April 8, 2004

Re:son of Gondor
Danny

Yeah I think Frodo's situation is an interesting one to consider. I would like to think that his end was a noble sacrifice, and that he was a hero. One could argue that his pressing Frodo for the Ring was a major catalist that sent Frodo to Mordor Alone (thus avoiding the Uruk Hai entirely and keeping the ring out of Isengard, and eventually leading to the success of the quest.) I beleive that his trying to take the ring from Frodo was a big influence in Frodo's decision. I do agree that his valor and heroism is overshadowed by what the ring did to him.

I have always wondered one thing though. The Orcs in the book and the film were under the order to bring Halflings back alive. Had Boromir not fought with the Uruks, Merry and Pippin would have survived most likely. So was it a vain sacrifice? I think his honorable intention to prevent their captivity is praisworthy, but it is not neccesarily fair to say that his death actually saved their lives. Interesting questions.

Overall though, I do think that Boromir is frequently viewed in a negative light. I actually think the extended TTT helps that in the movie a lot as you see Boromir as a hero who also cares for and looks after his brother.