Embassy of Barad Dur - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Keeper of Dol Guldur · 03-10-2003, 02:50 PM

It's a stupid question, but what manner of creature or race were the Black Embassy that accompanied the Mouth of Sauron, the Black Riders who went with him? They weren't Nazgul, and they definitely weren't orcs. I mean, this question has been burning me for days. Were they other Black Numenoreans (which I would tend to be inclined toward), or were they those 'lesser wraithes' or something different entirely? I don't think it even mentions them anywhere else, so I have no idea.

Rumil · 03-10-2003, 03:48 PM

If I had to guess (I don't think you'll find an answer in LoTR), I'd agree with you that they were Black Numenoreans, though I do wonder how many still survived at this time. Perhaps they also included elite cavalry of Harad and the Easterlings who 'worked' for Sauron.

Of course Minas Morgul also had its own cavalry force, seen by Frodo as they marched out through Morgul Vale. I'd thought of these as the Witchking's guard cavalry, probably 'crueller than any orc' and maybe tasked with driving the hordes of orcs into battle.

After all, if Saruman had more sense than to trust his gates to the orcs, surely Sauron did too?

Meoshi · 03-10-2003, 04:55 PM

Remember that the people of Umbar were themselves Black Numenoreans, or King's Men. There were still many living in the City of the Corsairs.

03-10-2003, 02:50 PM	#1
Keeper of Dol Guldur Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: 315, CNY Boys and girls. Posts: 405	Embassy of Barad Dur It's a stupid question, but what manner of creature or race were the Black Embassy that accompanied the Mouth of Sauron, the Black Riders who went with him? They weren't Nazgul, and they definitely weren't orcs. I mean, this question has been burning me for days. Were they other Black Numenoreans (which I would tend to be inclined toward), or were they those 'lesser wraithes' or something different entirely? I don't think it even mentions them anywhere else, so I have no idea. __________________ "I come from yonder...Have you seen Baggins? Baggins has left, he is coming. He is not far away. I wish to find him. If he passes will you tell me? I will come back with gold." - Khamul the Easterling

03-10-2003, 03:48 PM	#2
Rumil Sage & Onions Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Britain Posts: 894	If I had to guess (I don't think you'll find an answer in LoTR), I'd agree with you that they were Black Numenoreans, though I do wonder how many still survived at this time. Perhaps they also included elite cavalry of Harad and the Easterlings who 'worked' for Sauron. Of course Minas Morgul also had its own cavalry force, seen by Frodo as they marched out through Morgul Vale. I'd thought of these as the Witchking's guard cavalry, probably 'crueller than any orc' and maybe tasked with driving the hordes of orcs into battle. After all, if Saruman had more sense than to trust his gates to the orcs, surely Sauron did too? __________________ Rumil of Coedhirion

03-10-2003, 04:55 PM	#3
Meoshi Wight Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Atop the peak of Kalormë Posts: 163	Remember that the people of Umbar were themselves Black Numenoreans, or King's Men. There were still many living in the City of the Corsairs.