Boromir

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The name Boromir refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Boromir (disambiguation).
Boromir
Gondorian
Catherine Karina Chmiel - Son of Gondor.jpg
"Son of Gondor" by Catherine Karina Chmiel
Biographical Information
PositionCaptain of the White Tower
High Warden of the White Tower
Captain-General
LocationGondor
AffiliationFellowship of the Ring
LanguageWestron
BirthT.A. 2978
Death26 February T.A. 3019 (aged 41)
Amon Hen
Family
HouseHouse of Húrin
ParentageDenethor II and Finduilas
SiblingsFaramir
Physical Description
GenderMale
Heightc. 6ft 4in (1.93m)[1]
Hair colorDark[2]
Eye colorGrey[2]
ClothingShield, horn in a baldric,[2] helm,[3] golden belt, Elven cloak and fur-lined cloak, silver-collar with a white stone[2]
WeaponrySword
GalleryImages of Boromir
"There was a tall man with a fair and noble face, dark-haired and grey-eyed, proud and stern of glance. His garments were rich, and his cloak was lined with fur and he had a collar of silver in which a single white stone was set; his locks were shorn about his shoulders. On a baldric he wore a great horn tipped with silver that now was laid upon his knees."
The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"

Boromir was the eldest son of Denethor II and Finduilas and the older brother of Faramir.[4]

Boromir was beloved by his father and was like him in face and pride, but in little else. Boromir's temperament was similar to King Eärnur of old; he took no wife and was more interested in arms and warfare. He cared little for lore, save for the tales of old battles.[4]

Boromir was a man of great strength and valour. He had a fair and noble face, dark haired and grey-eyed, proud and stern of glance.[2]

He was one of the nine walkers who made up the Fellowship of the Ring.[2]

History[edit | edit source]

Boromir and baby Faramir, art by Catherine Chmiel

Boromir was born in T.A. 2978, five years before his brother Faramir.[5] Between the brothers there was great love, and had been since childhood, when Boromir was the helper and protector of Faramir. He was only ten years old when their mother Finduilas died,[6] and after her death their father became more grim and silent than before.[4]

Boromir grew to be a valorous warrior, interested in arms, warfare and tales of old battles and would serve as a commander to the military of Gondor.[4]

On the evening before Sauron's attack on Osgiliath, Faramir repeatedly had a dream. A similar dream came to Boromir once. Both Boromir and Faramir could understand little of these words; therefore, they spoke to their father who was wise in the lore of Gondor. But even he could only say that Rivendell, which is also known as Imladris, was a dale in the far north where the Half-elven Lord Elrond lived.[2]:320-1

Another day, when Sauron attacked Osgiliath at the dawn of the War of the Ring, Boromir was a commander. His company drove back the Orcs and held the last bridge; eventually they destroyed it behind them, to prevent the Orcs from crossing the river.[2]

Journey to Rivendell[edit | edit source]

"In that dream I thought the eastern sky grew dark and there was a growing thunder, but in the West a pale light lingered, and out of it I heard a voice, remote but clear, crying:

Seek for the Sword that was broken:
In Imladris it dwells;
There shall be counsels taken
Stronger than Morgul-spells.
There shall be shown a token
That Doom is near at hand,
For Isildur's Bane shall waken,
And the Halfling forth shall stand."

― Boromir telling his dream[2]
Boromir sets out by Anke Eißmann

Regarding the brothers' earlier dream, Faramir was eager to seek Imladris. However, the way was full of doubt and danger, so out of protection for his brother Boromir took the journey upon himself.[2]:321

Boromir's journey took 110 days.[2]:320 He passed through the Gap of Rohan and travelled north through the lands west of the Misty Mountains. He faced many hardships, for that land had fallen into decay and the North-South Road no longer existed except for crumbling remains of the old causeways.[7] Near Tharbad he crossed the Greyflood using a dangerous ford formed by a ruined bridge and he lost his horse.[8] The rest of the way he travelled on foot.

When he reached Rivendell, he attended the Council of Elrond. Representatives from races and lands of the Westlands spoke about the current situations, and Boromir spoke about the Council of Gondor's vigilance and the struggle to keep the forces of Mordor from crossing the Anduin. However, he said, he had not come seeking military aid but counsel. When he told of the dream that had led him to Rivendell the answers to its riddles were revealed: Aragorn brought out the Shards of Narsil and Frodo Baggins the Halfling held up the One Ring that was Isildur's Bane. There he attempted to persuade the Council to let him take the One Ring to Gondor so that it could be used in the defence of the realm. Elrond explained, however, that the Ring could not be used by anyone other than Sauron. For even though one might use it for the purpose of doing good, it would twist all deeds and intentions to evil in the end.[2]

Fellowship of the Ring[edit | edit source]

It was Boromir's intention to return to Minas Tirith, which is why he joined the Fellowship of the Ring. When the Company of the Ring reached Caradhras, Boromir advised that each of them should carry a faggot of wood.[9] This saved the Company from freezing to death when they got caught in a blizzard on Caradhras. The next morning Boromir and Aragorn ploughed their way through the snow and carried the four Hobbits back down the mountain to safety.[10]

As the Redhorn Pass was now blocked, Boromir proposed that they should travel southward on the west side of the Misty Mountains and then either pass through the Gap of Rohan or cross the Isen and go through the southern lands of Langstrand and Lebennin. But Gandalf opposed this saying that, because of Saruman's treachery those lands were no longer safe. He proposed that the Company should instead go through the mines of Moria, but Boromir said that he would not go that way, not unless the whole company voted against him.[11]

Boromir finally agreed, but upon reaching the Doors of Durin he was angry that Gandalf did not know the password and he threw a stone in the Dark Water. This alerted the Watcher in the Water. When Gandalf stepped into the mines the Watcher attacked Frodo, but all the Company were able to escape into the mines.[11]

Boromir fought valiantly when the Company was attacked in the Chamber of Mazarbul, and he blocked the western door and hewed at the arm of a Cave-troll. After escaping from the Chamber, the company reached the Bridge of Khazad-dûm they were again attacked by Orcs, and with them was a Balrog. Boromir sounded his Great Horn which prompted the Orcs to pause, uneasy. But when they heard no answer, nor saw reinforcements, they led a second onslaught. As Gandalf fought with the Balrog, Boromir and Aragorn ran towards him, but just as they reached the crossing Gandalf shattered the bridge and the Balrog fell into the abyss, dragging Gandalf in as well.[12]

Aragorn then led the Company towards Lothlórien. Boromir advised against this, saying that the woods had a perilous reputation in Gondor and that few escaped unscathed. Aragorn replied that only those who were evil or brought evil with them had reason to fear Lothlórien. After Galadriel had spoken to each member of the Company in their thoughts, Boromir was keen to know about the conversation between the Lady and the Ring-bearer, but what he thought that the Lady had offered him he would not tell. When the Company were set to depart from Lothlórien, Galadriel gave each of them a gift. Boromir received a golden Belt.[13]

Good Sense Revolts by John Howe

As the Company set out down the Anduin, Boromir shared a boat with Merry and Pippin. As they travelled down the river, Boromir became increasingly consumed with thoughts of the Ring. He muttered to himself and bit his nails and sometimes paddled closer to Frodo's boat. His behaviour made Merry and Pippin uneasy, and Pippin noticed a strange glint in Boromir's eye as he looked at Frodo. As the Company approached the rapids of Sarn Gebir it was Boromir who alerted them and they were able to turn back. Boromir then advised the company to leave the river and strike a westward and southward road to Gondor. But Frodo did not intend to go to Gondor, hence the Company continued on their way down the river.[14]

Boromir's Last Stand by Ted Nasmith

Breaking of the Fellowship[edit | edit source]

When the Company reached Nen Hithoel, it was time for the Company to decide their next course. When Frodo wandered off into the forest to think, Boromir followed him after a while. He tried to persuade Frodo to bring The Ring to Minas Tirith. As Boromir spoke, the lure of the Ring grew stronger in him. He envisioned himself as a mighty king who would overthrow Sauron, rescue his people beyond hope, and lead Gondor to victory and glory. When Frodo refused to accompany him to Minas Tirith, Boromir became enraged and stressed and tried to take the Ring from Frodo by force. Frodo, of course, had other plans, and so put the Ring on and vanished. When Frodo had gone, Boromir was overwhelmed with the realisation of what he had done. He wept and called for Frodo to return, but it was too late.[15]

When Boromir returned to the Company he would only say that he had argued with Frodo and that the hobbit had disappeared. Merry and Pippin ran off looking for their friend, and Aragorn told Boromir to follow them and guard them.[15] Boromir did as he was asked. When he found the Hobbits they were surrounded by dozens of Orcs. Boromir slew many of them and the rest fled. He began to lead the Hobbits back to the campsite, but they were attacked again by at least 100 Orcs. Boromir sounded the Great Horn and fought valiantly to prevent the Orcs from seizing Merry and Pippin. He was pierced arrow after arrow, but he refused to die so easily. Many arrows were shot before he fell at last, and the Hobbits were taken prisoner.[3]

The Death of Boromir by Peter Xavier Price

Boromir was still alive when Aragorn found him. At least twenty Orcs lay slain around him. Boromir still held his sword, though the blade had been broken off at the hilt, and the Great Horn had been cloven in two. Before he died, Boromir told Aragorn that he had tried to take the Ring from Frodo. He asked Aragorn to forgive him, that he had fallen to the lure of the Ring, but Aragorn assured him that he was forgiven and that he had redeemed himself before he died. Then Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas laid Boromir's body in one of the boats. His shattered horn and sword they laid across his lap and the weapons of his enemies were laid at his feet. Aragorn and Legolas sang a lament for Boromir while they set his funeral boat adrift on the Anduin. The river then carried Boromir's body over the Falls of Rauros.[3]

The funeral-boat of Boromir by Anke Eißmann

Three nights later, Faramir was sitting by the banks of the Anduin in Osgiliath when he saw or envisioned a boat float past him on the river. Faramir had heard the Great Horn sounding in the distance when Boromir was in need, and now he saw his brother's body laid out in the boat, but the Great Horn was missing. The two halves of the horn were later washed ashore and they were returned to Denethor. It was said that the boat bearing Boromir's body was borne down the Anduin and out into the Sea.[16]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Boromir was named after Boromir (Steward of Gondor).[17]

Boromir is mentioned to be one of the few Gondorian names of mixed forms.[18] It has been suggested that the name Boromir consists of Sindarin boro(n) ("steadfast") and Quenya míre ("jewel").[19]

Genealogy[edit | edit source]

 
 
 
 
Princes of
Dol Amroth
 
 
 
 
 
Ruling Stewards
of Gondor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adrahil
2917 - 3010
 
 
 
 
 
Ecthelion II
2886 - 2984
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ivriniel
b. 2947
 
Imrahil
2955 - Fo.A. 34
 
Finduilas
2950 - 2988
 
Denethor II
2930 - 3019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BOROMIR
2978 - 3019
 
Faramir
2983 - Fo.A. 82
 
Éowyn
b. 2995
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elboron
unknown
 
 


Inspiration[edit | edit source]

Roland is found by his brother Baudoin next to his olifant, during the Battle of Roncevaux.

Many similarities have been suggested between Roland, the paladin of Charlemagne, and Boromir: both bore a white horn, were military leaders who defended their lord's realm, shared the flaw of pride and both died tragically away from home in the wilderness while defending their companions against an overwhelming enemy force and blew their horn before their death.[20] Like Roland in battle with the Saracens blew his horn to call for Charlemagne, Boromir called for Aragorn. In both cases, help came too late.[21]

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

Boromir in adaptations
Boromir as a Lego mini figure  

1955: The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series):

Derek Prentice voiced Boromir.

1978: The Lord of the Rings (1978 film):

Michael Graham Cox provided the voice of Boromir. His appearance was inspired by the popular image of a viking: he wore a fur tunic and a horned helmet. He did not have a shield.

1979: The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series):

Erik Bauersfeld provided the voice of Boromir.

1981: The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series):

Cox reprised his role of Boromir. In the mean time, he learned to pronounce Elvish words correctly: he came from "My Nasty Rith" in Bakshi's film, but he uses the correct pronunciation here.

1992: Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series):

Boromir is played by Christian Redl.

2001: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:

Boromir is played by Sean Bean. Differing from the book, Boromir dies (killed by the Uruk-hai leader Lurtz) at the end of the film instead of the beginning of The Two Towers.

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game):

James Horan provides the voice of Boromir, clad in blue and carrying a great shield. His death is not shown; he is not seen again after the first camp at the foot of Amon Hen.

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers:

The Extended Edition includes a scene not taken from the book in which Boromir and his brother Faramir see each other for the last time, and displays their father Denethor's attitude toward his two sons. At the Council of Elrond in Rivendell, Boromir says that his prophetic dream came to first his brother, Faramir, and then to him, on the night before an attack on Osgiliath. This reference to Osgiliath may be the inspiration for the flashback scene in The Two Towers.

2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King:

Boromir is seen in a brief flashback being pierced by arrows, as Pippin explains to Denethor the circumstances of his death. In the Extended Edition, he is seen again in a vision of Denethor, walking proudly towards his father until he fades away.

2001: Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series):

The voice of Boromir is provided by Jozef Vajda. The same actor also portrayed Boromir's brother Faramir later in the radio series.

2004: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth:

Boromir is the Hero unit of the Gondor faction and also appears in the storyline campaign. In a notable deviation from the original story, the player may save Boromir on Amon Hen, in which case he will accompany the Three Hunters into Rohan, participate in the Battle of the Hornburg and late journey with Gandalf and Pippin back to Gondor. He will also fight during the Siege of Gondor and participate in the last stand of the Men of the West in the Battle of Morannon.

2006: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II:

Boromir is now the Hero for the Men of the West faction.

2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:

The players first meet Boromir in Rivendell and later again during the Fellowship's stay in Lothlorien. He is also played during his stand against the Uruks at Parth Galen.

2012: Lego The Lord of the Rings:

A mini figure of Boromir is included in the set The Mines of Moria, he wears a sword and shield.[22]

References

  1. Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 272, citing from a note written by J.R.R. Tolkien approximately in 1969
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Departure of Boromir"
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", "The Stewards", paragraphs about Denethor II, p. 1346
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", entry for the year 2978 and entry for the year 2983 of the Third Age
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", entry for the year 2988 "Finduilas dies young."
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn", "Appendix D: The Port of Lond Daer"
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Farewell to Lórien", p. 487
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Ring Goes South", p. 374
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Ring Goes South", p. 381
  11. 11.0 11.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Journey in the Dark"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Bridge of Khazad-dûm"
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Lothlórien"
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Great River"
  15. 15.0 15.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Breaking of the Fellowship"
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Window on the West"
  17. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", "The Stewards", fifth paragraph
  18. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix F, "The Languages and Peoples of the Third Age", "Of Men", footnote
  19. Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 224
  20. Gerard Seaman, "Old French Literature", published in J.R.R. Tolkien Encyclopedia (edited by Michael D.C. Drout), pp. 468-9
  21. Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 359
  22. Calisuri, "More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012" dated 12 February 2012, TheOneRing.net (accessed 18 February 2012)
Attendees of the Council of Elrond
Aragorn · Bilbo Baggins · Frodo Baggins · Boromir · Elrond · Erestor · Galdor · (Samwise Gamgee) · Gandalf · Gimli · Glóin · Glorfindel · Legolas
Members of the Fellowship of the Ring
Frodo · Sam · Merry · Pippin · Gandalf · Aragorn · Legolas · Gimli · Boromir
Route of the Fellowship of the Ring
Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Parth Galen · Amon Hen · Eastemnet · Fangorn Forest · Rohan · Edoras · Hornburg · Isengard · Dunharrow · Paths of the Dead · Gondor · Hill of Erech · Lamedon · Linhir · Lebennin · Pelargir · Minas Tirith · Osgiliath · Cross-roads · Ithilien · Dagorlad · Black Gate · Field of Cormallen · Cair Andros · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
Boromir
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Parth Galen · Amon Hen
Frodo and Sam
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Parth Galen · Amon Hen · Emyn Muil · Dead Marshes · Black Gate · Ithilien · Henneth Annûn · Cross-roads · Morgul Vale · Stairs of Cirith Ungol · Cirith Ungol · Shelob's Lair · Tower of Cirith Ungol · Mordor · Morgai · Plateau of Gorgoroth · Mount Doom · Field of Cormallen · Cair Andros · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
Gandalf
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Celebdil† · Lothlórien · Fangorn Forest · Edoras · Hornburg · Isengard · Rohan · Anórien · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Osgiliath · Cross-roads · Ithilien · Dagorlad · Black Gate · Field of Cormallen · Cair Andros · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
Merry
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Parth Galen · Amon Hen · Emyn Muil · Eastemnet · Fangorn Forest · Wellinghall · Derndingle · Isengard · Hornburg · Dunharrow · Drúadan Forest · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
Pippin
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Amon Hen · Parth Galen · Emyn Muil · Eastemnet · Fangorn Forest · Wellinghall · Derndingle · Isengard · Rohan · Anórien · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Osgiliath · Cross-roads · Ithilien · Dagorlad · Black Gate · Field of Cormallen · Gondor · Cair Andros · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
The Lord of the Rings film series
Source material: The Hobbit · The Lord of the Rings
Films The Fellowship of the Ring (extended editionThe Two Towers (extended edition) · The Return of the King (extended edition)
Music The Fellowship of the Ring (The Complete Recordings) · The Two Towers (The Complete Recordings) · The Return of the King (The Complete Recordings) · "May It Be" · "Gollum's Song" · "Into the West"
Tie-in books Official Movie Guide · The Making of the Movie Trilogy · Complete Visual Companion · Gollum: How We Made Movie Magic · There and Back Again: An Actor's Tale · Weapons and Warfare · The Art of The Lord of the Rings · Sketchbook
The Fellowship of the Ring Visual Companion · The Art of The Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers Visual Companion · Photo Guide · The Art of The Two Towers
The Return of the King Visual Companion · The Art of The Return of the King
Video games The Two Towers · The Return of the King · The Third Age · Tactics · Conquest · Aragorn's Quest · Lego The Lord of the Rings
Characters Frodo · Bilbo · Gandalf · Sam · Merry · Pippin · Gandalf · Aragorn · Boromir · Legolas · Gimli · Elrond · Galadriel · Théoden · Éomer · Éowyn · Saruman · Sauron · Witch-king · Denethor · Faramir · Gollum · Gríma · Treebeard · Celeborn · Haldir · Lurtz · Sharku · Grishnákh