Hi, Mans and Dancing Hobbit! A belated welcome to the Downs! Please enjoy being dead.
I think you've brought up a good point. Maybe Denethor didn't like himself very much. If Ecthelion preferred Thorongil (someone who did great deeds of arms) to his own son, how would that have made Denethor feel? Probably like "there must be something wrong with me." It would make sense for Denethor to grow up and like his warrior-mentality son (who he believes is more like Ecthelion's ideal) more than he likes the son that reminds him of himself.
Denethor is always boasting about his knowledge and lineage. Could it have been because he was overcompensating for feelings of unworthiness?
Just some psychobabble to lighten your day.
Cheers!
-Lily
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"But nay: the praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards." - Faramir
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