Boromir: Book Vs Movie

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Today we’re talking all about the adaptation of Boromir’s character from the original books into the Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
My video on Aragorn: • Aragorn: Books Vs Movies
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[@raimat66]

The humanity of Boromir is portrayed very clear in one scene: after Gandalf’s fall in Moria. They are all crying and Aragorn tries to make them move on. But Boromir says: “Give them a moment, for pity’s sake.” I love it. There you have a human who are close to reality and emotions. The screen writers had a very good day when they wrote that. It represents much of what is the true Boromir as well in the movie as in the book.

[@rikk319]

PJ had less time to build up sympathy or develop the conflict within Boromir, so showing his empathy and humanity often was a good choice--asking for a pause for his friends to mourn Gandalf, as well as reminding Gandalf that the hobbits would perish in the cold of the Pass of Caradhras, or training them in swordfighting--it all reveals the positive qualities of a leader in caring for those who follow him, and reinforce that Boromir wasn't there to conquer their lands, or lord over everyone--he simply wanted his people to be safe, and in parallel, his friends, too. His mistake was in ever thinking the Ring could provide that, but desperate people make mistakes.

[@crushedscouter9522]

this is the first scene i think of when it comes to movie boromir. it does so much for the character in just a few seconds

[@zandosdwarf-king]

I heard theory that Boromir was kind to hobbits to manipulate them into doing what he wanted. LotR is beautiful because you can interpret it in million ways

[@dingusrevolver]

@@zandosdwarf-king Not tryna be mean, but that's a ridiculous and completely baseless interpretation...He literally DIES protecting Merry and Pippin. And, in the book and the movie, he immediately apologizes and repents for trying to take the Ring. Boromir is not a crafty, backstabby guy who manipulates people. There's no reason to think of him that way. LotR is not really a work that has a LOT of different interpretations...it's pretty straightforward, actually.

[@joaocarlosdarosafagundes7482]

@@dingusrevolver Boromir's "sacrifice" was just another part of his cunning plan - the very most important of them, indeed. After all, what gathers more sympathy for oneself than dying for the people one wants to manipulate?

[@fintytin8528]

People find Boromir uncomfortable to talk about, or they dislike him for the simple fact that he's a better person than most of us could ever hope to be, yet he still fails in his task and falls to darkness, if only momentarily.

[@cherylcouch-thomas8250]

Well said!

[@user-by9lg6tu2z]

Right???

[@Crash103179]

Or was he the tool of Iluvatar? His attack firmed Frodo's will and sprung him loose from the fellowship.

[@kilppa]

@@Crash103179 His death could've also been a necessary sacrifice to make Aragorn accept his faith and responsibility. Could've been foresight from Gandalf or Iluvatar's doing.

[@azidal3755]

Most people who I've heard express dislike seem to misunderstand his character, and often the Ring and the powers and temptation it has.

[@maul42]

Job Interviewer: What would you say is your greatest weakness? Boromir: I probably love Gondor TOO much.

[@chrismcdonald7086]

well played

[@whyistheskyblue9422]

Yes! I just love that in the book, when they're in Moria and Aragorn goes to help Gandalf against the Balrog, Boromir follows him, shouting "Gondor" 😅

[@gantorisdurran710]

The line "By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe!" explains Boromirs motivations alot.

[@scottread2979]

great point!

[@gantorisdurran710]

@@scottread2979 Hes in a desperate situation, hes lost hope, he knows Gondor is loosing and everyone is looking to him to do something and save them.

[@sbskinner369]

BTW, I love how you presented Boromir in this video. I feel that he all too often gets the very short end of the stick in the fandom. And Sean Bean did an amazing job in bringing the character to life in such a short amount of time.

[@JamieZero7]

I think that's because people didn't read the books I was one of them. Until I read the book then I felt cheated. I was so disappointed that boromir didn't get to shine like he does in the books. Large parts of the fellowship is him. And him being that human. Unlike Aragon who can be moody being a ranger and dealing with being a king with the sword. He helped Aragon IMO. When you compare first meeting of Aragon to how he is after Boromir it's a big change. The character goes through.

[@ggalloway1]

I'm not sure anyone but Sean Bean could have played him so well.

[@raul0ca]

@@ggalloway1 Having Sean Bean play him hinted to the normies that Boromir was not long for this world

[@ldeguzman]

If going by the movies, the extended director’s cut did him justice. You can understand his motivations.

[@jamesdavidson6976]

As only Sean Bean could.

[@chromes5567]

Boromir's death scene is a guaranteed tear jerker. I need to reread the books again.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I can walk into a room with that scene playing and start crying without any context. It's a little scary haha

[@alicjadybula]

I love LOTR and story of Boromir but it alwyas made me thin If Tolien new polsih book Ogniem i Mieczem or WithFire and Sword- where very noble knight dies the same death as Boromir- whith many arrows in his chest, while acctually praying. And thsi knight was also on quest like Boromir. The book was written by Sienkiewicz. If someone is intressted I beat you can even see this scene inf move addaptiaion. Really nice video about Boromir.

[@chromes5567]

@@alicjadybula it's a book with a film adaptation?

[@alicjadybula]

@@chromes5567 Yes

[@chromes5567]

@alicjadybula maybe il try and search for it this weekend

[@allisongliot]

Talking about book Boromir: I feel like it would be really hard to be a leader your whole life and then join the most important quest of all times and no one listens to your actually good ideas. It’s amazing that he never gave into resentment and bitterness toward the leaders of the Fellowship.

[@user-by9lg6tu2z]

Proving his decency

[@bryangan2224]

Great point. People don't come into things being neutral. And it's not like Boromir didn't prove himself in the Fellowship as much as everyone else. Had they gone through Rohan instead of Moria, who knows how different things would have turned out.

[@sauromatae9728]

​@@bryangan2224 Considering that eventually they went to Rohan after all

[@richardwales9674]

@@sauromatae9728 Yes but The Ring didn't which was the main point in not going that way. Once Frodo made his decision Aragorn's hand was freed.

[@chrisritcheson8615]

Something you helped me realize is that book and movie Boromir, though different, manage to bring it all to the same place: that his failing was not pride, but despair.

[@sbskinner369]

I use to not like Boromir at all. He was my least favorite character for from the time I first read the books at the age of 13 to about the age of 17. But then I reread the books all the way through again at the age of 18 and suddenly Boromir' character made so much more sense to me. In a way, to me, it was like Tolkien saying to the reader, "This character could be you. Don't think that were you there you would have responded all that differently." Also, He was a man desperately trying to save his people. He was conflicted during his travels with the Fellowship by his desire to save Gondor and his "oath" to protect Frodo and ensure that the ring was destroyed. I also think that I was more sympathetic to him because I was older and understood a bit more about the moral difficulty he was dealing with. I'm also a first born child and can relate to the pressure of what was expected of him. Now Boromir is one of my favorites and I get kind of defensive when people start bad mouthing him. (Oh man that was long, sorry 😅)

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I think Tolkien almost wants us to hate him at first glance- it makes that moment when you realize how relatable he is sting so much more. I think he's one of the most powerful characters in the story. Such a great example of incredible character crafting!! Thanks for leaving such a thoughtful comment!

[@wodthehunter8145]

Boromir was flawed, but was in every sense of the word a hero. Just as Isildur was a flawed man, but calling him anything less than a hero is flawed logic. Isildur realized his mistake, and was trying to deliver the ring to Elrond when he died. It takes a powerful spirit to resist the ring that strongly. The hearts of the men of Gondor were always strong, and a large part of why Sauron never succeeded.

[@mitchellsmith4690]

I am an old soldier--Boromir, long fighting with its pyschological and spiritual toll, is faced with the chance of a super weapon. He must feel so much conflict! And, he dies as a willing sacrifice, for his comrads and his mission. A Hero, who is a man with its nobility and weakness.

[@nostalji75]

@@Jess_of_the_Shire Would be fitting with the style of how Aragorn was introduced. As this scetchy Strider/Striker guy. Btw the fact that people don't want to relate to Boromir shows how corruptable we are. Its why the "machinery" is winning money dictates us our values.

[@Sovereignty3]

I wonder if its because the younger we are the less burdens on us the less we can actually relate and understand him, and then people who did read/watch it when younger and haven't re watched, haven't reseen it when they have had such burdens placed upon them.

[@NunyaBesnas]

I think what people don’t understand is that with time all members of the fellowship would fall to the ring. Galadriel even points this out. Boromir was just the first domino to fall.

[@piewar3076]

In the end even Frodo fell and couldn’t throw the ring into the fire.

[@Democlis]

All but Sam. Samwise was never tempted and even to the last moments of the ring he was still trying to protect and save his friend, never tempted.

[@ArcanoSilverwind]

​@@Democlishe is tempted by the ring though. On his way to save frodo it tempts him.

[@luisostasuc8135]

Iirc the ring used the wrong tack when it tempted Sam, giving him visions of power and glory, and that failed and made Sam suspicious of the ring, and distrusted it even though it later showed him visions of being able to save Frodo. So yes, the ring literally tried to tempt Sam, but Sam didn't take it to heart.

[@BlindMarksman]

More to the point, Boromir was the first to fall because he had the most chinks in his moral armor into which the ring could sink its hooks - and his moral armor had those chinks precisely because he'd been actively fighting in direct opposition to the will of Sauron for longer and with more effort than all other members of the Fellowship combined save the literal angel leading them. The hobbits were babes at the breast by comparison. Gimli and Legolas had largely hidden in their mountains and forest all their long lives. Aragorn had faced off against the servants of the enemy but had mostly been tooling around in the ruins of Arnor. Meanwhile Boromir had seen his countrymen die by the score, striving largely in vain simply to keep their homes and families safe from the depredations of the orcs for one more day. In view of all that, one may be tempted to think "It's no wonder the ring found such fertile ground for doubt and despair within Boromir's soul." But that's wrong. The wonder is that he held the faith and resisted the ring's corruption so well for as long as he did _despite_ being such a prime candidate for its influence.

[@anecdotalevidence8907]

One thing that struck me about Boromir - not only is he willing and able to face the Balrog, but he makes it halt for a moment. This is no small feat. Legolas and Gimli both drop weapons in fear and fall back with the hobbits, so fearsome is the Balrog. Yet Boromir holds his ground and moves to back up Gandalf. In standard Tolkien style it is a single paragraph heavy with implicit statement: "The dark figure streaming with fire raced towards them. The orcs yelled and poured over the stone gangways. Then Boromir raised his horn and blew. Loud the challenge rang and bellowed, like the shout of many throats under the cavernous roof. For a moment the orcs quailed and the fiery shadow halted."

[@williamblack6912]

Because he didn't knew what it was and had no connection to the trauma elves and dwarfes sufferd at the hands of the balrog . For Gimli it was Durin's bane the enemy which destroyed Khazad-Dum single handedly. For legolas it was a one of the great enemies rising from the shadows of the past more feared than Sauron himself.

[@rikk319]

@@williamblack6912 Yes, with Boromir and Aragorn I think the term "fools rush in where angels fear to tread" is almost literally the case here, as Gandalf is staggered at realizing he must fight a balrog, while Aragorn and Boromir spring forward to help Gandalf just before he breaks his staff. As strong and skilled as Aragorn and Boromir were, they were no mighty warriors of the 1st Age, and would have perished quickly against the balrog.

[@williamblack6912]

@@rikk319 Even in the first age no human managed to kill a Balrog. Only Glorfindel and Ecthelion accomplished such a feat.

[@rikk319]

@@williamblack6912 True, but Hurin cut his way through 70 of Gothmog's troll bodyguard before he was captured. Felling 70 trolls all alone is more than Aragorn or Boromir could have claimed.

[@aleksanderszablinski6941]

@@rikk319 and yet even the shadow faltered, even if for just a moment. There is very little in me that thinks Boromir would have made a difference in the fight, but obviously, even the Balrog felt something. It is in my opinion the best trope about humanity when faced with things beyond them. Dwarves are powerful and hardy, elves graceful and a bit op, the maiar are basically angels and demons out of the bible, but it is Humans that hold the line. Each and every time, on a sea of bodies or by dumb persistence, they hold the fucking line.

[@cherilynlarsen8104]

It is a tribute to Sean Bean's charm as an actor that he made him so relatable and tragic. The script helps. I feel Boromir is much more prideful and arrogant in the books. His death scene is my absolutely favorite scene in the movie. It is so touching, heroic, and shows his respect for Aragorn.

[@marocat4749]

Also perfect cast, like making his last moments and death that much depth and humanity, and they had the man who is known to give the great deaths . And the pathos that added and how he, he showed he cared about gondor and them, and not let him stumbling take that awy, weep.

[@nicechock]

its not about Aragorn. The scene really is the victory of Boromir against darkness. He dies for others, which is the greatest sacrifice. And many of the other heros in the movie or book do not prove themselves in this way. Alot of people completely miss this part because he dies and has flaws like all humans have.

[@lukewilliam3601]

It's the best scene in the move trilogy. And that's saying something.

[@JamieZero7]

It's interesting to have Boromir killed off because in other stories he would go on living being a vital character and having the humanity in the group. The empathy one. The one you can rely on. And to see the ring do that to him is heart breaking. It really demonstrates the power of the ring. How strong it truly is. Which sometimes can be missed when frodo is carrying it.

[@TransRoofKorean]

"I started out hating him, came to pity him, then love him" a minute in my thought is: "yup, all of Boromir's family, it's mankind", meant to represent it with all its flaws; (but it's Faramir that I think the films did especial injustice to, emphasizing his possible sinister intentions in the hobbits' minds but giving too little attention to his overwhelming redeeming qualities)... finishing it, yep, nothing to disagree with. I usually say the films did injustice to the entirety of that family, making Boromir and Faramir and Denethor out to seem much _meaner_ than they should, as opposed to frustrated men stressed to their utter extremes. There's a weird thing that should be pointed out to people who haven't read the books: when you watch the movies, Boromir dies in the end of the first. When you read the books, he dies in the start of the Two Towers, as something of a surprise... it sits with one far differently in the books when you don't see it coming, when three pages in it's the death of a main character. I think it's also worth mentioning that Tolkien is always representing other stories, all the mythology of human history... in a sense, Boromir _has to die._ He's a flawed hero, his flaw causes him to commit the gravest of crimes, the one that Dante says puts you in the innermost circle of Hell with Satan literally chewing on your ass for eternity: his weakness caused him to betray his own friends. But of course, Tolkien doesn't want to leave you with that idea, since we're all capable of such weakness, so it's just as necessary that he repents of it in a proper [Christian] fashion, and redeems himself.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I definitely a lot of feelings about Faramir and Denethor that I'll get to in a video someday. Though I may not object to their presentation as much as some people, you can't deny that Peter Jackson lost a LOT of nuance for those character specifically. Great point about moving the death from the beginning of Two Towers to the end of Fellowship. While starting the book Two Towers off with a bang and killing Boromir definitely works in the book, I can see why they changed it. The first few minutes of a movie are crucial for immersion and taking a fresh audience and launching them into the emotional rollercoaster of Boromir's death would have been an incredibly tall task. Maybe the fact that they had to move it contributed to his arc in the movie. They wanted to really lay it all out clearly so that his death would act as an emotional button to close out fellowship. And I hadn't thought to compare him to tragic heroes, that's a fantastic note. It's almost Grecian in a sense: watching the man who has everything be reduced to nothing. Super neat point. Thanks so much for the thought-provoking comment!

[@TransRoofKorean]

@@Jess_of_the_Shire Oh, yeah, I don't blame PJ for that change, that's for sure. Changes always gotta be done for movies. I think I said in a different comment a month back, the only change he did that I find unforgivable is having Gandalf not clearly get dragged into the abyss, but instead having him essentially let go. Dammit, PJ! What the hell were you thinking?! D:

[@michaelcstonebear420]

Well said.

[@nicechock]

its not about portraying it in a Christian fashion. He has real victory over darkness there when he dies for others. That is the greatest love and victory. There are few others in the books or movie who even prove themselves to this extent.

[@TransRoofKorean]

@@nicechock With Tolkien I *truly* think it is. Were you intentional in referencing a biblical passage there? I'm someone sorta-desperately _trying to become_ Christian but can't quite figure out how to _choose_ to believe; seemed like you referenced that line from John "for there's no greater love than this, that he lay down his life for his fellow man" or something like that

[@Nomadestra]

"My brother, my captain... my King." Gets me everytime. Someone is always cutting onions nearby.

[@jsouth5577]

brilliantly well done analysis of the character. All I can add is: the older you get, the more sense Boromir makes.

[@tomhoornstra9533]

I don't quite agree that Boromir's judgment or decisionmaking was superior to Gandalf's, Aragorn's, or Frodo's. He had a rather Gondor-centric view of things, which was often a blind spot, esp with regard to the Ring. But as to his character and motivation, I think you nailed it. And much more closely than other commentators I've come across. Yes, the man was human: Tolkien's very point.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

You're totally right, I may have misrepresented that first point a bit. I think that Boromir definitely didn't have perfect decision making skills, but that it may have been unwise to dismiss all of his points outright. If Aragorn or Gandalf (especially in the movie) had been more willing to take his perspective in mind and allow him more agency and trust, things may not have ended so tragically. Thanks so much for watching the video and sharing your thoughts! I really appreciate such a thoughtful analysis

[@jimhart4488]

@@Jess_of_the_Shire But once Tolkien had established in the books that Boromir's advice was not followed, the movie could do no different without telling a completely different story. If you think book fan reaction to elves at Helm's Deep was strong...

[@leoghigu]

True enough, but from his point of view, Gondor stood alone against Mordor, while everyone else were taking advantage of Gondorians shielding them by constantly fighting and dying to keep the Enemy at bay for one more day without bothering to help. And here comes Gandalf who, without even an attaboy for keeping the kingdom together for a thousand years, presents this sketchy vagabond who had been hanging out in the middle of nowhere for the last few decades (again, while Gondor was constantly fighting what seems to be a losing battle) and who makes no secret out of the fact that he much prefers frolicking with the elves than with humans and would rather camp in the wilds than come and give a hand, and Boromir, who has been hearing the wolves at the gate for his whole life and fighting for his people to keep them back, is supposed to obey like a good little boy. Of course Boromir is pro-Gondor, he's Gondor's representative. And from his point of view, everyone else, including Gondor's would-be king, is either is ready to use them until they finally break then throw them away, or, at best, don't care about Gondor's plight at all.

[@terranstewart6001]

His Gondor-centric worldview bothered me when I was a kid; as I have aged, I see him now as a man who had been “in the trenches” so long, that he can no longer see past them. Somewhere in the back of his head he still remembers there’s a whole world out there and even a WAR to be won, but his view has been bludgeoned into “just win the next fight…then the one after that…” And while the dream, his trek to Rivendell, and the quest all serve to remind and partially restore his ability to see the bigger picture, PTSD can *easily* take hold at any time, & even more so in our weakest moments. On reflection, he’s indicative of men *Lt. Tolkien* knew… He’s a beautiful character.

[@mikkelhartmann9299]

@@Jess_of_the_Shire I only saw this video now, but I hope for some insightful and considerate response. :) As always your analysis is interesting and from an intruiging point of view. I also always hear exquisite vocabulary and enjoy the language with which you present as much as the content itself. I must point out a doubt of mine concerning the seemingly all-good intentions and care for for Gondor of Boromir as the only motivation and driving force in his actions and advice. When Frodo Meets Faramir in Ithilien as is interrogated, Faramir picks up that Boromir and Frodo left on somewhat bad terms and tells Frodo of Boromir's strong character, but also that Boromir always had both Gondor's glory AND his own on his mind. On the contrast, Faramir only fights to protect, whereas Boromir also fights to gain glory. Boromir's noble nature is also illustrated several times in quotes in Fellowship of the Ring, but Boromir also puts himself forth as the candidate to venture to Imladris, although Faramir was supposed to go, being both the one dreaming the dream first and many more times, but also the less adored captain of Gondor. If Boromir was so succesful after all, why not send the less adored captain off and keep the best in the military?

[@mordicai4296]

I was a Marine but this video made me cry like a newborn. Ive walked young girls to school but Ive also experienced the horrible darkness of war. I identify with Boromir.

[@serenapopowich8084]

Thank you for your service

[@andrpaulino]

"war" you were in a poorer country defending opioid and/or oil interests. Woe is me

[@maguffintop2596]

@@andrpaulinoDear Lord- have you no fear of ‘comeuppance’, karma, the wrath of God for your snide, disrespectful, soulless, arrogance? Heck- I’m scared for you! You might be too daft to realize what waits in store. But it’s coming.

[@gushgaming6642]

a tool of the bourgeoisie

[@maguffintop2596]

Love how my non-political comment got removed. Another insulting and accusatory comment stays, Tool of the who????

[@dethtongue945]

I'm glad to see someone give Boromir some love. I'd always seen in Boromir the tale of the true danger of the ring. The greater a characters goals and motivation the more of a wedge the ring has to work on them, and its pretty much shown outright that no one is actually immune to this effect. Gandalf, Galadriel, Aragorn may all be a bit wiser and so recognize the danger more clearly, but they also haven't spent all of their life daily confronting the inevitable victory of Mordor the way Boromir has. Couple all this with this insanely powerful artifact being in the possession of a child sized person who looks perpetually confused, and who somehow finds new and inventive ways of making himself vulnerable in or outright danger every ten minutes, and you can kind of actively sympathize with Boromir finally unravelling when he finally finds Frodo wandering around the woods ALONE. AGAIN. (I'm kidding. I'm throwing a lot of unfair shade at Frodo to make a point about Boromir, but admit it. There are times where you just want someone to go up to Frodo and go "Quit playing with the ring. Put the f***ing thing in your pocket, button the pocket, and go stand next to Gandalf or Aragorn until they deliver you to freaking Mordor."

[@AnnieRegret]

😂

[@DIEGhostfish]

Ring would likely unravel the stitching on the pocket and fall out though, the chain was what they needed.

[@mack7882]

Boromir's adaptation in the movies is masterful and adds a lot without messing with the traditional canon of the books. In the movies he is clearly the catalyst that motivates Aragorn to finally accept his role as king. "I would have followed you, my brother, my captain, my king."

[@kirk001]

That line brings me to tears every time!

[@jannertfol]

When I heard that Sean Bean was going to be playing Boromir, I actually did a fist pump. Perfect casting, and he certainly did not disappoint.

[@joshtiscareno1312]

Exactly. Every once in awhile you get a casting choice that is so PERFECT for a specific actor that you can't imagine anybody else in the role.

[@zulium]

"O Boromir! The Tower of Guard shall ever Northward gaze To Rauros, golden Rauros Falls, until the end of days" I didn't understand Boromir when I was younger when I first saw the movies but after growing up, and experiencing life (and reading the books) I've come to respect him so much more. He's the most human character in the whole series. He's kind, courageous, and honorable yet flawed. He has his struggles, but ultimately he does the right thing. He sacrifices himself for a greater good after admitting he made a mistake. He's so admirable and inspirational. We can't all be flawless shining heroes, we all stumble and make mistakes but we can also learn from them and grow into better people after them, and do tremendous amounts of good and charity while we're alive as well. This was such a great video. Thanks for making this!

[@Dowlphin]

And many people would have to get inspired, otherwise the very few end up 'overinspired'.

[@lizkenn1144]

I've always appreciated how the Peter Jackson films handled Boromir, from the casting and the writing, down to the costume design. In the movies, Boromir is a more likable, compassionate and tragic hero, without compromising the original character from the book. The way he teaches Merry and Pippin how to defend themselves, his concern for the hobbits in the mountain pass storm, the way he says to Aragorn "Let them grieve for pity's sake!" after Gandalf falls to the Balrog, and his defense to the death of the two hobbits. Your point that Boromir is a beloved leader who only wants the people of Gondor to survive a hopeless situation underscores his selflessness, and that it makes sense that in a moment of human weakness he tried to take the ring from Frodo. Brilliant analysis!

[@charles_the_elder]

Every time I watch the movies, the death of Boromir rips my heart out. Sean Bean's portrayal was perfect. You could feel his weaknesses and his strengths. Thank you for such a well thought out and articulated discussion of one of my favorite characters.

[@chriswatson1698]

Sean Bean has played 23 death scenes in movies. When asked which was his favourite, he nominated Boromir's, because Peter Jackson gave him plenty of time to wring every last drop of pathos from the situation.

[@marocat4749]

The sheep one is funny thou, but yeah its probably his most iconic.@@chriswatson1698

[@hkpew]

I love these insights into Boromir's character. I do disagree with one thing you said, though. While some of Boromir's advice was good, most of it was pretty transparently geared towards getting the ring as close to Gondor as possible, with the ultimate design of getting it all the way to Gondor. And Aragorn was right to say that Gondor was the last place they should go with the ring. If the goal had been to march into Mordor with an army in order to destroy the ring Gondor could have helped, but not enough to make that really feasible. For the kind of stealth mission they were actually on, Gondor really couldn't help much even if Denethor had been still sane and inclined to offer help to such a mission. Boromir was a good man, and the fact that his advice was usually bad does not make it any easier for someone accustomed to lead to be constantly ignored (especially since he, of course, didn't think it was bad), but he was corrupted by the ring to some extent pretty early on - just like you or I almost certainly would have been.

[@cangtran5384]

Human is the easiest species to be corrupted by the ring. So taking it to Gondor is a bad idea. The entire city would have gone mad in a couple of days.

[@marocat4749]

yep, taking it to minas tirith would have been terrible, but still the other werent that bad advice.

[@slyness4688]

Extended Edition Boromir is my favorite character portrayal in the movies for all the reasons that you talk about.

[@Oakleaf012]

Wasn’t expecting to weep over Boromir today but here we are 😭 what a wonderful character analysis. Like you said, I spent a lot of time not really liking Boromir. I didn’t hate him, but he didn’t interest me like the more overtly heroic characters. But I think there’s a kind of maturity in coming to love and understand Boromir, to empathize with him and find the heroism in him. He gets so defined by his moment of failure, but he is so much more than that. And so very human. I like both his book and film portrayals, I think Sean Bean brought such wonderful depth of emotion to him, and I think your observation that the film makes more apparent what is quieter in the books is spot on.

[@Beregond1861]

Your mind, book shelf, analysis of Tolkien's work, face and testamony to why you love these stories are beautiful. This Captain is glad to now be a part of it.

[@svt4001]

I first read the books back in about 1980, so my vision of Boromir was shaped directly by Tolkien's words. Boromir was by far my favorite character, and I read and reread that last portion of the Two Towers over and over amazed at his heroism as he battled the orcs to save Merry and Pippin. I watched the animated version of the LOTR some years after that. I didn't like Ralph Bakshi's depiction of him at all, but aside from the books, that was all we had back in the day! I thought the live action adaptation did a good job with Boromir. Thank you for your keen analysis! I like book Boromir best!

[@charlesjmouse]

Boromir's tragedy is that he is a truly great and noble man who non-the-less finds himself in circumstances he is no match for, but is so weighed down by responsibility he cannot face this 'failure' and so is tempted to try anything to be what is otherwise beyond him to deliver... ...rather like his father. His brother is aware the requirements of circumstance are beyond him, and so he remains prepared to do what he can so long as it is right.

[@gaebren9021]

Thank-you for your video. You showed Boromir with grace and humanity.

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

I'm glad you appreciated the video! Thanks so much for watching

[@danielasarmiento30]

A feeling I had with Boromir when I read the books is that he carried a level of hopelessness none in the fellowship did. He was the one that had seen the most destruction, what the lost battle looked like, and I felt a part of him already saw the quest as lost but was determined to see it through until the end. Which is why he had an outsider vibe in comparison to the rest of the fellowship, as all of them walked on with hope first of all. He didn't seem to have hope it would be carried out in full until the end, with the reassurance from Aragorn. There was a more pronounced hopelessness in Denethor, but not in Faramir. Faramir, to me, is the one who had the most faith in prevailing over Mordor in Minas Tirith.

[@mattchtx]

This is probably the best take on Boromir I’ve ever seen. Thank you for making this.

[@alexandermoloney6426]

You’ve completely changed my perception of Boromir. Having only seen the movies, he used to be a mere plot point to me. Now, you made him such a more human, relatable and tragic character. Thank you

[@DragonmasterSK]

To me, the most heartbreaking moment is when (after yelling to Frodo that he curses all the halflings) he watches Merry and Pippin's faces while he falls in battle, hopeless and ready to face death. Boromir still keeps on fighting and by shere will, wishes to defend them to his very las breath. He's always been my favourite character and I cry everytime he dies. I also love the way he is tormented by Galadriels gaze. I too have thought about "how is it possible there's hope?" So I definitely relate to his character's turmoil. A real character, a flawed character and a great Character Thank you for sharing this video, God bless

[@stevenschmidt]

Aragon knew he couldn't bring the ring to Gondor. That's why he was hesitant. And he was divided between his allegiance to Gondor and his allegiance to protecting the ring until it could be destroyed. It wasn't until after Frodo left separately and was out of Aragorn's ability to help that it became clear to him that he would go to Gondor. Aragorn sensed that the ring would be too big of a temptation to safely bring to Gondor; and while it would seem a good thing at first, it would ultimately be to Gondor's ruin.

[@louisegogel7973]

Thank you! Very well said!!

[@sarahtotzke-marx6360]

I actually got the tree of Gondor as a tattoo because I love Boromir and Gondor so much.

[@TreiPani]

Great tat idea!

[@BRIDINC1972]

I love your take on Boromir, especially the film version. You definitely have brought more sense to his character here. The extended editions shows us more of him and I agree he is absolutely a pivotal character to the rest of the story.

[@brendan9868]

I find it very ironic when people say they don’t like Boromir or call him weak, because in truth he’s a better person than almost all of us. It’s the reason his character makes people uncomfortable, he’s an extremely morally sound and selfless person, but ultimately fails because of 1 instance of the ring tempting him in the months he spent traveling with the fellowship.

[@opticalraven1935]

He really is a great man. He never gave up and kept trying to do the right thing.

[@schuylerpatterson3388]

First time I watched this and I think this has to be the best representation of boromir that I've seen in any video. It's hard to tell people how the movie and book split when Sean bean did such a good job making him relatable.

[@jothewerewolf]

I've been wrestling with this question for a long time, and I think you out it into words beautifully and efficiently: "To fail is not a moral wrong".

[@michaelogrady232]

I love Boromir's humor. "Though lesser men with shovels would have served you better." "We are all weary, except no doubt our sturdy dwarf here."

[@johneisen6085]

4 Months too late, but Thank you Jess, for this this dive into Boromir's motivations and re evaluation of where he was coming from. Like many others I had assumed the lure of the ring adversely altered a good man. Your explanation of the background of what brought him to Imladris in the first place, his becoming a member of the fellowship, and how he saw himself as attempting to save his people by this and his other actions gives his character a much needed redemption. Your explanation of his situation made me weep at my own misunderstanding of an honourable, any very Human, man, Again, many thanks, and may your garden bloom - John E

[@joachimbambury6376]

Love this take and completely agree. Boromir is so real - when he drops the hilt of Narcil, every time I watch it I feel myself thinking “ahh come onnn.. just pick it up!” Intending to will him to do the right thing. And Sean Bean’s performance of Boromir’s last words will never fail to make me cry

[@MasterFlotolk]

PTH: You should watch the extended cut of the first movie before continuing. Me: "OK" re-watches all of the 3 movies in their extended cuts, just to make sure I have all the context.

[@astarteswillum5259]

One does not simply hate Boromir.

[@RoboSteave]

Brilliant analysis of the Boromir character! I have never understood why people are so hard on him when a lot of what he wants seems more logical than what the others decide. Yes, I agree and think each characterization (book and movie) is great for the format it's designed for.

[@michaelcstonebear420]

From the book Boromir always seemed like a guy that was in charge and in over his head and grabbing for any help he might get. He seemed in the books to feel like he knew what was going on but the others didn't really understand how severe it was getting. Like you said he lived it every day and was supposed to be the h=guy who could get it done, but knew he couldn't and this shocked his ego into striking out at Bilbo. I enjoy your channel.

[@brendobiscuit8]

This is why Boromir is my favorite member of the Fellowship, he is often mistaken for a "bad guy" but he's not. He just wants to save his people, and as soon as he tries to take the ring from Frodo he immediately regrets it and that good man comes back.

[@Mr.Masenko]

Boromir is not only a reflection of humanity but his final moments challenge us to get back up and do the right thing after we fall. Which is probably why so many people initially felt uncomfortable about his character because it’s often easier for us to wallow in self pity than to accept responsibility for our failures and rise above them. Despite his flaws, many of us are still lacking in character compared to Boromir.

[@michaelkakanis7275]

100% agree with this. Watching it as a kid I remember thinking that Boromir was the weakest because he crumbled the fastest to the ring. As I grew up I realised the pressure Boromir was under was his driver and ultimately his downfall, and hence his humanity. And he became my favorite character.

[@josephmorrissey6790]

"Boromir raised his horn and blew. Loud the challenge rang and bellowed, like the shout of many throats under the cavernous roof. For a moment the orcs quailed and the fiery shadow halted. Then the echoes died as suddenly as fallen blown out by a dark wind, and the enemy advanced again.”

[@ChrisEvans-ke4rq]

Your voice is like ASMR,I can just listen to you talk LOTR all day.

[@timknight68]

It's Sean Bean. Sean Bean has the ability to act more human than a human. Bean made possible what Jackson was trying to unpack.

[@neilbiggs1353]

If you ever have kids, I envy them for getting to hear you read the book to them! I love the pathos you gave Boromir's lines

[@NoalFarstrider]

"I would've followed you, my brother, my captain, my King!"

[@stanyu2029]

Full time Hobbit has shown me a far more charitable interpretation of film Boromir's choices and motivations than I had considered! I took Boromir's warmth & compassion toward the hobbits for granted, and chalked up his entreaties to take the Fellowship through Gondor to a lurking desire to seize the Ring for Gondor's defense.

[@crushedscouter9522]

boromirs death is one of the few scenes in fiction that brings a tear to my eye

[@rev.grantspencer6836]

Look like I am a year late to the party and have a lot of catching up to do. As I watch this, we are entering into the Christian season of Holy Week where, depending on your theology, we observe a good person, doing everything right, entering into a city that celebrates his arrival, only to lose it all. In my own career (spanning 30 years), I am watching all we have done unravel and am in real grief about that, as, no matter what we do, “all hope is lost.” Even Eddard Stark, you could argue, was doing everything right, and was overcome by the system he was in. All of these speak to what it means to be human. I had not really thought too much on this Boromir and I THANK you for your retellings and perspective. I was literally tearing up as you were going along. We need more voices like yours and I look forward to catching up!!

[@cmillerpa33]

Boromir was one of my favorites in the books and even moreso in the films. I think i felt kinship with him. I like the way you described him. It is what i seen in him.

[@cherylcouch-thomas8250]

I love Boromir because I've read Fellowship. Those who have only seen the film dislike Boromir. Those that have read Fellowship weep copious tears when he dies trying to protect those precious little Hobbits, Merry and Pippin... and then Aragorn's farewell to him. 😭😭😭

[@ceekayy79]

Didn't know I'd be crying for Boromir again today but here I am

[@opticalraven1935]

I love both portrayals of Boromir. He is a beautiful character. Sean really sold the character as flesh and blood. I have always related to Boromir and saw his live for his brother as I have fir my sister.

[@rocksnrolls]

I find putting my thoughts into words incredibly difficult, so seeing someone put into words the sad tale of Boromir is amazing.

[@conservativecatholic9030]

I only recently discovered your channel. I just want to react to what you said at the end. You expressed a concern about what you said and what people would think. I’ve read the books multiple times. I even taught them to students over the course of a year in a Catholic school as reading textbooks. I tried to get my students to empathize with that character for some of the reasons you just said. I believe some of my class partially understood those aspects of that character. (I agree that he requires multiple reads, I think I’m only starting to really grasp this myself) I truly believe that engaging with Tolkien’s Catholicism helps with this character (and the books in general). Of course, your channel is secular and I had the benefit of doing this in a Catholic school. Either way, I’m just saying you did an excellent job. P.S. I would be interested in a video on his Catholicism, but I understand if you don’t.

[@austenhead5303]

I was too young to understand Boromir when I first read the books, but yeah. He's actually a wonderful man with a tragic fate.

[@wilifredo23]

as an older brother, I identify with Boromir a lot. He wrestles with the weight and pressures of expectation from his family and his role as the "golden child", but still does his best to be a good brother to Faramir. This is why I have the Horn of Gondor tattooed on my arm.

[@modelnut617]

I totally agree. The end of Boromir's life in the movie always makes me cry. Hearing you relate that end came very close to doing the same for book and movie Boromir.

[@timmccaffery4826]

I like both versions of Boromir. Movie version does what is hard to see from the words in the book. Upon finishing the book and rereading many times, one comes to understand the plight of book Boromir, yet the movie only has one chance to bring the audience to his conflicted humanity. Very good analysis of this character!

[@ryanbeckenbaugh]

I’m really happy to have discovered your channel. Your videos are awesome!

[@KS-xk2so]

This was absurdly well done.... I legit teared up at a few moments. I just recently discovered your channel and have been watching all your videos since. The combination of your passion for the source material, nuanced takes on the characters development, and a truly eloquent delivery of your thoughts make for some highly entertaining content.

[@ambitiouscabbage]

I love your channel so much, the love you feel for this material is evident and shines so brightly. I love your attention to detail in comparing the films to the books and it's fascinating. Thank you for the content you make 💚

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Thank you for the kind words! I really appreciate it!

[@DeGreyChristensen]

I just watched Lord of the Rings with my 7 year old son (his first time). Boromir was his favorite character in Fellowship. I loved your analysis.

[@jasonolson1593]

Great video, very insightful. I just discovered your channel yesterday, today I have been on a full on binge! This is my favourite entry so far.

[@zamdrist]

Your videos are just wonderful, great content, thank you!

[@devilhunterred]

Boromir has been my absolute favorite character from LOTR since I was 14 and watched Fellowship for the first time.

[@thomassparks1476]

Thank you so much! Boromir is my favorite character and I’ve always thought he was terribly misunderstood. It’s truly touching to hear someone truly “see” him. The first time a video essay has made me cry. Truly amazing job!

[@payeyogarcia1906]

What an amazing storyteller you are, Jess. You almost had me in tears with your retelling of Boromir's arc.

[@jeffhoyt5661]

I’ve watched a few of your videos, and this one got me to subscribe. Very interesting dive into Boromir, who was, as you say, such a complex character. Well done!👏

[@AutumnCorvidae]

Thanks for this video! I feel like Boromir's connection with the hobbits, particularly in the movies, takes on a new dimension for me after watching this. Of course he would identify with them, like him wrt Gondor, they've been thrust into a situation of tremendous responsibility with everyone's hopes riding on them.

[@comeridewithmeAE]

People talk about Johy Rhys Davies acting depth the scene in moria, showing the greif of loss, but Sean Bean's acting when Frodo kicked him off and he realized what he had done is even better imo. The regret was palpable.

[@JLam_990]

Loved the video! Excited to watch more

[@IsraelBenitez-ev7mj]

In the novel Boromir's "fall from grace" so to speak, occurred gradually and his reasoning true to an extent not realizing it's being influenced by the ring...and in the end redeemed himself. There is this lovely scene in the books upon his death where Aragorn explains that Boromir said "the hobbits were taken" but died before finding out which hobbits he was talking about, they wish to give Boromir a proper burial but Legolas explains if they do that, then if they choose to pursue the enemy, they will be too far away...Aragorn is torn with what to do, lovely little sequences they couldn't show you in the film

[@LukeTunkel]

I wonder if Tolkien ever wrote a flyting between the characters. Like, the way Aragorn and Boromir and Frodo are always busting out some bit of poetry or song, I can imagine them getting into a skaldic rap battle and it coming down to Boromir and Frodo at the end.

[@zer0cool376]

Just discovered your videos. Love them and I am happy to join this community.

[@TheOldGuy2000]

Spot on analysis... very well done. Boromir's arc is special because it gives hope to all mundane folk that in the end, making a difference in the world may escape us, but it is always possible to make a difference in the moment. If not for the fact that my tears are locked deep away in a dark frozen heart, I may have shed one here for your analysis.

[@rikk319]

Maybe it's a function of my upbringing and age, but I never knew people who bad-mouthed Boromir among those I knew who had read LotR. I'm 54, had a military father, uncle, and grandfathers, and by the time I read LotR at 13, I had already read books dealing with sacrifice, honor, and fellowship, like The Red Badge of Courage, A Tale of Two Cities, and the Arthurian Legends. Boromir, if anything, came off much as Denethor did when I read the Steward's part in RotK--a deeply moral man, a leader of his people, heavily burdened and beset with problems, who simply by virtue of his humanity, failed at one important moment in time. The difference between them was that Boromir, despite his protestations, never gave up his hope or convictions, while his father did. In this way, it is ironic that Boromir, while compared more to his father than Faramir, was actually more reminiscent of Theoden, who also died gloriously, fighting against what seemed like insurmountable odds, and was assured by another warrior (Aragorn for Boromir, Eomer for Theoden) that the torch would be carried on for their people, finally dying with a smile, knowing their compatriot's word was as good as gold.

[@gptiede]

This is an amazing analysis and summary. In college I loved taking literature classes, even though they had nothing to do with my major, and I never had a literature professor that summarized a novel with such enthusiasm or emotion. Well done! I really enjoy your channel.

[@AtroxTheGentle]

Thanks for another insightful analysis so well presented.

[@jassinfrederik7269]

What is this precious little channel?!?!?! thats so awesome you did such a great job with it. aaaaaand subscribed :)

[@Jess_of_the_Shire]

Thanks so much! Welcome to the community!

[@zandosdwarf-king]

Boromir is good guy, who just keeps failing saving throws vs corruption

[@ArwenOfRivendell]

I am going to binge watch all your videos. You are intelligent, well spoken and your commentary is incredibly apt and enjoyable. THANK YOU!!!

[@bobchitlin6583]

wonderful video! Your love of the subject matter is evident and results in amazing content!

[@davidlynch3542]

This is a truly excellent analysis.

[@cassiel8170]

I am almost in tears by the end of the video. Your reading of the books is awesome. Thank you so much for sharing it

[@dyatsenko]

Awesome analysis and breakdown, perfectly matching to what I always felt and thought! It was a real pleasure! ❤

[@jonrolfson1686]

Having mulled over the Lord of the Rings characters and events for very nearly six decades (Encountered Professor Tolkien’s great work for the first time at 13 in 1965), I must admit that your analysis has brought Boromir’s human character more clearly into focus than ever before. The similarity of Boromir and Faramir that Professor Tolkien subtly showed might be highlighted by the difference in their experiences. Boromir bore, probably from early youth, the weighty burdens of duty and of overwhelming, very public, expectation. Younger brother Faramir, no less capable, was grudgingly allowed to be both the second line warrior-prince and ‘some wizard’s pupil.’

[@manyeyedcrow9391]

That was a really insightful look at Boromir. Thank you!

[@coldtour56]

Thank you for this video and this assessment. It has given me a new appreciation of this character.

[@jimjolly4560]

The best analysis of Boromir's character and motivation I have ever seen. Thanks.