Faramir Character Analysis

Faramir is Denethor’s son and Captain of the Rangers of Ithilien. After his brother Boromir’s death, he is also Denethor’s heir. Though Pippin sees Faramir as wiser and kinder than Boromir, Denethor acts cruelly towards his only living son, saying he wishes Faramir had died in Boromir’s place, and sends him into a hopeless battle in Osgiliath. Faramir returns from the battle alive, but he’s been pierced by a poisoned dart, and instead of attempting to find help and medicine, Denethor resolves to burn him alive. Faramir’s dart wound proves less dire than the affliction of the Dark Shadow, which Aragorn suspects has been worsened by Denethor’s derision and cruelty. After recovering, Faramir falls in love with Éowyn and marries her. His humility is proven by his willingness to claim his stewardship for only a short time in order to make the city ready for Aragorn’s return, and Aragorn rewards his devotion to Gondor by appointing him the Prince of Ithilien.