Why didn't Gandalf or Galadriel warn Aragorn about Boromir ?

[Puddleglum]

Originally Posted by Galadriel55

I guess that Gandalf decided to let Boromir choose his own path rather then pointing it to him. I know that that statement is really lame; does anyone have any other ideas?

As I recall (books not with me just now), Gandalf's phrasing was "Galadriel warned me he (Boromir) was in danger. I am glad he escaped in the end. Merry & Pippin's coming was GOOD if only for that reason."

Boromir was in danger of losing his soul (as it were). Locking him up (esp on a mere "fear" that he would do evil) would have, I think, made it almost certain that he would become ruled by arrogant pride (and hate).

Consider, by way of contrast, Saruman. He also was in danger, and became ruled by hate and pride (as is described in "The Voice of Saruman"). But EVEN THEN Gandalf and Frodo desired his healing. Gandalf (or Galadriel or Elrond) "could have" clapped him in irons (so to speak) when he overtook Saruman in Dunland - but he didn't.
And Frodo made this desire explicit after Saruman tried to murder him in front of Bag End when he said "He has fallen, and his cure is beyond us. But I would spare him still in hope that he may find it."

I believe Gandalf recognized that, when dealing with incarnates (ie, those with Fea & Hroa, spirit and body) matters are rarely cut and dried.

• The main purpose of the quest was to destroy the ring and defeat Sauron.
• But that was not an "at all costs, even of damming the souls of as many Eruhini as it takes" quest.
• So Gandalf repeatedly (and Frodo too) accepted increased risks to the quest, in hopes of preserving or saving/curing the souls of people (Boromir, Gollum, Saruman, etc).