Why Was Denethor So Mad at Gandalf for Not Bringing His Son Alive to Minas Tirith?

Many fans of The Lord of the Rings fervently question the actions and motivations of Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, in The Two Towers movie. Specifically, why was he so angry at Gandalf for not bringing Boromir to him alive in Minas Tirith? Was his anger solely due to the loss of his favored son, or was it a more complex manifestation of grief and loss?

Denethor and His Sons: Beyond Boromir as His Only Child

Many overlook the fact that Denethor had two sons, not just Boromir. Boromir, the eldest, was indeed his favored son, displaying his loyalty and prowess. However, Faramir, Denethor's younger son, was also a very important and capable individual. The movies did not fully emphasize this fact, but books reveal that both Boromir and Faramir were loved by their father in their own right.

Denethor's Grief and Demand for Answers

Denethor's anger and grief were not merely about the loss of his favored son, Boromir. He had already discovered the Cloven Horn of Gondor, a symbol indicating that Boromir had died. Denethor demanded answers from Pippin, who revealed the truth of Boromir's death. It was more about seeking understanding and closure regarding the circumstances surrounding Boromir's passing.

The Deviation from the Book

In the movie, as the scene in Minas Tirith plays out, Gandalf deliberately avoids discussing Boromir's fate. However, Denethor's accusations reveal his intense grief and desperation for information. In the book, the situation is a bit more nuanced. Denethor's grief is rooted in the loss of his loved ones and the hope that Faramir had made the right choice, rather than the belief that his only child had died.

Comparative Analysis: Books vs. Movies

The movie interpretation of Denethor's character is more extreme, with him portrayed as a more psychopathic and malicious individual. However, the original books show a more rational and less angry Denethor in the lead-up to his mental breakdown. His actions and words demonstrate that while he loved Boromir, he also held Faramir in high regard.

Denethor's Love for Both Sons

Denethor, in both the books and the movies, is a loving father, though his methods might appear harsh at times. In the books, Denethor is deeply attached to both his sons. Gandalf even remarks that Faramir is more like him than Boromir is. It is possible that Denethor's preference for Boromir is partly due to Boromir's resemblance to his late wife, as Boromir was perceived as more akin to his deceased mother in character.

The Scene with Faramir

The scene where Denethor sends Faramir to Minas Morgul is often interpreted as a betrayal or a sign of his twisted love. However, it could be seen as Denethor's misguided attempt to save his youngest son. Denethor's curtness towards Faramir might stem from the fact that Faramir was the first to receive a vision warning of danger and had received it three times. Boromir, too, had seen the vision. Denethor might have felt that Faramir should have been the one to leave for Rivendell, but Boromir's tenacity ultimately led to his journey.

Denethor's Inner Conflict and Decision

Boromir's stubbornness was not just a character flaw but a reflection of his strong will and desire to protect Gondor. Denethor, as a father, might have felt that by sending Boromir, he was giving Boromir the opportunity to fulfill his destiny, even if it meant certain death. However, Denethor also might have feared that Boromir would not survive the journey, which is why he chose to send Faramir out instead.

Ultimately, Denethor's actions are a mix of love, fear, and desperation. His grief is complex and layered, reflecting the deep bonds he shared with his sons. While the movie adaptation does portray Denethor in a more extreme and twisted light, the core themes of love, loss, and the weight of leadership remain.