And What of Strider?
John F.

In regard to the debate over the retreat of the Nazgul at Weathertop, may I also add that one of the primary reasons the Witch-King and his cohorts departed was the presence of the heir of Isildur upon the ancient summit?

While Frodo's blade and utterance of Elbereth no doubt caused some discomfiture to the wraiths, it seems highly likely that the inherent royalty of Aragorn and his fearlessness before the destroyers of his old kingdom also contributed to their decision not to overrun the camp in the hollow.

It would perhaps have gone ill for the entire defense against the Shadow had the wraiths discovered the nature of Frodo's companion, but their single-minded pursuit of the Ring blinded them all other considerations.