Summary
The eldest son of Denethor, Steward of Gondor,Boromiris one ofTheLord of the Rings' most iconic characters. He’s known for how much he was tempted by the Ring of Power, so much so that he nearly killed its bearer, the hobbit Frodo Baggins, for it. The Ring drove him mad, but Boromir later redeems himself and is desperately sorry for his actions.
He’s also a tragic character, giving his lifeto defend Frodo’sclose friends, Merry and Pippin. All this happens after Boromir joins the Fellowship of the Ring. Despite his notorious deeds, he was a very valiant hero and was so before the events of the Fellowship, too. Throughout his life beforehand, he was looked to as one of Gondor’s heroes and was greatly admired by his people for his impressive acts, especially by his brother Faramir.
Looked after Faramir as a child
Boromir protected his younger brother
Boromir was five years olderthan his brother Faramir, and as such it fell to the former to protect the latter in their youth. When he was ten and his brother five years old, their mother, Finduilas, died. She was from the coastal city of Dol Amroth, and she began to fade in Minas Tirith with the growing Shadow of Mordor. After her death, their father Denethor became reclusive and grim, and he preferred Boromir over his brother.
Yet Boromir did not let his position as the favorite son alienate him from Faramir. Instead, he committed himself to looking after him. Tolkien writes in the book’s appendices, that“no jealousy or rivalry had arisen between them”and that, during childhood, Boromir was"the helper and protector of Faramir."
Became a Captain of Gondor
Retook Osgiliath
Boromir became quite an arrogant man, and he sought to become a great captain of Gondor and defend his people. As the “Captain of the White Tower,” he became well-loved by the men of his army, though he didn’t care for anything else except battles, weapons, and warfare. As described in Appendix A ofThe Return of the Kingnovel, he had a reputation for“delighting chiefly in arms… but caring little for lore.”
Around the time ofThe Fellowship of the Ring,Sauron attacked the Gondorian cityof Osgiliath. As seen inThe Two TowersExtended Edition, Boromir fought valiantly and reclaimed the city“for Gondor!”His short yet powerful victory speech shows what a charismatic and dedicated captain he was.
Became held in high esteem by Rohan
Éomer knew of his skills
Though this is not apparent in the movies, Boromir was well-known by the people of Gondor’s neighboring country, Rohan, in the books.King Théoden’s nephew, Éomer,who served as the Third Marshal of the Riddermark, had heard of Boromir’s heroism and skill in battle, and he had even seen him in Rohan, though he“came seldom to the Mark.”
InThe Two Towersnovel, when Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli meet Éomer and the Riders of Rohan,Aragorn tells himabout Boromir’s death. Éomer is shocked, exclaiming“Your news is all of woe.”He then comments about how Boromir’s death will affect many, both in Gondor and Rohan. Boromir, obviously, had good reason for his reputation preceding him.
Traveled to the Council of Elrond
A long and dangerous journey
Though the reason behind Boromir’s journey to Rivendell differs between the book and the film, he still took it upon himself to travel that great distance. In the Extended Edition ofThe Two Towers, Denethor comes to Osgiliath and tells Boromir to attend Elrond’s council and bring the One Ring back to Gondor. Denethor pleads with Boromir that Gondor’s need for it is the greatest and that using it against Sauron will stop the suffering and death of their people. Boromir refuses, saying that his place is with his people,“not in Rivendell.“However, though reluctant, he eventually obeys his father’s wishes and travels to the council.
In the book, however, Boromir decides to journey there himself, due to a series of recurring dreams he and Faramir had regarding “Isildur’s Bane,” that is, the Ring itself. Boromir was determined to find much-needed answers in Rivendell, which the dream also pointed to. After losing his horse, Boromir remained unwavering in his quest for answers, due to his love for Gondor, his brother, and his people. In both the book and the movie, it’s clear that Boromir was fully dedicated to his journey, whether out of obedience to Denethor, love for his brother, or a desire for answers.
Remained close to his brother
He encouraged Faramir as they parted ways
Once Boromir became determined to seek answers in Rivendell, he knew it would mean leaving his homeland for a long time. Tragically, the readers and viewers know thatBoromir wouldn’t live to return to Gondorand see his father and brother again. Whether because of the recurring dream about Rivendell, or simply obeying Denethor’s wishes to bring the Ring back to Gondor, Boromir knew he must embark on the journey. He was brave and accepted his duty, and was also adamant that it was he who must go, as he strongly felt he needed to protect his younger brother from the journey’s dangers.
At the end of the “Sons of the Steward” scene inThe Two TowersExtended Edition, it’s clear how the two brothers were very close, as they’d been throughout childhood. Boromir encourages Faramir one last time, before leaving Gondor for good. Though Boromir decides on this in the book, it is Denethor who parts the brothers in the movie. This makesBoromir’s death even more tragic,especially as he didn’t even want to leave Gondor.
However, in both versions of the character, it’s clear how much Boromir valued Faramir, his people, and his homeland of Gondor, and how he didn’t want to give up on them, but help them stand against Mordor. Though he eventually believed that using the Ring was the only way to achieve this, Boromir’s intentions were noble, and he was a valiant soldier.
