In Lord of the Rings, the black riders are emphasized as dangerous, fear-inducing and are the fellowship’s main disruption on their journey to destroy the Ring. We first learn about the black riders long before we see them. This can be seen when Gandalf tells Frodo “Nine [Rings of Power, Sauron] gave to Mortal Men, proud and great, and so ensnared them. Long ago they fell under the dominion of the One, and they became Ringwraiths, shadows under his great Shadow, his most terrible servants". These nine kings have fallen under the most extreme version of Ring possession. The Rings’ power has consumed them so they no longer have a human form. When Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin set off from the Shire they capture their first glimpse of a black rider, which is also known as a ringwraith or Nazgul. Frodo and the other hobbits hide off the side of the road and fill with fear. This can be seen when "sudden unreasoning fear of discovery" (1.3.83) relates to the black riders being fear-inducing figures. The keyword “fear” is utilized to show that the hobbits are scared of the dark-cloaked corrupted king as Frodo can feel his power. A language feature that is used is a metaphor when comparing the black riders to fear which also inflicts a sense of danger. A structure analysis that can be seen is omniscient narration when Gandalf speaks about the Nazguls who were once great then were given a Ring that corrupted them
Within, Lord of the Rings the ringwraiths are examples of how the Ring will corrupt any mortal man. A particular character such as Boromir’s downfall was pride which can be seen when he’s in Minas Tirath, “True-hearted Men, they will not be corrupted. We of Minas Tirith have been staunch through long years of trial. We do not desire the power of wizard-lords, only strength to defend ourselves, strength in a just cause.” He was proud of the power that he held and in Gondor. He had been starting to be corrupted by the Rings’ power as he needed to protect Gondor and his father. Boromir to defend needed to defend Gondor against the opposition which made him susceptible to seeking any advantage. When Frodo falls and scrambles for the necklace which turns out to be in Boromir’s hand. He whispers to himself and stares into the one Ring with great depth. Aragorn then demands him to give the Ring back to Frodo and he proceeds with kindness. A keyword that is used within the quotation is “true-hearted” as it represents pride and honour and those who are “true-hearted” will not be corrupted by the power the rings have. A language feature used is a metaphor when comparing true-hearted men to not being corrupted by power. A structure feature utilized is the limited narration as it keeps the viewer/reader engaged since it has them thinking about what could happen, why was Boromir so interesting in the Ring, etc.
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