LOTR - Who do you choose?

Question

I have always been curious as to others opinions over which brother was better, Boromir or Faramir. I know that each man has his faults and his triumphs, and personally i like them both. but I wanted to know if anyone out there had a preference for one over the other. you can either use the book or movie versions.

Remeber this is your opinion, they will be no penalties for wrong answers.

Answer 1

I knew that such a question would arise one day. I will be impartial in deciding which brother I prefer.(lie) It will be no hard task(another lie) and I will make sure to be brief and come to a definite conclusion(blatant lie).

I know for a fact that I cannot decide who I like the best since I’ve never been able to decide who I like the best. They are seen in two different lands and situations. Besides the Two Towers if my favorite book because both are included in it.(Don’t ask me how P.J. killed him off in the Fellowship, but I forgave him when I saw the flashbacks) You can’t compare Boromir’s attempt to take the Ring to Faramir’s decision not to.
Boromir is known for being the brother with the good intentions and conflicted motives. We know that he tried to take the ring from Frodo and that he fought hard to protect the hobbits and repenting his actions towards Frodo.

Technically Faramir should have been there. He had the dream before Boromir and many times at that. Denethor wanted him to go to Imladris in Boromir’s stead anyways. It is admitted that Faramir is a great warrior too.

“I was in the company that held the bridge, until it was cast down behind us. Four only were saved by swimming: my brother and myself and two others. But still we fight on…and those who shelter behind us give us praise”

“…For on the eve of the sudden assault a dream came to my brother in a troubled sleep and afterwards a like dream came oft to him again, and once to me.”

“Therefore my brother seeing how desperate was our need, was eager to heed the dream and seek for Imladris; but since the way was full of doubt and danger, I took the journey upon myself. Loth was my father to give me leave.”
All quotes “Council of Elrond” “The Fellowship of the Ring”

So what are we to do with this information? Let’s see what would Faramir have done?
Faramir is know to be more of a scholar than Boromir. Boromir was unable to be a scholar even if he had desired to be such; he was the steward’s heir and captain of their armed forces. Faramir was the expendable brother who didn’t have nearly as many expectations, which granted him leave to do many of the things that he desired to do. But back to my conjecture. Faramir lover of elves would have been in awe of the beings surrounding him at the council not to mention his dear Mithrandir. It’s safe to assume that his going through Caradhras and Moria would have been similar(except for the dangling of the Ring on the snow covered slopes of course ^_^)

In Lothlorien Galadriel blatantly told Frodo that Boromir would attempt to take the ring.(film)
This is when the difference in the brothers is apparent.
Frodo to Boromir(the breaking of the fellowship) "No, I am afraid, Simply afraid. Buti I am glad to have heard you speak so fully. My mind is clearer now." He then ran after Boromir grabbed for him, leaving a changed Boromir..."What have I said? What have I done?...A madness took me, but it has passed..."
This is when he realised that he must leave the fellowship before any of the others fall prey to the Ring. Boromir's part was the only thing that prompted Frodo to leave. Not the fact that they knew of the orcs trailing them, nor Gollum's presence, nor the fact that he'd already noticed changes in the others' demeanors.
Faramir, valiant as he was, would not have attempted to take the ring at all (as we all know) but where would that leave us? Well being that the halflings and our Gondorian were overpowered, we'd be in some reall S.ugar H.oney I.ced T.ea! Frodo would be either
A. Saruman' s new plushie or
B. Ent Roadkill
Without Boromir's rougher and more basic views, he did what no other (not even Aragorn) would have done. Imagine the difference in the story had The Fellowship not split up! So we can't judge him as a bad person, when his apparent "weakness" is what gave Frodo the strength to move on without the others.

Though I really liked Faramir, he made some foul mistakes. No one ever points out the fact that Smeagol had not had any Gollum appearances until Faramir forced Frodo to betray his ally. He even allowed them to apprehend the poor fella(none to gently either) without any explanation whatsoever! Because of this, the entire Shelob thing and fight in Mount Doom occurred. Because of Faramir Frodo lost a finger, and Gollum(yes he reverted) lost all chances at being fully rehabilitated! Sorry Faramir, but I'm going with Boromir!

Answer 2

In both versions, Faramir was the better of the two. Both were tempted to take the Ring from Frodo, but Boromir caved in - to the point of actually trying to kill Frodo. Although Boromir did redeem himself in the end by killing all those orcs and reconciling with Aragorn.

By contrast, Faramir faced the same temptation and walked away from it. He had Frodo, Sam, and the Ring within his grasp, yet he let them go to continue the quest rather than capturing Frodo by force. Even knowing that he could be executed for failing to bring the Ring (and Frodo) back to Minas Tirith.

IMO that makes Faramir the better man, but save a nod of respect for Boromir as well.

Answer 3

They both struggled with their demons. Boromir with greed for the ring and Faramir with doubt. However Boromir conquered his greed in the end and died to save Merry and Pip. If he had not overcome his demon he would have ran after Frodo. Faramir lived bur whether he grew is unknown. Therefore I'd say Boromir was the better man. Just my opinion based on limited knowledge.

Answer 4

I think Boromir was the stronger of the two, when it came to battle. But remembering the movie, I liked both characters equally. I think the guy who played Faramir was pretty charismatic, and seemed smarter than Boromir. Boromir would rush in and kill things, while Faramir seemed more thoughtful, until his father forced him to charge into certain death.

Answer 5

Faramir was not tempted by the ring like Boromir. He was able to resist it. he was also practically hated by his father while Boromir was adored. For this he gained my respect. He's honorable and just totally awesome!

Answer 6

I like both, but I prefer Faramir. He was more like a king than Boromir. He was tempted by the ring but had the strength to let it go. He used his knowledge and wisdom to make decisions rather than bend to his father's will (i.e. bringing the ring to Minas Tirith). He was just as dedicated to his people as his brother, but seemed more connected to them. I loved his tenderness is the Houses of Healing when talking to Eowen. I just really felt more connected to him as a character in both the book and the movie than I did to Boromir.

Answer 7

i like Faramir, movie version
but form the book I like Boromir....

Answer 8

Boromir was the better fighter, but Faramir (the little they showed of him) seemed to be the more desperate one. Brave and dedicated, but very much seeking daddy's approval and love.

Answer 9

i like Faramir better. from both the book and the movies. my reasons? well in the book Faramir doesn't take the ring and lets Frodo go and in the movie he's hotter than Boromir.
peace

Answer 10

Faramir.