While the main focus inLord of the Ringsis the Fellowship, many supporting characters play crucial roles in their journey to destroy the One Ring. Among these heroic figures stands Faramir, whose impact extends far beyond the Kingdom of Gondor. Faramir helped defend his land against the forces of Sauron, always staying true to his values and resisting the temptations of the Ring. As the war and conflict ended, Faramir’s journey continued, leading him to a different yet impactful path.
Tolkien himself rooted for Faramir and identified with him, as he stated in some of his letters. Unlike some other characters inLord of the Rings, Faramir’s ambition is not driven by personal gain or glory. He is driven by the desire to serve his people, protect Gondor, and preserve the values and traditions that are important to him. Hedefended Osgiliath alongside his brother, and served as the Captain of the Rangers of Ithilien during the War of the One Ring. Faramir suffers great losses during the war, including his brother and father, but this doesn’t mark the end of his character, and his story continues for long after the war.
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Who Is Faramir?
Faramir is the youngest son of Denethor II, the Steward of Gondor, and younger brother of Boromir. Although Denethor showed an evident favoritism towards Boromir, the relationship between the brothers was very close and there was no jealousy or rivalry between them. While they were quite different,they also had a few things in common, and regardless of their differences, Boromir was always protective of his younger brother. Faramir’s empathy and bond with his people helped solidify his role as a leader, and the respect to his father’s stewardship helped him guide them through Sauron’s dominion with wisdom and compassion, like a true steward.
The audience is first introduced to Faramir through his meeting with Frodo and Sam, the unlikely bearers of the Ring. Like his brother, he treated the Hobbits with respect and empathy. When he learned the true nature of Frodo and Sam’s quest,while Boromir was tempted by the Ring, Faramir understood the implications of such temptations, and consistently rejected the Ring. This resonated with many fans, and Faramir became a fan-favorite character due to his wisdom and commitment to his cause.
What Happened to Faramir After the War of the One Ring?
The conclusion of the war marked more than just the end of Sauron’s dominion. Faramir, whose actions greatly contributed to the destruction of the One Ring, not only faced victory over the darkness, but also profound loss.After Boromir’s tragic deathduring his quest with the Fellowship, Faramir’s efforts to save his people were overshadowed by Denethor’s despair over losing his beloved son. With his father’s passing, Faramir stood alone as the last of his lineage and was set to become the Ruling Steward of Gondor.
Proving his wisdom and selflessness once more, Faramir decided to step down from his role as steward, and instead take on a role he was more comfortable in, paving Gondor’s way to a different future. Aragorn, the true heir to the throne, was pronouncedKing Elessar of Gondor and Arnor, uniting both kingdoms again. Faramir embraced his true nature as a leader and became the captain of the King’s guard. His duties included restoring the kingdom’s former glory, rehabilitating the lost territories of Gondor, and cleansing the Morgul Vale from Sauron’s evil remainants.
That wasn’t it for Faramir, though. On the day of Aragorn’s coronation, he was named Prince of Ithilien, a region he had bravely protected during the war.Faramir also fulfilled the traditional role of a steward, acting as the King’s chief counsellor, and ruling Gondor in the king’s absence. His influence expanded far beyond his father’s legacy.
While Faramir’s journey involved some major losses, he also found love after the war. Although it was mostly left out of the films,Faramir developed a deep connection with Éowynwhile they both recovered from battle in Gondor’s Houses of Healing. They eventually got married and spent the rest of their lives in Emyn Arnen, where they had a son, Elboron, who would carry their legacy. Faramir passed away in the year 82 of the Fourth Age, at the age of 120, making him one of the oldest Men in his bloodline. The extended edition ofThe Return of the Kingmovie features Faramir and Éowyn together, hinting at the future they shared in the books.
Although Faramir’s portrayal in theLord of the Ringsmovies is somewhat controversial, his impact on Gondor is undeniable. He proved himself to be incredibly resilient, wise, true to his principles, and a great leader. Faramir’s journey wasn’t easy, but in the end his sacrifices paid off, and he got the happy ending he deserved.
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