If Denethor hadn't committed suicide - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Faramir Jones · 03-16-2010, 05:11 PM

Fellow fans and Downers might like to know, that Denethor was originally not going to be as harsh with Faramir for letting Frodo and Sam go on to Mordor with the Ring, as was portrayed in LotR. According to an earlier draft of the chapter 'The Siege of Gondor', this was what he said in response to Faramir's question, 'Do you wish then that our places had been exchanged?':

'Yes, I wish that indeed,' said Denethor. 'Or no.' And then he shook his head, and rising swiftly he laid his hand upon his son's bowed head. 'Do not judge me harshly, my son,' he said quietly, 'or believe me more harsh than I am. I know your brother well also. Love is not blind. I could wish that Boromir had been at Henneth Annûn when this thing came there, only if I had been sure of one thing.'

'Sure of what, my father?'

'That he was as strong in heart and selfless as you, my son. That taking this thing he would have brought it here and surrendered it, and not fallen swiftly under its thraldom. For, Faramir - and you too Míthrandir, amid all your wide webs and policies - there is a third way, that is neither the folly of wizards nor the lust of warriors....' (The History of Middle-earth: VIII. The War of the Ring, p. 332.)

Tolkien then made this note to explain why this portrayal must be changed:

The early conversation of Faramir and his father and motives must be altered. Denethor must be harsh. He must say he did wish Boromir had been at Henneth Annûn - for he would have been loyal to his father and brought him the Ring. (Gandalf may correct this.) Faramir grieved but patient. Then Denethor must be all for holding Osgiliath 'like Boromir did', while Faramir (and Gandalf?) are against it, using the arguments previously given to Denethor. At length in submission, but proudly, to please his father and show him that not only Boromir was brave [he] accepts the command at Osgiliath. Men in the City do not like it.

This will not only be truer to previous situation, but will explain Denethor's breaking up when Faramir is brought back dying, as it seems.(Ibid., p. 333.)

03-16-2010, 05:11 PM	#19
Faramir Jones Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lonely Isle Posts: 706	How and why Tolkien made Denethor harsher Fellow fans and Downers might like to know, that Denethor was originally not going to be as harsh with Faramir for letting Frodo and Sam go on to Mordor with the Ring, as was portrayed in LotR. According to an earlier draft of the chapter 'The Siege of Gondor', this was what he said in response to Faramir's question, 'Do you wish then that our places had been exchanged?': 'Yes, I wish that indeed,' said Denethor. 'Or no.' And then he shook his head, and rising swiftly he laid his hand upon his son's bowed head. 'Do not judge me harshly, my son,' he said quietly, 'or believe me more harsh than I am. I know your brother well also. Love is not blind. I could wish that Boromir had been at Henneth Annûn when this thing came there, only if I had been sure of one thing.' 'Sure of what, my father?' 'That he was as strong in heart and selfless as you, my son. That taking this thing he would have brought it here and surrendered it, and not fallen swiftly under its thraldom. For, Faramir - and you too Míthrandir, amid all your wide webs and policies - there is a third way, that is neither the folly of wizards nor the lust of warriors....' (The History of Middle-earth: VIII. The War of the Ring, p. 332.) Tolkien then made this note to explain why this portrayal must be changed: The early conversation of Faramir and his father and motives must be altered. Denethor must be harsh. He must say he did wish Boromir had been at Henneth Annûn - for he would have been loyal to his father and brought him the Ring. (Gandalf may correct this.) Faramir grieved but patient. Then Denethor must be all for holding Osgiliath 'like Boromir did', while Faramir (and Gandalf?) are against it, using the arguments previously given to Denethor. At length in submission, but proudly, to please his father and show him that not only Boromir was brave [he] accepts the command at Osgiliath. Men in the City do not like it. This will not only be truer to previous situation, but will explain Denethor's breaking up when Faramir is brought back dying, as it seems.(Ibid., p. 333.)