s will was the stronger.
B
—
C
—
D
—

Notes for A–D

LOTR:RC (2014): 180

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

6 Oct

EKhamûl
With Witch-king A.
F“Companion”
With BCD
G
The camp is attacked at night by [five Riders] [AEGHI]; but they are driven off by Aragorn; and withdraw after wounding Frodo.
H
The camp is attacked at night by [five Riders] [AEGHI]; but they are driven off by Aragorn; and withdraw after wounding Frodo.”
I
The camp is attacked at night by [five Riders] [AEGHI]; but they are driven off by Aragorn; and withdraw after wounding Frodo.”

Notes for E–I

LOTR:RC (2014): 180

Morgul group (A–D)

7 Oct

AWitch-king
Oct. 7. He [Witch-king A] arose and cried out to his companions, and drew EGHI back to him. He then patrols the Road to the Bridge of Mitheithel, knowing that it was practically impossible to cross the Grey-flood between Tharbad and the Bridge (while BCDF are away north along the upper river). The Nazgûl search in vain for the Bearer while Aragorn leads Frodo in the pathless lands south of the Road.
B
—
C
—
D
—

Notes for A–D

LOTR:RC (2014): 180–181

Morgul group (A–D)

7–10 Oct

AWitch-king
—
B
—
C
—
D
—

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

7–10 Oct

EKhamûl
—
F“Companion”
—
G
—
H
—
I
—

Morgul group (A–D)

11 Oct

AWitch-king
Oct. 11: Glorfindel reaches Bridge of Mitheithel and there finds [three Riders, including Khamûl E] EHI. He drives them back well down the road, until they leave it and disperse [East]. (Thus Aragorn and Frodo cross safely on Oct. 13). Glorfindel meets AG coming east along road, but [the Witch-king A] cannot challenge him (especially] by day) with so small help; he flees into the pathless lands.
B
—
C
—
D
—

Notes for A–D

LOTR:RC (2014): 194

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

11 Oct

EKhamûl
Oct. 11: Glorfindel reaches Bridge of Mitheithel and there finds [three Riders, including Khamûl E] EHI. He drives them back well down the road, until they leave it and disperse [east]. (Thus Aragorn and Frodo cross safely on Oct. 13).
F“Companion”
—
G
Glorfindel meets AG coming east along road, but [the Witch-king A] cannot challenge him (especially] by day) with so small help; he flees into the pathless lands.
H
Three Riders, including Khamûl E] EHI meet Glorfindel at the Bridge of Mitheithel. They are driven back well down the road, until they leave it and disperse [East].
I
Three Riders, including Khamûl E] EHI meet Glorfindel at the Bridge of Mitheithel. They are driven back well down the road, until they leave it and disperse [East].

Morgul group (A–D)

12–13 Oct

AWitch-king
—
B
—
C
—
D
—

Morgul group (A–D)

14 Oct

AWitch-king
Oct. 14: AEGHI reassemble and start in pursuit again. [The Witch-king A and Khamûl E] A and E perceive that Ring crossed Bridge but lose trail, and waste time hunting about.
B
—
C
—
D
—

Notes for A–D

LOTR:RC (2014): 194

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

14 Oct

EKhamûl
Oct. 14: AEGHI reassemble and start in pursuit again. [The Witch-king A and Khamûl E] A and E perceive that Ring crossed Bridge but lose trail, and waste time hunting about.
F“Companion”
—
G
Oct. 14: AEGHI reassemble and start in pursuit again. [The Witch-king A and Khamûl E] A and E perceive that Ring crossed Bridge but lose trail, and waste time hunting about.
H
Oct. 14: AEGHI reassemble and start in pursuit again. [The Witch-king A and Khamûl E] A and E perceive that Ring crossed Bridge but lose trail, and waste time hunting about.
I
Oct. 14: AEGHI reassemble and start in pursuit again. [The Witch-king A and Khamûl E] A and E perceive that Ring crossed Bridge but lose trail, and waste time hunting about.

Morgul group (A–D)

15–18 Oct

AWitch-king
—
B
—
C
—
D
—

Morgul group (A–D)

19 Oct

AWitch-king
“Oct. 19: They [AEGHI] become aware of the Ring not far ahead.”
B
—
C
—
D
—

Notes for A–D

LOTR:RC (2014): 194

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

—

EKhamûl
“Oct. 19: They [AEGHI] become aware of the Ring not far ahead.”
F“Companion”
—
G
“Oct. 19: They [AEGHI] become aware of the Ring not far ahead.”
H
“Oct. 19: They [AEGHI] become aware of the Ring not far ahead.”
I
“Oct. 19: They [AEGHI] become aware of the Ring not far ahead.”

Morgul group (A–D)

20 Oct

AWitch-king
These five [AEGHI] initiate the attack and chase Frodo to the Ford, which starts in rimbë at 1.12.113.
B
These four riders are the ones who pursued Gandalf north after the attack on Weathertop: BCDF confirmed in LOTR:RC (2014): 167–168 with notes from MSS 4/2/36 “The Hunt for the Ring - Time Scheme: Black Riders” at Marquette. They have been out of the narrative since October 4, 3018. They re-appear in rimbë at 1.12.117 trying to cut Frodo off from the Ford.
C
These four riders are the ones who pursued Gandalf north after the attack on Weathertop: BCDF confirmed in LOTR:RC (2014): 167–168 with notes from MSS 4/2/36 “The Hunt for the Ring - Time Scheme: Black Riders” at Marquette. They have been out of the narrative since October 4, 3018. They re-appear in rimbë at 1.12.117 trying to cut Frodo off from the Ford.
D
These four riders are the ones who pursued Gandalf north after the attack on Weathertop: BCDF confirmed in LOTR:RC (2014): 167–168 with notes from MSS 4/2/36 “The Hunt for the Ring - Time Scheme: Black Riders” at Marquette. They have been out of the narrative since October 4, 3018. They re-appear in rimbë at 1.12.117 trying to cut Frodo off from the Ford.

Notes for A–D

LOTR:RC (2014): 194

Dol Guldur group (E–I)

20 Oct

EKhamûl
These five [AEGHI] initiate the attack and chase Frodo to the Ford, which starts in rimbë at 1.12.113.
F“Companion”
These four riders are the ones who pursued Gandalf north after the attack on Weathertop: BCDF confirmed in LOTR:RC (2014): 167–168 with notes from MSS 4/2/36 “The Hunt for the Ring - Time Scheme: Black Riders” at Marquette. They have been out of the narrative since October 4, 3018. They re-appear in rimbë at 1.12.117 trying to cut Frodo off from the Ford.
G
These five [AEGHI] initiate the attack and chase Frodo to the Ford, which starts in rimbë at 1.12.113.
H
These five [AEGHI] initiate the attack and chase Frodo to the Ford, which starts in rimbë at 1.12.113.
I
These five [AEGHI] initiate the attack and chase Frodo to the Ford, which starts in rimbë at 1.12.113.

Notes for E–I

LOTR:RC (2014): 194

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