Death of the Witch King; will YOU care? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 09-14-2003, 04:18 PM

Is anyone else slightly concerned at the so-far-equal status of the nine Nazgul? When Eowyn and Merry slay the Witch King, why on Earth will anyone in the cinema think that it is particularly significant?Surely from the very beginning, the Lord of the Nazgul should have been built up as Sauron's mightiest servant.Any thoughts?

09-14-2003, 05:51 PM

Hi im new here this is my first post. I know this is bizzare, I really wished they made a distinction between the the witch king and the rest of the nazgul, I still think none book readers will still be very impressed though, I mean think about Gollum and Aragorn go on about how they are living nor dead and "You can not kill them" This really suprised me in the book. The bane of so many being taken down by a hobbit and a lady. I think audiences will be amazed by this death even if they dont say anything in rofk movie to make him more inportant than the other nazgul.

Scott · 09-14-2003, 06:05 PM

Suilad,I think that the slaying of the Witch-King will definitely leave a strong impressoin on the viewers of the movie, whether the Witch-King is built up any more than the rest of the Nazgul. If they do the attack on Minas Tirith correctly, there should be no viewer left without knowing the power of any of the wraiths (especially with the part where the wraith, don't remember if it's the big dude or not, banters with Gandalf).I think that as with any other suspensful part of any other movie the effect comes with the delivery. If Peter Jackson is the awesome producer we all know him to be, the delivery given will definitely be effective.~Scott

Silmiel of Imladris · 09-14-2003, 06:23 PM

What I noticed in the preview on TTT dvd is that Gandalf does indeed confront the Witch King. I am assuming in this scene that Gandalf will say something that will give away the Nazgul's true identity.

HCIsland · 09-14-2003, 09:00 PM

I don't believe The Witch King got particularly special treatment until Return of the King in the books as well. It sure worked there.H.C.

Voralphion · 09-14-2003, 09:47 PM

The fact that the Witch-King is the head Nazgul and second to Sauron is likely to be shown in the movie by the fact that it is he that is leading Sauron's forces in the battle of Pelannor Fields. One way that might be used to explain to the audience the significance of the witch-king would be to have Gandalf explaining to Pippin the history of the WK, this way could also be used to put in the prophecy that he shall not fall by the hand of man. Anyway these are just my thoughts, it will be interesting to see how Peter Jackson covers it.

Dininziliel · 09-15-2003, 12:35 PM

This is the event that has me most on pins and needles. Jackson would definitely provide unforgettable and gasp-inducing spectacle, but would there be substance? By that I mean--until I see Battle of Pelennor Field as it is in the book, I remain skeptical of how Jackson and/or producers will deal with it. We know what they're capable of doing for Hollywood.

Gimpel the Fool · 09-15-2003, 12:45 PM

darn it all, i'm in school right now, but i have time to get online and stuff. i think the witch king is a key role in the books and movies. if the witch king weren't there,the terror that was put in the hobbits on weathertop would not be the same.

Gimpel the Fool · 09-15-2003, 12:48 PM

[ September 15, 2003: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

Lord of Angmar · 09-15-2003, 12:54 PM

Gimpel, that is not an appropriate post and I think it shall probably be deleted. <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I don't believe The Witch King got particularly special treatment until Return of the King in the books as well. It sure worked there. (HCIsland)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Excellent point, HC. The Witch-King was only really identified in the books (before the Return of the King and the end of the Two Towers) by the cold white helm he is wearing when he stabs Frodo in the Fellowship of the Ring. It has been the same way in the movies.

Gimpel the Fool · 09-15-2003, 01:34 PM

sorry, lunch break. anyways "Gimpel, that is not an appropriate post and I think it shall probably be deleted." why's that?

Everdawn · 09-16-2003, 01:07 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Death of the Witch King; will YOU care? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Um, No. I do care about the great victory of Éowyn and Merry though... but the witch king, youve got to be joking.

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 09-20-2003, 11:25 AM

HC, once again you point out my basic mistakes. Thanks! Of course, it didn't really happen in the books, I don't know what I was thinking.However, in a vain attempt to try and save this thread, how about this for an idea. The Witch King could have been built up from the start, incorporating the prophecy of Glorfindel into the films. Aragorn could have told the Hobbits about the prophecy in Bree, and then met up with Glorfindel a few days later. As the films are, its quite possible that the prophecy of Glorfindel (that the Witch King will not be slain by Man) won't make it into the film. There's a slight chance it could make it, under the guise of 'The Prophecy of Elrond' or *gasp* 'The Prophecy of Arwen'. After all, the prophecy clearly enhances the death of the Witch King.Now, I think that Glorfindel should have been in the film regardless. His prophecy is maybe one of the little fruits his appearance could have born later on in the trilogy.

Frodo2968thewhite · 09-20-2003, 12:39 PM

Whenever I mention the Witchking to any of my friends, they ask, "who's that?" so I definately think that he should have been made more significant! But even without him being shown differently than the rest of the Nazgul, The fact that he is killed will indeed stir up the audience.

09-14-2003, 04:18 PM	#1
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	Death of the Witch King; will YOU care? Is anyone else slightly concerned at the so-far-equal status of the nine Nazgul? When Eowyn and Merry slay the Witch King, why on Earth will anyone in the cinema think that it is particularly significant?<P>Surely from the very beginning, the Lord of the Nazgul should have been built up as Sauron's mightiest servant.<P>Any thoughts? __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

09-14-2003, 05:51 PM	#2
Flame of Arnor Guest Posts: n/a	Hi im new here this is my first post.<BR>I know this is bizzare, I really wished they made a distinction between the the witch king and the rest of the nazgul, I still think none book readers will still be very impressed though, I mean think about Gollum and Aragorn go on about how they are living nor dead and "You can not kill them" This really suprised me in the book. The bane of so many being taken down by a hobbit and a lady. I think audiences will be amazed by this death even if they dont say anything in rofk movie to make him more inportant than the other nazgul.

09-14-2003, 06:05 PM	#3
Scott Wight Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Ohio/Grey Havens Posts: 183	Suilad,<P>I think that the slaying of the Witch-King will definitely leave a strong impressoin on the viewers of the movie, whether the Witch-King is built up any more than the rest of the Nazgul. If they do the attack on Minas Tirith correctly, there should be no viewer left without knowing the power of any of the wraiths (especially with the part where the wraith, don't remember if it's the big dude or not, banters with Gandalf).<P>I think that as with any other suspensful part of any other movie the effect comes with the delivery. If Peter Jackson is the awesome producer we all know him to be, the delivery given will definitely be effective.<P>~Scott __________________ Those who the Gods would destroy, They first make mad. ~Those Crazy Greeks

09-14-2003, 06:23 PM	#4
Silmiel of Imladris Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Looking into a crystal ball- still see nothing Posts: 395	What I noticed in the preview on TTT dvd is that Gandalf does indeed confront the Witch King. I am assuming in this scene that Gandalf will say something that will give away the Nazgul's true identity. __________________ Legolas 20 ales later: I feel something, a slight tingling in my fingers. I think it's affecting me. Figwit on his name: Are you suggesting that I have the wit of a fig?

09-14-2003, 09:00 PM	#5
HCIsland Zombie Cannibal Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,000	I don't believe The Witch King got particularly special treatment until Return of the King in the books as well. It sure worked there.<P>H.C. __________________ "Stir not the bitterness in the cup that I mixed myself. Have I not tasted it now many nights upon my tongue, foreboding that worse yet lay in the dregs." -Denethor

09-14-2003, 09:47 PM	#6
Voralphion Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Sharkey's End Posts: 267	The fact that the Witch-King is the head Nazgul and second to Sauron is likely to be shown in the movie by the fact that it is he that is leading Sauron's forces in the battle of Pelannor Fields. One way that might be used to explain to the audience the significance of the witch-king would be to have Gandalf explaining to Pippin the history of the WK, this way could also be used to put in the prophecy that he shall not fall by the hand of man.<BR>Anyway these are just my thoughts, it will be interesting to see how Peter Jackson covers it. __________________ His sword was long his lance was keen His shining helm afar was seen The countless stars of heavens field Were mirrored in his silver shield

09-15-2003, 12:35 PM	#7
Dininziliel Wight Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: 3rd star from the right over Kansas Posts: 108	This is the event that has me most on pins and needles. Jackson would definitely provide unforgettable and gasp-inducing spectacle, but would there be substance? By that I mean--until I see Battle of Pelennor Field as it is in the book, I remain skeptical of how Jackson and/or producers will deal with it. We know what they're capable of doing for Hollywood. __________________ "It is a journey without distance to a goal that has never changed."

09-15-2003, 12:45 PM	#8
Gimpel the Fool Pile O'Bones Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Les Etats-Unis Posts: 17	darn it all, i'm in school right now, but i have time to get online and stuff. i think the witch king is a key role in the books and movies. if the witch king weren't there,the terror that was put in the hobbits on weathertop would not be the same. __________________ "I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam." "As epic as you are, we must adjourn this meeting and return in the future"

09-15-2003, 12:48 PM	#9
Gimpel the Fool Pile O'Bones Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Les Etats-Unis Posts: 17	<p>[ September 15, 2003: Message edited by: Mithadan ] __________________ "I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam." "As epic as you are, we must adjourn this meeting and return in the future"

09-15-2003, 12:54 PM	#10
Lord of Angmar Tyrannus Incorporalis Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: the North Posts: 833	Gimpel, that is not an appropriate post and I think it shall probably be deleted.<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I don't believe The Witch King got particularly special treatment until Return of the King in the books as well. It sure worked there. (HCIsland)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Excellent point, HC. The Witch-King was only really identified in the books (before the Return of the King and the end of the Two Towers) by the cold white helm he is wearing when he stabs Frodo in the Fellowship of the Ring. It has been the same way in the movies. __________________ ...where the instrument of intelligence is added to brute power and evil will, mankind is powerless in its own defence.

09-15-2003, 01:34 PM	#11
Gimpel the Fool Pile O'Bones Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Les Etats-Unis Posts: 17	sorry, lunch break. anyways<BR>"Gimpel, that is not an appropriate post and I think it shall probably be deleted."<BR>why's that? __________________ "I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam." "As epic as you are, we must adjourn this meeting and return in the future"

09-16-2003, 01:07 AM	#12
Everdawn Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: On the sand dunes outside of Ilium, watching it burn. Posts: 1,291	<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Death of the Witch King; will YOU care? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Um, No. I do care about the great victory of Éowyn and Merry though... but the witch king, youve got to be joking. __________________ "Athena, stepping up behind him, visible to no one but Achillies, gripped his red-gold hair. Startled he made a half turn, and he knew her upon the instant for Athena." ~The Iliad~ ~My lord, Éomer~

09-20-2003, 11:25 AM	#13
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	HC, once again you point out my basic mistakes. Thanks! Of course, it didn't really happen in the books, I don't know what I was thinking.<P>However, in a vain attempt to try and save this thread, how about this for an idea. The Witch King could have been built up from the start, incorporating the prophecy of Glorfindel into the films. Aragorn could have told the Hobbits about the prophecy in Bree, and then met up with Glorfindel a few days later. <P>As the films are, its quite possible that the prophecy of Glorfindel (that the Witch King will not be slain by Man) won't make it into the film. There's a slight chance it could make it, under the guise of 'The Prophecy of Elrond' or gasp 'The Prophecy of Arwen'. After all, the prophecy clearly enhances the death of the Witch King.<P>Now, I think that Glorfindel should have been in the film regardless. His prophecy is maybe one of the little fruits his appearance could have born later on in the trilogy. __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

09-20-2003, 12:39 PM	#14
Frodo2968thewhite Haunting Spirit Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Shire Posts: 95	Whenever I mention the Witchking to any of my friends, they ask, "who's that?" so I definately think that he should have been made more significant! But even without him being shown differently than the rest of the Nazgul, The fact that he is killed will indeed stir up the audience. __________________ INAGURAL GOLDEN RING MARATHON, OCTOBER 20, 2005!!! FRODO LIVES!!!!

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