Michael Hemmer: Why Every Guy Loves Boromir

     This post is intended to analyze the role Boromir plays as a tragic hero. To set the stage let's look at Boromir's life up to the fellowship. He is the son of the steward of Gondor, but has father has become a bitter and ineffective leader ever since the death of his wife. Boromir becomes the somewhat reluctant hero of a catastrophically besieged and embattled people who are doomed to single-handedly resist the rising forces of Mordor while the world crumbles around them. The white wizard Saruman has betrayed all and hides in his tower, the King of Rohan has been cursed and has become a puppet, the elves are essentially abandoning Middle-earth, and Sauron is once again active. Yet Boromir is a steadfast and valiant fighter and leader, not giving into despair or distracting himself from his arduous task. He is essentially one of the last defenders of humanity. He had great love not only for his people, but for his younger brother and father as well, despite their quarrels. Boromir proved his worth fighting for the fellowship along their journey. He also formed a particularly good relationship with Merry and Pippen. 

    Later of course, Boromir is severely tempted by the one ring. All along Boromir sought to use the ring to fight Sauron and restore Gondor to its former glory. Although this is a foolish thought, one can hardly blame Boromir for entertaining the idea considering what he has gone through. When Boromir is tempted by the ring, he attempts to take it from Frodo, but immediately repents after, realizing that he has been foolish and made a grave mistake. As his final act, Boromir dies fighting dozens of Uruk-Hai warriors that are trying to kidnap his hobbit friends. He only goes down after being pierced by many arrows. As he lays dying, Boromir endorses Aragorn as the rightful King of Gondor. 

    Boromir is so like-able because he is simultaneously an ideal to strive towards, and a relatable depiction of the weakness of Man.  

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