Overview
Faramir is the character who proves that the Ring can be refused. Though he desires the praise of his father, he lets Frodo go, and his restraint is set in deliberate contrast to Boromir’s fall.
- Ancestry
- Younger son of Denethor II and Finduilas; brother of Boromir.
Biography
The second son
Faramir grew up in his brother’s shadow, loved for less than Boromir. He was a scholar as well as a soldier and had prophetic dreams.
Ithilien
He ambushed the Orcs on the road into Mordor, met Frodo and Sam, and after a long night of temptation resolved to send them on rather than take the Ring.
Wounded and made well
Wounded at the Pelennor, he was saved from Denethor’s pyre by Pippin and Beregond. He later became Prince of Ithilien and, with Aragorn’s blessing, wed Éowyn.
Arc & development
Character
Personality
- Wise
- Gentle
- Dutiful
- Modest
- Capable of stern judgement
Abilities & limits
Strengths
- Ranger-craft and command
- Learning and lore
- Prophecy in dreams
Limitations
- Longs for his father’s approval
- Mortal and increasingly weary
Deeds
- Led the Rangers of Ithilien
- Refused the One Ring
- Defended Osgiliath and the Pelennor
- Became Steward and Prince of Ithilien
Relationships
Places
LocationIthilien
The fair land between the Anduin and the Mountains of Shadow, contested by Gondor and Mordor.
LocationOsgiliath
The ruined former capital of Gondor on the Anduin, contested throughout the War of the Ring.
LocationMinas Tirith
The seven-tiered white city of Gondor, built into Mount Mindolluin, and the great fortress of the West.
LocationThe Pelennor Fields
The fertile plain before Minas Tirith, site of the great battle that broke Sauron’s western army.
In the histories
Appearances
The Two Towers“The Window on the West” and “The Forbidden Pool”
The Return of the KingThe siege of Gondor and his healing
In adaptation
Adaptation note
- The films introduce greater conflict around whether Faramir will take Frodo to Gondor, and Osgiliath, complicating his choice.
Sources
The Lord of the Rings · 1954–55
Three volumes: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King.
Related entries
CharacterBoromir
The proud eldest son of Denethor who joins the Fellowship, tries to take the Ring, and redeems himself dying to defend Merry and Pippin.
CharacterDenethor II
The proud Steward of Gondor, worn down by the palantír and despair, who perishes in madness.
Éowyn
Théoden’s niece, who defied the prohibition on women going to war and slew the Witch-king at the Pelennor.
CharacterFrodo Baggins
The hobbit of the Shire who carried the One Ring across Middle-earth to Mount Doom and destroyed it.
CharacterPeregrin Took
The youngest hobbit of the Fellowship, who became a knight and guard of Gondor and saved Faramir from Denethor’s pyre.
CharacterAragorn
The heir of Isildur, raised in Rivendell in secret, who becomes King Elessar and reunites the kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor.