Eladar, the reason that it is "just no" is that if it had actually been a worthless stroke, Tolkien would have made sure to say so. There are at least a few failed attempts at smiting throughout the legendarium, and Tolkien always makes some note that it didn't really accomplish that much. All that he says as far as Eowyn and the Witch King is that her sword went through where his head ought to have been, and then it shattered. The important thing here is "and then." Smote, then shattered.
Merry stabbed him, seconds passed and he was still existing, he rose again to smash Eowyn, she put a sword in his face, he died and the sword shattered.
What city?
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What's a burrahobbit got to do with my pocket, anyways?
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