Birth: 2978 of the Third Age
Death: February 26, 3019 Race: Men Culture: Gondorian Height: 6 feet, 4 inches Hair Color: Dark Eye Color: Grey Skin Color: White Residence: Minas Tirith in Gondor Part of the Fellowship: Gondorian defender Father: Denethor II Mother: Finduilas Siblings: Faramir (younger brother) Spouse: None Children: None Sword: Unnamed Gift of Lorien: Gold-colored Belt |
Biography
Boromir was a noble man of Gondor and the son of Denethor II, Steward of Gondor. Boromir was therefore the heir to stewardship. He was a tall and bold man and was favored by his father over his younger brother Faramir. Boromir was a splendid warrior and a brilliant captain. He was eventually sent on a quest to take the One Ring from Frodo Baggins, which ultimately brought about his downfall.
Boromir was born in 2978 of the Third Age to Denethor II and Finduilas. Denethor II became Steward of Gondor in 2984, but it bothered Boromir that his father would never be King.
Finduilas became weary as the shadow of Mordor and Sauron drew near. After the birth of her son Faramir in 2983, Boromir's mother died. He was only ten, and he slowly watched his father lose any sense of sanity.
Boromir had the task of raising his young brother because of his father's insanity. They differed in many ways: Boromir was bold and outgoing while Faramir tended to be shy; and, though both could wield a sword, Boromir was more war-like and Faramir had a love of learning and telling tales. Though both had good qualities, Denethor strongly favored Boromir. However, the brothers supported each other and cared for one another.
Boromir was named a Captain of the White Tower, but later he was promoted to Captain-General and then to High Warden of the White Tower. He fought in several battles and proved himself to be a hero.
In June of 3018, Orcs of Sauron led by the Witch-King of Angmar attacked Osgiliath. Boromir defended the city with his brother until they had to swim in the Anduin to safety after the bridge collapsed into the river.
One night that summer, Boromir had a dream in which the east was filled with storms and a black sky and the west was filled with light. A voice stated that in Imladris, there were the remains of an important sword that was broken, which turned out to be the sword of Aragorn, the heir to the throne of Gondor. Boromir asked Denethor about his dream, but his father only told him where Imladris was: it was the home of Elrond in the north, also known as Rivendell. Boromir decided to take the long journey there to find out what his dream meant.
It was a long and dangerous journey to Rivendell. Boromir travelled 400 leagues, which took him 110 days. He had lost his horse in the Greyflood and walked much of the way. He finally got there on October 25, 3018.
Boromir attended the Council of Elrond. He was chosen as a representative of Gondor. He was to join the Fellowship of the Ring, which planned to destroy the One Ring of Sauron in Mount Doom, a volcanic peak in Mordor.
The Ring-barer was a Hobbit named Frodo Baggins. His uncle Bilbo had once possessed the Ring, and the two attended the Council. Boromir had heard of Hobbits in legends, but only believed them to be mythological creatures. In his dream, Hobbits were mentioned for saving Middle-Earth. Boromir took an immediate interest in the Hobbits and the One Ring. He tried to convince the Council to bring it to Gondor, but this idea was rejected.
The Fellowship of the Ring departed from Rivendell on December 25. At their departure, Boromir sounded the Great Horn. The Fellowship then headed south. During a blizzard on Caradhras in January, Frodo dropped the Ring in the snow. Boromir picked it up, enchanted, and wondered how something so small could cause so much greed and horror. He was under the power of the Ring and nearly touched it, but it was snatched away by Frodo.
On January 14, the Fellowship reached Moria. They had no choice but to pass through the mines. Boromir had suggested that they pass through the Gap of Rohan, but this idea was rejected by Gandalf, who explained that it was too close to Isengard. They fought off Wargs and the Watcher in the Water before Gandalf finally opened the Doors of Durin at the West-Gate. Boromir had been throwing stones into the water, which had awoken the watcher.
The Fellowship reached the Chamber of Mazarbul on January 15. They were attacked by Orcs and a Cave- Troll which Boromir had tried to hold back. He failed, and door flew into pieces and Orcs led by a terrifying chieftain entered. Boromir killed many Orcs before the chieftain threatened him and then continued to Frodo. Aragorn killed the chieftain and Boromir charged after the others. The Orcs became afraid and scurried away. Boromir then led the Fellowship through the eastern door of the chamber and pulled it shut behind them.
On the Bridge of Khazad-dum, Gandalf challenged a Balrog. Boromir and the Fellowship watched in horror as he fell into the deep black hole below them. He even revealed himself to the Balrog to be from Gondor, crying his homeland's name and wielding his sword, but then Gandalf ordered them to flee. Boromir and Aragorn led the remaining eight Fellowship members out of Moria.
Aragorn assumed the title of leader of the Fellowship. He told them that they would be passing through Lothlorien, but Boromir rejected this idea, stating that the woods were mysterious and dangerous. Aragorn advised that only the evil should fear the Elven wood.
The Fellowship entered Lorien and were brought to Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. Galadriel said that the quest could easily fail, and Boromir doubted her words. He thought she may have been testing them.
Boromir was rather insistant upon taking the rout to Minas Tirith. When the Fellowship was leaving Lorien a month later, Galadriel granted Boromir with a mighty gift: a beautiful gold-colored belt.
Aragorn pondered upon Boromir's request to go to Minas Tirith. He thought it time for Isildur's heir to return to the city, but also he worried that the quest may fail. In the end, he rejected Boromir's insistant suggestion.
The Fellowship sailed down the Anduin in rowboats. Boromir rowed in the same boat with Merry and Pippin. He often sailed close to Frodo's boat, attracted by the Ring. All three Hobbits near Boromir learned to be careful when close to the man.
Danger came on February 23. The water suddenly became rocky and perilous as two tides met. Boromir realized with horror that they were nearing the rapids of Sarn Gebir and he warned his companions. That night, trouble arose as Orcs attacked from the shoreline. That night, a Nazgul rode atop a Fell Beast in attempt to retrieve the Ring from the Fellowship. Legolas slew it with an arrow. Boromir immediately turned to Frodo and demanded him to tell what it that had been malevolently flying above them, but the Hobbit would not say.
Boromir advised that the Fellowship take the rout passed the Entwash and into Gondor, but Aragorn and Frodo intended to go to Amon Hen.
They carried the boats passed the rapids and then continued on to the shores of Nen Hithoel. Frodo went to Amon Hen to make his final decision on February 26. Boromir followed. He tried to convince Frodo to give Gondor the Ring, explaining that the men of Minas Tirith could use it to rebel Sauron. He then began insisting upon having Frodo pass the Ring to him, picturing himself as a mighty King of the West. Frodo declined and Boromir tried to take the Ring by force. Frodo put the Ring on his finger and disappeared. Boromir knelt down and began sobbing and pleading for Frodo to come back, but he was already gone.
Boromir rushed down the hill to tell the Fellowship that he had argued with Frodo and the Hobbit had disappeared. Aragorn ordered him to stand guard while the others searched, but a clan of Uruk-Hai attacked. Boromir fought long and hard, killing Orcs left and right. However, the wicked and terrifying Uruk commander tore Boromir's sword off of the hilt and the Great Horn horn split. Aragorn returned from his fighting and found Boromir lying with little life left upon the ground. Orcs lay scattered around his body. Boromir confessed to having tried to take the Ring from Frodo. Aragorn immediately forgave him and kissed his brow as the mighty Boromir died.
Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli held a funeral ceremony for Boromir. They placed him in a boat with his weaponry and let the flowing water carry him away.
Faramir found Boromir's body three days later when sitting near the Anduin in Osgiliath. Faramir brought the remains of Boromir's weaponry and the Great Horn to his father Denethor. Boromir's body rode in the boat down the Anduin and into the Great Sea.
Boromir was born in 2978 of the Third Age to Denethor II and Finduilas. Denethor II became Steward of Gondor in 2984, but it bothered Boromir that his father would never be King.
Finduilas became weary as the shadow of Mordor and Sauron drew near. After the birth of her son Faramir in 2983, Boromir's mother died. He was only ten, and he slowly watched his father lose any sense of sanity.
Boromir had the task of raising his young brother because of his father's insanity. They differed in many ways: Boromir was bold and outgoing while Faramir tended to be shy; and, though both could wield a sword, Boromir was more war-like and Faramir had a love of learning and telling tales. Though both had good qualities, Denethor strongly favored Boromir. However, the brothers supported each other and cared for one another.
Boromir was named a Captain of the White Tower, but later he was promoted to Captain-General and then to High Warden of the White Tower. He fought in several battles and proved himself to be a hero.
In June of 3018, Orcs of Sauron led by the Witch-King of Angmar attacked Osgiliath. Boromir defended the city with his brother until they had to swim in the Anduin to safety after the bridge collapsed into the river.
One night that summer, Boromir had a dream in which the east was filled with storms and a black sky and the west was filled with light. A voice stated that in Imladris, there were the remains of an important sword that was broken, which turned out to be the sword of Aragorn, the heir to the throne of Gondor. Boromir asked Denethor about his dream, but his father only told him where Imladris was: it was the home of Elrond in the north, also known as Rivendell. Boromir decided to take the long journey there to find out what his dream meant.
It was a long and dangerous journey to Rivendell. Boromir travelled 400 leagues, which took him 110 days. He had lost his horse in the Greyflood and walked much of the way. He finally got there on October 25, 3018.
Boromir attended the Council of Elrond. He was chosen as a representative of Gondor. He was to join the Fellowship of the Ring, which planned to destroy the One Ring of Sauron in Mount Doom, a volcanic peak in Mordor.
The Ring-barer was a Hobbit named Frodo Baggins. His uncle Bilbo had once possessed the Ring, and the two attended the Council. Boromir had heard of Hobbits in legends, but only believed them to be mythological creatures. In his dream, Hobbits were mentioned for saving Middle-Earth. Boromir took an immediate interest in the Hobbits and the One Ring. He tried to convince the Council to bring it to Gondor, but this idea was rejected.
The Fellowship of the Ring departed from Rivendell on December 25. At their departure, Boromir sounded the Great Horn. The Fellowship then headed south. During a blizzard on Caradhras in January, Frodo dropped the Ring in the snow. Boromir picked it up, enchanted, and wondered how something so small could cause so much greed and horror. He was under the power of the Ring and nearly touched it, but it was snatched away by Frodo.
On January 14, the Fellowship reached Moria. They had no choice but to pass through the mines. Boromir had suggested that they pass through the Gap of Rohan, but this idea was rejected by Gandalf, who explained that it was too close to Isengard. They fought off Wargs and the Watcher in the Water before Gandalf finally opened the Doors of Durin at the West-Gate. Boromir had been throwing stones into the water, which had awoken the watcher.
The Fellowship reached the Chamber of Mazarbul on January 15. They were attacked by Orcs and a Cave- Troll which Boromir had tried to hold back. He failed, and door flew into pieces and Orcs led by a terrifying chieftain entered. Boromir killed many Orcs before the chieftain threatened him and then continued to Frodo. Aragorn killed the chieftain and Boromir charged after the others. The Orcs became afraid and scurried away. Boromir then led the Fellowship through the eastern door of the chamber and pulled it shut behind them.
On the Bridge of Khazad-dum, Gandalf challenged a Balrog. Boromir and the Fellowship watched in horror as he fell into the deep black hole below them. He even revealed himself to the Balrog to be from Gondor, crying his homeland's name and wielding his sword, but then Gandalf ordered them to flee. Boromir and Aragorn led the remaining eight Fellowship members out of Moria.
Aragorn assumed the title of leader of the Fellowship. He told them that they would be passing through Lothlorien, but Boromir rejected this idea, stating that the woods were mysterious and dangerous. Aragorn advised that only the evil should fear the Elven wood.
The Fellowship entered Lorien and were brought to Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. Galadriel said that the quest could easily fail, and Boromir doubted her words. He thought she may have been testing them.
Boromir was rather insistant upon taking the rout to Minas Tirith. When the Fellowship was leaving Lorien a month later, Galadriel granted Boromir with a mighty gift: a beautiful gold-colored belt.
Aragorn pondered upon Boromir's request to go to Minas Tirith. He thought it time for Isildur's heir to return to the city, but also he worried that the quest may fail. In the end, he rejected Boromir's insistant suggestion.
The Fellowship sailed down the Anduin in rowboats. Boromir rowed in the same boat with Merry and Pippin. He often sailed close to Frodo's boat, attracted by the Ring. All three Hobbits near Boromir learned to be careful when close to the man.
Danger came on February 23. The water suddenly became rocky and perilous as two tides met. Boromir realized with horror that they were nearing the rapids of Sarn Gebir and he warned his companions. That night, trouble arose as Orcs attacked from the shoreline. That night, a Nazgul rode atop a Fell Beast in attempt to retrieve the Ring from the Fellowship. Legolas slew it with an arrow. Boromir immediately turned to Frodo and demanded him to tell what it that had been malevolently flying above them, but the Hobbit would not say.
Boromir advised that the Fellowship take the rout passed the Entwash and into Gondor, but Aragorn and Frodo intended to go to Amon Hen.
They carried the boats passed the rapids and then continued on to the shores of Nen Hithoel. Frodo went to Amon Hen to make his final decision on February 26. Boromir followed. He tried to convince Frodo to give Gondor the Ring, explaining that the men of Minas Tirith could use it to rebel Sauron. He then began insisting upon having Frodo pass the Ring to him, picturing himself as a mighty King of the West. Frodo declined and Boromir tried to take the Ring by force. Frodo put the Ring on his finger and disappeared. Boromir knelt down and began sobbing and pleading for Frodo to come back, but he was already gone.
Boromir rushed down the hill to tell the Fellowship that he had argued with Frodo and the Hobbit had disappeared. Aragorn ordered him to stand guard while the others searched, but a clan of Uruk-Hai attacked. Boromir fought long and hard, killing Orcs left and right. However, the wicked and terrifying Uruk commander tore Boromir's sword off of the hilt and the Great Horn horn split. Aragorn returned from his fighting and found Boromir lying with little life left upon the ground. Orcs lay scattered around his body. Boromir confessed to having tried to take the Ring from Frodo. Aragorn immediately forgave him and kissed his brow as the mighty Boromir died.
Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli held a funeral ceremony for Boromir. They placed him in a boat with his weaponry and let the flowing water carry him away.
Faramir found Boromir's body three days later when sitting near the Anduin in Osgiliath. Faramir brought the remains of Boromir's weaponry and the Great Horn to his father Denethor. Boromir's body rode in the boat down the Anduin and into the Great Sea.
References
The Lord of the Rings:
The Fellowship of the Ring: "Prologue: Note on Shire Records," page 24; "The Council of Elrond," pages 259, 280, 281, and passim; "The Bridge of Khazad-dum;" "Lothlorien;" "The Mirror of Galadriel," page 373; "Farewell to Lorien," page 385; "The Great River," page 406; "The Breaking of the Fellowship," page 414
The Two Towers: "The Departure of Boromir,"passim; "Window on the West"
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A: "The Numenorean Kings;" "Gondor and the Heirs of Anarion;" "The Stewards," passim
The History of Middle-earth, Volume XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs of Elendil," page 206
The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull, pages 224, 229, 359
The Fellowship of the Ring: "Prologue: Note on Shire Records," page 24; "The Council of Elrond," pages 259, 280, 281, and passim; "The Bridge of Khazad-dum;" "Lothlorien;" "The Mirror of Galadriel," page 373; "Farewell to Lorien," page 385; "The Great River," page 406; "The Breaking of the Fellowship," page 414
The Two Towers: "The Departure of Boromir,"passim; "Window on the West"
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A: "The Numenorean Kings;" "Gondor and the Heirs of Anarion;" "The Stewards," passim
The History of Middle-earth, Volume XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs of Elendil," page 206
The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull, pages 224, 229, 359
Timeline
2978 of the Third Age
Boromir was born in Minas Tirith to Denethor II and Finduilas.
2983
Faramir, Boromir's younger brother, was born.
2984
Denethor II became Steward of Gondor at the death of his father Ecthelion.
2988
Finduilas died.
3018
June 20: Orcs under Sauron attacked Osgiliath and Boromir was one of the last defenders. He swam to safety with Faramir.
July 4: Boromir left Minas Tirith to go to Rivendell in response to a dream.
October 24: Boromir reached Rivendell.
October 25: Boromir attended the Council of Elrond and tried to convince the members to send the Ring to Gondor.
December 18: Boromir joined the Fellowship of the Ring.
December 25: The Fellowship set out from Rivendell and headed south.
3019
January 11: Boromir was tempted by the Ring on Carahras after helping Frodo in the blizzard.
January 13: The Fellowship reached Moria. Boromir tossed a rock into the nearby lake where the Watcher in the Water lived. They entered Moria after being attacked by the Watcher.
January 15: The Fellowship entered the Chamber of Mazarbul and were attacked by Orcs and a Troll. Boromir attempted to stand against the Balrog with Gandalf, but the wizard fell with the beast. Boromir agreed to follow Aragorn's lead.
January 17: The Fellowship arrived in Lothlorien and were brought before Lady Galadriel.
February 15: Boromir tried to convince Aragorn to take the Fellowship to Minas Tirith.
February 16: The Fellowship departed Lorien and Galadriel granted Boromir with a golden belt.
February 17-22: Boromir became more and more attracted to the will of the Ring on the river.
February 23: Orcs attacked the Fellowship near the rapids of Sarn Gebir.
February 24: Boromir tried again to convince Aragorn to lead them to Minas Tirith. Aragorn refused.
February 26: Boromir attempted to steal the Ring from Frodo and failed. He then sounded the Great Horn and protected Merry and Pippin, but was killed by attacking Uruk-Hai. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli held a funeral.
February 29: In Osgiliath, Faramir saw Boromir's body in a row boat floating down the Anduin.
Names & Meanings:
Boromir:
Boromir comes from the word boron, which means "trustworthy man" or "noble man," and mir means "treasure."
Captain:
Boromir was a Captain of Gondor and a Captain of the White Tower. He was also called Captain-General and eventually High Warden of the White Tower.
Prince:
Boromir was a son of Denethor II, Steward of Gondor. He was next in line for the stewardship, so was called Prince of the city. "The city" was Minas Tirith.
Boromir the Bold/Tall/Fair:
Boromir was called Bold, Tall, and Fair by Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli at his funeral.
Gallery:
Image Credits
The top two images are of Boromir played by Sean Bean in the New Line Cinema film trilogy of the Lord of the Rings directed by Peter Jackson.
The bottom left image is a Decipher Card of Boromir's shield. The bottom right image is a painting of Boromir by artist Ted Nasmith.
The bottom left image is a Decipher Card of Boromir's shield. The bottom right image is a painting of Boromir by artist Ted Nasmith.
All Pages Copyright © 2010, The Middle-Earth Encyclopedia