Lore of Middle-earth: Faramir

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[@Pro_Butcher_Amateur_Human]

30 minutes and I didn't notice a mention of the fact that Faramir was legit psychic, as was his father Denethor. Even ignoring the prophetic dreams that lead Boromir to take council from Elrond at Rivendell, since there is some insinuation that they were sent to Faramir and later Boromir (who didn't share in his bloodline's psychic gifts usually) by the Valar. Later on, Faramir describes seeing Boromir’s body in the boat he was sent down the Anduin in, and he knows way ahead of time that Boromir was dead - another instance of somehow knowing about things that happened hundreds of miles away when there is ABSOLUTELY no way he should have. BUT THEN things get a lot weirder in The Two Towers when Faramir captures Frodo and Sam and Gollum. Faramir is interrogating Gollum about whether he had ever been to Henneth Annun before, and this is what happens: "Slowly Gollum raised his eyes and looked unwillingly into Faramir’s. All light went out of them, and they stared bleak and pale for a moment into the clear unwavering eyes of the man of Gondor. There was a still silence. Then Gollum dropped his head and shrank down, until he was squatting on the floor, shivering. “We doesn’t know and we doesn’t want to know,” he whimpered. “Never came here; never come again.” “There are locked doors and closed windows in your mind, and dark rooms behind them,” said Faramir. “But in this I judge that you speak the truth.” - The Two Towers, pg 689 Gandalf says this to Pippin after they arrive at Minis Tirith: “[Denethor] is not as other men of this time, Pippin, and whatever be his descent from father to son, by some chance the blood of Westernesse runs nearly true in him; as it does in his other son, Faramir, and yet did not in Boromir whom he loved best. He has long sight. He can perceive, if he bends his will thither, much of what is passing in the minds of men, even of those that dwell far off. It is difficult to deceive him, and dangerous to try.“- The Return of the King, pg 759 After Faramir caught Frodo, Sam and Gollum he questioned Gollum about his plan to lead Frodo to Cirith Ungol: “It is called Cirith Ungol.” Gollum hissed sharply and began muttering to himself. “Is not that its name?” said Faramir turning to him. “No!” said Gollum, and then he squealed, as if something had stabbed him. “Yes, yes, we heard the name once.”- The Two Towers, pg 691 Faramir says to Frodo before setting them free: “I do not think you should go with this creature. It is wicked.” “No, not altogether wicked,” said Frodo. “Not wholly, perhaps,” said Faramir; “but malice eats it like a canker, and the evil is growing. He will lead you to no good.” - The Two Towers, 691 As to why Faramir is so advanced with these skills, there is this quote: “Do you wish then,” said Faramir, “that our places had been exchanged?” “Yes, I wish that indeed,” said Denethor. “For Boromir was loyal to me and no wizard’s pupil.”-The Return of the King, pg 813 When Faramir is retreating from Osgiliath the first (second overall, first in the book) time, he can somehow get his horse to turn around and go back for the men being chased by FIVE NAZGUL when every other instance seems to involve people and animals just immediately losing their minds. When he’s talking to Eowyn in Houses of Healing, he mentions that this situations “reminds” him of Numenor’s destruction, which took place, hmm, over an AGE ago. And he says that he dreams about this all the time (this one is linked to that weird ability to see things happening when they’re not happening in real time) So, Faramir: -Dreams of the distant past, the future, and current events happening far off. -Telepathically interrogates Gollum, and vividly describes seeing locked doors and dark rooms in Gollum's head. -Seemingly stabs Gollum in the brain with his mind powers. -Is able to read the truth of Gollum's character in his mind, and senses that Gollum's will is overpowering Smeagol's. -Was a "wizard's pupil", which could have been an insult from Denethor that Faramir was more loyal to Gandalf than his father, but could also have had the double meaning of Gandalf having tutored Faramir in his mystical abilities, which is why he's better with them than Denethor was. And Gandalf suggests that Denethor shares at least some of these abilities. The blood of Westernesse flows truer in the House of the Steward than in others, and that powerful bloodline manifests itself in these typically subtle of Tolkien magical abilities. The fact that Boromir did not inherit these powers is perhaps partly the reason why he succumbed to the Ring's corruption so quickly, yet Denethor contended long with Sauron via the Palantir before being overwhelmed, and Faramir showed the strength and wisdom to refuse the Ring and send it towards it's destruction.

[@incanusolorin2607]

Great analysis! But why do you think that Faramir was better than Denethor in Numenorean mind reading? I think they were equally good, the difference being the way they reacted to the thoughts they read: “[Faramir] read the hearts of men as shrewdly as his father, but what he read moved him sooner to pity than to scorn.”

[@goodman4966]

"Here was one with an air of high nobility such as Aragorn at times revealed, less high perhaps, yet also less incalculable and remote: one of the Kings of Men born into a later time, but touched with the wisdom and sadness of the Eldar Race. He knew now why Beregond spoke his name with love. He was a captain that men would follow, that he would follow, even under the shadow of the black wings. Peregrin Took's first impression on Faramir!

[@Uberdude6666]

That's pretty sick

[@veteranopsiquico]

You forgot to close the quotation marks!

[@Tea_and_Crafts]

Pippin has this first impression without even knowing that there is elven heritage in Faramir's bloodline.

[@adrielmarley3284]

not sure if you guys gives a damn but if you are bored like me during the covid times then you can watch pretty much all of the latest series on InstaFlixxer. Have been binge watching with my girlfriend for the last few weeks =)

[@fabledfantasy9602]

My dad and I sometimes do the bit from LOTR MOVIES when he sends me outside to take out the garbage "Father, if I return, I hope you'll think better of me" - Faramir/ME "that depends on the manner of your return" - Denethor/Dad Im just starting up an animated LOTR channel myself, would love for you guys to check it out. First video is out!

[@silenciummortum2193]

Just subbed you bud!

[@andrewplck]

19:10 the music synch was delicious :)

[@YungGandalf]

Faramir: the dopest ginger in Middle Earth 🙏

[@jimmyjenord]

Just want to say Arachîr that I have heaps of love for these videos. The way you detail the events throughout the Legendarium is so easily understandable to me, mixed with soundtracks to the film adaptions makes for such a great listen. I have much appreciation for you taking the time to make these videos and always await eagerly the next. Personally, even though I remember you mentioning that you find the second and third age more interesting, I most enjoy your videos about the first age and before. I, like most, know the least about this time period and am deeply fascinated by the beings lived throughout & the epic scale of forces going against eachother. It seems you've covered most of it but in the future I'd be made very happy to see more videos in this time period. Just one guys thoughts here though. But no matter the topic, I'm in.

[@jackdavis-fletcher6217]

I think the story needed Boromir to go to Imladris, if Faramir had been there there most likely not try to take the ring from Frodo (however extended time in his company may have corrupted him) and that part of the story really shows the weakness in men and then Boromir sacrificing his life for the half lings showed there was also courage. Like how Isildur cut the ring standing against Sauron but was also corrupted by the ring itself after. Shows both the weakness and strength within the race.

[@samuelcox30]

One of the most interesting things I remember reading about the creation of Faramir was the character apparently arrived in Tolkien’s head almost fully formed as he was writing the section in Ithilien. There was also a link between Tolkien and the character, in that he gave him some of his own qualities and the dream Faramir has of Numenor being drowned was linked to a similar dream Tolkien repeatedly had of a great wave tumultuously crashing over an island/land and he thought it was a partial memory from a distant ancestor or something of the like!

[@devvv4616]

what's also interesting, if you believe in mbti typings, is that both Tolkien and Faramir are under the same personality type. I've also read somewhere that Faramir was Tolkien's favorite character. Maybe he made him similar to himself.

[@Rhae_of_Sun]

I really love the ending Screen you´ve been using with your Farewell phrase written out. Great touch!

[@xbouxix]

we need a prince_of_ithilien ancillary for the next patch of DAC

[@numenoreantemplar4871]

Also make his bodyguard either Minas Ithil guardians or Ithilien rangers for that ancillary.

[@korneliusparker536]

What is DAC?

[@numenoreantemplar4871]

Galu's Divide and Conquer.

[@numenoreantemplar4871]

Galu's Divide and Conquer.

[@korneliusparker536]

Numenorean Templar thanks boss

[@Tea_and_Crafts]

You totally forgot to mention that Faramir's final legacy is restoring much of Ithilien's damaged landscape. I forget the exact lines from the book but it said he made it once more a land gardens or something similar. Legolas actually brings band of elves back down with him and actually lived in Ithilien himself to take part in the project. I assume they planted trees and brought back farming communities where years of war had burned and trampled most of the region.

[@MasterMahan-qm8hu]

Wonderful lore on Faramir!!! One of my most favorite and underrepresented characters, Cheers

[@sayagarapan1686]

It's obvious Faramir had a deeper reverence for the Valar and Eru, very much in the noble spirit and attitude of the ancient Dunedain of Numenor. His roots are deep and noble, and in Gondor, even, after 10,000 years it would be Boromir who was the odd duck. Denethor was bent in mind by a Maia so he has an excuse of sorts for not displaying the remnant austerity of a Numenorian Lord.

[@17Watman]

I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend. - Faramir

[@SeanRCope]

Best amateur Tolkien content on you tube I’ve found yet. Thank you, subscribed. Read the books in the 80’s Faramir has always been my favorite human character. Betrayed in the movies though tolerable and only just. I think the actor had a lot to do with my leniency in criticism.

[@LeeGall333]

Please please please don’t stop the lore vids!! Your voice is just as amazing as your knowledge about the lore! Looking forward to the next one👌🏻

Thank you very much Lg Gall. The compliments on my voice have always been a bit strange to me. When I listen to these back I cringe a little at hearing myself speak and I cannot fathom why so many think I have such a splendid voice. :P I have no plans to stop making these but sadly they take up so much time that they are released every other month or so. :(

[@manuelper]

Consistently the best lore videos on youtube. Great job as usual Arachir.

[@sworntoavenge]

One of my favorite characters from the novels!

[@didimean]

YES! I dont think they did him justice in the films, but even in those I can relate to him probably more then any other character. Maybe its the daddy issues.

[@Percules1337]

They hardly did any character justice in thr movies, frodo dor example is highly intelligent in the books, wheres in the movies......

[@lithpylarry2019]

Beregond should be a ancillary for Faramir in DAC if he isn’t already

[@joejoelesh1197]

To be fair to Boromir, he was in close proximity, resisting the rings powers for far longer than Faramir. Boromir resisted it for months while Faramir only had to hold out for days.

[@debbie4503]

Not disagreeing with you at all, but in the book didn't Frodo, Sam and Gollum only stay one night with Faramir and Co.?

[@Aaron-io8vw]

Great video and no pedantry from me this time. 😁, your lore videos are nice almost as fun as the lets plays and the faction overviews.

[@fire4thedestroyer672]

I kinda like this way of doing these rather than large topics. It’s much nicer to learn a single person or things history than 50 histories in the same amount of time.

[@dynjarren5454]

As always absolutely good stuff mate. I subbed some time back in the beginning and love tuning in now and again, even if its a rerun lol. Thank you for all your work in putting together a wonderful summary of important events in the Tolkien world

[@hbreckenridge]

Great video. You never disappointment, Arachir. Thanks again.

[@milesdavis607]

I believe, and it's shown with the story of them destroying the bridge- they were probably meant to go together. I think the whole backstory of the two brothers suggest this, inseparable and willful. Where other men would fall, those two together resisted the Witch-King and slowed the advances of Mordor. I believe Faramir received more dreams because he was more open to knowledge, and being around Gandalf quite a lot, he would probably be more keen to "magical" events. Unfortunately the brothers decided that one must go and one must stay, and the story happened as we know it.

[@amatthew1231]

I'd love to see a lore video on the Ulairi. I'm not sure if there's enough information on the nine, and much of the Witch King's story was told in the Arnor video, but it would be interesting to hear if there is any story behind them.

[@ethannowaski3233]

I think it would be really cool to have maybe a min lore video on imrahil similar to that of the faramir and boromir videos

[@Catstecc]

No dislikes so far, awsome. Very nice Video

[@BurnyMc90]

Can you make a lore video over the witch king and the nazgul. Loving your content keep it up👍🏻

[@De_Futura]

The illustration at the 13 minute mark is by Anke Eissman.

[@Wolfeson28]

I find it interesting that some people criticize the movies for their portrayal of Faramir, but to me the movie version makes more sense. I understand that Tolkein meant to use the lack of desire for the ring as a way to differentiate the "purer" or "nobler" human characters (Aragorn and Faramir) from the less pure ones (Boromir and Denethor). But even so, when characters as powerful and as "pure" as Gandalf and Galadriel openly admit desiring the ring, it seems unrealistic that Faramir or Aragorn would be completely unaffected by the ring in the way that Tom Bombadil is. Likewise, when I read Faramir's declaration that he would never take or use the ring "not were Minas Tirith falling in ruin and I alone could save her", I have to wonder, would he really? Would anyone, if their entire homeland and everyone in it faced utter destruction, pass up the power to save it all? To me, it makes more sense that Aragorn and Faramir would feel some level of desire for the ring, just like virtually every other character who comes into contact with the ring does. What makes Aragorn and Faramir "nobler" than Boromir and Denethor is not that they don't feel the temptation at all, but that they feel the temptation and nonetheless overcome it to make the right decisions. This would probably be an interesting topic for the upcoming "books vs. movies" videos, since I know this is a significant debate among some fans.

[@MO123rules]

I think the key there is that Faramir made the choice before he knew precisely what it was. If you make a decision before hand, it is easier to stick to it. Especially when there is already a plan to handle it in place. Really, Gandalf's temptation came from being the planner, and weighing his ability against his corruptability. Faramir is doing more than choosing to refuse the ring. He is acknowledging the plan that is in motion, and not trying to change it cause he trusts the group. He trusts Gandalf's plan, the elves' wisdom, and the hobbit's strength. That is a key difference between him and his brother. Boromir wants to save his people, but he also wants to be the hero and wants power. Faramir wants to save his people, but does it by working with his men and allies, deferring to experts, trusting his friends, and doing what's right. It's a choice he has actually been making his whole life.

[@franmartinezgalvez6357]

I haven´t even watched it yet and I already love, what in the earth

[@jeffreyfrye1811]

In answer to your question, according to the peoples of middle earth, Vol 12. Part 1 Chapter 7 on the Heirs of Elendil from henneth-annun.net, the title is not honorary, but a Principality second only to the Prince of Dol Amaroth. What I could find when I searched the question.

[@carlomagno7092]

amazing video

[@debbie4503]

The Palinear or whatever that ball was called that Denethor used and died with. It was said in the book that anyone who looked into it saw burning hands or bones. Can you imagine?

[@user-rz9jw2pt6x]

Love these videos

[@silenciummortum2193]

Can you do a video on Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth!?

[@incanusolorin2607]

I always thought that the dream coming first and more times to Faramir was a clear hint that he was the one that was fated to be part of the Company. After I learned more about the lore, I realized that maybe this is also a way of Tolkien showing the ability of Men to operate beyond the Music of the Ainur. Faramir was destined to go, but Boromir would not be stopped and therefore changed their fate.

[@incanusolorin2607]

One of the most important moments in the Council of Elrond is when Frodo offers to be the Ring-bearer: “At last with an effort he spoke, and wondered to hear his own words, as if some other will was using his small voice. `I will take the Ring,' he said, `though I do not know the way.'” This other will using his voice reminds of when Ulmo used Tuor as a messenger to Turgon: “”Speak not ill-boding! If the messenger of the Lord of Waters go by that door, then all those who dwell here will follow him. Lord of the Fountains, hinder not the messenger of the Lord of Waters!" Then Voronwë and all those who stood near looked again in wonder at Tuor, marvelling at his words and voice. But to Tuor it seemed that he listened to himself speaking, as if another spoke with his mouth.” This is one of the things that makes me think that Faramir’s dreams were probably the Valar trying to interfere in Middle-earth.

[@Goyote]

I just reached the part in the two towers when Faramir mentions Gandalf and his teachings... Epic

[@EnkiduCivilized]

In a lot of cases in the literature, both historic and fantasy, a dart often refers to a light javelin.

[@matthiuskoenig3378]

also there exists something called a war dart, which comes in 2 (main) flavours, celtic style which are javilins with feathered rears (for longer distance shots), very popular in medieval Ireland, but used across medieval europe. and roman war darts (called Plumbata) used by greek, roman and byzantine forces from as early as 500BC to the fall of constantinople.

[@willek1335]

From a linguistic perspective a prince comes from 12/13th century latin, meaning the first or principle (adj) or principal person or leader (noun). I dont think it would be too far of a stretch to imagine a certain level of autonomy. Faramir fough tooth and nail for this region, ergo, by right of arms there should be little argument that he deserves de facto lordship over it. Its relative to what standard you compare autonomy to. I get the sense that Tolkien writes for an audience of his time. I guess it also depends on, to what degree can Hobbiton (reuinted kingdom) and Dol’Amroth have autonomy? If autonomy is defined by nationalistic victorian ideals, wich I assume is the lense Tolkien looked back at history, then theres no doubt that Ithilien falls into line as being independent to the greatest extent possible, however. If we go by middle ages Holy Roman Empire standards, then theres a different story. A time when nation-states didnt exist, then no, the principqlity of Ithilien is not all that independant compared to its medieval german duchies who acted as kings.

[@egoalter1276]

It actually comes from first century latin: princeps, the first citizen, the original title of Roman Emperors.

[@Wolfeson28]

I would think of "Prince" in this case as meaning the lord of a fief, but senior in rank to the other lords. A good comparison might be to the ranks of the English peerage; Faramir and Imrahil could be considered equivalent to Dukes, while other lords such as Forlong, Angbor, or Golasgil would be more similar to Earls or Barons.

[@egoalter1276]

Grand Duchy and Principality are in fact the same thing, so I suppose you are right.

[@daedalus2253]

A topic for lore I'd find interesting is the creation of orcs, uruks and trolls. Also if orcs are corruption of elves and it is speculated that uruk are possibly corruptions of humans (I forget exactly what was said about it but something to that effect) would it of been possible for the same to happen to dwarves and was there any evidence it was attempted seeing as the dwarves and orcs had many battles

There is a video on that topic called servants of the enemy.

[@daedalus2253]

@ ah must of missed that on the list. Thank ya

[@mrrstarrk]

I know you do this in your free time but would you consider uploading all of your audio to SoundCloud?

[@zachlegge4278]

I love your videos, but I often don’t have the time to actually watch them. I know it’s probably a lot of work and you may have addressed this already, but have you considered turning these into a podcasts at all for easy listening?

[@aethelwyna8618]

I'd assume Faramirs prince title is mostly symbolic, since Ithilien is pretty much in complete ruin... It probably just means he gets the role of rebuilding it. xD

[@egoalter1276]

Prince in some languages is used interchangably with Duke and is granted to rulers of semi autonomous regions. Viceroy or Regent would be more appropriate. Though it is possible that he was formally adopted.

[@Tea_and_Crafts]

He does have to rebuild though, book says something to the effect of he makes it once more a green place. Legolas actually goes to live there with a band of elves from home to help with the err landscaping...

[@1ButteryButters1]

1 person disliked this video, they must have been Denathors reincarnation

[@kayrosis5523]

I've always wondered how the story would have changed if Faramir rather than Boromir had joined the fellowship.

[@theviking363]

I think Dol Amroth as a Fief"Dom..and the last of.the. men of Hithlum. After 2nd age. Yet I could be completely wrong.

[@vondamn9943]

Ty

[@dunadan1995]

I don't think it's ever explicitly stated, but surely Ithilien becomes a principality after the War Of The Ring and the title must be quite important, considering who bears it.

[@mrSnotyify]

Those are great

[@cutares5340]

120 years old, and we're sure he wasn't one of the Dunedain?

[@Tea_and_Crafts]

You forget he has both Numenorean and Elven heritage in his bloodline. Both may be very diluted but it's there.

[@samoppedisano3994]

Hey please make more lore videos

[@TheMoidi]

Can someone link me the map from 27.00?

[@itzardcraft5427]

Did he get a new mic or is it just me i have not watch him in a while And first

[@etsolomon6709]

Nice video.

[@Uberdude6666]

Yes! Indeed, I belive that Faramir was meant to be the ninth walker. But the folly of Denethor oposed the machinations of the west. But in the book it is not directly apparent that Faramir offered to go to Rivendale but Denethor rejected, is it?

[@Snoil]

One error, Faramir was 40ish, Eaowyn was 21

[@ohmyshou1der]

For some reason I imagine Arachir to look like styxhexenhammer.

[@silenciummortum2193]

friendly face HAHAHA

[@silenciummortum2193]

friendly face I can see that a little. Love both guys!

[@forlornfool221]

he was my fave just cause of his Honor and his daddy/bro issues!

[@petergeddes6652]

I do think the film's do Faramir something of a disservice, it's not a big thing but I do think they miss the heroism and dignity of his character

[@debbie4503]

I haven't seen it, but supposedly in the extended version of the movie, Faramir takes Frodo, Sam & Gollum back to Gondor. He then tells his men to beat Gollum for answers. Then let's all 3 leave. Doesn't sound at all like the Faramir I met in the book.

[@petergeddes6652]

@@debbie4503 He captures Frodo and Sam and then Gollum and beats him until he reveals what Frodo is carrying. He resolves to return to Gondor with the Ring. When they get to Osgiliath Frodo has an encounter with a ringwraith which dissuades Faramir from taking the Ring to Denethor and he releases them.

[@JimmyTurner]

Why do you disable comments on your old lore videos? I mean the "the no more criticism is needed" is what you said. But like a flat earther telling me that the earth is flat it doesn't make sense.

If you don't understand then I feel even more vindicated in my decision.

[@JimmyTurner]

@ ok.... is it some sort of ego thing not wanting people to tell you stuff you got wrong?

[@axelhyltan]

Thank you for not being jakepaul..! ❤

[@what-oy8il]

Wow no dislikes.

[@KathyMort]

Faramir? More like diet Boromir.

[@didimean]

Borimir Lite

[@devvv4616]

wiser boromir

[@debbie4503]

LOL

[@James-sk4db]

0 dislikes, noice