Khamûl

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Khamûl
Easterling (early)
Ringwraith (later)
John Howe - Khamûl the Easterling.jpg
"Khamûl the Easterling" by John Howe
Biographical Information
Other namesShadow of the East, the Black Easterling
PositionSecond-in-command to Witch-king
LocationEast of Middle-earth
Mordor
Dol Guldur
AffiliationSauron and Witch-king
BirthSecond Age
East of Middle-earth
Death25 March T.A. 3019 (aged 4200+)
Battle of the Morannon
Notable forCommanding Dol Guldur
Pursuing Frodo Baggins
Physical Description
RaceEasterling (early)
Ringwraith (later)
GenderMale
SteedBlack horse
GalleryImages of Khamûl

Khamûl[note 1] was one of the nine Ringwraiths, second only to the Witch-king himself. He was called Sauron's lieutenant, "Shadow of the East",[1] and "the Second Chief" or "the Black Easterling".[2]

History

Gaffer Gamgee and the Black Rider by Stephen Hickman

He was a king of Easterlings during the Second Age, and he was one of the nine Men to whom Sauron gave one of the Rings of Power. Like the others, he became a powerful sorcerer and ruler until eventually faded into a Wraith and his will was surrendered to Sauron.[3] By S.A. 2251 he was already one of Sauron's servants.[4]

It was said that, after the Witch-king, Khamûl was most ready to perceive the presence of the One Ring, but his power was most confused and diminished by daylight.

In T.A. 2951 Sauron returned to Mordor and declared openly to his enemies. Khamûl and two other Ringwraiths were sent to the fortress of Dol Guldur, with the former taking command.[5]

During the War of the Ring he was one of the Ringwraiths who entered the Shire, and asked Hamfast Gamgee for "Baggins". However it was the day after Frodo Baggins had left Hobbiton, and he then pursued the Hobbits to Bucklebury Ferry in the Shire some days later.[2]

As part of The War of The Ring, between 11 March to 22 March Dol Guldur led a series of three assaults on Lórien and an attack on The Woodland Realm, likely led by Khamúl.

Following the destruction of the One Ring, Khamûl perished with the rest of the Ringwraiths.[6]

Portrayal in adaptations

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game):

During the nighttime section of the Shire level, Frodo overhears the conversation between Khamûl and Gaffer Gamgee just as he is about to deliver the Bag End key to Number 3, Bagshot Row. The conversation plays out as it does in the novel except that Khamûl's lines are audible. Instead of simply walking back down the path after the conversation ends, Khamûl (who is mounted on his horse) intimidates the Gaffer by rearing his steed while letting out a ghastly wail, before galloping back down the road. No voice actor is specified for the role.

2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:

The Nazgûl in charge of Dol Guldur is known simply as "The Lieutenant of Dol Guldur", formerly "The Cursed Rider". He is said to have been an Easterling chieftain who wielded the Ring "Orôm, the Warmonger".

Notes

  1. He was the only Ringwraith whose name is revealed in the Legendarium.

References