Summary
While the forces of good and evil have been clearly defined inThe Lord of the Rings, the character of Boromir remains morally gray, with many doubts raised about his intentions. However, his story arc makes him the most relatable character in the series as it serves as a reminder of what it means to be human. J.R.R. Tolkien uses him to illustrate how the struggle between conflicting desires should not be seen as a failure, especially if one seeks to redeem themselves.
Boromir is still more than just a plot device — as the eldest child of Denethor II, the last Ruling Steward of Gondor, he became “a mighty warrior” who was renowned in several parts of Middle-earth. He received the titles of Captain of the White Tower, Captain-General, and High Warden of the White Tower. He devoted his life to protecting Gondor — which is also what tempted him to use the One Ring in the first place.
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Why Was Boromir So Tempted by the Ring?
Boromir is first introduced inThe Lord of the Ringswhen the Council of Elrond was about to commence. He, along withhis younger brother Faramir, had been haunted by a prophetic dream for some time, which included a riddle that mentioned Rivendell and the Ring in coded terms. When he brought this to his father’s attention, Denethor II urged him to seek advice from Elrond, the Lord of Rivendell. Upon arrival, Boromir shared with the others about Gondor’s persistent attempts to keep the forces of Mordor from crossing the Anduin. After learning about the discovery of the Ring and the fact thatAragorn, the heir to the throne of Gondor, was still alive, he believed his dream to be an answer to how his kingdom could be saved. He tried to persuade the Council touse the Ring to defeat Sauron: “Why should we not think that the Great Ring has come into our hands to serve us in the very hour of need? Wielding it the Free Lords of the Free may surely defeat the Enemy.”
Having been brought up during a time when Gondor was constantly at war, Boromir was trained to protect his city since an early age. He had faith in the strength of Men, and simply regarded the Ring as a weapon he could use to safeguard his people. As he declared later on, “True-hearted Men, they will not be corrupted. We of Minas Tirith have been staunch through long years of trial. We do not desire the power of wizard-lords, only strength to defend ourselves, strength in a just cause. And behold! In our need, chance brings to light the Ring of Power.” However, as the Ring, an agent of evil, thrived on fear, it was quick to corrupt well-intentioned desires into desires for domination. As Boromir considered it his duty to protect the realm of Gondor, it was his vulnerability about failing to do so thatmade him susceptible to manipulation.
No one from the Council seconded his proposal as they were aware that the Ring was capable of controlling its user for evil, and that it would alert Sauron of its presence whenever it was used. Boromir seemed to accept their refusal, and pledged to be part ofthe Fellowship of the Ringto helpFrodo Baggins, the Ring-bearer, on his quest to destroy the Ring. However, his initial plan sets up the central conflict in his story — where the Ring played on his fears until it succeeded.
Was the Ring the Cause of Boromir’s Downfall?
During the Fellowship’s perilous journey to Mount Doom, Boromir proved himself to be a strong and brave warrior. However, as he was accustomed to being a leader, he often questioned the decisions made by Gandalf and, later, Aragorn. Over time, he showed increasing “bravado and recklessness”, and finally succumbed to the power of the Ring at Nen Hithoel. While the Fellowship decided on their next course of action, Frodo wandered into the forest, where Boromir followed him. At first, he offered the Hobbit to free him from the burden of carrying around the Ring. When Frodo refused, he became angry and called him a “miserable trickster”. He began to imagine how he could use the Ring: “What could not a warrior do in this hour, a great leader? What could not Aragorn do? Or if he refuses, why not Boromir? The Ring would give me power of Command. How I would drive the hosts of Mordor, and all men would flock to my banner!” Eventually, he forcibly tried to seize the Ring from Frodo (“It should be mine. Give it to me!”), lured by the vision of himself as a “mighty king, benevolent and wise”. His whole outburst was quite unlike himself, proving the Ring had finally brought about his downfall. It was only when Frodo managed to escape that Boromir realized what he had done. He pleaded with Frodo to return (“A madness took me”) — but it was too late.
Tolkien, however, does not let Boromir’s moment of weakness define him. He went to tell the others about Frodo’s disappearance and everyone scattered to search for him. Boromir followed‘Merry’ Brandybuck and ‘Pippin’ Tookto protect them, and found them surrounded by Orcs. He fought with the enemy fearlessly, slaying many Orcs until he was ultimatelypierced with arrows by the Uruk-Hai. When Aragorn arrived at the scene, a dying Boromir confessed: “I tried to take the Ring from Frodo. I am sorry. I have paid.” In response, Aragorn reminded him, “You have conquered. Few have gained such a victory.” Boromir’s body was then placed in a boat that was pushed into Anduin, where it floated for three daysuntil Faramir found it. He later shared about his brother that “whether he erred or no, of this I am sure: he died well, achieving some good thing. His face was more beautiful even than in life”.
While it is true that Boromir was tempted by the Ring, he still overcame it when it mattered most. Hence, the fall of Boromir can be seen as the way to his redemption.
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