Just say 'no,' Faramir

[Lily Bracegirdle]

I think Faramir's resistance to the lure of the Ring came from both his own characteristics and also the circumstances under which he came across it.

Faramir had more Numenorean traits than Boromir through the caprice of genetics. This made him wiser, more insightful, and perhaps stronger willed. (Faramir is more like Aragorn -- a leader, while Boromir was more like Eomer -- a fighter.) Faramir also benefitted from the tutelage of Gandalf and knew something of the danger of the Ring. Finally, Faramir was more humble than Boromir and probably had a better idea of his own limitations.

As for the circumstances, Boromir traveled with the Ring close at hand for months, which has got to have been a serious strain on him. Faramir only stayed close to the Ring for a few days at most, and he never even saw the thing. In fact, once he figured out Frodo was carrying the Ring, not only did he not want to see it, but he didn't even want to discuss it.

Maybe if Faramir had been in the Fellowship he would have given in to the lure of the Ring as well. I like to think not, but who can say for sure? All I know is it's a good thing Frodo met Faramir in the Wild and not Boromir.

Cheers!
-Lily