The Ruse of the Witch-King is a significant event that takes place in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novel, "The Return of the King." It occurs during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, where the forces of Gondor and Rohan are pitted against the armies of Mordor. The Witch-King of Angmar, the leader of the Nazgûl and the chief servant of Sauron, plays a crucial role in this battle.
The Witch-King of Angmar, the leader of the Nazgûl and the chief servant of Sauron, plays a crucial role in this battle. The Witch-King, known for his immense power and fear-inducing presence, sets his sights on Minas Tirith, the capital city of Gondor. He intends to break down the city's defenses and claim it for the Dark Lord.
Mana
Mana is an important aspect of every mage that has ever lived, as it is their source of "magic power" 「魔力 maryoku」, which is used to cast magic spells. This energy is naturally existing and flowing in the environment and within everyone. [1] Due to this, it is common knowledge that everyone is able to use magic to some extent. Individuals born with strong affinity for mana and with exceptional magic power are said to be "loved by mana". [2] At the same time, people who do not possess any mana and are unable to use magic at all are an extremely rare occurrence [3] and are said to be "hated by mana". [4]
Furthermore, when someone uses all of their mana, it could cause them severe exhaustion, render them unconscious, and, in extreme cases, lead to their death. [5] [6]
In nature, the density of mana can be different from place to place. Locations with strong mana can have unusual climates, such as Raque, which is warm all year long and is used as a beach resort. [7] Locations with extremely high densities of mana, such as dungeons and Grand Magic Zones, are known to have radically distorted and hazardous environments and are thus very difficult to navigate safely. [1] [8] [9]
Moreover, mana can also be used as materials to mold objects, such as using it to create a huge door within a dungeon. [10]
Negative Mana
Negative mana floats around Patolli.Mana from the underworld is called negative mana 「負の 魔 （ マナ ） fu no mana」 in the living world, due to its more sinister quality. [11] This mana boosts the power and capabilities of magic but carries the risk of corrupting the bodies, souls, and magic of both users and victims alike; thus, its usage is classified as Forbidden Magic. [12] [13]
The magic stones have a connection to the underworld, so they can be used to draw in negative mana in order to amplify spells. [14] [11]
Aware of the military strength of Gondor and the valiant warriors defending the city, the Witch-King devises a cunning plan to weaken their resolve and strike fear into their hearts. Using his dark sorcery and commanding presence, the Witch-King taunts the defenders of Minas Tirith. He rides forth on his terrifying steed, accompanied by the other Nazgûl, and challenges any man to face him in battle. This bold move is met with hesitation and fear as none dare confront the Witch-King, believing him to be invincible. The defenders of Minas Tirith receive a severe blow to their morale, and their resolve to fight weakens. However, it is during this moment of apparent triumph for the Witch-King that his ruse is ultimately revealed. As he taunts the defenders, Eowyn, a shieldmaiden of Rohan disguised as a man, steps forward to face him. Unbeknownst to the Witch-King, his personal prophecy foretells that no man can kill him. This knowledge gives him a false sense of security and arrogance. Eowyn, accompanied by the hobbit Meriadoc Brandybuck, launches an unexpected attack on the Witch-King. Despite his invulnerability to mortal men, Eowyn reveals herself as a woman and delivers a fatal blow to the Witch-King with the legendary sword, Merry, a weapon blessed by the ancient kings of Gondor. This act proves that a woman, defying the prophecy, can indeed kill the Witch-King. The ruse of the Witch-King serves to demonstrate the power of courage, determination, and the unexpected. It reveals that even the supposedly invincible can fall victim to their own arrogance and the unforeseen actions of their opponents. The event highlights the theme of hope prevailing against overwhelming odds and the limitations of prophecies. In conclusion, the ruse of the Witch-King is a pivotal moment in "The Return of the King." It showcases the strategic cunning of the Witch-King and his attempts to weaken the defenders of Minas Tirith. However, it is ultimately his arrogance and the unexpected actions of Eowyn that lead to his downfall, proving that even the most formidable foes can be defeated through bravery and ingenuity..
Reviews for "The Witch King's Vast Network of Spies: Secrets and Intrigue"
1. Jessica - 2/5
I was really disappointed with "Ruse of the Witch King". The story felt repetitive and predictable, and the characters were one-dimensional. The pacing was also off, with too much time spent on unnecessary details and not enough on character development or action. Overall, I found it to be a lackluster addition to the series and it didn't live up to my expectations.
2. Mark - 1/5
I couldn't even finish "Ruse of the Witch King". The writing was overly convoluted and the plot was confusing. The world-building was weak, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The book felt like a chore to read, and I had no interest in finding out how it ended. I would definitely not recommend this to anyone.
3. Sarah - 2/5
I had high hopes for "Ruse of the Witch King" but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the story lacked any real tension or excitement. The characters were forgettable and their actions often didn't make sense. The world-building was also inconsistent, and I found it hard to fully immerse myself in the story. Overall, it was a disappointment and I wouldn't recommend it to fans of the fantasy genre.