Which Names Were Worth "1,000 Mail-Clad Knights?

[Uruk's Bane]

Originally Posted by Forlong the Fat

I agree that the Dunedain potentially had the skill/inner power to qualify for the "list." But I wonder if Sauron knew about them. He apparently knew nothing about Aragorn, as evidenced by his reaction to Aragorn's reveal in the palantir. Though I am not at all sure how Aragorn manages to escape his notice.

I'm guessing Sauron knew about them. I don't think the Rangers of the North were in any way secret. Sure, they were mysterious, but they traveled all around. I'd find it hard to believe that Sauron didn't know about them or their skill. As for Aragorn, I feel sure Sauron knew a Ranger was with the fellowship. I'm also sure Sauron recognized his skill, even though he didn't know the Ranger was the heir. After all, Aragorn single-handedly drove off the Nazgul from Weathertop. I'm sure Sauron heard about that. I think he knew about Strider. The thing that surprised him was when Aragorn, the heir of Elendil, showed him himself and his sword in the palantir.