Faramir is the second son of Lord Denethor II and younger brother of Boromir. Later, he is named the Prince of Ithilien and Steward of Gondor.
Biography[]
Early life[]
Faramir was born thirty six years before the War of the Ring to Finduilas and Lord Denethor 5 years after his brother Boromir. When he was 5 years old, his mother Finduilas died. This resulted in Denethor disconnecting from his family. However, the bond between Faramir and his older brother grew, and nothing could stop it; Denethor himself or the men of Gondor. Because Faramir didn't have a liking for war and appreciated music and lore, his courage was deemed less than Boromir's.
The War of the Ring[]
In 3018, Boromir leaves Minas Tirith to go to Imladris (Rivendell). Later, he and Denethor heard the Horn of Gondor which Boromir bore. Soon, Faramir, to his horror, finds his brother's body on the Anduin River.
Faramir meets Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee in Ithilien, who are on their quest to destroy the Ring of Power. He listened to Frodo and Sam's stories and learns that Boromir tried to take the Ring from Frodo, however the two don't know that Boromir was later killed. Faramir also reveals to them that he was Boromir's brother. He meets Gollum, who he plans to kill but when Frodo tells him that Gollum is their guide, he reluctantly agrees and lets him go. Faramir then warns Frodo and Sam that Gollum is trying to lead them to a dangerous place.
When Faramir and the other men are riding back to Minas Tirith, they encounter Nazgûl. Gandalf saves them using his white light. Faramir arrives back at Minas Tirith where he tells Denethor about his meeting with Frodo and Sam. Denethor is angry that Faramir didn't bring the Ring back to Minas Tirith, and even goes far enough to tell him that he wished he had died instead of Boromir. Although Faramir tries to tell Denethor that Osgiliath is overrun, Denethor still sends him and other men to battle again.
During the battle, Faramir is wounded by a poisoned arrow and brought back to the White City by Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth, his mother's brother. Denethor, overwhelmed by guilt and grief that he had sent his remaining son off to 'death' unthanked, ordered his servants to build a pyre for them both and burn them alive. Pippin, overhearing Denethor's plans, tries to tell him that Faramir isn't dead but Denethor doesn't listen. Pippin then tells Beregond, a guard of the Citadel who greatly admires Faramir, what Denethor was up to. Gandalf at the time was managing the army of the Battle of Pelennor Fields, but left alongside Pippin to save Denethor's remaining son. When Pippin and Gandalf arrive, they find out that Beregond has killed some of the guards to get into the place and that he also stopped them from lighting the pyre. Gandalf asks Denethor where Faramir is, and Denethor answers that he is already burning. Gandalf thinks he's already done something evil but finds Faramir still on the pier. Gandalf tries to tell Denethor that Faramir has to seek healing in the Houses of Healing but Denethor doesn't listen, trying to stab Faramir with a knife. Beregond prevents him from doing this, standing in front of Faramir's body. Denethor loses hope, and sets himself on fire. After, Beregond and Pippin take Faramir to the Houses of Healing.
Houses of Healing
"Weariness, grief for his father's mood, a wound, and all over the Black Breath." - Aragorn
Aragorn arrives just in time to heal Faramir, Éowyn, and Meriadoc (Merry). He sends Ioreth and son Bergil, Beregond's son, brought him 6 leaves of athelas, or kingsfoil. After healing Faramir, he recognizes Aragorn to be his true king. During his time in the Houses of Healing, he falls in love with Éowyn, and Merry tells him about Éowyn feeling trapped. Every day, they would walk in the gardens of the Houses of Healing.
Aragorn's Crowning
During Aragorn's crowning ceremony, Faramir offers him the Rod of the Steward, however Aragorn takes it and gives it back telling him that he and his ancestors would remain Stewards of Gondor. Aragorn, now King Elessar, also names Faramir Prince of Ithilien. Beregond was kicked out of Minas Tirith as a punishment for killing other guards, but was also made the captain of Faramir's guard.
After the ceremony, Faramir and Éowyn and married in Edoras. Éowyn became the White Lady of Ithilien and the couple settled in Emyn Arnen.
Appearances[]
- The Lord of the Rings trilogy