Birth: 2930 of the Third Age
Death: March 15, 3019 Race: Men Culture: Gondorians Hair Color: Grey Eye Color: Blue Skin Color: White Father: Ecthelion II Mother: Unknown Siblings: 2 unnamed sisters Spouse: Finduilas Children: Boromir & Faramir Residence: Minas Tirith in Gondor |
Biography
Denethor II was the 26th ruling-steward of Gondor. He was also the final steward to rule over the kingdom, for the Return of the King occurred the very year that Denethor died. Denethor's favoring of his eldest son Boromir, his selfish intentions, and his belief that there was no hope for men ultimately brought about his downfall.
Denethor II was born in 2930 of the Third Age in the city of Minas Tirith. He was the only son of Ecthelion II. His father was the 25th ruling-steward. Denethor grew to resemble a man of Numenor in likeness, for he was tall, strong, and bold. He was very studious and spent much of his childhood pouring over books in the archives of Minas Tirith. He learned a great deal about the history of Numenor and Gondor during this time.
As the years passed and Denethor grew from a boy to a man, the enemy Sauron was massing his strength in the east. He had power over much of the Anduin and frequently challenged Gondor. Mount Doom erupted causing many of the peoples of Gondor to abandon Ithilien for central Gondor.
Early in Denethor's life, Thorongil arrived in Minas Tirith. The mysterious man was from the North, in fact he was one of the Chieftains of the Dunedain. His true identity was then unknown, but it turned out that he was Aragorn. Thorongil and Ecthelion became very close friends and allies, causing jealousy to run through the veins of Denethor. The young man and Steward-to-be became miserable, unhappy, and resentful.
Thorongil advised Ecthelion well. He warned him that Gandalf was wise, but Saruman was not trustworthy. Denethor saw Thorongil as a threat to Gondor, though Thorongil did not challenge Denethor's position.
Thorongil attacked Umbar, home to the Corsairs, who were fierce allies of Sauron. Denethor opposed Thorongil and was prejudice against him because he claimed to be the heir to the throne of Gondor. Denethor was therefore against attacking Umbar.
Thorongil soon left Minas Tirith suddenly, to Denethor's delight. In 2984, Ecthelion died and Denethor was named 26th ruling-Steward of Gondor. He became tall and proud and the people looked up to him. His symbol was a white banner and he wore grey, black, and white. He sat proudly in Tower Hall in a lesser throne given to Stewards. He bore a rod rather then a crown and a sceptre, but was completely in control of Gondor and had the duties of a king.
Denethor soon was married to Finduilas of Dol Amroth, the daughter of Prince Adrahil and the sister of Prince Imrahil. They were wed in 2976. Denethor was content with the fact that the powers of both the Stewards of Gondor and the Princes of Dol Amroth were now ruling this mighty country.
In 2978, just two years after the marriage, Finduilas gave birth to a mighty son, whom they named Boromir. Denethor loved Boromir. His first son was the best thing that had ever happened to him. In 2983, Faramir was born. Denethor did not care for his second born, for he felt him unimportant.
Denethor began using the palantir located in the Tower of Ecthelion called the Anor-Stone. Denethor used it to communicate with other stones throughout Middle-Earth. Most of the other stones were lost or forgotten, which meant that the Anor-Stone guided Denethor to images or films of events happening throughout Middle-Earth. Denethor wished to be wiser than Gandalf and stronger than Aragorn, which was initially why he had taken to using the stone.
After several years, Sauron took note that Denethor was using the Stone. Sauron possessed the Ithil-Stone, which he used to watch his enemies closely. He eventually seized Denethor's attention, and with that he manipulated images into showing untrue pictures. These pictures made it seem as though the end of Gondor was dangerously near.
This illusion made Denethor fear that Gondor was the key enemy of Mordor, and that war would soon break out. He did not realize that this war would concern the entirety of Middle-Earth and its fate. His son Boromir thought like Denethor. They agreed that they would take it upon themselves to defend Gondor.
In 2988, Finduilas died because of the growing shadow of Mordor. Not only was Denethor devastated by his wife's death, but he began to lose much of his sanity. It was ten-year-old Boromir who was held responsible for raising the five-year-old Faramir.
Denethor trusted and respected Boromir. He frowned upon Faramir, who grew to love books rather than war. Denethor made his first born a Captain of Gondor and leader of Osgiliath, while he enforced his second born to be Captain of the Rangers of Ithilien. Faramir's task was to defend the outskirts of Gondor from enemy attacks. In 3017, Gandalf the Grey began visiting Minas Tirith to find information about Isildur and Isildur's Bane in the archives. Denethor resented Gandalf, for this Wizard wished that Aragorn would return to the throne. Faramir befriended Gandalf, causing Denethor to be even more disappointed with Faramir and banish the friendship.
On June 20 of 3018, Sauron struck Gondor. He sent his deadliest servant the Witch-King to attack Osgiliath. Faramir and Boromir were left behind defending the city, and eventually swam to safety. Though they both showed heroic qualities, Denethor honored only Boromir. Additionally, Osgiliath and the outskirts of Gondor were partially lost. This made it nonsensical for Denethor to honor anyone.
During the night of June 20, both of Denethor's sons had a dream displaying light in the west and shadow in the east. A voice spoke of the sword which was broken and stated that this mighty weapon was in Imladris. When the brothers questioned Denethor about their mysterious dream, he only informed them that Imladris was Rivendell, home to an Elven-Lord called Elrond.
Denethor secretly knew all of the contents of the dream. He knew that the sword that was in Rivendell was in fact Narsil, the sword of Isildur. The reason Denethor did not dare share this with his sons was because the sword represented the kings of Gondor. If the king of Gondor was found, Denethor would only be second-in-command as Steward. What he did not realize was that the return of the king was inevitable.
Faramir volunteered to go north to Rivendell to investigate. Boromir also volunteered. Denethor had all of the faith in the world for Boromir, so he reluctantly sent him, regretting it the second his son left.
Denethor grew to suspect that Isildur's Bane was in fact the One Ring of Sauron. He suddenly had a desire for it, foolishly thinking it could save Gondor from decay. However, the One Ring had only the power to destroy, and men could not use it properly. They were easily misguided by its power.
On February 26, 3019, Boromir sounded the Great Horn, which was heard by Denethor and Faramir. They feared for Boromir, but could do nothing. That night, the Great Horn was found split in two pieces in the waters of the Anduin. The pieces were brought before Denethor, who held them tightly, awaiting news of his son's fate. However, though he did not admit it, Denethor knew his mighty son had been slain.
Denethor became completely deranged after the death of his son. He mourned most of the time and took to weeping. Nevertheless, Denethor prepared Gondor for war to the best of his abilities.
In the east, Sauron's forces were massing. He knew Gondor was ever so weak, but this did not mean he was ready to simply assault them. Instead, he was prepared to send of force of six-hundred thousand orcs and eighteen thousand strong from Harad as well as a fleet of Corsairs ready to attack from the Anduin. Additionally, he waged war with the Rohirrim, who were the last possible alliance Gondor could call upon.
Denethor was armed at all times. He slept with a sword and shield. He also practiced every day. He sent the Gondorian women and children to the southern provinces, where Sauron was less likely to strike. All of the soldiers and guards were put into their proper places. Many of the able-bodied men of Gondor were drafted.
Denethor commanded his soldiers to travel to the Beacon Hills and light the Beacons of war in order to call for aid. Denethor had heard word that the Corsairs were to attack Gondor from the south, so on March 7 he was forced to take action. The messenger Hirgon was sent to Rohan with the Red Arrow, a symbol of the alliance that existed between the peoples of Gondor and the Rohirrim.
On March 7, Gandalf arrived in Minas Tirith with a Hobbit named Pippin Took. Gandalf announced that Rohan had won the Battle of Helm's Deep. Denethor already knew this because he saw it using the palantir. What interested him most was Pippin's version of Boromir's death.
Pippin confirmed that Boromir had indeed been very brave. He then said that the bravest of men could be pierced by one arrow, and Boromir was pierced by many. This made Denethor feel a bit uneasy.
Denethor then revealed that he thought Gandalf and Aragorn were working to take the rule away from him.
He was not at all content with this.
Pippin pitied the ailing Steward. Despite Gandalf's warning, Pippin knelt down and offered his services to Gondor. He then displayed his sword before Denethor. Denethor accepted Pippin's request, though he suspected that the Hobbit only wished to spy on behalf of Gandalf.
On March 8, Faramir retreated from Osgiliath with the few surviving soldiers who attempted to keep Mordor out of reach of Minas Tirith. Denethor was again most displeased with his son not only for abandoning the fortress, but also for not taking the One Ring from Frodo Baggins, whom he had encountered in Ithilien. Faramir tried to explain to his stubborn father that the Ring has only the power to destroy and was against Gondor, but Denethor believed this to be false. He believed that the Ring could save Gondor at the uttermost end of need. To break Faramir's heart, Denethor told him that he wished that his sons' places had been exchanged. He wished that Faramir had died and Boromir had lived. Trying to avoid tears, Faramir assured his father that he would do his best in Boromir's stead.
On March 11, Denethor called in all of the captains of Gondor for a meeting of the upmost importance. He informed them of his plan to retake the Anduin River in Osgiliath. Faramir knew in his heart that this was a hopeless task, but he volunteered to lead this force. He knew he would surely die, for Mordor's forces were far too great, but he was willing to risk this for his home city.
Faramir set out and was immediately outnumbered ten to one. The Witch King led an army of immense power and force across the river-crossing. The majority of Faramir's army had been slain. Denethor watched this unfortunate event through the palantir. He then noticed Sauron's forces seizing Cair Andros, which was further to the north of the river.
Denethor sent out another army led by Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth. Faramir was one of the few survivors in Osgiliath, but he was badly wounded. Faramir was believed to be dead.
Before the funeral, Denethor rushed up to the peak of the Tower of Ecthelion to look into the palantir one last time. He saw a vision of Frodo, the Ring-barer, alone in the Tower of Cirith Ungol. He assumed that the Ring had been taken by Sauron and that all hope was lost. He then feared for the power of Gondor, which was waining ever so quickly as Sauron's strength waxed. Denethor knelt beside a dying Faramir and immediately felt guilty about his negative treatment towards his own son. He knew Faramir to be near-death, so he let him rest. He then tried to convince the men to abandon their posts. Gandalf took over Gondor's defenses and tried to fight off the orcs. Denethor believed Faramir to be dead and carried him down the Silent Street to the House of Stewards, where he would later hold a funeral in which Faramir's body would be burned. On March 15, Denethor sent for wood and oil so that he and Faramir could both burn like the Kings of old. Denethor believed that there was so little hope that he wished to commit suicide rather than live through it. Denethor's servants created a funeral pyre. Pippin tried to stop them, and was therefore dismissed from serving Denethor. Pippin rushed to fetch the guard Beregond and Gandalf, for he knew Faramir to be alive. Denethor quickly set flame to the pyre before being stopped by the Wizard whom he despised. After being halted from his actions of suicide, he attempted to stab Faramir with a knife. Pippin rushed into the fire to save Faramir while Beregond took hold of Denethor. Pippin heroically succeeded. But Denethor was determined to die, so he set himself aflame. As Denethor burned, he ran. He ran as fast as he could across Minas Tirith and into the Battle of Pelennor Fields itself. Denethor died as he fell into battle. His corpse was likely harpooned by orcs or simply turned to ash.
Denethor II was born in 2930 of the Third Age in the city of Minas Tirith. He was the only son of Ecthelion II. His father was the 25th ruling-steward. Denethor grew to resemble a man of Numenor in likeness, for he was tall, strong, and bold. He was very studious and spent much of his childhood pouring over books in the archives of Minas Tirith. He learned a great deal about the history of Numenor and Gondor during this time.
As the years passed and Denethor grew from a boy to a man, the enemy Sauron was massing his strength in the east. He had power over much of the Anduin and frequently challenged Gondor. Mount Doom erupted causing many of the peoples of Gondor to abandon Ithilien for central Gondor.
Early in Denethor's life, Thorongil arrived in Minas Tirith. The mysterious man was from the North, in fact he was one of the Chieftains of the Dunedain. His true identity was then unknown, but it turned out that he was Aragorn. Thorongil and Ecthelion became very close friends and allies, causing jealousy to run through the veins of Denethor. The young man and Steward-to-be became miserable, unhappy, and resentful.
Thorongil advised Ecthelion well. He warned him that Gandalf was wise, but Saruman was not trustworthy. Denethor saw Thorongil as a threat to Gondor, though Thorongil did not challenge Denethor's position.
Thorongil attacked Umbar, home to the Corsairs, who were fierce allies of Sauron. Denethor opposed Thorongil and was prejudice against him because he claimed to be the heir to the throne of Gondor. Denethor was therefore against attacking Umbar.
Thorongil soon left Minas Tirith suddenly, to Denethor's delight. In 2984, Ecthelion died and Denethor was named 26th ruling-Steward of Gondor. He became tall and proud and the people looked up to him. His symbol was a white banner and he wore grey, black, and white. He sat proudly in Tower Hall in a lesser throne given to Stewards. He bore a rod rather then a crown and a sceptre, but was completely in control of Gondor and had the duties of a king.
Denethor soon was married to Finduilas of Dol Amroth, the daughter of Prince Adrahil and the sister of Prince Imrahil. They were wed in 2976. Denethor was content with the fact that the powers of both the Stewards of Gondor and the Princes of Dol Amroth were now ruling this mighty country.
In 2978, just two years after the marriage, Finduilas gave birth to a mighty son, whom they named Boromir. Denethor loved Boromir. His first son was the best thing that had ever happened to him. In 2983, Faramir was born. Denethor did not care for his second born, for he felt him unimportant.
Denethor began using the palantir located in the Tower of Ecthelion called the Anor-Stone. Denethor used it to communicate with other stones throughout Middle-Earth. Most of the other stones were lost or forgotten, which meant that the Anor-Stone guided Denethor to images or films of events happening throughout Middle-Earth. Denethor wished to be wiser than Gandalf and stronger than Aragorn, which was initially why he had taken to using the stone.
After several years, Sauron took note that Denethor was using the Stone. Sauron possessed the Ithil-Stone, which he used to watch his enemies closely. He eventually seized Denethor's attention, and with that he manipulated images into showing untrue pictures. These pictures made it seem as though the end of Gondor was dangerously near.
This illusion made Denethor fear that Gondor was the key enemy of Mordor, and that war would soon break out. He did not realize that this war would concern the entirety of Middle-Earth and its fate. His son Boromir thought like Denethor. They agreed that they would take it upon themselves to defend Gondor.
In 2988, Finduilas died because of the growing shadow of Mordor. Not only was Denethor devastated by his wife's death, but he began to lose much of his sanity. It was ten-year-old Boromir who was held responsible for raising the five-year-old Faramir.
Denethor trusted and respected Boromir. He frowned upon Faramir, who grew to love books rather than war. Denethor made his first born a Captain of Gondor and leader of Osgiliath, while he enforced his second born to be Captain of the Rangers of Ithilien. Faramir's task was to defend the outskirts of Gondor from enemy attacks. In 3017, Gandalf the Grey began visiting Minas Tirith to find information about Isildur and Isildur's Bane in the archives. Denethor resented Gandalf, for this Wizard wished that Aragorn would return to the throne. Faramir befriended Gandalf, causing Denethor to be even more disappointed with Faramir and banish the friendship.
On June 20 of 3018, Sauron struck Gondor. He sent his deadliest servant the Witch-King to attack Osgiliath. Faramir and Boromir were left behind defending the city, and eventually swam to safety. Though they both showed heroic qualities, Denethor honored only Boromir. Additionally, Osgiliath and the outskirts of Gondor were partially lost. This made it nonsensical for Denethor to honor anyone.
During the night of June 20, both of Denethor's sons had a dream displaying light in the west and shadow in the east. A voice spoke of the sword which was broken and stated that this mighty weapon was in Imladris. When the brothers questioned Denethor about their mysterious dream, he only informed them that Imladris was Rivendell, home to an Elven-Lord called Elrond.
Denethor secretly knew all of the contents of the dream. He knew that the sword that was in Rivendell was in fact Narsil, the sword of Isildur. The reason Denethor did not dare share this with his sons was because the sword represented the kings of Gondor. If the king of Gondor was found, Denethor would only be second-in-command as Steward. What he did not realize was that the return of the king was inevitable.
Faramir volunteered to go north to Rivendell to investigate. Boromir also volunteered. Denethor had all of the faith in the world for Boromir, so he reluctantly sent him, regretting it the second his son left.
Denethor grew to suspect that Isildur's Bane was in fact the One Ring of Sauron. He suddenly had a desire for it, foolishly thinking it could save Gondor from decay. However, the One Ring had only the power to destroy, and men could not use it properly. They were easily misguided by its power.
On February 26, 3019, Boromir sounded the Great Horn, which was heard by Denethor and Faramir. They feared for Boromir, but could do nothing. That night, the Great Horn was found split in two pieces in the waters of the Anduin. The pieces were brought before Denethor, who held them tightly, awaiting news of his son's fate. However, though he did not admit it, Denethor knew his mighty son had been slain.
Denethor became completely deranged after the death of his son. He mourned most of the time and took to weeping. Nevertheless, Denethor prepared Gondor for war to the best of his abilities.
In the east, Sauron's forces were massing. He knew Gondor was ever so weak, but this did not mean he was ready to simply assault them. Instead, he was prepared to send of force of six-hundred thousand orcs and eighteen thousand strong from Harad as well as a fleet of Corsairs ready to attack from the Anduin. Additionally, he waged war with the Rohirrim, who were the last possible alliance Gondor could call upon.
Denethor was armed at all times. He slept with a sword and shield. He also practiced every day. He sent the Gondorian women and children to the southern provinces, where Sauron was less likely to strike. All of the soldiers and guards were put into their proper places. Many of the able-bodied men of Gondor were drafted.
Denethor commanded his soldiers to travel to the Beacon Hills and light the Beacons of war in order to call for aid. Denethor had heard word that the Corsairs were to attack Gondor from the south, so on March 7 he was forced to take action. The messenger Hirgon was sent to Rohan with the Red Arrow, a symbol of the alliance that existed between the peoples of Gondor and the Rohirrim.
On March 7, Gandalf arrived in Minas Tirith with a Hobbit named Pippin Took. Gandalf announced that Rohan had won the Battle of Helm's Deep. Denethor already knew this because he saw it using the palantir. What interested him most was Pippin's version of Boromir's death.
Pippin confirmed that Boromir had indeed been very brave. He then said that the bravest of men could be pierced by one arrow, and Boromir was pierced by many. This made Denethor feel a bit uneasy.
Denethor then revealed that he thought Gandalf and Aragorn were working to take the rule away from him.
He was not at all content with this.
Pippin pitied the ailing Steward. Despite Gandalf's warning, Pippin knelt down and offered his services to Gondor. He then displayed his sword before Denethor. Denethor accepted Pippin's request, though he suspected that the Hobbit only wished to spy on behalf of Gandalf.
On March 8, Faramir retreated from Osgiliath with the few surviving soldiers who attempted to keep Mordor out of reach of Minas Tirith. Denethor was again most displeased with his son not only for abandoning the fortress, but also for not taking the One Ring from Frodo Baggins, whom he had encountered in Ithilien. Faramir tried to explain to his stubborn father that the Ring has only the power to destroy and was against Gondor, but Denethor believed this to be false. He believed that the Ring could save Gondor at the uttermost end of need. To break Faramir's heart, Denethor told him that he wished that his sons' places had been exchanged. He wished that Faramir had died and Boromir had lived. Trying to avoid tears, Faramir assured his father that he would do his best in Boromir's stead.
On March 11, Denethor called in all of the captains of Gondor for a meeting of the upmost importance. He informed them of his plan to retake the Anduin River in Osgiliath. Faramir knew in his heart that this was a hopeless task, but he volunteered to lead this force. He knew he would surely die, for Mordor's forces were far too great, but he was willing to risk this for his home city.
Faramir set out and was immediately outnumbered ten to one. The Witch King led an army of immense power and force across the river-crossing. The majority of Faramir's army had been slain. Denethor watched this unfortunate event through the palantir. He then noticed Sauron's forces seizing Cair Andros, which was further to the north of the river.
Denethor sent out another army led by Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth. Faramir was one of the few survivors in Osgiliath, but he was badly wounded. Faramir was believed to be dead.
Before the funeral, Denethor rushed up to the peak of the Tower of Ecthelion to look into the palantir one last time. He saw a vision of Frodo, the Ring-barer, alone in the Tower of Cirith Ungol. He assumed that the Ring had been taken by Sauron and that all hope was lost. He then feared for the power of Gondor, which was waining ever so quickly as Sauron's strength waxed. Denethor knelt beside a dying Faramir and immediately felt guilty about his negative treatment towards his own son. He knew Faramir to be near-death, so he let him rest. He then tried to convince the men to abandon their posts. Gandalf took over Gondor's defenses and tried to fight off the orcs. Denethor believed Faramir to be dead and carried him down the Silent Street to the House of Stewards, where he would later hold a funeral in which Faramir's body would be burned. On March 15, Denethor sent for wood and oil so that he and Faramir could both burn like the Kings of old. Denethor believed that there was so little hope that he wished to commit suicide rather than live through it. Denethor's servants created a funeral pyre. Pippin tried to stop them, and was therefore dismissed from serving Denethor. Pippin rushed to fetch the guard Beregond and Gandalf, for he knew Faramir to be alive. Denethor quickly set flame to the pyre before being stopped by the Wizard whom he despised. After being halted from his actions of suicide, he attempted to stab Faramir with a knife. Pippin rushed into the fire to save Faramir while Beregond took hold of Denethor. Pippin heroically succeeded. But Denethor was determined to die, so he set himself aflame. As Denethor burned, he ran. He ran as fast as he could across Minas Tirith and into the Battle of Pelennor Fields itself. Denethor died as he fell into battle. His corpse was likely harpooned by orcs or simply turned to ash.
References
The Lord of the Rings:
The Fellowship of the Ring: "The Council of Elrond," page 259
The Return of the King: "Minas Tirith;" "The Siege of Gondor," pages 90-99 and passim; "The Pyre of Denethor," pages 129-130 and passim; "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields;" "The Steward and the King," passim
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A: "The Numenorean Kings;" "The Realms in Exilel;" "Gondor and the Heirs of Anarion;" "The Stewards"
The Unfinished Tales: "The Palantíri"
The War of the Jewels, "Part Four, Quendi and Eldar: Author's Notes to Quendi and Eldar", Note 17
The History of Middle-earth, Volume XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs of Elendil", page 206
The Fellowship of the Ring: "The Council of Elrond," page 259
The Return of the King: "Minas Tirith;" "The Siege of Gondor," pages 90-99 and passim; "The Pyre of Denethor," pages 129-130 and passim; "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields;" "The Steward and the King," passim
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A: "The Numenorean Kings;" "The Realms in Exilel;" "Gondor and the Heirs of Anarion;" "The Stewards"
The Unfinished Tales: "The Palantíri"
The War of the Jewels, "Part Four, Quendi and Eldar: Author's Notes to Quendi and Eldar", Note 17
The History of Middle-earth, Volume XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs of Elendil", page 206
Timeline
2930 of the Third Age
Denethor was born to Ecthelion in Minas Tirith with two older sisters.
2970s
Thorongil arrived in Minas Tirith and Denethor became immensely jealous, for his father Ecthelion favored Thorongil over Denethor himself.
2980
Thorongil departed from Gondor to Denethor's relief.
2976
Denethor and Finduilas were married in Minas Tirith.
2978
Denethor's first son Boromir was born.
2983
Faramir was born. Denethor considered him rather useless.
2984
At the death of Ecthelion, Denethor became the twenty-sixth Ruling-Steward of Gondor.
2988
Finduilas died due to the growing shadow of Sauron.
3017
When Gandalf arrived at Minas Tirith, he befriended Faramir in the archives. This angered Denethor.
3018
June 19: Both of Denethor's sons had the same dream about the sword Narsil and Isildur's Bane. Denethor knew that the sword was that of the King, but her only told that Imladris was in the North and was also known as Rivendell.
June 20: The Witch-King led an assault on Osgiliath. Both of Denethor's sons held the bridge and then retreated to Minas Tirith.
July 4: Boromir decided to travel to Rivendell to learn about the dream he had.
3019
February 26: Denethor and Faramir heard Boromir sounding the Great Horn. Boromir died.
March 7: It was revealed to Gondor that the Corsairs planned to attack from the Anduin.
March 8: Denethor had the Beacons of Gondor lit, summoning aid from Rohan.
March 9: Pippin and Gandalf reached the city to report their victory at Helm's Deep. Pippin offered Gondor his services. Denethor sent Hirgon to Rohan with the Red arrow, summoning aid.
March 10: Faramir returned to Minas Tirith to find his father most displeased because he did not take the Ring from Frodo. Through use of the palantir, Denethor saw Orcs taking Cair Andros.
March 11: Denethor ordered Faramir to retake the river crossing at Osgiliath, realizing it hopeless.
March 12: Faramir was outnumbered ten to one. He retreated as Mordor advanced.
March 13: Faramir was returned to Minas Tirith, nearly dead. Denethor looked into the palantir to find Frodo suffering, making him think that Sauron had the Ring.
March 14: Denethor looked after his dying son. He then looked into the palantir to find a fleet of Corsair ships, making him believe hope was lost.
March 15: Denethor attempted to set himself aflame, along with his son Faramir, on the funeral pyre. While Faramir was rescued by Pippin, Denethor committed suicide.
Names & Meanings
Denethor II was not the only Denethor. Denethor I was the second Steward of Gondor, while the Elf Denethor lived in the First Age.
Denethor II:
Denethor translates as "lithe and lank." It comes from dene, meaning "strong" or "lithe," and thara, meaning "tall."
Lord Steward:
Denethor, as twenty-sixth Ruling-Steward of Gondor, was called a Lord and a Steward, as well as Lord of the City, Lord of the White Tower, and Great Lord of Men.
Denethor II:
Denethor translates as "lithe and lank." It comes from dene, meaning "strong" or "lithe," and thara, meaning "tall."
Lord Steward:
Denethor, as twenty-sixth Ruling-Steward of Gondor, was called a Lord and a Steward, as well as Lord of the City, Lord of the White Tower, and Great Lord of Men.
Gallery:
Image Credits:
John Noble played Denethor in the New Line Cinema film Trilogy of The Lord of the Rings directed by Peter Jackson.
Denethor's sword on the bottom left of the Gallery is a Decipher Card image. Denethor had been painted by artist Anke-Katrin Eissmann. This painted is located in the bottom right of the Gallery.
Denethor's sword on the bottom left of the Gallery is a Decipher Card image. Denethor had been painted by artist Anke-Katrin Eissmann. This painted is located in the bottom right of the Gallery.
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