"Kor of the Rings: The Witch King" In J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novel series "The Lord of the Rings," one of the most formidable and feared antagonists is the Witch King of Angmar, also known as the Lord of the Nazgûl. The Witch King plays a prominent role in the story, serving as the chief commander of Sauron's dark forces and leading the fearsome ringwraiths who are bound to the power of the Rings of Power. The Witch King is a mysterious and malevolent figure, shrouded in darkness and wielding immense power.
What Are Witches’ Marks?
Witches’ marks - ritual protection symbols or apotropaic marks - have been found in many historic places, from medieval churches and houses, to barns, and caves.
The word 'apotropaic' comes from the Greek word for averting evil. The marks were usually scribed onto stone or woodwork near a building’s entrance points, particularly doorways, windows and fireplaces, to protect inhabitants and visitors from witches and evil spirits.
They date back to times when belief in witchcraft and the supernatural was widespread. Magical symbols and ritual objects were a common part of life from around the 16th to the early 19th century.
Video not working due to cookies settings Enable YouTube cookies or click here to watch on YouTubeThe Witch King is a mysterious and malevolent figure, shrouded in darkness and wielding immense power. He was once a human king, corrupted by Sauron's influence and transformed into a terrifying undead being. As the leader of the Nazgûl, his main objective is to retrieve the One Ring and deliver it to his master, Sauron, who seeks to use its power to dominate Middle-earth.
Daisy wheels, or hexafoils
A common type of apotropaic mark is known as a daisy wheel, though most research in this field describes these marks as hexafoils.
These six-lobed ‘flower’ patterns vary considerably in size. According to the responses we had from the public, the hexafoil was by far the most commonly occurring mark. They are certainly the most easily recognisable.
The origins of the symbol can be traced back into antiquity. They have been found in English buildings from the early medieval period, up into the 19th century.
The purpose of hexafoils is disputed. For example, the world of Wicca, which is a contemporary Pagan religious movement, sees them as sun motifs. Another school of thought suggests they are purely secular and could be geometric exercises for apprentices - they certainly do appear as geometry exercises or in manuals. However, their interpretation as a ritual protection mark is the most widely accepted theory at present.
They are found extensively on churches in the form of graffiti, and also occasionally in the designs on portable and not so portable medieval objects, for example chests and heavy stone fonts to name but two.
They have also been spotted in barns once used to store grain, often around the door openings. They appear on the stonework of some of the grandest barns, such as the 15th century barn at Bradford upon Avon, Wiltshire (now in the care of English Heritage), and on the doorway of the barn at Middle Littleton, Worcestershire (a National Trust property).
Beyond barns, hexafoils have been identified in many timber-framed buildings across the country and indeed many of the responses we had to our call out for examples from across England came from historic houses.
A few examples were submitted of daisy wheels on furniture dating from the 17th to the 19th century when it becomes more difficult to interpret their meaning: does a hexafoil on a piece of furniture have a ritual meaning or is it simply a decorative mark? This is a matter which would benefit from further research.
Throughout the narrative, the Witch King and the other ringwraiths relentlessly pursue the ring-bearer, Frodo Baggins, and his companions. Their presence is marked by an eerie aura of dread and despair, striking fear into the hearts of those who encounter them. The Witch King's icy voice and chilling laughter add to his terrifying presence, instilling a sense of hopelessness in his foes. The Witch King's most notable confrontation occurs during the Battle of Pelennor Fields. Riding a winged beast called a Fellbeast, he leads the forces of Mordor against the city of Minas Tirith. It is here that he faces Éowyn, a shieldmaiden of Rohan, who ultimately defeats him in a dramatic and heroic fashion. Éowyn, assumed to be a man by the Witch King, slays him with the help of the hobbit Merry, using a blade specifically made to harm the Witch King. The defeat of the Witch King of Angmar marks a significant turning point in the War of the Ring, as it not only breaks the siege of Minas Tirith but also represents a triumph of good over evil. His demise showcases the resilience and bravery of the characters fighting against Sauron's forces, revealing that even the most powerful and feared enemies can be defeated. In conclusion, the Witch King of Angmar is a central and menacing figure in "The Lord of the Rings" series. His dark presence, relentless pursuit of the One Ring, and eventual defeat at the hands of Éowyn and Merry all contribute to the epic nature of Tolkien's tale. The Witch King's significance lies in his embodiment of evil and his role as a formidable opponent for the forces of good..
Reviews for "The Witch Kimg: Portrayal and Interpretation in the Kor of the Rings Movies"
- Sarah - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Kor of the Rings: The Witch King". The plot was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters were poorly developed. The special effects were also very poorly done, and looked incredibly fake. Overall, I found this movie to be a complete waste of time and would not recommend it to anyone.
- David - 2 stars - I found "Kor of the Rings: The Witch King" to be extremely underwhelming. The story felt rushed and there were many plot holes that were never explained. The acting was also quite wooden and lacking in emotion. I was really hoping for an epic fantasy adventure, but this movie fell short of my expectations.
- James - 2.5 stars - "Kor of the Rings: The Witch King" had some potential, but it ultimately didn't deliver. The pacing was off, with long periods of boredom followed by rushed action scenes. The dialogue was also very cliché and uninspired. While the visuals were impressive at times, they couldn't make up for the lackluster storytelling and character development. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied with this movie.