Why Boromir, Not Faramir, Joined the Fellowship of the Ring?

Ancient prophecies and family rivalries played a significant role in the formation of the Fellowship of the Ring. In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, the choice of Boromir from Gondor and not his younger brother Faramir was not arbitrary but deeply rooted in the narrative's mystical and familial elements. This article explores the reasons behind this decision, focusing on the prophetic dreams and Boromir's aspirations.

Prophetic Dreams and the Sword's Call

The journey to Imladris (Rivendell) was not made by any Gondorin until Boromir and Faramir. Faramir, the younger brother, had encountered a compelling series of dreams from a voice speaking from the West. The dreams predicted the return of the Sword that Broke, Narsil, the broken sword of Elendil. The voice instructed, "Seek for the Sword that was Broken / In Imladris it dwells / There shall be counsels taken / Stronger than Morgul spells / There shall be shown a token / That Doom is near at hand / For Isildur's Bane shall waken / And the halfling forth shall stand." These dreams were seen as a prophecy and a call from the West to seek the sword and take counsel.

Boromir's Ambition and Glory

While Faramir received the dream multiple times, Boromir experienced it only once. However, Boromir, driven by his desire for glory, insisted on being the one chosen for the journey. As the favored son of Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, he was undeterred by the family obligation to remain in Minas Tirith. Boromir's desire for recognition and ambition led him to make the journey and present himself as the representative of Gondor to the Council of Elrond.

Prophetic Meeting and Fellowship Formation

The Council of Elrond, convened to decide on the fate of the One Ring, was where the final decision was made. Frodo was chosen to bear the Ring to Orodruin and destroy it. At this meeting, Boromir's presence was no longer about the journey to Imladris but about his role in the Fellowship. Being the elder son and the chosen representative of Gondor, Boromir, along with the other members of the Fellowship, was tasked with the mission to defend Middle-earth against Sauron's impending assault.

Leaving Faramir Behind

While Faramir struggled to satisfy the prophecy and face the journey to Imladris, Boromir, driven by his thirst for glory and the support of his father Denethor, set out on the mission. Consequently, Faramir was left behind, reinforcing the idea that Boromir was the chosen one for the Fellowship from Gondor. This decision, while placing Boromir in a critical role, also set the stage for the complex relationship and eventual tragedy that would befall the Fellowship.

Conclusion

The choice of Boromir over Faramir to join the Fellowship of the Ring was a result of a combination of prophetic visions and familial ambition. Boromir's determination and the prophecy's reference to the "Stronger than Morgul spells" decision underscored the significance of his role. This decision had profound implications for the quest to destroy the One Ring and the broader narrative of The Lord of the Rings.