

The bearers of the rings gained great wealth and prestige and became " mighty in their day, kings, sorcerers, and warriors of old". It is said that three of the Nine were great lords of Númenorean race. Sometime during the Second Age (after the year 1697 ) Sauron gave nine Rings of Power to nine mortal Men. They were mortal Men who had been turned into wraiths by their Nine Rings of power. The Nazgûl ( Black Speech: Ringwraiths, sometimes written Ring-wraiths), also known as the Nine Riders or Black Riders (or simply the Nine), were Sauron's "most terrible servants" in Middle-earth. 'From Mordor, Barliman, if that means anything to you.' " ― The Fellowship of the Ring, " Strider" " 'They come from Mordor,' said Strider in a low voice. Men who received the Nine Rings corrupted by Sauron

Ringwraiths, the Black Riders, the Nine, Úlairi ( Q) This article or section needs more/new/more-detailed sources to conform to a higher standard and to provide proof for claims made. " Who told you, and who sent you?" - Gandalf
