The Role of Frodo and Gandalf in Tolkien's Middle-earth: An Examination of Weathertop and the Nazg?l's Strategy

Tolkien's Middle-earth saga is rich with complex interactions and historical events. One fascinating aspect is the strategic decision of the Nazg?l to let Frodo and his companions escape from Weathertop while they fought off Aragorn and his men at the same time. This article delves into the potential reasons behind their actions and the role of Gandalf in these events, adding depth to the understanding of Middle-earth's intricate political and magical elements.

Frodo, Gandalf, and the Nazg?l's Strategies

According to the text by J.R.R. Tolkien, Gandalf was not present during the attack on Weathertop. In fact, his involvement was noted much later when Frodo and company arrived at Weathertop three days after the ambush. Aragorn mentioned that Gandalf could travel swiftly when necessary, leaving the question open regarding whether Gandalf was on Shadowfax during the specific time of the Weathertop attack.

The text also suggests that Gandalf could have been on Shadowfax when he engaged the Nazg?l earlier. After his encounter with the Nazg?l, Gandalf managed to lead them to pursue him, suggesting a strategic retreat. However, the timeline of when Gandalf arrived at Rivendell is not entirely clear, but it was before Frodo's arrival, indicating a deliberate, calculated approach.

The Paradox of Weathertop

The question remains: why did the Nazg?l let Frodo escape from Weathertop, while they fiercely fought off Aragorn's forces? Tolkien's exposition in Unfinished Tales provides critical insight. The Nazg?l were wary of Frodo because he was the Ring-bearer, seen as more powerful than Aragorn. Additionally, Gandalf had left a sword in the Old Forest, intended to be a powerful tool against the Nazg?l. They interpreted this as Frodo successfully defeating the wights and arming himself with a deadly weapon against the Nazg?l.

The Backstory of Frodo's Attack

The key point was Frodo's attack on the Witch-king during the Weathertop episode. Using the deadly Cardolan sword, Frodo inflicted a wound on the Witch-king, which was intended to be fatal but instead revealed a gap in the Nazg?l's confidence. The Witch-king's action to protect the Ring showed the Nazg?l's deep fear of it. The Nazg?l's retreat was not due to a direct attack, but purely for the sake of Frodo's ability to possibly use the Ring to command them.

Strategic Fear and the Ring's Power

Tolkien further explained in Unfinished Tales that the Nazg?l feared the Ring's power, deeming Frodo more powerful. In Letter 138, it is noted that if Frodo used the Ring at Mount Doom, the Nazg?l would pretend to serve him, as the power of the Ring could manipulate them into submission. At Weathertop, however, Frodo was not attempting to command the Nazg?l, but to survive. His direct attack on the Witch-king served to further undermine their confidence and made them wary of Frodo.

The Endgame of Wounding

The Nazg?l's decision to let Frodo and his companions retreat was a calculated move. The Witch-king would not give up on Frodo easily, as his wound was recognized as significant. The Nazg?l's fear that Frodo could be injured or killed by the Morgul-knife meant that they would keep their distance and return the following night. Indeed, Frodo did succumb to the effects of the Morgul-knife at the Ford, an event that proved the Nazg?l's fear was well-founded.