Why did Gandalf save Faramir?

[Son of Númenor]

Originally Posted by MatthewM

I don't believe that's correct. Although I can't recall the name "Eru" being said in specific in The Lord of the Rings, there are many references to a higher authority, or fate. Faramir and his men do a ritual prayer, if you would, facing the Undying Lands before supper in Henneth Annûn. The name of Eru doesn't have to mentioned for it to exist. If it didn't exist in The Lord of the Rings, then it surely couldn't have existed else where in Middle-earth at any time, for The Lord of the Rings is part of the big story.

The fact is though that Eru is a character in Tolkien's cosmology but is entirely non-existent in The Lord of the Rings. One cannot attempt an analysis of the Lord of the Rings if one assumes that there is Godhead somewhere in its pages. The Valar are mentioned; Gandalf's divinity is hidden - what Gandalf does is what needs to be done - which means he is wrathful and joyous, "quick to anger and to mirth" - as long as he gets done what needs to be done - he is the Magical (not the Divine) Essence of Good in the Lord of the Rings.