<P> Only Arthedain remained to resist the Witch - king (though with frequent help from both Lindon and Rivendell). Araval won a victory over Angmar and sought to reoccupy Cardolan, but the barrow - wights terrified all who tried to live near the Barrows . Finally, as it became apparent that Angmar was preparing another attack, Arvedui appealed for help from King Eärnil II of Gondor . But before help could arrive, Angmar overran Arthedain . The Witch - king captured Fornost Erain, the capital of Arthedain . Arvedui fled north, only to drown in the Ice Bay of Forochel early the next year when the ship from Lindon that rescued him sank . </P> <P> The following summer, arriving too late to save Arvedui, Prince Eärnur of Gondor landed at the harbours of Mithlond with an army from Gondor . The Elves of Lindon and the remnant of the northern Dúnedain joined his army and the combined forces marched against the Witch - king . On the plains west of Fornost Eärnur's army met the army of Angmar, which was forced to retreat toward Fornost . As his army was routed, the Witch - king fled north toward Carn Dûm in Angmar; but Eärnur and Glorfindel, with reinforcements from Rivendell, pursued the retreating party and defeated them . In the process the Witch - king caused the panic of much of Gondor's cavalry, including Eärnur's horse . But with the appearance of Glorfindel the Witch - king fled into the gathering darkness . Eärnur attempted to follow him, but Glorfindel stopped the prince and prophesied, "Do not pursue him! He will not return to these lands . Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man will he fall ." </P> <P> The Witch - king returned to Mordor and led the Nazgûl in the siege of Minas Ithil . The city soon fell to the Nazgûl, and was known afterward as Minas Morgul, the Tower of Black Sorcery . Here the Witch - king made his stronghold, and he was called "the Lord of Morgul". </P> <P> When King Eärnil II of Gondor died, his son Eärnur, the Witch - king's old enemy, inherited the throne . The Witch - king challenged him to single combat, but Eärnur refused . Seven years later, the Witch - king again challenged him; this time the king accepted . Eärnur rode out of Minas Tirith to meet the Witch - king in Minas Morgul . He entered the city's gates and was never seen again . From this time the Stewards of Gondor ruled the kingdom on behalf of the absent line of kings . </P>

Who plays the witch king in lord of the rings