Impact of Boromir's Survival and Aragorn's Return on Denethor

Denethor's Trust Issues and Boromir's Absence Aragorn, the Untrusted Hero Potential Consequences and Opportunities Reflections on Gondor's Future

Denethor's Trust Issues and Boromir's Absence

Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, was a complex and often suspicious figure. His favoritism towards Boromir over Faramir was well-documented. Following the absence of King Théoden, Denethor expected the return of the rightful king. However, the prolonged gap had fueled his paranoia and distrust, especially towards anyone claiming knowledge or influence within the state.

Denethor’s suspicions were further exacerbated by the mysterious 'Thorongil,' who was likely Aragorn, in disguise. Thorongil’s influence and connection to Mithrandir (Gandalf) were deeply troubling to Denethor. He perceived Gandalf’s involvement as a threat, not only to Gondor but also to his own authority as the Steward.

Denethor’s use of the Palantir, a mystical artifact, to gather intelligence was a clear sign of his unease and distrust. These revelations only solidified his belief that Thorongil was a pawn of malevolent forces, aiming to usurp Gondor’s throne.

Aragorn, the Untrusted Hero

Aragorn, known as Thorongil in his youth, was a legendary hero in the eyes of many. His time spent in Minas Tirith as an unknown figure, the 'Eagle of the Star,' garnered him significant popularity. Conversely, his connection to Gandalf and his shadowy past with the Palantir were sources of constant suspicion for Denethor.

Denethor’s forecast of Boromir's death was a way to maintain his authority and control. The death of Boromir allowed Denethor to distance himself from the direct challenge posed by a hero who had served in both Gondor and Rohan. Aragorn’s return under his own name, specifically carrying the sword of Isildur, could have been seen as a direct threat to Denethor’s position as Steward.

Denethor’s concern for his authority extended beyond mere jealousy. If Aragorn had arrived openly as the rightful heir, he would have faced fierce opposition. The notion that 'The Stewards are ready to step aside when the king returns' was more theoretical than practical, as they recognized Aragorn’s lineage but not his claim to the throne.

Potential Consequences and Opportunities

The consequences for Gondor, should Boromir have survived, would have been significant. Denethor’s actions and attitudes towards Aragorn might have taken a different turn, but it is clear that conflict and distrust would still prevail. While Denethor’s path to madness was influenced by Sauron via the Palantir, it is possible that recognizing Aragorn could have altered the trajectory of Gondor's fate.

Should Denethor have accepted Aragorn into his service, arming him with the sword of Isildur, Denethor might have sent him on perilous missions in Ithilien. This plan, while calculated, would have led to either Aragorn’s death or prolonged suffering for both him and Gondor. Such a scenario would have delayed the inevitable acknowledgment of Aragorn’s claim to the throne, further straining the already fragile kingdom.

The best outcome, from a strategic standpoint, would have been for Gondor to be able to survive the initial fall due to Aragorn’s unexpected leadership. However, this would have required the intervention and support of the Army of the Dead, a powerful and unconventional force.

Reflections on Gondor's Future

Ultimately, the future of Gondor would still hinge on the return of the rightful king. Denethor’s actions, though driven by fear and misguided paranoia, inadvertently served to highlight the need for a true leader. The survival of Boromir and the eventual return of Aragorn symbolized hope and the potential for Gondor to reclaim its glory.

The narrative of the characters’ actions and their impact underscores the importance of trust, leadership, and the enduring traits of Gondor’s lineage. It serves as a stark reminder of the division and conflict that can arise from mistrust and the refusal to accept truth, even in the face of overwhelming evidence.

Conclusion

The potential for a different outcome between Boromir’s survival and Aragorn’s return to Minas Tirith would have significantly altered the course of events in Middle-earth. While Denethor’s rejection and distrust might have delayed the inevitable, it also highlighted the need for genuine leadership and unity among the free peoples. The legacy of Aragorn would have, in many ways, been strengthened by this altered timeline, and Gondor might have faced a different fate.

The story of Denethor, Aragorn, and Gondor continues to inspire discussions about trust, leadership, and the enduring power of truth in the face of overwhelming adversity.