What if Boromir Survived? Theory (Updated)

[@Lee_Lee1776]

If Boromir lived: He would have simply walked into Mordor.

[@Tesko91]

I choked!

[@Steel-101]

Also he would have struck FEAR Into the hearts of his enemies with the HORN OF GONDOR!!!!!!!!

[@MrCouchmen]

If Boromir lived: Aragorn: Frodo´s fate is no longer in our hands. Boromir: But we suppose to..... Aragorn: Change of plans! Boromir: Ok,Ok! We go after hobits.

[@davidzimmerman3687]

Lol

[@gary4934]

But one does not simply walk into Mordor.

[@pbibbles]

Finally, a what if that doesn't end in disaster.

[@jesuscoyt-munoz2753]

The Thorin theory also didn’t end in disaster so technically two theory’s with no disaster.

[@pbibbles]

@@jesuscoyt-munoz2753 but, only one comment that was supposed to be a joke.

[@jesuscoyt-munoz2753]

@pbibbles sorry.

[@Feanor6450]

if thorin survived doesn't end in disaster

[@Sara3346]

His video about Saurman not defecting was also pretty positive.

[@BigBWolf90]

"And the tower guard shall take up the call; THE LORDS OF GONDOR HAVE RETURNED!"

[@orrointhewise87]

"I would have gone to end with you; my brother, my captain, my king" I think it would have been great had Boromir lived, he definitely would have made a huge difference in the events of the normal timeline. The only problem with it I think is the return of the actual king. Feel like Denethors love of his son would have challenged the claim of king for Aragorn :/ But it would have made my life to see the entire fellowship reunited at the end of all things 🥰

[@RedDragonForce2]

Honestly, I could see Aragorn praising Denethor and his forefathers for keeping Gondor safe in his family’s absence, bringing honor to Denethor’s line, and that he would need Denethor’s council to continue guiding Gondor towards a brighter future.

[@gayahithwen]

It can be really hard to fight on behalf of someone who does not want you to. With Boromir offering his support to Aragorn and his claim, what can Denethor, whose authority comes from a position that has a legal obligation to yield to the true king, truly do in that situation? In the books, he can cast doubt that Aragorn is who he says he is, but he can't do that if Boromir is standing right there and contradicting those claims. (I mean, he *could*, but then he'd be making his son and heir look like an incapable dumbass who's much too gullible to ever rule, so I don't think that would really be in his best interests either).

[@itzwilza7189]

@@gayahithwen and legolas the prince of mirkwood and gimli being of durins line is also by birth a lord so there wouldd be 3 lords vouching for aragon being the true king

[@carljohnsson7593]

@@itzwilza7189 Most likely Eomer/Theoden would have also supported his claim and Rohan being a respected friend and ally of Gondor would have carried huge influence.

[@itzwilza7189]

@@carljohnsson7593 omg yes I forgot about eomer/theorem...also elrond and probably some other elvish lords that trusted and respected him

[@YohananYGO]

Boromir is my favourite character this theory shows how important he was

[@martyndragar7910]

Totally agree

[@danilokrdzavac6603]

Mine is Gandalf of course

[@dansmitham2437]

The first time I watched Fellowship with my daughters(both mid teens at the time) they cried when Boromir died. They both loved him and in explaining why, pointed out something I'd not noticed before. Boromir loved the hobbits most. It was him who taught them to swordfight, who playfought with them, who spoke for them on Caradhras when the journey surely would've killed them, and who begged for them to be given time to mourn Gandalf's passing, and when Aragorn found him dying, his first words were about the hobbits "They took the little ones"(an endearing term). Despite his faults, he loved the hobbits.

[@YohananYGO]

@@dansmitham2437 yeah I'm always getting teary every time i watch that scene myself .. and ig many others

[@Sasuke81a]

I agree wholeheartedly and Boromir is my favorite member of the Fellowship too.

[@EvilSandwich]

So basically Boromir dying accidentally unlocked Lord of the Rings: hard mode.

[@kallenordvall]

I guess that his survival equals normal mode.

[@calebmarchand2512]

I mean, boromir is just that guy. He's almost on aragorns level in terms of dueling mabye, not knowledge, but boromir is my favorite character, so i might be glazing just a little

[@paulwagner688]

There would have been some political strife, because Denethor knew Aragorn of old, as Denethor saw past the guise of Thorongil and divined in truth who Thorongil really was. As the books say, Denethor was to Aragorn as one of closest kin. Meaning that Denethor truly guessed who Thorongil was, and was not that happy. Moreover, since the two of them were basically the same age, I think Denethor would have begrudged the seeming longevity of Aragorn as Denethor's blood was mixed with lesser men, while Aragorn's blood was pure

[@brovold72]

I believe the book was intentionally ambiguous as to whether Denathor connected Aragorn to his Gondoran guise from decades prior. Possible though.

[@paulwagner688]

@@brovold72 the appendices state Denethor pretty much knew.

[@12345678900987659101]

Witch-King: "No man can kill me." Gandalf: "I am no man. I am a Maiar."

[@animistchannel2983]

Agreed. In the books, the Witch-King never took the risk of fighting head-to-head against the wizard. He always pulled back and sent in lackeys.

[@muttamerican4863]

Yeah I'm under the belief Gandalf would lose that fight.

[@stevemonkey6666]

That's a pretty useful prophecy.

[@animistchannel2983]

@@muttamerican4863 Um... in the books, Gandalf drove off the Witch King + 4 other ringwraiths at the same time from Weathertop. It isn't even a close comparison 1 to 1. They made the Witch King a lot more powerful in the movies, because they needed some believable big bad guys -- because Sauron doesn't DO anything and the Big Evil is a piece of jewelry.

[@tathemrelag3123]

@@animistchannel2983 Tolkien did state that Sauron had empowered the Witch King during the battle of the Pelennor Fields, so it wouldn't be nearly as much of an uneven fight as you make it out to be. Of course, Gandalf probably would have still won, but I doubt the Witch King wouldn't have challenged Gandalf if he didn't think he had at least some chance of winning the fight. After all, the reason he fell back from the duel was because the Rohirrim arrived and he needed to deal with that, not because he was afraid of Gandalf.

[@DiracComb.7585]

Oh boy, let’s see how this turned out. Gotta say, I love this one far more. Imagine if both Boromir lived and Thorin lived. That of course depends on if both theories would still run the same way, but if so, I think Sauron would regret playing the strategy he did.

[@MarshWaha]

I totally agree, Sauron would’ve taken a crap in his pants if he saw what forces were at the gates of Mordor.

[@basilawan1536]

bro you should totally make a what if about is the fellowship went mordor together

[@muttamerican4863]

Shelob gets slaughtered in seconds and Golem gets yeeted into the Marshes.

[@Koebalt]

@@muttamerican4863 Lol!!! Yes he should make that what if

[@jpgr8937]

Duuuude yesssssss!

[@debbie4503]

Please!

[@mariapazgonzalezlesme]

I would like to add something about this "What if" theory. Upon reaching old age and passing his dutied to his next sucessors, Boromir (and family) went to live with the Hobbits. :^)

[@jesuscoyt-munoz2753]

I think that’d be really sweet! And maybe some of his children become the new rangers who guard the shire from evil!

[@TheSaneHatter]

He'd have had to settle for moving to Bree, since Aragorn forbade entry to the Shire by human beings, after expanding its westward reach.

[@mariapazgonzalezlesme]

@@jesuscoyt-munoz2753 YES!

[@jesuscoyt-munoz2753]

@maria Paz Gonzalez thanks

[@blainedonais5059]

Thank you for this. I love it and agree that Boromir represents what is most human in us all. I do have a question though? What about the Oathbreakers and the Corsairs? Would Aragorn have walked the Path of the Dead to get them? They were crucial to breaking the siege of Minas Tirith.

[@holicekaderliiii6787]

I would also think that in counsel with his father and his brother Boromir would advise his father against taking the One ring and in private tell them that craving it almost doomed the Fellowship. I would not be suprised if despite his duty to Gondor Boromir would ride to aid Rohan for two reasons. First as an emissary of Gondor. I think that having a high ranking person aid Rohan would push Theoden to ride to Gondor faster. Second it would be to regain his honor. While standing in defense of Merry and Pippin I don't think it would be enough to put his feelings of guilt to rest.

[@kallenordvall]

Denethor: ”Boromir, I was initially displeased that you didn’t bring the weapon of the enemy to Gondor. But now that I’ve heard of it’s powers almost corrupted you and that you survived the ambush I’m just happy to see you alive and well.

[@therogueblade915]

Smaller detail for this alternate timeline: In the books, a soldier of Gondor named Beregond was with Pippin during the Battle of Pelennor Fields. He was the one who Pippin came to initially to seek aid in stopping Denethor from burning Faramir, and in doing so, slew three of Denethor's guard before Gandalf could arrive. The punishment for this deed was death, but Aragorn forgave him, instead choosing to banish him from Minas Tirith. However, he was also appointed Captain of the White Company, and lived the rest of his days in Emyn Arnen in service of Faramir, Prince of Ithilien. So if Boromir lived, not only would Denethor have survived, but the three men of Denethor's guard would have as well. Beregond would have continued to live as a mere soldier, not banished from his home, but also not given his rank of Captain. He loved and honored Faramir, so perhaps his fate would have still taken him to Emyn Arnen along with the White Company.

[@Danny-ru7uf]

Then he would simply walk into Mordor and destroy the ring

[@Lee_Lee1776]

I just posted that and of course thought I was so clever. Shoulda known someone would have beaten me to it🤣😀👍

[@Danny-ru7uf]

Leslie Tincher geniuses think alike lol Just kidding I don’t think I’m a genius.

[@neerajtyagi2050]

Wouldn’t you stop him?

[@jankubicek9109]

I loved him in the books and loved him even more when played by Sean Bean. He was so relatable. He had flaws, but still he was a good person, defending Gondor, caring for his brother, willing to admit to his fualts and change. I dont think Denethor would be upset much about Boromir not having the ring because he loved him so much and he would support him in his decision. I think Gondor would become stronger, Boromir could either better defend the Osgiliath with Faramir by his side or send Faramir elsewhere to attack some Mordor reinforcements while he would still defended the city. He might actually died defending and becoming hero smybol lol but...i do not like this idea lol. Both Boromir and Theoden alive...wow what a nice dream! I think it could also cause wide butterfly effect with maybe unexpected outcomes....hell we might even see new kingdom rising ruled by Boromirs descendands or creating new line in Rohan by Faramir & Eowyn while Eomer died or just gained another title....Nevermind. I still like Boromir better than Aragorn, becuase he is not perfect "ideal good" but he shows how you can overcome prejudice and your flaws and become better person. Would love to see a line when Boromir would accomplish that Denethor finnaly sees Faramir as good and worthy son.

[@dollface2907]

What if the rangers arrived given it was hinted at they heard his horn blow

[@jessetheunending9357]

I love this alternate version of the story! I do think Eowyn and Pipin would still have engaged the witch king on the battle field. This would give reason to keep them both back from the final battle. I also wonder if Farimir would have been spurred on to great deeds during the battle at Pelinor fields, emboldened by his brothers actions? If he came to harm, he would have met the lady Eowyn still in the houses of healing. Would Boromir have continued on to Gondor and left the others to treat with King Theoden? I think he have stayed, and aided them after the purge of Saruman, providing diplomacy and requesting aid from his ally. It is amazing to me to think that one man could have changed so much in the course of such dark times.

[@MakCurrel]

I'm not sure that the fellowship would go to king theodin right away. That depends on Gandalf and when they meet him. They for sure wouldn't have met the exiled riders, because the remaining fellowship wouldn't be looking for Merry and Peppin. I think that both Aragon and Boromir would focus on Gondor and go straight to Minas Tirith and the rest would follow without question. Maybe Aragon would argue for visiting Rohan for asking them to allie with Gondor, but they wouldn't be as motivated as if Boromir hadn't fallen and the hobbits taken.

[@Davidofthelost]

Merry was part of the Riders of Rohan, Pippin would’ve been chilling with Faramir and Boromir in Minas Tirith.

[@cryptosporidium1375]

Boromir would probably head to Gondor and aid in the defense of Osgiliath once more.

[@jeffspada8505]

It’s been so long since I have watched any men of the west videos since I am so addicted. And damn it feels so good to watch a video from this channel again. Great video

[@MenoftheWest]

Thanks Jeff, glad to give you another video, my friend!

[@jeffspada8505]

You made my day, thanks

[@tommykawaii]

Damn, I shed a wishing tear thinking about this possibility. Such good deeds could have come from Boromir had him survived. It was indeed a great loss 😢

[@silverwingdragon4161]

Denethor: Boromir! You survived, thank goodness! Faramir: I survived too. Denethor: Who cares

[@thezord6686]

Hahahaha so funny 😂🤣😂🤣

[@MrAlexman13p]

I would give anything to see Peter Jackson's Boromir and Faramir defend the Minas tirith!!! Just imagine his glorious speech!!!

[@Will.Flavell]

Boromir and Faramir accept Aragorn as the their King and follow him to the black gate to fight against Saurons army to give Frodo and Sam time

[@timonsolus]

I have 2 problems with this scenario. 1) Without Boromir’s fall to the power of the Ring, and his subsequent death, and the capture of Merry and Pippin, Aragorn would have been tempted to follow the Ringbearer, feeling that it would be faithless of him to let Frodo and Sam go to Mordor alone, and leave them unprotected from the pursuing Gollum. If Aragorn had stayed with Frodo and Sam, he would not have been available to help Rohan. And even Aragorn was not immune to the corrupting power of the Ring. What would have happened to Frodo and Sam with Aragorn, but without Gollum? 2) I feel that Denethor would not so easily have been persuaded to give up his power. His dream was to see Boromir become Steward of Gondor after him. I think Denethor would claim that while Aragorn may be the rightful heir to the throne of Arnor, west of the Misty Mountains, he was not the heir to the throne of Gondor. He would have been willing, IMO, in the event of victory against Sauron, to help Aragorn reestablish the lost realm of Arnor, but not to accept him as king of Gondor.

[@deathbeforedishonor6523]

I thoroughly enjoyed this version of "what if" and always felt Boromir was a great character. I think you hit the nail on the head on this one and it couldn't have been any better no matter who tried their hand at it. A happy ending and my kind of ending! Thanks again.

[@MenoftheWest]

Thank you, my friend! I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[@deathbeforedishonor6523]

@@MenoftheWest providing something positive and entertaining that impacts people's lives in a good way is always a good thing. Keep up the good work my friend 😎.

[@Kainlarsen]

Sean Bean's portrayal of Brormir was fantastic, and he truly made him a tragic hero.

[@omg_RANCORS]

id like to think boromir would have gone with the fellowship. gondor swore on iluvatar that they would come to rohans aid. boromir made the commitment to the fellowhip. gondor had not been attacked yet, but rohan was under attack now, the host of gondor could not come to save rohan, but boromir could. it would be told in song that only two of gondor could be spaired from the defense of gondor. and at helms deep the captain of gondor met the king of gondor to save rohan and together they broke the siege of gondor in the same way.

[@GandalfThaWhite]

I love your videos, Sir. Truly you are a great story teller yourself. You put a lot of work into your videos obviously, and I thank you for that.

[@danielcharland1374]

Perhaps there are others, but I think that this is the first Theory video of yours that I've watched that has wholly positive effects from the change, and I kind of like it. So many other scenarios have had a negative effect if one little thing was changed, but this only has more people live and give stronger relations and better life to the peoples of two different kingdoms.

[@MenoftheWest]

Absolutely! It is one of my favorite theories for the same reason, I think it would have been great for the world if he had survived.

[@ProfessorChaos56]

@@MenoftheWest Your What if Thorin had lived video was positive too.

[@sethmiller2534]

I remember keenly the song you sang of Tom Bombadil, the beauty that held, and now listening to your voice I’m reminded of it. Oh how I melt in that voice

[@Leprechaunproduction]

Moral of the story: If you have a shield, USE IT!

[@mrsmiley7251]

Sits on chair and sips tea tearing up* this is truly amazing theory for the warden of Gondor

[@AMoniqueOcampo]

Boromir's death is one of the few movie moments that made me cry. I often wondered what would have happened if Boromir lived. I think the only thing I would change to your theory is that Denethor still has to die. I don't know if he would accept Aragorn as king so easily. I don't want him to burn himself, but he could make a foolish move to prove himself and end up dead.

[@marionbaggins]

Thanks, Mellon, for Updating, Updating this What If - Theory Video!!! It's Interesting to see how much has changed from the old video to another...(This Version is Lighter in Tone to the other) Until Boromir's Uncle's ECH *I nearly typed Bromir, LOL (My Bro Boromir)* Marion Baggins Out!!!

[@gobigblue6782]

Hope everything is okay in ur world. Look forward to Sunday videos. A welcome distraction. So over 2020, looking forward to next year being better. Take care, Mellon. The fall of Boromir was truly sad in the books and movie, for sure.

[@marionbaggins]

@@gobigblue6782 Thanks, Mellon!!! 2020 is currently Crazy...But what's not Crazy is Middle Earth...There is a Way Better Place to be at the Moment!!!

[@oel734]

If Boromir lived, the Lord of the Rings story would've had a greater and much HAPPIER ending than what we got.

[@kaijohnson5033]

Boromir was always my favorite character. This theory made my heart glad.

[@skere272]

I’ll say it again another awesome insightful video. I really think of you did a video/podcast of the reading of the books would be awesome👍. Keep up the hard work.

[@captainboromir6958]

Great story! Thank you for all the work you do!

[@palabragris]

Man, this alternate version made me feel so... good. Finally, some happy fcking story XD

[@Amiramekki]

Thanks great video!! I really like this ending. We would get to know so much more of his character and I wouldn't need to shed a tear every time he dies.

[@davidsherman7326]

Good stuff! One theory I would like to see is what if the Fellowship never split. What would happen if the Fellowship stayed together after Amon Hen, and would the quest even be successful?

[@TLhikan]

I really love the lesson you share at the end of each video.

[@roberthornibrook6344]

Sean Bean approves.

[@vanyadolly]

And Viggo. He's said several times that he wanted them to change to story so Aragorn and Boromir could hang out in Minas Tirith after the war.

[@Chris-qd8pm]

Well met, friend! I really like your videos and would present a type of theory of my own in this one. What I propose is this- Denethor, going from the movies, was already obsessed with the ring when he sent Boromir to the council of Elrond. Time would not have tempered his lust for it. He would have been hoping that his one son, who never failed in his eyes, would retrieve the thing he wanted most. Should Boromir have returned empty handed then Denethor's lust could have turned him to madness even though his favourite son lived. This could have turned Denethor into an even more hate-filled father and lead to drastic actions perhaps even a civil war against any who would follow Aragorn, Boromir, and Faramir. These are just my thoughts, well done video in any case :)

[@timonsolus]

Notkael Not'thus : In the books, before the death of Boromir, Denethor was not mad, just filled with despair at the overwhelming strength of Sauron’s armies, which he had seen in the Palantir. He knew that Minas Tirith would fall without aid, and he had no way of anticipating Saruman’s fall or Aragorn’s recruitment of the Army of the Dead.

[@srimadhumithra2330]

Wow. Beautifully done, Mellon.. If only it had happened as such in the movies..

[@thebrotherskrynn]

Love this video, and how someone in the comments said that Boromir might go on to live amongst or near the Hobbit and his children would become rangers, I like that idea and that he in time surrender the Stewardship of Gondor to Faramir. I could however see Boromir becoming until his son came of age though the steward of Arnor, at which time he would retire to the Prancing Pony, or near there to be near Frodo & Sam, so as to atone for his old misdeed and would thus forge a stronger bond with the hobbits than any other living man before going into the west with Sam. I like this idea very much.

[@adamlaspata7001]

I wept when you said that Theoden would survive the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. I've always loved the grace and dignity he had and, though glad he died honorably in combat, am more happy to imagine him ruling Rohan longer. Perhaps I see a much needed noble father figure in Theoden since Alzheimer's and Parkinson's robbed me of my father.

[@quatreraberbawinner2628]

I really enjoyed this, I know he's a relatively minor character but Boromir has always been my favorite character especially portrayed by Sean Bean, it's nice to see him get a happy ending

[@Kaiser_Wilhelm_IV.]

Beautiful theory, along with Samwise Boromir always was my top favourite. I guess if Boromir indeed survived and everything turned out the way you told us, Merry and Pippin would have been buried next to Boromir rather than next to Aragorn, for they were so close to B. already in TFotR and would have grown an ever closer relationship to B. later own.

[@kravenknight9268]

This is a far better theory to what would have happened had he survived. Great work!

[@blackleg3384]

Thanks for the vids keep up the good work bro bro

[@dodgykingdom7502]

Excited for next week, Prince Imrahil is a great character.

[@Shaden0040]

Yay ! I hope you also did what if Boromir had defeated Frodo and taken the ring.

[@ragiironshield]

I very much prefer this version of your theory. Too often people forget that Boromir wasn't a bad guy. I also believe he would have honored his friends and his people had he survived. Side note, if you ever want another voice for your quotes at the beginnings of your videos, I'm pretty good with dwarf voices.

[@DrKahu_10]

This was very Great. I really enjoyed the progression of the plot, and to me it all made sense. Another. WHat if the Three Elven Ring's kept there power after the destruction of the One Ring.

[@penelopegreene]

It would have been nice to have had another hero around, with the whole end of the world and all... Maybe if the elessar stone was used to heal his mind...

[@nathanrogers4622]

This was very moving. Thank you for doing this Yoystan!

[@abrakadabra6364]

this was beautiful. thank you, he deserved much love.

[@FellowshipofFans]

Great video friend!

[@MenoftheWest]

Hannon le mellon!

[@bobborggreve6803]

I think this "what if Boromir lived" scenario is a bit too optimistic. The six remaining members of the fellowship would probably have gone to Minas Tirith right away - as Aragorn had planned. Gandalf wouldn´t have found them on time and I think he wouldn´t have tried to find them anyway, as he had to stay west and rouse the Ents. Without Merry and Pippin being taken captive by the Uruk-Hai and brought to Fangorn, it´s unlikely the Ents would have marched on Isengard without some external stirring. Also, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli wouldn´t have met Éomer and would have to travel all the way to Minas Tirith on foot. When they finally would have arrived in Denethor´s halls, it´s very likely Denethor would´ve treated Aragorn with some level of hostility, regardless of Boromir´s affection towards Aragorn. I think Boromir would´ve been torn as he would stand in between his father (who he loved very much) and Aragorn (who he admired very much). Instead of a united defense force, there would have been division inside the Tower of Guard - maybe even armed conflict. Remember that in this scenario, Denethor would have been the only one on the side of the West that had access to a palantír and so keep seeing distorted visions that Sauron wanted him to see. It might well be that in an act of despair, Denethor would have given away Aragorn´s identity to Sauron (and perhaps the secret Quest of the Ring as well). All in all, Boromir´s death was sad, but - as Gandalf said himself - ´good´ as well. After he tried to take the Ring from Frodo he repented, he died valiantly and was ultimately redeemed.

[@timonsolus]

Bob Borggreve : I think the Fellowship would have gone to Minas Tirith, but Aragorn himself would have gone after Frodo and Sam, unwilling to let them go to Mordor alone. Boromir’s fall was what warned Aragorn that even he was not immune to the corruption of the Ring.

[@bobborggreve6803]

@@timonsolus In this "what if" scenario, Boromir confessed his attack on Frodo, so Aragorn would still be warned by the dangers of the Ring. I think he even might keep an eye on Boromir.

[@dominikplewe2860]

Just imagine... Boromir's willpower and/or his Love for his people were soo strong that even the Witchking of Angmar feard him.

[@beverlykrebs4372]

I love this "what if" scenario! Too bad you weren't around when Tolkien was writing it - you could have been some kind of advisor or something! LOL! It always bothered me that Boromir was killed. The only question I have is concerning the army of the dead. Since this didn't happen in this version, Gondor would have had to fight the Dark Lords army on their own, & it seems to me it would have taken miraculous measures to be victorious. Maybe I am being swayed too much by the movie, but it is still a question mark in my mind. Thanks for the video! I always love seeing a Men of the West notification!

[@Bellezzasolo]

He would have walked with Aragorn through the gate of Minas Tirith, and the tower guards would take up the call: The Lords of Gondor have returned.

[@MoonguKang]

Hey Yoystan! Big fan! I haven’t seen this video yet so tell me if it already exists: “what if theoden heeded gandalf’s advice on the defense of edoras?” Thanks for doing what you do!

[@STARK1LL3R21]

Love your videos man, keep it up, they helped me get back in Middle-Earth after the horrendous final season of Game of Thrones as I wanted to forget about it. Only to remember how amazing his work on Middle-Earth and the lore behind it, as it became my favourite fantasy series once again. So again, thanks for the videos and keep it up.

[@timonsolus]

Cody Gamble : Suggestion: Watch Game of Thrones again, but stop at the end of Season 6, and treat that as the end of the show. (Regard Seasons 7 & 8 as a non-canon D&D spin-off in an alternate universe, and never, ever watch them again.) The books of GoT are still an unfinished story (and may remain unfinished if the author dies), so there’s nothing wrong with the TV series also being an unfinished story. Some endings are best left to the imagination... Summary of Episode 10 of Season 6 ‘The Winds of Winter’: Before her trial, Cersei destroys the Sept of Baelor by wildfire, killing the High Sparrow, the Tyrells, Lancel and Kevan Lannister, hundreds of nobles, and the Faith Militant; Qyburn has Pycelle killed. Cersei reveals her incest with Jamie and that she killed Robert Baratheon to Septa Unella before having Ser Gregory torture her. Distraught over Margaery's death, King Tommen commits suicide. In Dorne, Varys meets with Olenna and Ellaria, seeking an alliance between Daenerys and their Houses against the Lannisters. Davos confronts Melisandre over Princess Shireen's death, resulting in Jon banishing her. The Wildlings and the surviving northern Houses pledge loyalty to Jon as King of the North. Sansa rebuffs Littlefinger's romantic overtures. Arya kills Walder Frey and his sons (avenging the Red Wedding). Sam and Gilly reach the Citadel in Oldtown. Benjen Stark accompanies Brandon and Meera to the Wall (saving them from the White Walkers) but is unable to go further. In a vision, Bran sees Ned finding Lyanna Stark as she lies dying after giving birth (to Jon Snow) during King Robert's rebellion. Jaime returns to King's Landing, and Cersei is crowned Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Daenerys names Tyrion Hand of the Queen and sails for Westeros with the Greyjoys, her armies, and her dragons, leaving Dario Naharis and the Second Sons behind to rule Meereen. (All the outstanding story arcs are brought to a reasonable conclusion, except for Jorah’s greyscale infection, and of course the advance of the Night King and the White Walkers, who thus far have no way of breaching the Wall, and cannot pass it while it remains intact, due to its magic.)

[@samwisegamgee8318]

What about ISENGARD? Wouldn’t Merry and Pippin not ending up with Treebeard cause Isengard to stick around longer and possibly launch another foray into Rohan or Gondor?

[@michaczerwinski4044]

This is a great theory! Boromir is one of my favourite characters both in the books and the movies. This theory shows just how mighty he was. I think that if he returned to Minas Tirith he would also aid Faramir in Osgiliath and it would held even longer. Also their retreat would maybe come sooner because of the fact of the growing numbers of orcs. Boromir would understand this and fall back before Faramir's men were overrun.

[@marianfranklin8959]

It's nice to see a happy ending for a change. I get why so many what if, end badly. When you're facing such an overwhelming force. There almost noting that could be done to really stop it.

[@cameronmurray5973]

I wish for you to do an if Sauron had lived at the battle of the Last Alliance, or an if Aragorn had died, or even if Rohan had gone to war with Gondor.

[@joshuapatrick682]

If he survives then 2 things happen, the Ents don’t get roused and Faramir is ordered to capture Frodo in Ithilien and bring him back to Minas Tirith, or Boromir himself is sent.

[@berserkerofthrawn5707]

Frodo don't forget to tell Boromir that you walked into Mordor

[@michaelrhett1077]

This is the most beneficial what if LOTR story. Nice to have one that doesn't end badly.

[@muenchhausenmusic]

Hey! A new viewer here. I just want to say that I like these what-ifs most out of your content! I really enjoy them! One thing about this particular story: If I remember correctly, weren't Denethor and Aragorn even friends, back during the latter's time as Thorongil? That is something that I sometimes think about, how both of them would feel. Surely Aragorn remembers the great man Denethor once was (it is said that they were quite alike back then), and surely Denethor must have some remnants of their friendship and appreciation of one another left in his heart. What would go through both of theirs heads upon meeting again? Also considering they both aged differently, Denethor now being old and Aragorn still being in his prime. Would Denethor be jealous? Would Aragorn pity Denethor? Just some food for thought. Anyway, great video!

[@Toviyah]

Love your theory videos and your videos thank you and let us stand men of the west!!

[@manuelgreil4306]

A nice and positive alternative story theory. Much better than the usual grim outcome. :) Still, some things to ponder: Denethor would still have been manipulated by Sauron via the Palantir, though. Who knows if he wouldn't have gone mad anyway, suspecting both Boromir and Faramir of betraying him (a thought that I would have tried to implant into his mind if I were Sauron). Also, from my understanding of the book, Gandalf didn't really plan for Merry and Pippin to come to Fangorn. In fact, I suppose he initially was quite disoriented after having been sent back from Valinor. As Bob Ross would have said: it was a "happy accident". :) Alternative ending for this episode: "From this theory we can learn that, when the enemy is armed with bows and arrows, it is prudent to carry a shield." :)

[@johnpatricktan5545]

Really nice video

[@MakCurrel]

If Boromir survived the orcs wouldn't have taken Merry and Pippin. And thus they wouldn't have met the ents and that meeting, the ents wouldn't have interfered in the war. That means that saruman might not have perished and his tower might only be contested after the battle of Minas tirith, maybe even after the war against Sauron. The fellowship wouldn't either have met the riders of Rohan, and with Aragon and Boromir in the group, they would focus on Gondor not Rohan, so the only one who would try to wake Denethor from Wormtoungs control would be the resurrected Gandalf. And he alone would maybe not be enough to save both Rohan and the exiled riders. And without the forest the orcs in Rohan would be able to join the war later. Rohan might then not be able to come to Gondors aid. So I don't think that the men would be better off against Sauron if Boromir survived. The alliance between Gondor and Rohan might be a lot weaker then.

[@brovold72]

I was thinking that too -- how Gandalf had told the three hunters how the orcs had brought the hobbits to Fangorn with great speed, maybe the nick of time, and said they were like a pebble.. the ent assault on Isengard may have still happened, but not in time to prevent Saruman from maybe participating in the sack of Rohan, or worse thereafter.

[@unclefester1840]

Well this is just the happiest little story I’ve ever heard...

[@SG0041]

Came here straight after your tweet lol

[@therakshasan8547]

Your assessment was very optimistic , and impractical. Denathor was already broken within , all though not fallen into madness yet . Boromir keeping the hobbits from Fangorn would have left Rohan to fall to Saruman . Souron would then have sent the nazgul to Saruman and demanded his supplication , or death . Gondor's fall would then come. The witch King may have fallen to Gandalf [ No man can kill him ,and Gandalf was no man .] Without Aragorn going to the Paths of the dead Gondor would have fallen . Move one pebble this way , or that at the start of an avalanche , and the outcome will be greatly different.

[@franceslambert8070]

I don't watch "what ifs" vids, so I was surprised to watch this one.

[@bjorndevlieger8565]

Theory idea what if both Boromir and Theodred survived?

[@paradox7358]

If Merry and Pippin were not captured, then they wouldn't have met Treebeard, who may not have then been influenced to attack Isengard.

[@thecrusader3852]

Next theory ideea: What if Tom Bombadil would have joined the Fellowship?

[@helenahandkart1857]

That would be amazing!

[@chesterphilander2785]

Awesome that one man's fate would affect the entire history of Middle earth for the better👏 thanks Yoyston

[@siriusb22]

Only found this now. Very Tolkien. Of course he'd grow and stay Loyal. He was akin to a Hero of Numenor of old. The impact is quite massive. As for Eowyn all she'd need is one interaction between Gandalf and Faramir talking about Faramir treating the ring like yesterday's socks and Aragorn playing wingman by saying there is a man that has more resolve than I. They'd be Married en route.

[@hughgedney3393]

A very extremely great video as always Men of the West.

[@jeffreygreen8668]

Awesome. But please tell me that a nice long Gil-Galad entry is forthcoming?

[@williamzona9773]

another what if for you,what if Bilbo took the ring to mordor instead of frodo?

[@jesuscoyt-munoz2753]

They kinda already did that when yoystan created a “What it,” video with saruman staying good. But that does seem interesting.

[@specialk8888]

I actually watched Fellowship last night and yep every time Boromir dies, I cry like a baby! Boromir is still my favourite character in LOTR

[@dragonkingdom95]

i like this one better then the other were aragon died and boromir became king this 1 was awesome

[@MenoftheWest]

Yeah... me too haha This one is far more realistic and kind to the story.

[@dragonkingdom95]

@@MenoftheWest I was so sad when Aragon was killed I almost cried lol 😅😅

[@nathanhenderson3379]

Great version of events. I think that two small hobbits would still get captured even with Boromir alive knowing the uruk hai that Saruman created even if Boromir, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Merry and Pippin evaded them I think they would get caught by one of the uruk hai. I think the events would be this once at the bottom Aragorn would turn and ask "Where are the Hobbits?" Boromir response "They...They were right here?" Legolas then would head to a hill side as he sees the Orcs he comes back down to Aragorn, Gimli, and Boromir. "The Orcs they've taken the Hobbits." I think it would be the same line but altered with Boromir "Where is Frodo? Was he taken as well?" Aragorn: "I let Frodo go" Boromir "Than you did what I could not" Aragorn with anger turns to look at Boromir "What did you do?" Boromir "I try to take the ring from him" Aragorn "If you just stayed with Merry and Pippin this wouldn't have happened" Legolas would stand to break up any fight that might take place. Boromir "Forgive me I did not see it. I have failed you" he also looks at Gimli and Legolas "I failed all of you" Aragorn anger subsides "It was the ring, it is beyond our reach now." Still angry looking at Boromir as he is upset for what transpired as Aragorn's anger melts away then looks at Boromir, Legolas and Gimli. Legolas: "What about Frodo?" Aragorn "Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands" Gimli "Then we have failed the fellowship is broken" Boromir stands as Legolas and Gimli come up to Aragorn "Not if we hold true to each other we are not going to let Merry and Pippin torment to death. Not if we have strength left. Leave all that can be spared behind" Boromir "You're serious there are hundreds of Orcs against a elf, dwarf and two men? What about Gondor we can go get reinforcements and go save them" Aragorn "By the time we get to Gondor. Merry and Pippin could already be dead" Boromir looks to the boats and across at the other two hobbits running through the trees then back at the others getting there gear. Aragorn grabs a dagger "We travel light lets hunt some Orcs" Legolas grins as Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas run into the woods Boromir runs behind Legolas he failed Frodo he won't fail Merry and Pippin. The reason I think that Boromir would go after Merry and Pippin when they get to Rohan better interaction between Theoden and Boromir with the whole Helms Deep "Where was Gondor" Maybe Boromir goes to Gondor after learning about it at Rohan capital who knows I think it would play out similar. My opinion love your what if videos.

[@KiltBill2]

I have to disagree. Denathor would now know, through Borrimir, where the ring had gone and would have sent a force to retake it before it reached Mordor. His sons would have had to unseat him to save the city.

[@devinmiller7439]

This is an awesome video.

[@MenoftheWest]

Thanks Devin!

[@januzzell8631]

Thank you - I feel this would have been a true ending - this gives Boromir the chance of redemption and shows the influence of his mother as well as his father. He was more the man of action but he did respond to honour, and was beginning to respect Aragorn as a leader and possible King

[@aes1373]

It would make a good videogame RPG like game for you to take control of Boromir and play it out as he survives. Many choices to be made.

[@andreasul2608]

Don't forget that when frodo and sam were captured by faramir and the rangers, boromir would let them go instantly instead of taking them into osgiliath as captives. As he would either be called upon or been among the rangers with faramir when they found them. They would have talked there, apologized and told frodo about everything that has happened since amon hen and shared his information on the others, including telling frodo that gandalf was alive which would bolster his spirit, at the same time gollum wouldn't have turned back to evil as he wouldn't believe he was betrayed due to faramirs actions. This would again lead to a better passage through shelobs lair, cause he knew his way around it. So the likelyhood of getting through unnoticed would have been bigger. Then sneak past the orcs and avoid capture from cirith ungol. After the arrival into mordor, seeing as gollum got to the top of mount doom unnoticed by hinself in the cannon timeline, he could habe guided the hobbits there as well. This would lead to frodo actually destroying it easier, and if not both the help from sam and gollum would surely make the process less painfull, as sam would grow to trust gollum a bit more and be a bit more accepting as gollum wouldn't try to turn frodo against him but rather work with sam to support frodo during the remaining way. Then the scary part, gollum would be considered a hero in the aftermath and live in luxery. Eating raw fish and uncooked rabbits in valinor for the rest of his life.

[@CaptinJack]

I love this! I've thought about this idea many a time in the past, and this is just about how I imagined it.

[@ackbarfan5556]

There has been some fanfics covering this as well as the Battle for Middle Earth game... but I would think that mostly that Boromir would follow Aragon and the others through their adventures up until Gandalf goes to Gondor. Now, I realize that I'm mostly going by the films since even if Boromir lives, Merry and Pippin would be captured and taken back to Isengard; but I think my point remains. I won't go into to much detail or anything since you guys can easily fill in all the blanks.

[@jonahstirbis3408]

This is your best what if ever thank you we all needed this!

[@TheNerdLair]

great video!! love you content

[@EasrterRising1fan]

Do one where if Faramir would have been sent instead. I have long believed he was suppose to be originally a part of the fellowship. However, the father through his pride could not see the gifts of Faramir. I think both would have lived. Faramir's virtues would have been helpful. Boromir's skill would have been good to holding off parts of the army and reaching his father. "For want of Nail" this did not occur within the story. But I believe Eru Ilúvatar was assisting the whole time within the fellowship and had originally desired Faramir, but due to his Father's blindness he sent the wrong son. Much like an Arthurian legends of old. But I believe Eru Ilúvatar corrected this, not without a price, but Faramir assisted and helped Sam and Frodo. I think Faramir was suppose to be with Eoywen as well and this too was corrected by Eru Ilúvatar by them both living and meeting in the infirmary. We often choose our own wills in matters with little regard towards what God desires. I think Tolkien highlights this reality. Intentional or unintentional. Eru Ilúvatar I strongly believe was there throughout the story working much like Divine Providence works within our lives.