Home » Reading & Literature » J.R.R. Tolkien » The Men Who Would Be Steward - Page 8

The Men Who Would Be Steward - Page 8

© Michael Martinez

When Boromir says, "So be it," in reply to Elrond, he is not renouncing the Ring or any claim to it. Nor is he placing himself in direct opposition to the Ring's power and purpose. Rather, he leaves his options open, and that proves to be a fatal mistake. But it is the kind of mistake that one should expect of a master tactician. Boromir is used to thinking in terms of how to win battles, and how to persuade others to follow his will. His experience at dealing with conflicts undoubtedly includes working with his father's council. "So be it" is a safe, non-committal reply. It betrays Boromir because he does not understand what he is dealing with. And Boromir should not be faulted for that. The Ring represents an opportunity to him, and Boromir looks at the opportunity, not at the risks. He is an optimist who doesn't allow himself to become trapped. He plans ahead and reacts swiftly to danger. Not only does Boromir advise the Company to carry extra wood up onto Caradhras, he immediately changes his mind about going to Moria when the Company of the Ring realizes that wargs are tracking them in Eregion. Boromir isn't simply an optimist, he is a pragmatist. He not only believes there is a solution to every problem, he is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Whatever works, as long as it does the job, is good enough for him. And if there is one thing the Ring of Power can do, it's give a leader of armies a winning edge in a war. Boromir has no ambition to rule the world or to conquer other lands. He just wants to find a way to defeat Sauron. The Ring seems to be a tool which can give him (or someone) that victory. It is difficult to believe that the victory would come at so great a cost that no one should want it. In fact, for Boromir, it is impossible to believe such a thing. There is nothing in his experience which allows him to accept that some victories should not be sought. Boromir's wisdom is firmly rooted in the common wisdom of the people of Gondor. He is practical, not thoughtful. Solutions present themselves to Boromir. He does not seek them out. When Boromir shares some of the lore he has learned in Gondor, he draws upon common knowledge, not esoteric knowledge. For example, when Gandalf points out that Isildur "did not march away straight from the war in Mordor, as some have told the tale," Boromir replies with: "Some in the North, maybe. All know in Gondor that he went first to Minas Anor and dwelt a while with his nephew Meneldil, instructing him, before he committed to him the rule of the South Kingdom."

The copyright of the article The Men Who Would Be Steward - Page 8 in J.R.R. Tolkien is owned by Michael Martinez. Permission to republish The Men Who Would Be Steward - Page 8 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.