Nazgul and the River

[Taurendil]

In the Chapter The Palantir the Nazgul cross the River and Gandalf's reaction at it gives an impression that they weren't permitted to do that before. But then how come they were hunting for hobbits in the Shire earlier?

[Mithrandir]

I wouldn't agree with that, actually. I think he was merely remarking on how far they'd travelled and how close to them they were.

[GG]

Taurendil I had kind of gotten the same impression about the wraiths and water. It has always been told that demons, ghosts and other such spirits cannot pass over water unless by bridge or ford, as water causes them to cease to be,  so I reckoned the wraiths crossed into the Shire via ferry.

[Mithrandir]

Well, when they were on horse-back it probably was an issue (but only insofar as they didn't like the water), but I think they entered the Shire over bridges and fords; we know they did this, the only crossing over the Isen is by ford, and then there was Tharbad and Sarnford to think about. Also, in The Council of Elrond Gandalf tells the Council of his discussion with Radagast and that the Nine crossed the River secretly.

But, aside from that, in the chapter Taurendil is referring to, the Nazgûl are on their fell beasts so surely at that time crossing the river was not an issue at all?


Also, I've just been thinking, why would water be such an issue for them? They live mostly in the Unseen world so these things will have less of an affect on them. Also, I can't imagine chucking a bucket of water over a Ringwraith would stop it killing you.

[Taurendil]

Your word secretly made me think that Gandalf's words in that chapter emphasized that the Nazgul crossed the River openly which they hadn't been allowed before (as I am now remembering). At that time Sauron didn't want to reveal his activity, so the wraiths didn't cross the lands openly. And when Sauron sees Pippin in the Palantir and thinks that the Ring is at Isengard he throws caution to the winds and sends the Nazgul for it at once.

As for water being a barrier I think they didn't cross 'elvish' waters like Baranduin save by bridges and fords. Still I suppose a wraith cannot cross any big river like Anduin, as is seen in the chapter The Uruk-hai where he didn't cross being steedless.

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