Birth: 2983 of the Third Age
Death: Year 82 of the Fourth Age Race: Men Culture: Gondorian Hair Color: Dark Eye Color: Grey Skin Color: White Residences: Minas Tirith and Ithilien in Gondor Father: Denethor II Mother: Finduilas Siblings: older brother - Boromir Spouse: Eowyn Children: 1 son - Elboron |
Biography
Faramir was a noble and honest man of Gondor who was the son of the Steward. Faramir lived in Minas Tirith with his father Denethor II, his mother Finduilas, and his older brother Boromir. Boromir was also a noble man and a prince, as well as a member of the Fellowship of the Ring. However, Boromir let the One Ring overcome him and tried to take it away from its bearer, Frodo Baggins. Faramir allowed Frodo and the Ring passage to Mordor for the Ring's destruction, for he knew it was right.
Faramir was born in 2983. In 2984, Denethor II became Steward of Gondor. Denethor was proud at first, but at the death of his wife four years later, he began losing his sanity. It was ten-year-old Boromir who raised the five-year-old Faramir.
As Faramir grew up, he took an interest in learning about nature and the Earth, while Boromir took an interest in war. Faramir was skilled with a blade, but he preferred pouring over old books and taking in much knowledge. The brothers got along very well and were great friends and allies, yet their father Denethor favored Boromir to an extreme extent.
Faramir met Gandalf in the archives of Minas Tirith. This wizard was kind and knowledgeable, and the two made fast friends. Faramir helped guide Gandalf to the manuscripts of Isildur, and it was he who guessed that Isildur had taken something out of the mighty hand of Sauron during the War of the Last Alliance. Denethor was not fond of Gandalf. In fact, he distrusted the wizard and forbade friendship between Gandalf and Faramir.
Denethor did give some things to Faramir. He made his son Captain of the Rangers of Ithilien who guarded Gondor at its outskirts near Mordor. This was not an easy task at all - indeed, it was very challenging and Faramir did not enjoy it very much at all.
Faramir and Boromir both guarded Osgiliath one day in June of 3018. The Witch-King of Angmar, the deadliest servant of Sauron, attacked with a large force. The brothers guarded the bridge together while others retreated. When the bridge collapsed, the brothers swam to safety on the western shoreline and retreated to Minas Tirith.
That same June, Faramir 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. Faramir had this dream several times before his brother did. They reported it to Denethor, who refused to tell them very much information. He only replied that Imladris was an alternative name for the Elven city of Rivendell, in which the lord Elrond dwelt. Faramir agreed to travel north to investigate, but Boromir insisted that only the strongest of Gondorian warriors could handle this task. Boromir left on July 4, 3018 and never returned.
Faramir and Denethor heard the sounding of the Great Horn on February 26, 3019. Boromir had possessed
this token, and blew it in times of need. Faramir was guarding Osgiliath at the western shore at midnight several days later when he say a row boat floating down the Anduin. He approached, suspicious, and found the dead body of Boromir with the Great Horn torn in two.
Faramir had urgent matters to tend to as lead Ranger. At the Eastern outskirts of Gondor, large regiments of Haradrim marched from the south to Mordor as allies of Sauron. Faramir led companies to frequently ambush their southern enemies. One day, the Rangers found Frodo and Sam Gamgee in Ithilien. Faramir held them captive, for he thought them to be spies at first. But then he recalled that Hobbits had been mentioned in his dream, so he changed his mind. Nevertheless, he still decided to keep them held for a while. They were guarded by Damrod and Mablung during the ambush of the Haradrim.
When Faramir returned, he had many questions. He inquired about their secret quest, of which they told him about. Frodo revealed that Aragorn, heir to the throne of Gondor, was among their companions. While many of the Rangers stood in shock at this, Faramir was assured that they would need to be sure he was heir before he could be crowned High King. Faramir was also interested in the death of his brother. Frodo confirmed that Boromir had been a member of the fellowship, but did not know that he had died. Faramir lastly asked about Isildur's Bane, but Frodo would not speak of it. Faramir knew that it held a great evil power that he could not control, but he was still interested.
At Henneth Annun, Sam confirmed that Isildur's Bane was indeed the One Ring of Sauron. He regretted it immediately, realizing that men could not control their desire for it. Faramir, unlike his brother, did not attempt to take the Ring from them and instead left them alone. He became very sad about his dead brother, knowing he had only done what he thought was necessary to help save Gondor.
The creature Gollum, who had been leading the Hobbits, entered the Forbidden Pool that night in search of Fish. Frodo bowed down on his hands and knees begging and pleading Faramir not to slay the creature. Faramir eventually spared Gollum, though he knew he should have rightfully killed him.
Frodo informed Faramir that they intended to take the rout of Cirith Ungol. Faramir warned that there was a nameless danger in the passage, but could not say what.
Faramir made a final decision to release the companions. He thought it right that they should continue the quest, not to mention the fact that they could save Middle-Earth. Faramir knew Denethor would be most displeased, but told himself that what he was doing was right. And right it was indeed. As a parting gift, Faramir granted the Hobbits with sticks of lebethron wood.
There was not very much time for a farewell. Gondor would soon be under attack. The Rangers of Ithilien departed Henneth Annun for the island of Cair Andros in the Anduin River. There was a growing shadow from Mordor that covered the sky. In the morning, the darkness did not disappear. Many of the Rangers rode to Osgiliath while Faramir led a small company to Minas Tirith. Many were pursued by winged Nazgul.
In Minas Tirith, Faramir saw Frodo's friend and former companion Peregrin Took with Gandalf. He was astonished - he had seen two Hobbits in one week. He reported to Gandalf that he had seen Frodo and Sam, and then told them they planned to take the Cirith Ungol rout. He then rushed to top of the city to report his encounter with the Hobbits to his father, who was greatly angered by the fact that his son had not decided to take the One Ring from them.
The Witch-King led a great force of Minas Morgul to attack Gondor. Faramir left Minas Tirith to defend the eastern border of the country. The enemy took the river in Osgiliath successfully, forcing Faramir to pull his forces back to the Causeway Forts, where the enemy outnumbered the forces of Gondor ten to one. Faramir tried to keep the fort, but it was eventually lost and he was again forced to retreat, this time to the city of Minas Tirith.
Faramir and his few surviving rangers found that this city was under complete siege. They hurried in through the Great Gates. All of Faramir's soldiers made it through, but he was pierced with and arrow. Gandalf and Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth rushed to Faramir's aid. Imrahil brought an unconscious Faramir before his father Denethor who made the decision to burn his body. Unbeknownst to Imrahil, Faramir was not dead, only wounded. Denethor may have known this, but he ignored the fact. He himself wanted to burn, for he had no hope for the future of Gondor. Denethor brought Faramir to the White Tower.
Denethor ordered his men to set up a funeral pyre for Faramir. They set Faramir in the House of Stewards in the Silent Street. Pippin realized this was wrong and rushed to find help. Beregond rushed to Faramir's aid and halted the guards who were about to light Faramir aflame. Gandalf rushed in and Denethor tried to grab Faramir, but failed. Faramir was saved. He was wounded, and called for his father, who soon burned himself alive and jumped straight in to a vast army of attacking Orcs. Faramir was taken to the Houses of Healing. He was worried that he had been pierced by one of the Witch-King's poisonous darts. Aragorn assured him that the he was pierced only by an arrow of the Haradrim. Faramir then fainted from the death of his father and the horror of battle, especially against the Nazgul.
Aragorn treated Faramir with athelas. Faramir began to see Aragorn as the leader of men and High King of Gondor.
Faramir stayed behind while Aragorn led the Host of the West to attack Mordor at the Black Gate. Faramir met Eowyn of Rohan one morning. She was very beautiful, but seemed disappointed that she could not participate in battle. Faramir was intrigued by Eowyn's kindness and beauty. He grew to love her. They walked in the gardens everyday, discussing their histories and the war.
On March 25, 3019, Faramir and Eowyn were in the gardens looking to the east, where Mordor lay. Faramir gave Eowyn his mother's blue mantle with stars as a gift. He and Eowyn watched as a black cloud erupted from the east. This reminded him of a dream he often had - a dream of Numenor and its downfall. He suddenly felt the urge to kiss Eowyn, so he did upon the brow.
Eowyn was still upset about being rejected by Aragorn. She had loved him dearly, but he had another loved one. Faramir proposed to her in the garden. After some consideration, she accepted and they kissed in open view.
Faramir was named Steward of Gondor. He prepared for the crowning of the new king, Aragorn. On May 1, Aragorn arrived in Minas Tirith and Faramir brought the Crown of Gondor before him. He gave it to Gandalf, who crowned Aragorn High King of Gondor and Arnor.
Faramir was also named Prince of Ithilien. He formed the White Company, who lived and patrolled the eastern borders of Gondor after the War of the Ring. Faramir and his rangers made a collaborative effort to remove the remainder of the Orcs and clean the Morgul Vale of shadow and evil. He worked often with Imrahil, for they both were the counsellors and chief advisors of Aragorn. Faramir was the second-in-command as Steward, and if there was any absence of a king, he would rule.
Faramir married Eowyn in 3020 and they moved to Emyn Arnen in western Ithilien, near Minas Tirith. The couple had one son named Elboron. It is very likely that they had other children as well.
In year 83 of the Fourth Age, Faramir died. He had achieved many goals in life, and was ultimately successful at his duties. Elboron became Steward of Gondor and Prince of Ithilien after the death of his father.
Faramir was born in 2983. In 2984, Denethor II became Steward of Gondor. Denethor was proud at first, but at the death of his wife four years later, he began losing his sanity. It was ten-year-old Boromir who raised the five-year-old Faramir.
As Faramir grew up, he took an interest in learning about nature and the Earth, while Boromir took an interest in war. Faramir was skilled with a blade, but he preferred pouring over old books and taking in much knowledge. The brothers got along very well and were great friends and allies, yet their father Denethor favored Boromir to an extreme extent.
Faramir met Gandalf in the archives of Minas Tirith. This wizard was kind and knowledgeable, and the two made fast friends. Faramir helped guide Gandalf to the manuscripts of Isildur, and it was he who guessed that Isildur had taken something out of the mighty hand of Sauron during the War of the Last Alliance. Denethor was not fond of Gandalf. In fact, he distrusted the wizard and forbade friendship between Gandalf and Faramir.
Denethor did give some things to Faramir. He made his son Captain of the Rangers of Ithilien who guarded Gondor at its outskirts near Mordor. This was not an easy task at all - indeed, it was very challenging and Faramir did not enjoy it very much at all.
Faramir and Boromir both guarded Osgiliath one day in June of 3018. The Witch-King of Angmar, the deadliest servant of Sauron, attacked with a large force. The brothers guarded the bridge together while others retreated. When the bridge collapsed, the brothers swam to safety on the western shoreline and retreated to Minas Tirith.
That same June, Faramir 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. Faramir had this dream several times before his brother did. They reported it to Denethor, who refused to tell them very much information. He only replied that Imladris was an alternative name for the Elven city of Rivendell, in which the lord Elrond dwelt. Faramir agreed to travel north to investigate, but Boromir insisted that only the strongest of Gondorian warriors could handle this task. Boromir left on July 4, 3018 and never returned.
Faramir and Denethor heard the sounding of the Great Horn on February 26, 3019. Boromir had possessed
this token, and blew it in times of need. Faramir was guarding Osgiliath at the western shore at midnight several days later when he say a row boat floating down the Anduin. He approached, suspicious, and found the dead body of Boromir with the Great Horn torn in two.
Faramir had urgent matters to tend to as lead Ranger. At the Eastern outskirts of Gondor, large regiments of Haradrim marched from the south to Mordor as allies of Sauron. Faramir led companies to frequently ambush their southern enemies. One day, the Rangers found Frodo and Sam Gamgee in Ithilien. Faramir held them captive, for he thought them to be spies at first. But then he recalled that Hobbits had been mentioned in his dream, so he changed his mind. Nevertheless, he still decided to keep them held for a while. They were guarded by Damrod and Mablung during the ambush of the Haradrim.
When Faramir returned, he had many questions. He inquired about their secret quest, of which they told him about. Frodo revealed that Aragorn, heir to the throne of Gondor, was among their companions. While many of the Rangers stood in shock at this, Faramir was assured that they would need to be sure he was heir before he could be crowned High King. Faramir was also interested in the death of his brother. Frodo confirmed that Boromir had been a member of the fellowship, but did not know that he had died. Faramir lastly asked about Isildur's Bane, but Frodo would not speak of it. Faramir knew that it held a great evil power that he could not control, but he was still interested.
At Henneth Annun, Sam confirmed that Isildur's Bane was indeed the One Ring of Sauron. He regretted it immediately, realizing that men could not control their desire for it. Faramir, unlike his brother, did not attempt to take the Ring from them and instead left them alone. He became very sad about his dead brother, knowing he had only done what he thought was necessary to help save Gondor.
The creature Gollum, who had been leading the Hobbits, entered the Forbidden Pool that night in search of Fish. Frodo bowed down on his hands and knees begging and pleading Faramir not to slay the creature. Faramir eventually spared Gollum, though he knew he should have rightfully killed him.
Frodo informed Faramir that they intended to take the rout of Cirith Ungol. Faramir warned that there was a nameless danger in the passage, but could not say what.
Faramir made a final decision to release the companions. He thought it right that they should continue the quest, not to mention the fact that they could save Middle-Earth. Faramir knew Denethor would be most displeased, but told himself that what he was doing was right. And right it was indeed. As a parting gift, Faramir granted the Hobbits with sticks of lebethron wood.
There was not very much time for a farewell. Gondor would soon be under attack. The Rangers of Ithilien departed Henneth Annun for the island of Cair Andros in the Anduin River. There was a growing shadow from Mordor that covered the sky. In the morning, the darkness did not disappear. Many of the Rangers rode to Osgiliath while Faramir led a small company to Minas Tirith. Many were pursued by winged Nazgul.
In Minas Tirith, Faramir saw Frodo's friend and former companion Peregrin Took with Gandalf. He was astonished - he had seen two Hobbits in one week. He reported to Gandalf that he had seen Frodo and Sam, and then told them they planned to take the Cirith Ungol rout. He then rushed to top of the city to report his encounter with the Hobbits to his father, who was greatly angered by the fact that his son had not decided to take the One Ring from them.
The Witch-King led a great force of Minas Morgul to attack Gondor. Faramir left Minas Tirith to defend the eastern border of the country. The enemy took the river in Osgiliath successfully, forcing Faramir to pull his forces back to the Causeway Forts, where the enemy outnumbered the forces of Gondor ten to one. Faramir tried to keep the fort, but it was eventually lost and he was again forced to retreat, this time to the city of Minas Tirith.
Faramir and his few surviving rangers found that this city was under complete siege. They hurried in through the Great Gates. All of Faramir's soldiers made it through, but he was pierced with and arrow. Gandalf and Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth rushed to Faramir's aid. Imrahil brought an unconscious Faramir before his father Denethor who made the decision to burn his body. Unbeknownst to Imrahil, Faramir was not dead, only wounded. Denethor may have known this, but he ignored the fact. He himself wanted to burn, for he had no hope for the future of Gondor. Denethor brought Faramir to the White Tower.
Denethor ordered his men to set up a funeral pyre for Faramir. They set Faramir in the House of Stewards in the Silent Street. Pippin realized this was wrong and rushed to find help. Beregond rushed to Faramir's aid and halted the guards who were about to light Faramir aflame. Gandalf rushed in and Denethor tried to grab Faramir, but failed. Faramir was saved. He was wounded, and called for his father, who soon burned himself alive and jumped straight in to a vast army of attacking Orcs. Faramir was taken to the Houses of Healing. He was worried that he had been pierced by one of the Witch-King's poisonous darts. Aragorn assured him that the he was pierced only by an arrow of the Haradrim. Faramir then fainted from the death of his father and the horror of battle, especially against the Nazgul.
Aragorn treated Faramir with athelas. Faramir began to see Aragorn as the leader of men and High King of Gondor.
Faramir stayed behind while Aragorn led the Host of the West to attack Mordor at the Black Gate. Faramir met Eowyn of Rohan one morning. She was very beautiful, but seemed disappointed that she could not participate in battle. Faramir was intrigued by Eowyn's kindness and beauty. He grew to love her. They walked in the gardens everyday, discussing their histories and the war.
On March 25, 3019, Faramir and Eowyn were in the gardens looking to the east, where Mordor lay. Faramir gave Eowyn his mother's blue mantle with stars as a gift. He and Eowyn watched as a black cloud erupted from the east. This reminded him of a dream he often had - a dream of Numenor and its downfall. He suddenly felt the urge to kiss Eowyn, so he did upon the brow.
Eowyn was still upset about being rejected by Aragorn. She had loved him dearly, but he had another loved one. Faramir proposed to her in the garden. After some consideration, she accepted and they kissed in open view.
Faramir was named Steward of Gondor. He prepared for the crowning of the new king, Aragorn. On May 1, Aragorn arrived in Minas Tirith and Faramir brought the Crown of Gondor before him. He gave it to Gandalf, who crowned Aragorn High King of Gondor and Arnor.
Faramir was also named Prince of Ithilien. He formed the White Company, who lived and patrolled the eastern borders of Gondor after the War of the Ring. Faramir and his rangers made a collaborative effort to remove the remainder of the Orcs and clean the Morgul Vale of shadow and evil. He worked often with Imrahil, for they both were the counsellors and chief advisors of Aragorn. Faramir was the second-in-command as Steward, and if there was any absence of a king, he would rule.
Faramir married Eowyn in 3020 and they moved to Emyn Arnen in western Ithilien, near Minas Tirith. The couple had one son named Elboron. It is very likely that they had other children as well.
In year 83 of the Fourth Age, Faramir died. He had achieved many goals in life, and was ultimately successful at his duties. Elboron became Steward of Gondor and Prince of Ithilien after the death of his father.
References
The Lord of the Rings:
The Fellowship of the Ring: "Prologue: Note on the Shire Records," page 24; "The Council of Elrond," page 259
The Two Towers: "Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit," page 265 and passim; "The Window on the West," pages 280 and passim; "The Forbidden Pool"
The Return of the King: "Minas Tirith;" "The Siege of Gondor," pages 90 and passim; "The Pyre of Denethor;" "The Houses of Healing," page 142; "The Steward and the King," pages 238-239, 241-247
The History of Middle-earth, Volume XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs of Elendil", pages 207, 221
The Fellowship of the Ring: "Prologue: Note on the Shire Records," page 24; "The Council of Elrond," page 259
The Two Towers: "Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit," page 265 and passim; "The Window on the West," pages 280 and passim; "The Forbidden Pool"
The Return of the King: "Minas Tirith;" "The Siege of Gondor," pages 90 and passim; "The Pyre of Denethor;" "The Houses of Healing," page 142; "The Steward and the King," pages 238-239, 241-247
The History of Middle-earth, Volume XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs of Elendil", pages 207, 221
Timeline
2983
Faramir was born to Finduilas and Denethor II with an older brother named Boromir.
2984
Denethor II was named Steward of Gondor.
2988
Finduilas died when Faramir was only five years old. Boromir began to raise him while Denethor lost much of his sanity.
3018
June 19: Faramir dreamed the sword the was broken and the One Ring, which was referenced as "Isildur's Bane."
June 20: The Witch-King led a Morgul army to attack Osgiliath. Faramir and Boromir guarded the bridge while others retreated. They swam to safety.
July 4: Faramir volunteered to go to Rivendell to investigate his dream, but Boromir set out anyway.
3019
February 26: Boromir sounded the Great Horn. Faramir and Denethor heard its sound.
February 29: When on guard duty in Osgiliath, Faramir saw Borimir's row boat in the Anduin river with his dead body lying in it.
March 1: Faramir led a company of Rangers to Ithilien to attack a force of Haradrim.
March 7: Faramir met Frodo and Sam in Ithilien. He suspected them of being spies, so took them captive. He then realized that they had the One Ring, and was tempted. He then decided it was right to let them go.
March 8: Faramir released Frodo and Sam to complete their task.
March 9: Faramir led his company to Cair Andros in the Anduin.
March 10: Faramir reached Minas Tirith. He met Gandalf and Pippin and reported about his encounter with the Hobbits and the One Ring.
March 11: Denethor ordered Faramir to retake Osgiliath. Faramir set out for the city.
March 12: Faramir was outnumbered ten to one. He retreated to the Causeway forts.
March 13: Faramir was wounded on the Pelennor and brought back to Minas Tirith.
March 15: Denethor attempted to burn Faramir alive. Pippin alerted Gandalf, who saved Faramir. Denethor burned himself. Faramir was taken to the Houses of Healing.
March 20: Faramir met Eowyn in the gardens outside the Houses of Healing.
March 25: Downfall of Sauron. Faramir was reminded of the downfall of Numenor which he always dreamed about.
May 1: Aragorn became King and Faramir was named Steward.
3020
Faramir married Eowyn and they settled in Emyn Arnen near Minas Tirith.
Year 83 of the Fourth Age
Faramir died.
Faramir was born to Finduilas and Denethor II with an older brother named Boromir.
2984
Denethor II was named Steward of Gondor.
2988
Finduilas died when Faramir was only five years old. Boromir began to raise him while Denethor lost much of his sanity.
3018
June 19: Faramir dreamed the sword the was broken and the One Ring, which was referenced as "Isildur's Bane."
June 20: The Witch-King led a Morgul army to attack Osgiliath. Faramir and Boromir guarded the bridge while others retreated. They swam to safety.
July 4: Faramir volunteered to go to Rivendell to investigate his dream, but Boromir set out anyway.
3019
February 26: Boromir sounded the Great Horn. Faramir and Denethor heard its sound.
February 29: When on guard duty in Osgiliath, Faramir saw Borimir's row boat in the Anduin river with his dead body lying in it.
March 1: Faramir led a company of Rangers to Ithilien to attack a force of Haradrim.
March 7: Faramir met Frodo and Sam in Ithilien. He suspected them of being spies, so took them captive. He then realized that they had the One Ring, and was tempted. He then decided it was right to let them go.
March 8: Faramir released Frodo and Sam to complete their task.
March 9: Faramir led his company to Cair Andros in the Anduin.
March 10: Faramir reached Minas Tirith. He met Gandalf and Pippin and reported about his encounter with the Hobbits and the One Ring.
March 11: Denethor ordered Faramir to retake Osgiliath. Faramir set out for the city.
March 12: Faramir was outnumbered ten to one. He retreated to the Causeway forts.
March 13: Faramir was wounded on the Pelennor and brought back to Minas Tirith.
March 15: Denethor attempted to burn Faramir alive. Pippin alerted Gandalf, who saved Faramir. Denethor burned himself. Faramir was taken to the Houses of Healing.
March 20: Faramir met Eowyn in the gardens outside the Houses of Healing.
March 25: Downfall of Sauron. Faramir was reminded of the downfall of Numenor which he always dreamed about.
May 1: Aragorn became King and Faramir was named Steward.
3020
Faramir married Eowyn and they settled in Emyn Arnen near Minas Tirith.
Year 83 of the Fourth Age
Faramir died.
Names & Meanings
Faramir:
Faramir means "sufficient jewel." It is derived from the element phar meaning "suffice" and the element mir meaning "jewel."
Captain of Gondor:
Denethor gave his son the title Captain of Gondor.
Prince of Ithilien:
Faramir became the Prince of Ithilien after the War of the Ring.
Steward of Gondor:
When Denethor passed away, Faramir became Steward of Gondor. He was Steward under King Aragorn.
Gallery:
Image Credits:
Faramir was portray by David Wenham in the New Line Cinema film Trilogy of The Lord of the Rings directed by Peter Jackson.
On the bottom left of the gallery is a painting of Faramir with Eowyn in the Houses of Healing by artist Ted Nasmith.
On the bottom right is a painting of Faramir by artist Anke-Katrin Eissmann.
On the bottom left of the gallery is a painting of Faramir with Eowyn in the Houses of Healing by artist Ted Nasmith.
On the bottom right is a painting of Faramir by artist Anke-Katrin Eissmann.
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