I've recently been wondering what would have happened if Faramir had gone to Rivendell instead of Boromir, as should have happened. Obviously he would not have tried to steal the Ring from Frodo but would have protected him to the bitter end (which is probably why Tolkien had Boromir go instead; Faramir and Aragorn together in the Fellowship would have been redundant). Perhaps the Fellowship would not have broken; all might have turned toward Mordor together. In that case they would have been a lot more visible within Mordor, and they would not have fulfilled the very important roles they later fulfilled, especially the drawing of Sauron's eye to the Black Gate. Boromir's attempt to steal the Ring was what gave Frodo the impetus to leave by himself. Faramir would have been more faithful, but Boromir's failure was essential to the story . . .
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Then came there from the south of the city the people of the Fountain, and Ecthelion was their lord, and silver and diamonds were their delight; and swords very long and bright and pale did they wield . . .
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