LotR Character Analysis: Boromir

Race: Man (Gondor)

Sex: Male

Faction: Fellowship of the Ring

Overall Rating: 5.8

Alignment: Lawful Good

Arena Status: Active (S1)

In the realm of Middle-earth stands a character of both nobility and tragedy - Boromir, the valiant son of Gondor. His tale, woven intricately into the epic narrative of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," is one of valor, temptation, and redemption.

Boromir, Captain of the White Tower

Born to Denethor II, the Steward of Gondor, and Finduilas of Dol Amroth, Boromir grows up in the shadow of Mordor's looming threat. A skilled warrior and beloved leader, he is characterized by his deep loyalty to his city and people. Yet, this very devotion becomes the bedrock of his internal struggles.

Boromir's journey in "The Lord of the Rings" begins in "The Fellowship of the Ring," where he arrives at Rivendell for the Council of Elrond. Tolkien describes him with a sense of grandeur: His presence is commanding, his demeanor regal, embodying the might and splendor of Gondor.

At the council, he advocates for using the One Ring to defend his homeland against Sauron. His perspective, while controversial, highlights his driving motivation: the safety and glory of Gondor. This plea, however, is a harbinger of his tragic flaw - the desire to wield power to achieve noble ends.

As Boromir joins the Fellowship, his journey becomes one of inner conflict. He develops a fraternal bond with the hobbits, particularly Merry and Pippin, and shows genuine care for their well-being. However, his growing obsession with the Ring starts to overshadow this, culminating in a pivotal moment in the wilderness of Amon Hen.

“I ask only for the strength to defend my people!” Boromir pleads to Frodo, trying to take the Ring by force. It's a moment of weakness and desperation, marking his fall but also setting the stage for his redemption (The Fellowship of the Ring).

Realizing his mistake, Boromir fights valiantly to protect Merry and Pippin from Saruman's Uruk-hai, redeeming himself through sacrifice. His death scene is poignant, marking both an end and a beginning: the disbanding of the Fellowship and the scattering of its members on individual paths.

Boromir’s narrative continues to resonate in "The Two Towers" and "The Return of the King," though posthumously. His influence is felt in the actions of his brother, Faramir, and the decisions of his father, Denethor, who falls into despair over the loss of his favored son.

His legacy is multifaceted. Boromir is remembered for his valor and his fall, but also for his love for his people and his ultimate sacrifice. He embodies the complexities of Tolkien's world - a world where even the noblest hearts can falter under the weight of darkness, but also find redemption through selfless acts.

In the annals of Middle-earth, Boromir stands as a testament to the enduring battle between personal ambition and the greater good. His story, etched into the rich tapestry of "The Lord of the Rings," continues to captivate and inspire, a reminder of the power of redemption and the enduring nature of true heroism.

Boromir's Raw Power

In terms of physical strength, Boromir is undoubtedly among the elite warriors of Middle-earth. His prowess in battle is significant, as seen during the fight at Amon Hen, where he single-handedly battles scores of Uruk-hai to protect Merry and Pippin. His combat skills are further highlighted in descriptions such as, “Boromir raised his horn and blew. Loud the challenge rang and bellowed, like the shout of many throats under the cavernous roof.” (The Fellowship of the Ring). This passage not only showcases his physical strength but also his courage and determination.

However, Boromir does not possess magical abilities or supernatural powers, which are common in many fantasy universes. His strength lies in his martial skills, swordsmanship, and leadership in battle. While these are formidable, they might not compare to characters who wield significant magical powers or have superhuman abilities.

Considering the scope of all fantasy universes, where characters often possess extraordinary magical powers or otherworldly abilities, Boromir's raw power, though impressive in the context of Middle-earth, might be more modest on a broader scale. In light of this, Boromir's raw power is rated at 5.5 out of 10. This rating reflects his exceptional combat skills and physical strength while acknowledging the limitations of his abilities in a universe-spanning comparison.

The adjustment from the previous rating of 6 to 5.5 is a recognition of the breadth and diversity of powers present in the wider fantasy genre. Characters with transformative abilities, magical prowess, or otherworldly strength set a high bar in this category. Boromir's abilities, while impressive, are grounded in human capabilities and do not extend into the supernatural or magical, which justifies a slightly lower rating in this expansive context. His valor and martial prowess are remarkable, but in a universe filled with mages, demigods, and beings of immense power, they place him in the above-average range rather than among the top echelons.

Boromir's Tactical Ability

Boromir, as the son of the Steward of Gondor, is bred for leadership and warfare. His upbringing in a kingdom under constant threat has honed his tactical skills. He demonstrates a clear understanding of military strategies, as evident in his arguments at the Council of Elrond. He proposes using the Ring as a weapon against Sauron, a plan reflecting his strategic mindset, albeit flawed by his underestimation of the Ring's corruptive power. Tolkien presents Boromir as a character deeply aware of the art of war.

In battle, Boromir's tactical ability is conspicuous. During the skirmish at Amon Hen, he exhibits not only bravery but also strategic foresight, using the terrain to his advantage and fighting in a manner that protects the Hobbits for as long as possible. His actions demonstrate an acute awareness of the battlefield dynamics.

However, when compared to the vast array of fantasy characters, many of whom possess extraordinary strategic minds, sometimes enhanced by magical or supernatural insights, Boromir's tactical prowess, though considerable, might not be as extraordinary. Considering this broader context, Boromir's tactical ability is rated at 6.5 out of 10.

The reason for this slight downgrade from the previous rating of 7 is the recognition of the exceptional strategic capabilities seen in other fantasy universes. Characters in these realms often demonstrate near-superhuman foresight, ability to manipulate large-scale conflicts, and strategic acumen that transcends conventional warfare. While Boromir is undoubtedly a skilled strategist and a capable leader in the context of Middle-earth, his abilities are more grounded and less fantastical compared to some of the master tacticians seen across the wider spectrum of fantasy literature. This adjustment reflects a balanced view, acknowledging his strengths while placing him within a vast and varied fantasy landscape.

Boromir's Influence

In "The Lord of the Rings," Boromir is depicted as a charismatic and respected figure, especially in Gondor. His leadership is grounded in his noble lineage and his valor as a warrior. This is exemplified in his speech at the Council of Elrond, where he passionately argues for his people: “Gondor wanes, you say. But Gondor stands, and even the end of its strength is still very strong.” (The Fellowship of the Ring). His words reflect not only his persuasive skills but also his deep commitment to his homeland, which in itself is influential.

Boromir's influence extends to his interactions with the Fellowship. His relationship with the Hobbits, particularly Merry and Pippin, shows his ability to inspire trust and affection. However, his attempt to take the Ring from Frodo reveals a lapse in his persuasive abilities, driven by his desperation and the corrupting influence of the Ring.

When compared with the wide array of characters in fantasy literature, many of whom possess extraordinary abilities to lead, inspire, manipulate, or even magically influence others, Boromir's influence, though significant, might not be as profound. Therefore, his influence is rated at 6 out of 10. While Boromir is a compelling and charismatic leader, his influence is more reliant on his personal valor and noble status, rather than extraordinary persuasive abilities or supernatural charisma. This rating acknowledges his strengths in a realistic context, set against a backdrop of a genre where influence can take on many powerful and diverse forms.

Boromir's Resilience

In Tolkien's narrative, Boromir demonstrates a strong physical and mental resilience. His journey from Gondor to Rivendell, for instance, shows his endurance in the face of physical hardship. He travels a great distance, braving the elements and various dangers. This journey, although not extensively detailed, hints at his fortitude: 

The most poignant display of Boromir's resilience, however, is in the Battle of Amon Hen. Even after being mortally wounded by multiple arrows from the Uruk-hai, he continues to fight valiantly to protect Merry and Pippin. His determination in the face of overwhelming odds and fatal injuries is a testament to his extraordinary resilience. This scene is both tragic and heroic, capturing Boromir's enduring spirit.

However, when comparing Boromir's resilience to that of characters across all fantasy universes, it's important to consider that many characters in these universes possess supernatural or magical means to recover from injuries or setbacks, sometimes even from death. Boromir's resilience, grounded in human capabilities, may not match the almost miraculous recovery abilities seen in some fantasy characters.

Given this broader context, the previous assessment of 6 is fair, recognizing Boromir's impressive physical and mental endurance, but also acknowledging the limitations of his human nature in a fantasy setting. While his resilience is noteworthy, especially in the context of Tolkien's world, it does not reach the supernatural or magical levels of resilience seen in a wider fantasy landscape. His bravery and endurance are remarkable, but within the realm of human possibility, which places him in a solid, but not exceptional, position in terms of resilience compared to the vast array of fantasy characters.

Boromir's Versatility

In Tolkien's narrative, Boromir is primarily portrayed as a skilled warrior, proficient in swordsmanship and combat tactics. He is a stalwart member of the Fellowship, contributing significantly in battles. His combat skills are well-acknowledged: Aragorn's description underlines his martial prowess and his role as a defender.

However, Boromir's skills, while impressive in the realm of physical combat, do not significantly extend beyond this sphere. Unlike some characters in the Fellowship, such as Gandalf or Legolas, who exhibit a wider range of abilities (magical powers or exceptional archery, respectively), Boromir’s skill set is more specialized. He does not demonstrate magical abilities or extraordinary non-combat skills that would contribute to a higher level of versatility.

Considering the wide array of fantasy characters in various universes, where versatility often includes magical prowess, shape-shifting, mastery of multiple combat forms, or other extraordinary talents, Boromir’s relatively singular focus on martial prowess and leadership might limit his rating in this category. Thus, the previous rating of 5 out of 10 for Boromir's versatility is maintained.

This rating reflects Boromir's excellence in combat and leadership but acknowledges his limitations in terms of a broader skill set. In the diverse and often magical world of fantasy literature, characters frequently exhibit an array of abilities that Boromir, as a human warrior with a focus on physical combat, does not possess. His strength lies in his martial prowess, but in terms of versatility, he fits into the middle range when compared to the vast spectrum of fantasy characters.

Boromir's Alignment

Boromir is deeply committed to the laws and traditions of Gondor. His life is guided by a sense of duty and honor, characteristics emblematic of a lawful alignment. He respects the authority of his father, Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, and consistently strives to protect his people and kingdom. His journey to Rivendell, adherence to the mission of the Fellowship, and his interactions with its members all indicate a strong inclination towards lawfulness. His belief in the power structure of Gondor and his dedication to his duty as its defender are indicative of this alignment.

Boromir's intentions are inherently good. He seeks the protection of his people and the defeat of Sauron. His actions, especially his sacrifice to protect Merry and Pippin from the Uruk-hai, demonstrate a selfless commitment to the well-being of others. He genuinely cares for the fate of Middle-earth and is troubled by the suffering of his land. His desire to use the One Ring to defend Gondor, though misguided, stems from a place of wanting to do good.

Boromir’s alignment can be best described as "Lawful Good." His strong sense of duty, respect for order and hierarchy, and his underlying intentions for the greater good align him closely with this categorization. While he struggles with the temptation of the Ring, which briefly leads him to err, his core values and ultimate sacrifice reaffirm his alignment. His struggle and temporary fall do not negate his intrinsic nature; rather, they add depth to his character, portraying him as a fundamentally good person who grapples with, but ultimately overcomes, his flaws. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.

Boromir Arena Art

Boromir finds C'thun in the Depths of Ahn'Qiraj

Boromir's Trophy Case

PPET Rankings

Season	Rank
1 (2023-2024)	#75 (of 107)

Titles & Postseason Results

Season	Result	All Time Occurence
1 (2023-2024)	Grand Championship Bid (#15 Seed)	1st

Overall Conclusion on Boromir and Position Across Planes of Existence

While Boromir is an exemplary figure within the context of Middle-earth, when placed in comparison with characters across all fantasy realms, Boromir's overall capabilities position him as an above-average entity, but not among the top tier. This conclusion considers various factors, including his raw power, tactical ability, influence, resilience, and versatility.

Boromir’s physical prowess and combat skills are exceptional. He is a formidable warrior, capable of facing multiple foes simultaneously, as seen in the Battle of Amon Hen. However, he lacks magical or supernatural abilities, a common trait among powerful characters in many fantasy worlds. His strength lies in human physicality and martial skill, which, while impressive, do not equate to the magical or extraordinary powers seen in other universes. Thus, his raw power, though significant in Middle-earth, is somewhat more limited on a broader fantasy scale.

As a strategist and leader in Gondor, Boromir displays commendable tactical acumen. His understanding of warfare and leadership qualities are evident. However, in comparison to the strategic geniuses of other fantasy realms, some of whom possess enhanced foresight or magical insight, Boromir's tactical abilities are strong but not extraordinary.

Boromir's leadership and ability to inspire those around him are notable. He commands respect and loyalty, characteristics of a natural leader. Yet, when compared to other fantasy characters who may possess magical charisma or the ability to manipulate on a grander scale, his influence, while significant, is somewhat more conventional.

Boromir’s endurance and capacity to withstand physical hardship and injury are remarkable. His final stand, though ultimately leading to his death, showcases his resilience. However, in other fantasy universes, resilience can include near-immortal endurance or supernatural healing abilities, which Boromir does not possess.

Boromir's skills are primarily centered around combat and leadership. Unlike some fantasy characters who exhibit a wide range of abilities (magic, diverse combat skills, etc.), Boromir's expertise, though significant, is less varied.

Boromir's character is defined by more than his combat skills and leadership. His moral complexity, loyalty to Gondor, and ultimately his redemption add depth to his character. These traits, while not directly contributing to his power level, enrich his role in the narrative and resonate with the themes of heroism and human fallibility in Tolkien's work.

In conclusion, Boromir (overall rating, 5.8) is a character of significant merit and capability within his own universe. However, when assessed across the spectrum of all fantasy universes, where characters may wield vast magical powers, exhibit superhuman abilities, or possess otherworldly resilience, Boromir's attributes place him in the above-average category. He is a testament to human strength and heroism, embodying qualities that are admirable and relatable, yet within the bounds of human potential. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.