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The Men Who Would Be Steward - Page 10

© Michael Martinez

As Boromir distrusts the old wives' tales, Denethor leaves scrolls unread in his library until Gandalf comes searching for them. It appears that, by the time Gandalf returns to Minas Tirith with Pippin Took, Denethor has begun piecing together all the clues which are available to him. He has given long thought to the rhyme which troubled the dreams of both his sons and eventually led to Boromir's death. He has probably deciphered the scroll of Isildur, to learn what Gandalf had sought. He has figured out that his old rival, Thorongil, was probably the Heir of Isildur, leader of the Dunedain of the North. Hence, knowledge comes to Denethor eventually, but not wisdom. And the same is true for Boromir. Just as Denethor realizes that Aragorn intends to claim Gondor's throne, and that Gandalf has sent the One Ring to Mordor, so Boromir eventually concludes that his only chance for greatness is to accomplish something even Aragorn cannot do. As Boromir and Aragorn travel together, Boromir has as much opportunity to assess Aragorn as Aragorn has to assess Boromir. Aragorn relies upon Gandalf's judgement, and he is respected by the Elves, who must seem like creatures out of old wives' tales to Boromir. Aragorn bides his time and complies with Boromir's immediate commands, but when the true leadership of the Company is cast into momentary doubt by the loss of Gandalf, Aragorn immediately says, "I will lead you now." He leaves no opportunity for Boromir to assert himself as Gandalf's successor. It is not that Boromir hesitates at the crucial moment. Rather, it is simply not his moment. Boromir's concern is not with leading the company, but with returning to his people. Boromir often looks ahead, but he overlooks the immediate tasks which lie before him. He is so troubled by the dream both he and Faramir have had that he sets aside his duties in Gondor and undertakes a heroic journey to seek the meaning of the riddle. Boromir admits to the council that Gondor's situation is desperate. He has already been defeated in battle. He has no plan for defeating the enemy when the final assault comes. Yet Gondor likes victorious captains. Maybe the people will rally around a leader who can only say, "We have done the best we can, and we will fight bravely until the end." But if someone else arrives who speaks of hope and defeating Sauron, Boromir's career will be over. Especially if that someone claims to be the rightful King of Gondor. Such concerns, though far away from Rivendell, should be clear to Boromir. During the months which follow the Council of Elrond, Boromir's thoughts must be in conflict. On the one hand, he has a duty to his people. On the other hand, the Council has decided to overthrow Sauron once and for all. If their plan succeeds, all of Middle-earth will be saved. But Gondor may be called upon to make a tremendous sacrifice. And what will Aragorn do? He has a more legitimate claim to the throne than the House of Hurin.

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