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''(For other characters see [[Faramir|Faramir (disambigation)]])''
{{disambig-more|Faramir|[[Faramir (disambiguation)]]}}
{{gondorian
{{gondorian infobox
| image=[[Image:Ellaine - Untitled.jpg|250px]]
| name=Faramir
| name=Faramir
| image=[[File:Anke Eißmann - Faramir.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Faramir" by [[Anke Eißmann]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| othernames=
| position=[[Steward of Gondor]], [[Prince of Ithilien]]
| titles=[[Steward of Gondor]], [[Prince of Ithilien]]
| birth=[[Third Age 2983]]
| position=Captain of Gondor
| rule=[[Third Age 3019]] - [[Fourth Age 82]]
| location=[[Ithilien]], [[Gondor]]
| death=[[Fourth Age 82]], aged 120 [[Years of the Sun|years]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Westron]], [[Sindarin]]
| birth={{TA|2983}}
| birthlocation=
| rule={{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|82}} (84 years)
| death={{FoA|82}}
| deathlocation=
| age=120
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Húrin]]
| parentage=[[Denethor|Denethor II]] and [[Finduilas (wife of Denethor)|Finduilas]]
| siblings=[[Boromir]]
| spouse=[[Éowyn]]
| children=[[Elboron]]<ref name="Elboron">{{PM|Elendil}}, p. 221</ref>
| gender=Male
| gender=Male
| parentage=[[Denethor II]] and [[Finduilas of Dol Amroth]]
| height=Tall<ref name="Herbs">{{TT|Herbs}}</ref>
| spouse=[[Éowyn]]
| hair=Raven<ref name="Steward">{{RK|Steward}}</ref>
| children=[[Elboron]]
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Window"/>
| ref=''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''; [[Appendix A]]
| clothing=Green gauntlets, green hood and mask, green and brown clothing<ref name="Herbs"/>
|}}
| weapons=Sword,<ref name="Herbs"/> nail-knife<ref name="Forbidden">{{TT|Pool}}</ref>
{{quote|[Faramir] is bold, more bold than many deem; for in these days men are slow to believe that a captain can be wise and learned in the scrolls of lore and song, as he is, and yet a man of hardihood and swift judgement in the field. But such is Faramir. Less reckless and eager than [[Boromir]], but not less resolute.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', [[Minas Tirith (chapter)|Minas Tirith]]}}
| steed=
'''Faramir''' was a [[Steward of Gondor]] and the first [[Prince of Ithilien]].
}}
{{quote|[Faramir] is bold, more bold than many deem; for in these days men are slow to believe that a captain can be wise and learned in the scrolls of lore and song, as he is, and yet a man of hardihood and swift judgement in the field. But such is Faramir. Less reckless and eager than [[Boromir]], but not less resolute.|[[Beregond]]<ref name="MT">{{RK|MT}}</ref>}}
'''Faramir''' ({{TA|2983}} – {{FoA|82}}, aged 120 years) was the last [[Ruling Steward|Ruling]] [[Stewards of Gondor|Steward of Gondor]] and the first [[Prince of Ithilien]].  


The second of [[Denethor II|Denethor]]'s two sons, Faramir was briefly the [[Ruling Steward]] after his father's death. Upon the arrival of the true king, King [[Aragorn Elessar]], he laid down his office, but Elessar renewed the hereditary appointment of [[Steward of Gondor|Steward]] as the advisor to the King. Faramir was also appointed [[Prince of Ithilien]].
The second of [[Denethor]]'s two sons, Faramir was briefly the [[Ruling Steward]] after his father's death. Upon the arrival of the true king, King [[Aragorn|Aragorn Elessar]], he laid down his office, but Elessar renewed the hereditary appointment of Steward as the advisor to the King. Faramir was also appointed Prince of Ithilien.<ref name="Elendil">{{PM|Elendil}}, p. 207</ref>


==History==
==History==
Faramir was born in {{TA|2983}}, five years after [[Boromir]]. Faramir was five when his mother [[Finduilas (wife of Denethor)|Finduilas]] died. When that happened Boromir and Faramir formed a great bond with each other.
[[File:Catherine Chmiel - Brothers study.jpg|left|thumb|Catherine Chmiel - ''Brothers study'']]
He grew to become a brave warrior admired by his soldiers, although unlike his brother he did not care much for battle and arms. He loved lore and music, and his gentle nature (and love of [[Gandalf]]) displeased his father.<ref>{{HM|guide}}, entry "Faramir"</ref>
[[Denethor]] grew cold and grim and favored Boromir over Faramir. But there was no rivalry between the brothers.
During [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath]] which started the [[War of the Ring]], the two brothers commanded the defences of [[Osgiliath]]. They protected the last bridge across the [[Anduin]] until it was destroyed. Only the two brothers and two others survived by swimming.<ref>{{FR|Council}}</ref>
Later during the War, Faramir went to command the [[Rangers of Ithilien]].
===In Ithilien===
===In Ithilien===
Faramir acted as a Gondorian ranger in [[Ithilien]], harassing [[Haradrim]] and keeping evil things from entering the land from [[Minas Morgul]]. During one such raid he found [[Frodo]], [[Samwise Gamgee]] amd [[Gollum]] observing an attack by his rangers on a column of [[Haradrim]]. The former two were captured as spies by the rangers though Gollum eluded them. Frodo was questioned by Faramir concerning their errand. Frodo recounted the journies of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]] and its members but referred to the [[Quest for the Ring|purpose]] of the travels and only cryptically. During the questioning he denied knowledge of Gollum but revealed that he travelled with both [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]], the [[Heir of Isildur]], and [[Boromir son of Denethor II|Boromir]]Faramir informed Frodo of Boromir's death, implying Frodo's involvement in it, though Frodo had not known of Boromir's death until that very moment.
[[File:John Howe - Faramir 02.jpg|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''Faramir'']]
Faramir acted as a ranger harassing [[Haradrim]] and keeping evil things from entering [[Ithilien]] from [[Minas Morgul]]. During one such raid he found [[Frodo Baggins]], [[Samwise Gamgee]] and [[Gollum]] observing an attack by his rangers on a column of [[Haradrim]]. The former two were captured as spies by the rangers though Gollum eluded them. Frodo was questioned by Faramir concerning their errand. Frodo recounted the journeys of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]] and its members but referred to the [[Quest of the Ring|purpose]] of the travels only cryptically. During the questioning he denied knowledge of Gollum but revealed that he travelled with both [[Aragorn]], the [[Heir of Isildur]], and [[Boromir]].<ref>{{TT|IV4}}</ref>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Window on the West.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Window on the West'']]
Faramir informed Frodo of Boromir's death, implying Frodo's involvement in it, though Frodo had not known of Boromir's death until that very moment. Unsure of how to deal with his captives, Faramir led Frodo and Sam, blindfolded, to [[Henneth Annûn]]. There he questioned them further in private, learning that the hobbits' errand was linked to the 'Isildur's bane' that had sent Boromir to [[Rivendell]] in the first place. Eager to earn their trust Faramir delivered his famous oath, saying that he "...would not take this thing, if it lay by the highway. Not were [[Minas Tirith]] falling in ruin and I alone could save her, so, using the weapon of the Dark Lord for her good and my glory. No, I do not wish for such triumphs". In a slip up however Samwise revealed the nature of 'Isildur's bane' and so Faramir was tested, just as Boromir had been, by the lure of The Ring. Where Boromir failed Faramir succeeded, leading Samwise to remark that Faramir had "shown [his] quality".<ref>{{TT|IV5}}</ref>


Unsure of how to deal with his captives, Faramir led Frodo and Sam, blindfolded, to [[Henneth Annûn]]. There he questioned them further in private, learning that the errand the hobbits were on was linked to the 'Isildur's bane' that had sent Boromir to [[Rivendell]] in the first place. Eager to earn their trust Faramir delivered his famous oath, saying that he "...would not take this thing, if it lay by the highway. Not were [[Minas Tirith]] falling in ruin and I alone could save her, so, using the weapon of the Dark Lord for her good and my glory. No, I do not wish for such triumphs". In an unfourtunate slip up however Samwise revealed the nature of 'Isildur's bane' and so Faramir was tested, just as Boromir had been, by the lure of The Ring. Where Boromir failed Faramir succeeded, leading Samwise to remark that Faramir had "shown [his] quality".  
During the night, Faramir's watch spotted Gollum fishing in the Forbidden Pool. Faramir called Frodo to him who confessed to the part of Gollum in their errand, begging Faramir not to slay him. Gollum was caught and questioned and then surrendered to Frodo. The following morning Faramir released Frodo and Sam (with Gollum), but warned them strongly against taking the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]].<ref>{{TT|IV6}}</ref>


During the night, Faramir's watch spotted Gollum fishing in the Forbidden Pool. Faramir called Frodo to him who confessed to the part of Gollum in their errand, begging Faramir not to slay him. Gollum was caught and questioned and then surrendered to Frodo. The following morning Faramir released Frodo and Sam (with Gollum), but warned them strongly against taking the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]]. 
===In Pelennor/Minas Tirith===


===In Pelennor/Minas Tirith===
Faramir returned to [[Osgiliath]] after his encounter with the hobbits, supervising the defence there. However he retreated over the [[Pelennor Fields]] to report to Denethor and was almost caught by the [[Nazgûl]] on their [[Fell beasts]], but was saved by [[Gandalf]]. Faramir reached Minas Tirith, telling Denethor and Gandalf of what befell in Ithilien, but soon departed to supervise the defences at his father's bidding. In this venture the host of the [[Witch-king]] came upon Osgiliath and Faramir was struck down by the [[Black Breath]]. Only a sortie by [[Imrahil]] and his knights saved the wounded (including Faramir) from that onset.<ref>{{RK|V4}}</ref>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Sun Unveiled.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Sun Unveiled'']]
Faramir remained out of action for the rest of the War of the Ring. During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Pelennor Fields]] Denethor planned to burn his stricken son alongside him and Faramir was once again saved by Gandalf, though Denethor completed his suicide.<ref>{{RK|V7}}</ref> After this he was taken to the [[Houses of Healing]] and healed by [[Aragorn]] after the battle.<ref>{{RK|V8}}</ref> Faramir spent the rest of the war recovering in the Houses of Healing where he met [[Éowyn]], also grievously wounded.<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref> The two fell in love and were married after the war.<ref>{{RK|VI6}}</ref>
 
===After the War of the Ring===
 
After the destruction of the [[The One Ring|Ring]] and the [[Battle of the Morannon]], Faramir, as Steward, led the ceremony in the crowning of [[Aragorn]] as King of Gondor and Arnor.<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref> Aragorn reinstated the original role of the [[Stewards of Gondor|Stewards]] before the failing of the [[Kings of Gondor]] and made Faramir the [[Prince of Ithilien]]. As Prince of Ithilien, Faramir was one of the two Chief Commanders of [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] and his duty was to guard and maintain the eastern borders of Gondor. He also defeated the remaining enemies and cleansed the [[Morgul Vale]].
 
Faramir and Éowyn settled down in [[Emyn Arnen]], a range of hills in Ithilien in sight of [[Minas Tirith]], and Faramir became the [[Lord of Emyn Arnen]]. He and Éowyn had at least one son named [[Elboron]],<ref name="Elboron"/> who followed his father as Steward and Prince of Ithilien when Faramir died in the year {{FoA|82}}. Faramir lived to be 120 years old, due to the large percentage of pure [[Dúnedain]] ancestry he possessed as a member of the Gondorian nobility.<ref>{{App|South}}</ref>
 
== Inspirations ==
Faramir was, in the words of Tolkien, "modest, fair-minded and scrupulously just, and very merciful".<ref>{{L|244}}</ref> His appearance toward the end of ''[[The Two Towers]]'' apparently was as much of a surprise to Tolkien as it is to his readers. "I am sure I did not invent him," he wrote. "I did not even want him, though I like him".<ref>{{L|66}}</ref>
 
Faramir in many ways speaks for Tolkien, who was an officer in the British Army during [[World War I]], when he says, for example, "I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness... I love only that which they defend".<ref name="Window">{{TT|Window}}</ref> Much later, Tolkien would write, "As far as any character is 'like me', it is Faramir".<ref>{{L|180}}</ref>


Faramir returned to [[Osgiliath]] after his encounter with the hobbits, supervising the defence there. However he retreated over the [[Pelennor Fields]] to report to Denethor and was almost caught by the [[Nazgûl]] on their Fell Beasts, but was saved by [[Gandalf]]. Faramir reached Minas Tirith, telling Denethor and Gandalf of what befell in Ithilien, but soon departed to supervise the defences at his father's bidding. In this venture the host of the [[Witch King]] came upon Osgilliath and Faramir was struck down by the [[Black Breath]]. Only a sorty by [[Imrahil]] and his knights saved the wounded (including Faramir) from that onset.  
==Etymology==
Translation of Faramir is not given, not even if it is Quenya or [[Sindarin]].


Faramir remained out of action for the rest of the War of the Ring. During the [[Battle of Pelennor Fields]] Denethor planned to burn his stricken son alongside him and Faramir was once again saved by Gandalf, though Denethor completed his suicide. After this he was taken to the [[Houses of Healing]] and healed by [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]] after the battle. Faramir spent the rest of the war recovering in the Houses of Healing where he met [[Éowyn]], also greiviously wounded. The two fell in love and were married after the war.  
As all the [[Kings of Gondor]] and their heirs had names in [[Quenya]],<ref>{{App|F1ii}}</ref> and the name is also attested as a name of the royal family (in the case of [[Faramir (son of Ondoher)|Faramir]] son of [[Ondoher]]) the name apparently is Quenya.


===After the War of the Ring===
==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | | PRI | | | | | | STE | | | | | | | | |PRI=[[Princes of Dol Amroth|''Princes of<br/>Dol Amroth'']]|STE=[[Ruling Steward|''Ruling Stewards<br/>of Gondor'']]}}
{{familytree | | | | | |:| | | | | | | |:| | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | ADR | | | | | | ECT | | | | | | ROH |ADR=[[Adrahil II]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2917|n}} - {{TA|3010|n}}''</small>|ECT=[[Ecthelion II]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2886|n}} - {{TA|2984|n}}''</small>|ROH=[[Kings of Rohan|''Kings of<br/>Rohan'']]}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | | | | | |:| |}}
{{familytree | IVR | | IMR | | FIN |y| DEN | | EOM |y| THE |IVR=[[Ivriniel]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2947|n}}''</small>|IMR=[[Imrahil]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2955|n}} - {{FoA|34}}''</small>|FIN=[[Finduilas (wife of Denethor)|Finduilas]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2950|n}} - {{TA|2988|n}}''</small>|DEN=[[Denethor|Denethor II]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2930|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|EOM=[[Éomund]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|3002|n}}''†</small>|THE=[[Théodwyn]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2963|n}} - {{TA|3002|n}}''†</small>}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | |)|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | BOR | | FAR |y| EOW | | |BOR=[[Boromir]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2978|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|FAR='''FARAMIR'''<br/><small>''{{TA|2983|n}} - {{FoA|82}}''</small>|EOW=[[Éowyn]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2995|n}}''</small>}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ELB | | | | |ELB=[[Elboron]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>}}
{{familytree/end}}


After the destruction of the Ring and the [[Battle of the Morannon]] Faramir, as Steward, led the ceremony in the crowning of Aragorn as King of Gondor and Arnor. Aragorn reinstated the original role of the Stewards before the failing of the [[Kings of Gondor]] and made Faramir the Lord of [[Emyn Arnen]]
==Portrayal in adaptations==
A major player in the second half of ''The Lord of the Rings'', Faramir has found his portrayal both diminished and expanded.


== Tolkien's thoughts of Faramir ==
<center><gallery>
Faramir was, in the words of Tolkien, "modest, fair-minded and scrupulously just, and very merciful" (''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', 244). His appearance toward the end of ''[[The Two Towers]]'' apparently was as much of a surprise to Tolkien as it is to his readers. "I am sure I did not invent him," he wrote. "I did not even want him, though I like him" (''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien|Letters]]'', 66).
File:WiMe-Faramir-1--.png|<center>Faramir in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Faramir2.jpg|<center>Faramir (presumably) in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Faramir.jpg|<center>Faramir in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
</gallery></center>


Faramir in many ways speaks for Tolkien, who was a soldier in [[World War I]], when he says, for example, "I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness... I love only that which they defend" (''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Window on the West]]"). Much later, Tolkien would write, "As far as any character is 'like me', it is Faramir" (''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien|Letters]]'', 180).
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Faramir's role has been omitted. However, a young black-haired man is shown at [[Aragorn]]'s coronation, sitting on a horse beside [[Éowyn]]. It can be guessed that this is a cameo of Faramir. Whether he had at any time a larger part, that was cut for time restraints, is unknown.


== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
[[Image:Faramir the Ranger.jpg|thumb|250px|[[David Wenham]] as Faramir from [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]]]]
:Faramir is voiced by [[Andrew Seear]]. Because Boromir already named him during the Council of Elrond - in the book, he is simply called "my brother" - much of the mystery surrounding Faramir's first appearance is lost to the attentive listener. However, unlike some adaptations Faramir's recovery in the Houses of Healing and his budding romance with Eowyn are included, as is his role at Aragorn's coronation.
In the [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|1981 BBC Radio adaptation]] Faramir was voiced by [[Andrew Seear]].


In [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]], Faramir does not at first let Frodo, Sam, and Gollum go, but decides to bring them and the Ring to Gondor. He takes them west to [[Osgiliath]], crossing the river [[Anduin]], and not until the [[Ringwraiths]] attack the city does he release them. Many fans of the book criticize this change, saying that it seriously damages the character. [[Peter Jackson]]'s explanation is that he needed another adventure to delay Frodo and Sam, because the episode at [[Cirith Ungol]] was moved to the third movie, and so a new climax was needed. Another explanation often cited is that it was felt that for dramatic reasons it was necessary to show character ''development'', which meant that Faramir had to go through some kind of struggle or difficult decision. Jackson also argued that it was necessary for Faramir to be tempted by the Ring because everyone else was tempted, and letting Faramir be immune would be inconsistent, at least in the eyes of a film audience, and would weaken the films' portrayal of the Ring.
'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
:Faramir is portrayed as a blond, bearded man. He can be controlled by the player.


In the extended edition of [[Peter Jackson's The Two Towers]], Jackson has included a new flashback scene showing that Denethor has been neglecting him and favoring Boromir, so that Faramir wanted to please his father by bringing him the Ring. (The relationship is similarly strained in the books, but there his father's favoritism does not seem to affect his decisions in Ithilien.) On the whole, however, new Extended Edition scenes with Faramir brought the character closer to the sympathetic treatment of the books (the line he is given regarding a fallen Southron belongs to Sam in the books, but is not out of keeping with Faramir's character).  
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:[[David Wenham]] plays Faramir in this adaptation. He does not at first let Frodo, Sam, and Gollum go, but decides to bring them and the Ring to Gondor. He takes them west to [[Osgiliath]], crossing the river [[Anduin]], and not until the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]] attack the city does he release them. Many fans of the book criticise this change, saying that it seriously damages the character.{{citation needed}} [[Peter Jackson]]'s explanation is that he needed another adventure to delay Frodo and Sam, because the episode at [[Cirith Ungol]] was moved to the third movie, and so a new climax was needed. Another explanation often cited is that it was felt that for dramatic reasons it was necessary to show character ''development'', which meant that Faramir had to go through some kind of struggle or difficult decision. Jackson also argued that it was necessary for Faramir to be tempted by the Ring because everyone else was tempted, and letting Faramir be immune would be inconsistent, at least in the eyes of a film audience, and would weaken the films' portrayal of the Ring.


Faramir is played by [[David Wenham]] in the films. Another minor change is that in the book Faramir and his brother are dark-haired, but in the movie they are blond.  
:In the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (extended edition)|Extended Edition]], Jackson has included a flashback scene showing that Denethor has been neglecting him and favouring Boromir, so that Faramir wanted to please his father by bringing him the Ring. The relationship is similarly strained in the books, but there his father's favouritism does not seem to affect his decisions in Ithilien. On the whole, however, new Extended Edition scenes with Faramir brought the character closer to the sympathetic treatment of the books.


== Quotations ==
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
* "I would not snare even an orc with a falsehood."
:Faramir's role in this film is largely faithful to that in the book.
* "If I should return, think better of me, Father."


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[:Category: Images_of_Faramir|Images of Faramir]]


* [[:Category: Images_of_Faramir|Images of Faramir]]
{{references}}
{{sequence
{{seq-start}}
|prev=[[Denethor II]]
{{seq-head
|next=none (abandoned)
| race= gondorian
|list=27th [[Ruling Steward|Ruling Steward of Gondor]]<br><code>III</code> 3019
| house= [[House of Húrin]]
| born={{TA|2983}}
| died={{FoA|82}}
}}
{{seq
| prow=
| pvac=
| prev=[[Denethor|Denethor II]]
| list=[[Ruling Steward|Ruling Steward of Gondor]]
| dates={{TA|3019}}-{{TA|3019}}
| next=None, position abolished
| nvac=
| nrow=
}}
}}
{{sequence
{{seq
|prev=[[Mardil]], 969 years earlier
| prow=
|next=[[Elboron]]
| pvac=Vacant
|list=[[Steward of Gondor|Steward to the King of Gondor]]<br><code>III</code> 3019 – <code>IV</code> 82
| prev=[[Mardil|Mardil Voronwë]], 969 years earlier
| list=[[Steward of Gondor|Steward to the King of Gondor]]
| dates={{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|82}}
| next=[[Elboron]]
| nvac=
| nrow=2
}}
}}
{{sequence
{{seq
|prev=none
| prow=
|next=[[Elboron]]
| pvac=None
|list=[[Prince of Ithilien]]<br><code>III</code> 3019 – <code>IV</code> 82
| prev=Position created
| list=[[Prince of Ithilien]]
| dates={{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|82}}
| next=
| nvac=
| nrow=
}}
}}
 
{{seq-end}}
[[Category: ruling stewards]]
{{rulingstewards}}
[[Category: Gondorians]]
[[Category: Dúnedain]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Gondorians]]
[[Category:House of Húrin]]
[[Category:Ruling stewards]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Stewards]]
[[de:Faramir (Sohn von Denethor II.)]]
[[fi:Faramir]]
[[fa:فارامیر]]

Revision as of 13:14, 8 September 2017

The name Faramir refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Faramir (disambiguation).
Faramir
Gondorian
Anke Eißmann - Faramir.jpg
"Faramir" by Anke Eißmann
Biographical Information
TitlesSteward of Gondor, Prince of Ithilien
PositionCaptain of Gondor
LocationIthilien, Gondor
LanguageWestron, Sindarin
BirthT.A. 2983
RuleT.A. 3019 - Fo.A. 82 (84 years)
DeathFo.A. 82 (aged 120)
Family
HouseHouse of Húrin
ParentageDenethor II and Finduilas
SiblingsBoromir
SpouseÉowyn
ChildrenElboron[1]
Physical Description
GenderMale
HeightTall[2]
Hair colorRaven[3]
Eye colorGrey[4]
ClothingGreen gauntlets, green hood and mask, green and brown clothing[2]
WeaponrySword,[2] nail-knife[5]
GalleryImages of Faramir
"[Faramir] is bold, more bold than many deem; for in these days men are slow to believe that a captain can be wise and learned in the scrolls of lore and song, as he is, and yet a man of hardihood and swift judgement in the field. But such is Faramir. Less reckless and eager than Boromir, but not less resolute."
Beregond[6]

Faramir (T.A. 2983Fo.A. 82, aged 120 years) was the last Ruling Steward of Gondor and the first Prince of Ithilien.

The second of Denethor's two sons, Faramir was briefly the Ruling Steward after his father's death. Upon the arrival of the true king, King Aragorn Elessar, he laid down his office, but Elessar renewed the hereditary appointment of Steward as the advisor to the King. Faramir was also appointed Prince of Ithilien.[7]

History

Faramir was born in T.A. 2983, five years after Boromir. Faramir was five when his mother Finduilas died. When that happened Boromir and Faramir formed a great bond with each other.

Catherine Chmiel - Brothers study

He grew to become a brave warrior admired by his soldiers, although unlike his brother he did not care much for battle and arms. He loved lore and music, and his gentle nature (and love of Gandalf) displeased his father.[8]

Denethor grew cold and grim and favored Boromir over Faramir. But there was no rivalry between the brothers.

During Sauron's attack on Osgiliath which started the War of the Ring, the two brothers commanded the defences of Osgiliath. They protected the last bridge across the Anduin until it was destroyed. Only the two brothers and two others survived by swimming.[9]

Later during the War, Faramir went to command the Rangers of Ithilien.

In Ithilien

John Howe - Faramir

Faramir acted as a ranger harassing Haradrim and keeping evil things from entering Ithilien from Minas Morgul. During one such raid he found Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee and Gollum observing an attack by his rangers on a column of Haradrim. The former two were captured as spies by the rangers though Gollum eluded them. Frodo was questioned by Faramir concerning their errand. Frodo recounted the journeys of the Fellowship and its members but referred to the purpose of the travels only cryptically. During the questioning he denied knowledge of Gollum but revealed that he travelled with both Aragorn, the Heir of Isildur, and Boromir.[10]

Ted Nasmith - The Window on the West

Faramir informed Frodo of Boromir's death, implying Frodo's involvement in it, though Frodo had not known of Boromir's death until that very moment. Unsure of how to deal with his captives, Faramir led Frodo and Sam, blindfolded, to Henneth Annûn. There he questioned them further in private, learning that the hobbits' errand was linked to the 'Isildur's bane' that had sent Boromir to Rivendell in the first place. Eager to earn their trust Faramir delivered his famous oath, saying that he "...would not take this thing, if it lay by the highway. Not were Minas Tirith falling in ruin and I alone could save her, so, using the weapon of the Dark Lord for her good and my glory. No, I do not wish for such triumphs". In a slip up however Samwise revealed the nature of 'Isildur's bane' and so Faramir was tested, just as Boromir had been, by the lure of The Ring. Where Boromir failed Faramir succeeded, leading Samwise to remark that Faramir had "shown [his] quality".[11]

During the night, Faramir's watch spotted Gollum fishing in the Forbidden Pool. Faramir called Frodo to him who confessed to the part of Gollum in their errand, begging Faramir not to slay him. Gollum was caught and questioned and then surrendered to Frodo. The following morning Faramir released Frodo and Sam (with Gollum), but warned them strongly against taking the pass of Cirith Ungol.[12]

In Pelennor/Minas Tirith

Faramir returned to Osgiliath after his encounter with the hobbits, supervising the defence there. However he retreated over the Pelennor Fields to report to Denethor and was almost caught by the Nazgûl on their Fell beasts, but was saved by Gandalf. Faramir reached Minas Tirith, telling Denethor and Gandalf of what befell in Ithilien, but soon departed to supervise the defences at his father's bidding. In this venture the host of the Witch-king came upon Osgiliath and Faramir was struck down by the Black Breath. Only a sortie by Imrahil and his knights saved the wounded (including Faramir) from that onset.[13]

Ted Nasmith - The Sun Unveiled

Faramir remained out of action for the rest of the War of the Ring. During the Battle of Pelennor Fields Denethor planned to burn his stricken son alongside him and Faramir was once again saved by Gandalf, though Denethor completed his suicide.[14] After this he was taken to the Houses of Healing and healed by Aragorn after the battle.[15] Faramir spent the rest of the war recovering in the Houses of Healing where he met Éowyn, also grievously wounded.[16] The two fell in love and were married after the war.[17]

After the War of the Ring

After the destruction of the Ring and the Battle of the Morannon, Faramir, as Steward, led the ceremony in the crowning of Aragorn as King of Gondor and Arnor.[18] Aragorn reinstated the original role of the Stewards before the failing of the Kings of Gondor and made Faramir the Prince of Ithilien. As Prince of Ithilien, Faramir was one of the two Chief Commanders of King Elessar and his duty was to guard and maintain the eastern borders of Gondor. He also defeated the remaining enemies and cleansed the Morgul Vale.

Faramir and Éowyn settled down in Emyn Arnen, a range of hills in Ithilien in sight of Minas Tirith, and Faramir became the Lord of Emyn Arnen. He and Éowyn had at least one son named Elboron,[1] who followed his father as Steward and Prince of Ithilien when Faramir died in the year Fo.A. 82. Faramir lived to be 120 years old, due to the large percentage of pure Dúnedain ancestry he possessed as a member of the Gondorian nobility.[19]

Inspirations

Faramir was, in the words of Tolkien, "modest, fair-minded and scrupulously just, and very merciful".[20] His appearance toward the end of The Two Towers apparently was as much of a surprise to Tolkien as it is to his readers. "I am sure I did not invent him," he wrote. "I did not even want him, though I like him".[21]

Faramir in many ways speaks for Tolkien, who was an officer in the British Army during World War I, when he says, for example, "I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness... I love only that which they defend".[4] Much later, Tolkien would write, "As far as any character is 'like me', it is Faramir".[22]

Etymology

Translation of Faramir is not given, not even if it is Quenya or Sindarin.

As all the Kings of Gondor and their heirs had names in Quenya,[23] and the name is also attested as a name of the royal family (in the case of Faramir son of Ondoher) the name apparently is Quenya.

Genealogy

 
 
 
 
Princes of
Dol Amroth
 
 
 
 
 
Ruling Stewards
of Gondor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adrahil II
2917 - 3010
 
 
 
 
 
Ecthelion II
2886 - 2984
 
 
 
 
 
Kings of
Rohan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ivriniel
b. 2947
 
Imrahil
2955 - Fo.A. 34
 
Finduilas
2950 - 2988
 
Denethor II
2930 - 3019
 
Éomund
d. 3002
 
Théodwyn
2963 - 3002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Boromir
2978 - 3019
 
FARAMIR
2983 - Fo.A. 82
 
Éowyn
b. 2995
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elboron
unknown
 
 
 
 


Portrayal in adaptations

A major player in the second half of The Lord of the Rings, Faramir has found his portrayal both diminished and expanded.

1980: The Return of the King (1980 film):

Faramir's role has been omitted. However, a young black-haired man is shown at Aragorn's coronation, sitting on a horse beside Éowyn. It can be guessed that this is a cameo of Faramir. Whether he had at any time a larger part, that was cut for time restraints, is unknown.

1981: The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series):

Faramir is voiced by Andrew Seear. Because Boromir already named him during the Council of Elrond - in the book, he is simply called "my brother" - much of the mystery surrounding Faramir's first appearance is lost to the attentive listener. However, unlike some adaptations Faramir's recovery in the Houses of Healing and his budding romance with Eowyn are included, as is his role at Aragorn's coronation.

1988: J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth:

Faramir is portrayed as a blond, bearded man. He can be controlled by the player.

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers:

David Wenham plays Faramir in this adaptation. He does not at first let Frodo, Sam, and Gollum go, but decides to bring them and the Ring to Gondor. He takes them west to Osgiliath, crossing the river Anduin, and not until the Ringwraiths attack the city does he release them. Many fans of the book criticise this change, saying that it seriously damages the character.[source?] Peter Jackson's explanation is that he needed another adventure to delay Frodo and Sam, because the episode at Cirith Ungol was moved to the third movie, and so a new climax was needed. Another explanation often cited is that it was felt that for dramatic reasons it was necessary to show character development, which meant that Faramir had to go through some kind of struggle or difficult decision. Jackson also argued that it was necessary for Faramir to be tempted by the Ring because everyone else was tempted, and letting Faramir be immune would be inconsistent, at least in the eyes of a film audience, and would weaken the films' portrayal of the Ring.
In the Extended Edition, Jackson has included a flashback scene showing that Denethor has been neglecting him and favouring Boromir, so that Faramir wanted to please his father by bringing him the Ring. The relationship is similarly strained in the books, but there his father's favouritism does not seem to affect his decisions in Ithilien. On the whole, however, new Extended Edition scenes with Faramir brought the character closer to the sympathetic treatment of the books.

2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King:

Faramir's role in this film is largely faithful to that in the book.

See Also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "VII. The Heirs of Elendil", p. 221
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit"
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Steward and the King"
  4. 4.0 4.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Window on the West"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Forbidden Pool"
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Minas Tirith"
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "VII. The Heirs of Elendil", p. 207
  8. , entry "Faramir"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit"
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Window on the West"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Forbidden Pool"
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Siege of Gondor"
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Pyre of Denethor"
  15. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Houses of Healing"
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Steward and the King"
  17. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Many Partings"
  18. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Steward and the King"
  19. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "The Realms in Exile", "The Southern Line: Heirs of Anarion"
  20. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 244, (undated, written circa 1963)
  21. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 66, (dated 6 May 1944)
  22. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 180, (dated 14 January 1956)
  23. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix F, "The Languages and Peoples of the Third Age", "Of Men"
Faramir
House of Húrin
Born: T.A. 2983 Died: Fo.A. 82
Preceded by:
Denethor II
Ruling Steward of Gondor
T.A. 3019-T.A. 3019
Followed by:
None, position abolished
Vacant
Mardil Voronwë, 969 years earlier
Steward to the King of Gondor
T.A. 3019 - Fo.A. 82
Followed by:
Elboron
None
Position created
Prince of Ithilien
T.A. 3019 - Fo.A. 82


The Southern Line and the Heirs of Anárion
Kings of Gondor: Elendil (S.A. 3320 - 3441) · Isildur (S.A. 3441 - T.A. 2) and Anárion (S.A. 3320 - 3440) · Meneldil (T.A. 2 - 158) · Cemendur (158 - 238) · Eärendil (238 - 324) · Anardil (324 - 411) · Ostoher (411 - 492) · Rómendacil I (492 - 541) · Turambar (541 - 667) · Atanatar I (667 - 748) · Siriondil (748 - 830) · Tarannon Falastur (830 - 913) · Eärnil I (913 - 936) · Ciryandil (936 - 1015) · Hyarmendacil I (1015 - 1149) · Atanatar II Alcarin (1149 - 1226) · Narmacil I (1226 - 1294) · Calmacil (1294 - 1304) · Rómendacil II (1304 - 1366) · Valacar (1366 - 1432) · Eldacar (1432 - 1437) · Castamir the Usurper (1437 - 1447) · Eldacar restored (1447 - 1490) · Aldamir (1490 - 1540) · Hyarmendacil II (1540 - 1621) · Minardil (1621 - 1634) · Telemnar (1634 - 1636) · Tarondor (1636 - 1798) · Telumehtar Umbardacil (1798 - 1850) · Narmacil II (1850 - 1856) · Calimehtar (1856 - 1936) · Ondoher (1936 - 1944) · Eärnil II (1945 - 2043) · Eärnur (2043 - 2050)
Stewards of Gondor: Húrin of Emyn Arnen (c. T.A. 1630s) · Pelendur (before T.A. 1944 - 1998) · Vorondil (1998 - 2029) · Mardil Voronwë (2029 - 2080) · Eradan (2080 - 2116) · Herion (2116 - 2148) · Belegorn (2148 - 2204) · Húrin I (2204 - 2244) · Túrin I (2244 - 2278) · Hador (2278 - 2395) · Barahir (2395 - 2412) · Dior (2412 - 2435) · Denethor I (2435 - 2477) · Boromir (2477 - 2489) · Cirion (2489 - 2567) · Hallas (2567 - 2605) · Húrin II (2605 - 2628) · Belecthor I (2628 - 2655) · Orodreth (2655 - 2685) · Ecthelion I (2685 - 2698) · Egalmoth (2698 - 2743) · Beren (2743 - 2763) · Beregond (2763 - 2811) · Belecthor II (2811 - 2872) · Thorondir (2872 - 2882) · Túrin II (2882 - 2914) · Turgon (2914 - 2953) · Ecthelion II (2953 - 2984) · Denethor II (2984 - 3019) · Faramir (T.A. 3019 - Fo.A. 82) · Elboron (Fo.A. 82 onwards)
Kings of Gondor: Elessar (T.A. 3019 - Fo.A. 120) · Eldarion (Fo.A. 120 onwards)
Non-ruling stewards are in italics

fa:فارامیر