Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, is first seen in The Two Towers Extended Edition when the Gondorians are celebrating their victory over Osgiliath. Right from his first scene it is made apparent that he loves and cherishes his son Boromir, yet thinks very little of his other son Faramir. Denethor has heard news of the Ring being found and requests Boromir to go to Rivendell and try to bring the Ring back to Gondor, thinking very little of the idea of Faramir going instead.
In The Return of the King Denethor is seen again when he is confronted by Gandalf. Denethor has already heard news of his “beloved” son’s death, and is already in an emotional state. He shows no signs of friendship towards Gandalf and their first confrontation turns out to be somewhat of a challenge for superiority. This would be because Denethor acts more like the rightful ruler of Gondor than its Steward.
To continue his emotional roller coaster, he sends Faramir back out to Osgiliath (a request he knows is unlikely to bring success) and shows no sign of compassion towards his own son. It is only when he believes Faramir to be dead that he shows signs of remorse. Instead of being level-headed, he looses touch with reality a bit at this point and tries to burn Faramir alive (thinking he’s dead).
It is only by Gandalf stepping in that Denethor’s actions are stopped. Although Denethor had the power and authority to be a great leader of his people, he let his own feelings and desires rise above everyone else. This was his downfall, and eventually the cause of his death.
by minuial_gil_estel
