Primary input thru standing part into half hitch thru first arc makes a hook in Hitches and Bends.  This is the most rigid part of the rope, as has most load against it, to tension it.  Rest of rope before final Nip just keeps hook in place as also makes a friction trail of compounding force reductions.  Nip holds the reduced force, securely with greater force.  But also, is final ballast, giving rest of the rope rigidity like the tailer on a capstan maintains tension to grab  the capstan.
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<span class="int-own-work" lang="en">Own work</span>