Are Ringwraiths immortal?

[YayGollum]

What's that about fear? I thought that they were already reprogrammed by Sauron. Didn't have much of a will left. The WitchKing guy probably had the most since it looks like he might just have a personality. Or maybe he's just so messed up that he's a copy of Sauron's personality? I don't know. We're still talking about immortality? We haven't decided that they definitely were?

 

[BlackCaptain]

Well they definately aren't because, Hey look! They were destroyed! They're immortal as long as the Ring is around... we've settled that I think.

 

[Lhunithiliel]

Originally posted by YayGollum
We're still talking about immortality? We haven't decided that they definitely were?

Have you read the post by Nautilus?
I have accepted his theory.
And I am backing it up with my understanding that if obly Men could have known better their real fate after their bodies die, the wouldn't have been the lust for immortality, therefore - no power of Sauron over Men, hence - no ringwraiths.

I'm now developing the topic.

 

[Nautilus]

Originally posted by YayGollum
What's that about fear? I thought that they were already reprogrammed by Sauron. Didn't have much of a will left. The WitchKing guy probably had the most since it looks like he might just have a personality. Or maybe he's just so messed up that he's a copy of Sauron's personality? I don't know. We're still talking about immortality? We haven't decided that they definitely were?

The Ringwraiths did have a will of their own, and their own personality - they were not robots! They were just compelled, by some means to use their personality, intelligence, strength etc in Sauron's benefit and in no way against Him. Most possibly, the Rings they had owned increased some of their natural desires(of power, long life etc) in the way they did no longer conceive life without the power they wielded, and they did no longer conceive their own death either. From that point, a person so cunning as Sauron could easily manipulate them like puppets, using His own Ruling Ring to focus His will.

~Nautilus

 

[YayGollum]

BlackCaptain person ---> Even though these people have said that we're not talking about immortality anymore, why do you think they weren't immortal? Or do you only say that someone is immortal if they're naturally that way? I wouldn't think so. Looks like they're just unnaturally immortal thanks to the rings. They won't die of old age as long as they're messed with by creepy magic.

Lhunithiliel person ---> Yes, I read the thing. I was just dwelling on old things. Whoops!

Nautilus person ---> Okay, okay, okay. They weren't robots. You say that they were compelled to do evil things. That Sauron manipulated them. Sounds similar. They were brainwashed. I don't see very much evidence that these guys still had personalities, but whatever you say. I still don't get what that has to do with fear.

 

[Ithrynluin]

Yay, fëa, plural fëar means the spirit of a being. A hröa is the house - the body.