The Nazgul's Oversight: Why They Missed the Watchers at Cirith Ungol

In J.R.R. Tolkien's universe, the Nazg?l's decision not to investigate the presence of spies on the stairs of Cirith Ungol reveals several facets of their character and the complex strategies at play within their ranks. This pivotal moment forces us to examine the reasons behind their seemingly missed opportunity, which ultimately contributed to their vulnerability.

Overconfidence and Strategic Dismissal

Firstly, the Nazg?l's overconfidence in their power and authority may have played a significant role in their decision not to investigate immediately. They were convinced that their presence alone would intimidate and control the orc forces, leading them to understate the need to investigate potential threats. This overconfidence is a recurring theme throughout Tolkien's works, as the Nazg?l, despite being the most powerful of all the Ringwraiths, sometimes underestimated the true extent of their adversaries.

Focused on the Ring: Priorities Over Immediate Threats

Their primary mission was to capture the One Ring and chase after Frodo and his hobbit companions. This focus on their primary objective led the Nazg?l to overlook immediate threats in their surroundings. In this case, their concentration on protecting their master and the Ring meant that any potential spy or threat was seen as secondary to their overarching goals. This prioritization might be seen as a strategic oversight, as it left them vulnerable to the unknown.

Fear of the Unknown and Strategic Delay

The Nazg?l have a deep-seated fear of the unknown, particularly when it comes to potential spies. This fear often causes them to act with caution and hesitation, relying on their more loyal minions, the orcs, to handle immediate threats. By waiting to investigate, they might have hoped that any spies would reveal themselves through their actions. This strategic delay allowed the Nazg?l to gather more information before acting, potentially increasing their chances of success.

Communication and Chaos

A significant factor in the Nazg?l's inability to investigate immediately was the communication between themselves and the orc leaders. The orc armies were moving in a somewhat chaotic manner, which made it difficult for the Nazg?l to assess the situation quickly. This lack of clear communication meant that they might not have had a comprehensive overview of the situation, leading to a delayed reaction.

Other Defenses: Confident in Back-ups

The Nazg?l also considered the presence of other defenses and deterrents, such as Shelob, the orcs in the tower of Cirith Ungol, and the Silent Watchers. They believed that these entities would be enough to capture or kill any spies, reducing the urgency of a personal investigation. The Nazg?l may have felt that the army passing through the bridge was more important for the war effort and had more significant tasks to focus on, such as pursuing Frodo and the Ring.

The Role of Samwise: A Ring-bearer Under Pressure

Conversely, the actions of Samwise, a Ring-bearer in his own right, highlight the challenge of their mission. Sam, who had taken the Ring from Frodo and was using it to navigate his way through Mordor, was a potential threat. However, his deep bond with Frodo and his resolve to find and rescue his friend likely made him less visible to the Nazg?l.

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