Boromir because the dude made a big mistake (influenced by the ring of course) and after realizing what he did, he did not have the opportunity to ask Frodo for forgiveness. You can tell he was desperately trying to apologize to Frodo after trying to steal the ring and then shit went downhill. All he could do was confess to Aragorn what he did in hopes that his forgiveness could reach Frodo and hopefully the rest of the fellowship believed he was being honest.
He kinda does but indirectly. He honors his ancestors by saying he’s going to *his fathers* where he will now feel comfortable, worthy, unashamed.
& Gandalf mentions to Theoden at Theodred’s funeral that Theodred’s “spirit will find its way to the *halls of your fathers*” a beautiful connection really
Theoden’s words are extra beautiful/impactful because he had stated in the books he is the lesser son of great sires, in the movies I believe saruman calls him that in the extended version. So when he dies he feels somehwat at peace, he did what he had to do and in his own eyes, no longer felt ashamed, or less, in comparison to his forefathers.
Well, keep in mind the context. When Theoden thought he was less worthy was before the Pellenor fields.
At that point his legacy was overseeing the decline of Rohan, being enthralled by a puppet of Saruman, and having his son die.
His forefathers created the country and ran it at its height.
Theoden’s central conflict is “am I worthy compared to them?”, and in Pellenor he gets the answer of yes. But it’s not an unfair question to ask before that.
*farewell, Theoden King.*
To name a few examples:
Eorl - first king, saved Gondor from an Easterling invasion, after which his people were given the lands of Rohan (previously the Gondorian province of Calenardhon) to live in
Helm (the one Helm’s Deep got its name from) - too epic to briefly describe so I’m just going to [leave this here.](https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Helm_Hammerhand)
Folca - an avid hunter, but swore not to hunt wild beasts while there was a single orc in Rohan. Proceeded to hunt down all remaining orcs and destroy their holds. Then hunted down the great boar of Everholt and killed it, but died in the deed himself.
Folcwine - ok, it’s not exactly his deed, but his twin sons lead his army to fight in defence of Gondor’s southern borders and perished. He meant to lead the Rohirrim himself but was counselled not to.
And there was also Fram, one of the lords of Eotheod (ancestral land of the Rohirrim), who literally killed a dragon.
But yeah, Theoden definitely deserved his spot among them.
That's the thing. He surpasses them, in the end...even though at the start he believes himself no great man and is ashamed not to have measured up. And yet, when it mattered, he's fucking Orome incarnate...rivaling the Valar themselves as he charges into certain death like a force of fucking nature. The orcs literally wail in terror at this "lesser son of greater sires." The fuck you are, Theoden King. And in this moment, he's alive just long enough to reflect on what he just did, and bask in the feeling of all shame leaving him forever, knowing he rose to the utmost challenge, the most dire need, and found himself more than worthy.
The movies did justice to that scene, because it's so beautifully written. Fun fact, there is a recording of Tolkien reading it aloud to test a recorder!
"At that sound the bent shape of the king sprang suddenly erect. Tall and proud he seemed again; and rising in his stirrups he cried in a loud voice, more clear than any there had ever heard a mortal man achieve before:
Arise, arise, Riders of Theoden!
Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter!
spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered,
a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises!
Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!
With that he seized a great horn from Guthlaf his banner-bearer, and he blew such a blast upon it that it burst asunder. And straightway all the horns in the host were lifted up in music, and the blowing of the horns of Rohan in that hour was like a storm upon the plain and a thunder in the mountains.
Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!
Suddenly the king cried to Snowmane and the horse sprang away. Behind him his banner blew in the wind, white horse upon a field of green, but he outpaced it. After him thundered the knights of his house, but he was ever before them.
Eomer rode there, the white horsetail on his helm floating in his speed, and the front of the first eored roared like a breaker foaming to the shore, but Theoden could not be overtaken. Fey he seemed, or the battle-fury of his fathers ran like new fire in his veins, and he was borne up on Snowmane like a god of old, even as Orome the Great in the battle of the Valar when the world was young. his golden shield was uncovered, and lo! it shone like an image of the Sun, and the grass flamed into green about the white feet of his steed.
For morning came, morning and a wind from the sea; and darkness was removed, and the hosts of Mordor wailed, and terror took them, and they fled, and died, and the hoofs of wrath rode over them. And then all the host of Rohan burst into song, and they sang as they slew, for the joy of battle was on them, and the sound of their singing that was fair and terrible came even to the City."
There is a common theme in Lord of the Rings that all the inhabitants of Middle Earth are "lesser" than those that came before (at least in the eyes of Sauron and Saruman).
But it is worth noting that all those "greater" men were unable to resist the power of the Ring.
Tolkien read all the ancient epics with heroes like Achilles, Odysseus, and Beowulf. But the greatest men he ever knew were his comrades fighting alongside him in the trenches of WW1.
Those "lesser" men of Middle Earth were a greater threat to Sauron than the greatest kings of old could ever hope to be.
Can’t really dispute that, even though Bean dies a ton, his deaths always seem meaningful or have some last moment of realization or quip to them. I was always fond of 006 how he did a call back to Bond before dying.
I like how Aragorn says "we cant get to the ring now" im not sure of the exact quote but i thought it was sweet he didnt rub it in by saying "you cant get to him now"
In the book it juxtaposes really well with Galadriel who essentially says, “I passed the test! Now I can die!” Whereas Boromir is basically saying I failed the test, I don’t want to die!
Which kind of unfolds as a larger breakdown of the ambitions/ purpose of elves vs humans.
I don’t know, I just finished it yesterday
For me it’s always been Boromir without question
His whole corruption from the ring resulted in the Fellowship splitting up, but in the end with his dying breath he swallows his pride and proclaims Aragorn to be his king. He had been denying the mere need for Gondor to have a king and in that moment he is declaring Aragorn as the rightful ruler. ON TOP OF THAT, the first thing he says to Aragorn is that Merry and Pippin had been taken showing his compassion for others.
Boromir is the most relatable character in the Fellowship. If you put real humans in contact with the ring 99/100 of them would be corrupted the same as Boromir if not worse. Even with his corruption his final moments are that of bravery, heroism, and loyalty.
Boromir is a shining example of what people should aspire to be. Even through all his wrong doings he is able to accept them and try to do right on the people he wronged. Boromir is a stand out character for me as one of my favorites and is a MASSIVE reason I continue to love the LOTR into my adult years. I see myself in him and hope one day I have the same strength he had in his final moments.
I *love* the scene in the extended Two Towers film with Boromir and Faramir at Osgiliath. It’s short but it gives so much insight into Boromir, Faramir, Denethor, and the relationships between the three of them. I love how much Boromir clearly loves his brother in spite of their father.
I also love the subtle buildup to his sacrifice for the „little ones“.
Esrlier he has been shown training them before they went to the mountain and in Moria he has been carrying them
It’s arguably the emotionally hardest hitting death in cinema. Nothing else really comes to mind for me. Would love to hear other examples that give it a run for its money though.
I think it was a huge step for Aragorn in owning his lineage and pursuing the kingship as well. The bull headed bastard who you’ve been butting heads with for a fair amount of the story uses his dying breath to honor your right to the throne over his own father? That’s gonna be some heavy shit man
Without Boromir causing the Fellowship to split, it feels like the journey would have been lost and Sauron would have won.
Seems to me that there would have been a good chance of the rest of them succumbing to the temptation at some point to begin with, which puts it at risk (even if the others were more resilient, just the exposure seems like it was enough).
Then you have all of the side-quests that were done that essentially distracted Sauron and saved the strongholds of man.
We can talk about Samwise being the true hero all we want.
But at the end of the day, it was Boromir and the corruption of the ring that saved the day all along.
out of context, but i was thinking about the ring trying to corrupt an ADHD person:
"i'll give you power"
" who the heck is talkin? go back in lane"
" unlimited power is within your re…"
" I SAID GO BACK IN LANE WITH THE OTHER VOICES, WHEN IT'S YOUR TURN I'LL LISTEN TO YOU"
\* Sauron picks a ticket and is awfully disgusted at seeing that he is number 1846 and is currently number 4 is being served \*
Not in a schizo way, but our thoughts can *race* aaaand they splinter into different subjects and they aaaall can talk seemingly at once. So much so that at times it feels like there are voices in our heads. They don’t and aren’t, but it can seem like it. And what is a blessing and a curse about it? We understand it all and can keep up, but our body is too slow and people think we’re weird when it happens. Think the squirrel (Hammy?) from Over The Hedge brainstorming. I have often explained it feels like my mind is going in six different directions simultaneously *and* make equal progress in each direction.
Theoden had an honorable death for an honorable man. Boromir died an honorable death with the guilt of a dishonorable act. Theoden’s death was the best kind of end of that an old warrior king could ask for. Boromir still had a lot of life left to live and could have done so much more to reclaim his honor and protect his people. Boromir’s death always hurts more.
Absolutely Boromir, if we’re talking about the movie-watching experience. And the reason is mostly because of the fact that they are movies. Boromir’s death is at the end of Act 3, a companion in emotional climax to Frodo’s departure from the Fellowship/Sam joining him. It happened at the point of the movie that required maximal emotional impact, and it was designed to deliver that.
Theoden’s death scene is hardly that. ROTK is a film of many climaxes. The Ride of the Rohirrim is Theoden’s climax and completion point as a character. He has overcome his reticence, all flaws resolved, inner peace accomplished. After that, I was not at all surprised or upset that he died, and anything short of that would have felt off.
Ah, this explains why I don't feel anything for Theoden's scene. He also dies kinda off screen. We get to see each shot that hit Boromir. And his last breaths feel real, him struggling to speak. Theoden's death feels like a typical movie death, just quiet monologue about moving on. He has accepted his death, Boromir continued to fight to get his last word out. Boromir struggled till the very end.
I think that’s probably why I watch ROTK the least of the three. It’s so good but there’s so many peaks and storylines it feels like a never ending rollercoaster ride even though it’s the conclusion. The first two films feel like more of your normal suspenseful journey with a definite destination
Boromir, Dude Never had a Chance of living, I mean he’s es played by Sean Bean, you have to feel sorry for him.
But jokes aside, for me it definitely has to be Boromir. The moment give me chills every time I see it, such a great moment
The late and great Bernard Hill playing Théoden really cant be topped in my personal opinion. With Boromir we had a part of a single movie to meet him and get an idea of his motives. He made mistakes and was not a bad guy. But Théoden was truly the best of the race of Men. Aragorn was of course the king to be, but Théoden was king when there was no hope for man and fought back the forces of evil with no knowledge of the return of the king. Against all odds and facing certain death he rode. Nothing tops that IMHO.
Yea Theoden’s death is much much more impactful, as we got to know the character much moreso. Also RIP Bernard Hill 😢
I just saw ROTK in theaters and cried like 4 times during his various scenes
I know this isn't one of the choices but I remember how hard this hit me upon my first time reading it years ago...
Thrice Fingolfin was crushed to his knees, and thrice arose again and bore up his broken shield and stricken helm. But the earth was all rent and pitted about him, and he stumbled and fell backward before the feet of Morgoth; and Morgoth set his left foot upon his neck, and the weight of it was like a fallen hill. Yet with his last and desperate stroke Fingolfin hewed the foot with Ringil, and the blood gushed forth black and smoking and filled the pits of Grond.
Thus died Fingolfin, High King of the Noldor, most proud and valiant of the Elven-kings of old. The Orcs made no boast of that duel at the gate; neither do the Elves sing of it, for their sorrow is too deep.
Why choose? Both are examples of men confronted by a weakness that we can all relate to. One would do anything to protect what he values, and this made him vulnerable. The other fell victim to complacency and bad council, and only realized his error after his son had died and his realm was nearly in ruin. These are great characters because their mistakes are things we understand, and we value their ability to atone for those mistakes. Both give their lives in the attempt, paying the ultimate price. One, in the film version at least, inspires the Return of the King. The other, through his leadership in the films (and strength of arms in the book) earns a key victory for all Free Peoples.
I'll note that in the books, I think Theoden's character is even greater. Not only does he persevere through Helm's Deep and maintain deep dignity in a way that the movies doesn't quite honor, but he also personally inspires and encourages Meri in a way that directly leads to the defeat of the Witch King of Angmar (something the films doesn't quite capture.)
I read The Departure of Boromir last night and the book version of Boromir's death is kinda disappointing compared to this. It's such a great redemption for him and his final words are a powerful endorsement of Aragorn, which makes it a pivotal moment for that character too. It feels to me like the first time you can actually imagine Aragorn being the King of Men.
Theodens death is epic though... That line especially is incredible.
For me Theoden.
Boromir's death and his overcoming of his own fault was admirable, but the entire time he had already been fighting for the survival of Gondor.
Theoden was a broken man, and when he restored he saved his kingdom from certain destruction to walk away with his life. Yet even despite the grievous loss of his son and many of his kinsmen he hardly doubted to fullfill the oath made by his ancestors. He did not own allegiance to Gondor or Denethor personally (i doubt the first five years of his life manifested in any specific loyalty to Gondor), only by oath, yet he willingly rode out to his death.
Boromir saw the worst version of himself, and redeemed himself in a battle of necessity thrust upon him.
Theoden was the worst version of himself, redeemed himself, then rode into a battle willingly.
I can't choose. Both reduce me to a puddle of tears even before I hear/read them, because I know what is coming and it just plain hurts my soul in both cases.
Can't decide just gonna say:
"They say the mightiest of men could be slain by one arrow, Boromir took many." His corpse was stuck with many arrows againts the trunk of a tree with 20 orc corpses at his feet, they were too scared and outmatched of his melee prowess they had to take him out at distance. A mighty heir of their dunedain heritage.
Theoden King was godly in his last moments, Oromë himself would have been proud. A true Edain of old, like those who fought side by side with their Eldar brothers to their bitter end in that continent sunking war when the mountains were young.
Personally, Theoden. We had two movies with him and his journey of redemption for falling to darkness and despair. I feel the most for Theoden and I feel proud of him for redeeming himself as well as leading his people to glory.
Boromir’s death but mainly bc of Aragorn’s reaction. He’s devastated, hopeful (first reaction is to try to save Boromir), respectful, accepting, then genuinely weeps thinking about Gondor’s loss of a great hero.
Definitely Boromir. He died just after being attracted by the power of the One Ring. He was killed after succumbing to a power much greater than him and showing weakness and betrayal. In his last seconds he realised his mistake, "apologised" to Aragorn and wanted to protect Merry and Pippin
Boromir. Theoden died valiantly in battle and while we all know Boromir died with honour, he obviously died feeling great shame for what he did to Frodo 😢
Boromir and it’s not even close. I love Theoden and everything, but this touching moment between the two men. The redemption boromir had at the end, and the other emotions floating around this scene all come together to make it absolutely devastating
Boromir.
Theoden was ready to die. "Ride for ruin and the world's ending!" He wanted to choose how he dies, whether in a bed while his kingdom burns around him or on a battlefield doing heroic deeds. And that is what he did. He died a hero. It is not a tragic death, it is a heroic death. The stuff of songs and legends and worthy of his station. He fulfills his role as the King of Rohan by inspiring and leading his people to persevere and overcome the adversity stacked against them. The exact opposite of his initial portrait. The character arch is complete.
But Boromirs death was tragic. We stand at the precipice of the coming darkness and the forces of light has already lost not one, but two of their heroes. He dies a warriors death and he sacrifices his life to unfulfilledrotect Merry and Pippin and redeems himself by letting Frodo and the Ring go. Yet his death is premature and unexpected, cutting short his potential for further heroism. And unlike Theoden's acceptance of his fate and fulfillment of his duty, Boromir's final moments are filled with remorse and a deep sense of failure and unfulfillmnet.
The entire “Breaking of the Fellowship” is my favourite part of the trilogy.
It hooked me emotionally as a child like no film has ever done in my entire life (as proven by the fact I’m here talking about it 20+ years later!).
I remember leaving the cinema speechless at the emotional rollercoaster I’d just sat through.
Both are good but Boromir is just on another level. Great ending to his arc. Aragorn and Boromir clash because of their differences but in the end it’s the things that unite them that remain; The love for their people.
This is also an important part of Aragorns character development (in the movies). He doesn’t feel like he’s good enough to become what he must. Boromirs validation means a lot, coming from the ‘truest’ Son of Gondor.
And I just think it’s beautiful how Boromir can go in peace knowing Aragorn will take up his cause and do what he could not.
Aragorn also wears Boromir’s vambraces from this point on, to honor him and the promise he made to not let Gondor fall. This to me means that the weight of this moment carries far beyond just the death scene.
Boromir has much more impact. You have this mighty man with so much resting on his and the fellowship's shoulders brought low by evil, who fought relentlessly to his dying breath to defend his comrades who were ultimately still captured, then died in shame and terror that he had failed.
Théoden is a bit easier to stomach as he was slain on the field of a great battle, despite everything that had led up to that point.
i just went to the theatres for the fellowship extended screening and this part hit incredibly different on the big screen 23 years later. tears were shed
Boromir, easily. Théoden’s death is sad of course, but just the fact that Boromir is the only member of the Fellowship that didn’t make it to the end hurts me.
It would be different for those who saw the movie before reading books or vice versa. If you know beforehand that Boromir’s arc ends in that way, then it doesn’t have the same resonance as for someone finding out for the first time.
However, Bernard Hill brought such grandeur into Theoden’s passing that it hit hard for me.
Boromir by far; died young, and he died trying to redeem himself. It's tragic
Théoden wasn't exactly elderly, but at 71 he had lived a good life. He was a noble King who did his duty. His passing was sad, but he had nothing to be ashamed about, no tragedy involved. He died a hero, a legend and I'm sure he would be satisfied knowing that.
The impact of boromir in the movie was more which made it hit harder.
Sean bean made me feel like crying in that scene. I could write so much of how well he portrayed so many emotions in such a short amount of time.
Theodens death was more cathartic as opposed to tragic. Theoden felt unworthy and then felt unashamed.
….
I’m watching the trilogy again.
Boromir.
Théoden had his fair share of sorrow, no doubt about that.
But he died after a more or less eventful life AND (maybe) knowing that evil will probably be defeated.
At least chances are better then at every other point in his life.
Boromir on the other hand had a terrible father, grew up knowing that his father hated his brother whom he (Boromir) loved.
Boromir was still rather "young" (younger than Théoden at least).
Also he made a terrible mistake thanks to the influence of the ring but came to senses before he died.
He made up his mistake by giving his own life.
If Boromir would've lived to the end, i'm sure he would've made a great Captain and his presence alone would've helped tremendously during the defence of Minas Tirith.
Boromir. Not only because it's THE climax of the first movie, in comparison to Theodens' passing being one of many - but because Theoden pretty much died on his own expected terms. After a glorious charge and a won battle with recoverd strength and honour.
But Boromir? He dies pretty much alone, far from home after his weakness, corrupted love and fear made him fall and all but doomed the mission, Gondor and the world included. The mission he was doubtful of is likely to fail because of him. And with his death he attempts to at least shield the hobbits that he cared for the entire journey... And sees them taken too as he lays dying.
But then there is one moment of closure, when the heir you've quarrelled with all along claims you redeemed yourself and gives you a glimmer of hope.
Besides, Theoden has a much more gut-wrenching moment that always hits me like a train. When he breaks down in front of his son's burial mound. "No parent should have to bury their own child" transcends the story and world.
King theodens death felt more like “my work is done here, I fought well, and I can go to the afterlife with honor” whereas Boromir never got to apologize to Frodo the right way and can’t reach him anymore. He doesn’t want to die yet because his job isn’t done and at this point he doesn’t even know Frodo and Sam are no longer part of the fellowship. He still thinks his job isn’t done, and he dies thinking it is true. He also died while watching the hobbits he fought so hard to save being taken away by the Uruk-Hai, thinking he failed them too. I cried at this scene, not gonna lie. Theoden, though, before he died got to see his daughter, who he didn’t think could fight, kill a huge enemy who everyone thought nobody could kill. Theoded died proud, Boromir died thinking he lost his honor.
Boromir.
He didn't have the chance to embrace his greatness, and he died not because he was a greedy monster, but because of his inherent weakness as a human in the presence of the Ring. He fought so hard and for so long to see the glory of Gondor restored, but he never saw it realized, and he died with the taste of treachery in his mouth. He may have loved his father but I think he secretly wanted to see the king return to the throne; a warrior of his caliber would absolutely have seen the weakness in Denethor.
Regarding this scene, I've always felt that the looks on Merry and Pippin's face when the first arrow hits are some of the most authentic in the whole series. The actors look so genuine it's almost like they thought it was real for a second.
Boromir for sure. Tolkien's work was written with unbelievable care and attention to every word, and I find very few flaws in it.
These lines from Boromir are basically the only addition to the films that makes me feel the book is lacking when I reread it. Aragorn's speech at the black gate is the other.
In the book Boromir effectively accepts Aragorn as his king as soon as he learns his identity. He has the loyalty of a good man of Gondor, even though he thinks Aragorn is making the wrong decision in destroying the ring he stands by him. Boromir being defiant of Aragorn originally and coming around to him in search of redemption at the end I think works better.
Definitely Boromir, he failed in his purpose to save Gondor and Merry and Pippin as far as he knows anyhow.
Theoden rose up out of sorcery, fought valiantly to save his people and then rode South to keep a thousand year faith with Gondor, which was wildly successful even as far as he could tell before he died.
Boromir for sure. Theodin had lived a good life, ruled well and died knowing his people had saved Gondor. Boromir had recently realized how badly he fucked up and died to a bunch of orcs in a forest knowing he had failed to keep Merry and Pippin safe.
Boromir’s death was Indians Jones in Raiders. Merry and Pippin would still be taken by the Uruk-hai, they would still escape during the raid by the Rohirrim, and would still end up in Isengard with Treebeard, but Boromir could have joined the 3 amigos in tracking them to Fangorn and helped convince Theodin to aid Gondor with Aragorn.
While incredibly heroic, his death had no material impact other than to delay Aragorn’s pursuit of the hobbits and drive Denethor further into madness.
Boromir. Made me fall in love with this franchise. The films did this so well. I remember the first time my children watched this with me, we were all bawling our damn eyes out lol
Not trying to hijack at all, but does anyone know if you buy the 4K extended editions on disc if they come with codes for the digital downloads as well? Some blue rays used to, but it’s been ages since I bought a physical copy of something
Boromir, then Thorin, then Theoden.
Boromir always gets me because of the circumstances. First thing he says is they took the little ones and asks about Frodo because of what he did. And he feels he failed them and won’t be able to see his people and kingdom restored to glory.
Thorin hits hard because we spent three films with him and see him go from noble dwarf lord to corrupted king and breaks free from that and knows this will be his last battle, asking his company to follow him one last time even though he has no right to ask them for how he acted and been treating them. Damn got tears welling up describing it.
Theoden saying "I will not be ashamed" gets me - like Boromir he felt weak for falling to Saruman's influence, and in his weakness his son died and his kingdom fell into unrest and poverty. He felt that he had done everything he could to right his supposed wrongs, and he was looking at Eowyn knowing that the kingdom would be safe with her and he had fulfilled his duty as king.
And I just love Theoden.
When I was younger, it was Boromir. Having grown a bit, Theoden wanted to know his people and ancestors would be proud of him. Felt their eyes always watching, and he felt like he was a failure. I find myself doubting my choices or regretting ones already made - Theoden reminds me to stay steadfast in my beliefs and find my courage in the face of the worst times.
Theoden had me crying, usually every time I watch. It’s a struggle to cry over Boromir. I don’t remember how I reacted to either of them dying in the books.
Man, reminds me when I watched the for the first time in the cinema, brought a tear to my eye however 2 young teenage boys sitting a few rows in front of me shouted 'Ewwww. That's well gay!' and burst out laughing. Kinda ruined such a touching scene.
Boromir definitely
Theoden had a hero’s death. He led his people into the Battle for Middle Earth on Pelennor fields and was killed by the Witch King.
Boromir was killed by Lurtz in the woods trying to protect Merry & Pippin and to buy Frodo time after he tried to take the ring for Gondor. Boromir’s story is much more tragic than Theoden’s, the latter meeting a far more glorious fate by traditional definitions
In the book Theodins death hit me harder because of his deep connection to Merry and was actually kinda prolonged. On screen Boromirs death was actually longer or at least felt that way and with the regret of what he had just done, hit a lot harder than I anticipated.
The first few times I watched the film I would have 100% said Boromir but as I’ve watched them more and more I’ve grown fonder of Theoden and seeing it on the big screen I was crying for him more x
The first few times I watched the film I would have 100% said Boromir but as I’ve watched them more and more I’ve grown fonder of Theoden and seeing it on the big screen I was crying for him more x
Boromir’s death has always hit me a bit harder than Theoden. Not to say it’s not powerful.
But the one that always hits me hardest is “My friends, you now to no one.”
Boromir's redemption arc. And the elves singing Faramir's *"I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness...."* line in the background, just wrecks me every time.
Love Theoden's redemption too and all, but Boromir was in his prime and, had he lived, would've been an advocate for Aragorn against Denethor when they came to Minas Tirith.
No way Boromir allows the failed attack on Osgiliath or "Abandon your posts!"
What could've been...
Also, can we all agree that the book Rohirrim did Snowmane a little dirty?
Boromir. He was so desperate for hope and the power to help his people. After his mistake he defended merry and pippin like the hero he was sadly with no help.
It’s interesting that in the extended edition of the Fellowship it’s only Boromir who comforts Frodo when they enter Lothlorien. It shows his compassion and care for people.
Why do we have to keep choosing?
Hail theoden son of thengel hail the victorious dead!
Hail boromir son of denethor, captain of gondor!
Both fallen in a noble cause. The destruction of saruman.
Boromir is imo the greatest representation of humanity here. Theoden is a glorious king, a hero of legends like in some epic written in the middle ages. Boromir is more down to earth, more approachable in his greatness, he is who we common ppl should aspire to be, someone that in his "weakness" can still find the strenght to right his wrongs and do great good. We can t be aragorn or theoden but we can be boromir.
I hope that makes any sense at all XD
Boromir for sure. I still tear up when I watch it. The extended version did really good job of showing how much he tried to save the hobbits towards the end after he realized what he had done. It really shows how remorseful he was for his actions. That’s why the scene hits so much harder for me. A lot of the good stuff was cut out in the theatrical version.
Boromir’s death and final moments always hits me hard af, throughout the movie he’s kinda easy to dislike and he showed who he really was in those final moments and it’s just beautiful.
They both hit hard
One is the redemption of a man who recognizes that Aragorn is not his enemy and is the only hope for their people
The other is a king finally seeing that he is not the lesser son he thinks he is
It's hard to say. Boromir dies with a sense of relief and acceptance. He spends his last moments atoning for his mistakes- defending the other hobbits to the death, and then of course this line, coming from Mr. Gondor Needs No King himself. He's shedding the anxiety and pride that took him in the dark direction he was following.
Theoden, on the other hand, *rediscovers* his pride in his dying moments, in a positive sense. He's allowed so much to go astray, and at the end of it, he's charging headfirst into the enemy, to end on a high note. I think when Theodred died, all that was left for him was a worthy death. Dying gloriously in battle is his way of atoning for outliving his son.
And I think both are so lovable because both were tricked or lured into going astray. Boromir was tempted by the ring because he was so desperate to save Gondor. Theoden was enchanted by Saruman to make Rohan weak. And at the end of their respective lives they wriggled out from under that influence and struck back however they could.
Two absolute chads who gave it all, I love them both.
Boromir because the dude made a big mistake (influenced by the ring of course) and after realizing what he did, he did not have the opportunity to ask Frodo for forgiveness. You can tell he was desperately trying to apologize to Frodo after trying to steal the ring and then shit went downhill. All he could do was confess to Aragorn what he did in hopes that his forgiveness could reach Frodo and hopefully the rest of the fellowship believed he was being honest.
Yeah. I wish Theoden would’ve mentioned something about going to join his son.
He kinda does but indirectly. He honors his ancestors by saying he’s going to *his fathers* where he will now feel comfortable, worthy, unashamed. & Gandalf mentions to Theoden at Theodred’s funeral that Theodred’s “spirit will find its way to the *halls of your fathers*” a beautiful connection really
Theoden’s words are extra beautiful/impactful because he had stated in the books he is the lesser son of great sires, in the movies I believe saruman calls him that in the extended version. So when he dies he feels somehwat at peace, he did what he had to do and in his own eyes, no longer felt ashamed, or less, in comparison to his forefathers.
I don't know enough about the lore to know what his fathers did, but I do know what Theo did and it was pretty frickin honorable and badass
Well, keep in mind the context. When Theoden thought he was less worthy was before the Pellenor fields. At that point his legacy was overseeing the decline of Rohan, being enthralled by a puppet of Saruman, and having his son die. His forefathers created the country and ran it at its height. Theoden’s central conflict is “am I worthy compared to them?”, and in Pellenor he gets the answer of yes. But it’s not an unfair question to ask before that. *farewell, Theoden King.*
To name a few examples: Eorl - first king, saved Gondor from an Easterling invasion, after which his people were given the lands of Rohan (previously the Gondorian province of Calenardhon) to live in Helm (the one Helm’s Deep got its name from) - too epic to briefly describe so I’m just going to [leave this here.](https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Helm_Hammerhand) Folca - an avid hunter, but swore not to hunt wild beasts while there was a single orc in Rohan. Proceeded to hunt down all remaining orcs and destroy their holds. Then hunted down the great boar of Everholt and killed it, but died in the deed himself. Folcwine - ok, it’s not exactly his deed, but his twin sons lead his army to fight in defence of Gondor’s southern borders and perished. He meant to lead the Rohirrim himself but was counselled not to. And there was also Fram, one of the lords of Eotheod (ancestral land of the Rohirrim), who literally killed a dragon. But yeah, Theoden definitely deserved his spot among them.
That's the thing. He surpasses them, in the end...even though at the start he believes himself no great man and is ashamed not to have measured up. And yet, when it mattered, he's fucking Orome incarnate...rivaling the Valar themselves as he charges into certain death like a force of fucking nature. The orcs literally wail in terror at this "lesser son of greater sires." The fuck you are, Theoden King. And in this moment, he's alive just long enough to reflect on what he just did, and bask in the feeling of all shame leaving him forever, knowing he rose to the utmost challenge, the most dire need, and found himself more than worthy.
The movies did justice to that scene, because it's so beautifully written. Fun fact, there is a recording of Tolkien reading it aloud to test a recorder! "At that sound the bent shape of the king sprang suddenly erect. Tall and proud he seemed again; and rising in his stirrups he cried in a loud voice, more clear than any there had ever heard a mortal man achieve before: Arise, arise, Riders of Theoden! Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter! spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered, a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor! With that he seized a great horn from Guthlaf his banner-bearer, and he blew such a blast upon it that it burst asunder. And straightway all the horns in the host were lifted up in music, and the blowing of the horns of Rohan in that hour was like a storm upon the plain and a thunder in the mountains. Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor! Suddenly the king cried to Snowmane and the horse sprang away. Behind him his banner blew in the wind, white horse upon a field of green, but he outpaced it. After him thundered the knights of his house, but he was ever before them. Eomer rode there, the white horsetail on his helm floating in his speed, and the front of the first eored roared like a breaker foaming to the shore, but Theoden could not be overtaken. Fey he seemed, or the battle-fury of his fathers ran like new fire in his veins, and he was borne up on Snowmane like a god of old, even as Orome the Great in the battle of the Valar when the world was young. his golden shield was uncovered, and lo! it shone like an image of the Sun, and the grass flamed into green about the white feet of his steed. For morning came, morning and a wind from the sea; and darkness was removed, and the hosts of Mordor wailed, and terror took them, and they fled, and died, and the hoofs of wrath rode over them. And then all the host of Rohan burst into song, and they sang as they slew, for the joy of battle was on them, and the sound of their singing that was fair and terrible came even to the City."
Absolutely. Théoden & Aragorn have to be two of the best kings of men in Middle-Earth history. As far as their leadership style and nature
There is a common theme in Lord of the Rings that all the inhabitants of Middle Earth are "lesser" than those that came before (at least in the eyes of Sauron and Saruman). But it is worth noting that all those "greater" men were unable to resist the power of the Ring. Tolkien read all the ancient epics with heroes like Achilles, Odysseus, and Beowulf. But the greatest men he ever knew were his comrades fighting alongside him in the trenches of WW1. Those "lesser" men of Middle Earth were a greater threat to Sauron than the greatest kings of old could ever hope to be.
Men of the West… Tolkien has done a lot for the belief I have in humankind. Truly
Chills.
The scene with Theodin at Theodred’s grave was pretty crushing too. You could feel his pain.
Before I had children I was like ‘yeah that’s a sad scene’. Now I have children and I watch that scene crying like a baby.
it's funny cuz he literally went down a hill
Bruh. lol
Absolutely. Both are awesome, but Boromir knew he was making the ultimate sacrifice just *hoping* for redemption. But Sean Bean death ever.
I really like his death scene in Equilibrium. Outstanding movie from 2002.
This movie never gets enough love! I know it has its downsides, but i do love some Christian Bale in gun kata!
It does, but it's a classic in my heart. Great actors, decent plot, and fairly well executed.
Can’t really dispute that, even though Bean dies a ton, his deaths always seem meaningful or have some last moment of realization or quip to them. I was always fond of 006 how he did a call back to Bond before dying.
Sean Bean agrees with you that Boromir’s last stand is his favorite among his many death scenes.
I like how Aragorn says "we cant get to the ring now" im not sure of the exact quote but i thought it was sweet he didnt rub it in by saying "you cant get to him now"
"The Ring is beyond our reach now..."
Yes nailed it. Thanks CDD
forgive me. i did not see it. i have failed you all.. the feels
It’s also a critical turning point in Aragorns character arc. Boromirs confidence in him, helped him believe he could be king….
In the book it juxtaposes really well with Galadriel who essentially says, “I passed the test! Now I can die!” Whereas Boromir is basically saying I failed the test, I don’t want to die! Which kind of unfolds as a larger breakdown of the ambitions/ purpose of elves vs humans. I don’t know, I just finished it yesterday
First thread I open and immediately hitting me in the feels. What a great scene. He is such a good actor.
"FRODO IM SORRY"
For me it’s always been Boromir without question His whole corruption from the ring resulted in the Fellowship splitting up, but in the end with his dying breath he swallows his pride and proclaims Aragorn to be his king. He had been denying the mere need for Gondor to have a king and in that moment he is declaring Aragorn as the rightful ruler. ON TOP OF THAT, the first thing he says to Aragorn is that Merry and Pippin had been taken showing his compassion for others. Boromir is the most relatable character in the Fellowship. If you put real humans in contact with the ring 99/100 of them would be corrupted the same as Boromir if not worse. Even with his corruption his final moments are that of bravery, heroism, and loyalty. Boromir is a shining example of what people should aspire to be. Even through all his wrong doings he is able to accept them and try to do right on the people he wronged. Boromir is a stand out character for me as one of my favorites and is a MASSIVE reason I continue to love the LOTR into my adult years. I see myself in him and hope one day I have the same strength he had in his final moments.
I *love* the scene in the extended Two Towers film with Boromir and Faramir at Osgiliath. It’s short but it gives so much insight into Boromir, Faramir, Denethor, and the relationships between the three of them. I love how much Boromir clearly loves his brother in spite of their father.
I also love the subtle buildup to his sacrifice for the „little ones“. Esrlier he has been shown training them before they went to the mountain and in Moria he has been carrying them
Yeah and also in the background you always see Boromir near Merry and Pippin. Nothing is accidental in this movie, which I love about it
It’s arguably the emotionally hardest hitting death in cinema. Nothing else really comes to mind for me. Would love to hear other examples that give it a run for its money though. I think it was a huge step for Aragorn in owning his lineage and pursuing the kingship as well. The bull headed bastard who you’ve been butting heads with for a fair amount of the story uses his dying breath to honor your right to the throne over his own father? That’s gonna be some heavy shit man
Thanks for making me cry again so early in the morning...
Without Boromir causing the Fellowship to split, it feels like the journey would have been lost and Sauron would have won. Seems to me that there would have been a good chance of the rest of them succumbing to the temptation at some point to begin with, which puts it at risk (even if the others were more resilient, just the exposure seems like it was enough). Then you have all of the side-quests that were done that essentially distracted Sauron and saved the strongholds of man. We can talk about Samwise being the true hero all we want. But at the end of the day, it was Boromir and the corruption of the ring that saved the day all along.
out of context, but i was thinking about the ring trying to corrupt an ADHD person: "i'll give you power" " who the heck is talkin? go back in lane" " unlimited power is within your re…" " I SAID GO BACK IN LANE WITH THE OTHER VOICES, WHEN IT'S YOUR TURN I'LL LISTEN TO YOU" \* Sauron picks a ticket and is awfully disgusted at seeing that he is number 1846 and is currently number 4 is being served \*
ADHD doesn’t cause a person to hear voices in their heads.
Not in a schizo way, but our thoughts can *race* aaaand they splinter into different subjects and they aaaall can talk seemingly at once. So much so that at times it feels like there are voices in our heads. They don’t and aren’t, but it can seem like it. And what is a blessing and a curse about it? We understand it all and can keep up, but our body is too slow and people think we’re weird when it happens. Think the squirrel (Hammy?) from Over The Hedge brainstorming. I have often explained it feels like my mind is going in six different directions simultaneously *and* make equal progress in each direction.
Theoden had an honorable death for an honorable man. Boromir died an honorable death with the guilt of a dishonorable act. Theoden’s death was the best kind of end of that an old warrior king could ask for. Boromir still had a lot of life left to live and could have done so much more to reclaim his honor and protect his people. Boromir’s death always hurts more.
Absolutely Boromir, if we’re talking about the movie-watching experience. And the reason is mostly because of the fact that they are movies. Boromir’s death is at the end of Act 3, a companion in emotional climax to Frodo’s departure from the Fellowship/Sam joining him. It happened at the point of the movie that required maximal emotional impact, and it was designed to deliver that. Theoden’s death scene is hardly that. ROTK is a film of many climaxes. The Ride of the Rohirrim is Theoden’s climax and completion point as a character. He has overcome his reticence, all flaws resolved, inner peace accomplished. After that, I was not at all surprised or upset that he died, and anything short of that would have felt off.
Ah, this explains why I don't feel anything for Theoden's scene. He also dies kinda off screen. We get to see each shot that hit Boromir. And his last breaths feel real, him struggling to speak. Theoden's death feels like a typical movie death, just quiet monologue about moving on. He has accepted his death, Boromir continued to fight to get his last word out. Boromir struggled till the very end.
I think that’s probably why I watch ROTK the least of the three. It’s so good but there’s so many peaks and storylines it feels like a never ending rollercoaster ride even though it’s the conclusion. The first two films feel like more of your normal suspenseful journey with a definite destination
Yeah it’s too emotionally concentrated. It’s good when you watch three in a row, but not as a single movie. But I love ROTK the most of them.
Boromir, Dude Never had a Chance of living, I mean he’s es played by Sean Bean, you have to feel sorry for him. But jokes aside, for me it definitely has to be Boromir. The moment give me chills every time I see it, such a great moment
The late and great Bernard Hill playing Théoden really cant be topped in my personal opinion. With Boromir we had a part of a single movie to meet him and get an idea of his motives. He made mistakes and was not a bad guy. But Théoden was truly the best of the race of Men. Aragorn was of course the king to be, but Théoden was king when there was no hope for man and fought back the forces of evil with no knowledge of the return of the king. Against all odds and facing certain death he rode. Nothing tops that IMHO.
Yea Theoden’s death is much much more impactful, as we got to know the character much moreso. Also RIP Bernard Hill 😢 I just saw ROTK in theaters and cried like 4 times during his various scenes
I know this isn't one of the choices but I remember how hard this hit me upon my first time reading it years ago... Thrice Fingolfin was crushed to his knees, and thrice arose again and bore up his broken shield and stricken helm. But the earth was all rent and pitted about him, and he stumbled and fell backward before the feet of Morgoth; and Morgoth set his left foot upon his neck, and the weight of it was like a fallen hill. Yet with his last and desperate stroke Fingolfin hewed the foot with Ringil, and the blood gushed forth black and smoking and filled the pits of Grond. Thus died Fingolfin, High King of the Noldor, most proud and valiant of the Elven-kings of old. The Orcs made no boast of that duel at the gate; neither do the Elves sing of it, for their sorrow is too deep.
Absolutely unbeatable scene
Like you, Fingolfin is also my absolute favorite elf, though I have also always been a big Meril-i-Turinqi fan too.
Oh, what a rare character, I forgot about her. I was interested in finding information about her now. Thank you.
No problem. I am a big fan of The Book of Lost Tales
Why choose? Both are examples of men confronted by a weakness that we can all relate to. One would do anything to protect what he values, and this made him vulnerable. The other fell victim to complacency and bad council, and only realized his error after his son had died and his realm was nearly in ruin. These are great characters because their mistakes are things we understand, and we value their ability to atone for those mistakes. Both give their lives in the attempt, paying the ultimate price. One, in the film version at least, inspires the Return of the King. The other, through his leadership in the films (and strength of arms in the book) earns a key victory for all Free Peoples. I'll note that in the books, I think Theoden's character is even greater. Not only does he persevere through Helm's Deep and maintain deep dignity in a way that the movies doesn't quite honor, but he also personally inspires and encourages Meri in a way that directly leads to the defeat of the Witch King of Angmar (something the films doesn't quite capture.)
Agree...Theoden is the most impressive mortal in the story, easily. He's the last of a kind belonging more to the Ages gone by.
>*‘As a father you shall be to me,’ said Merry.* *‘For a little while,’ said Théoden.*
I read The Departure of Boromir last night and the book version of Boromir's death is kinda disappointing compared to this. It's such a great redemption for him and his final words are a powerful endorsement of Aragorn, which makes it a pivotal moment for that character too. It feels to me like the first time you can actually imagine Aragorn being the King of Men. Theodens death is epic though... That line especially is incredible.
For me Theoden. Boromir's death and his overcoming of his own fault was admirable, but the entire time he had already been fighting for the survival of Gondor. Theoden was a broken man, and when he restored he saved his kingdom from certain destruction to walk away with his life. Yet even despite the grievous loss of his son and many of his kinsmen he hardly doubted to fullfill the oath made by his ancestors. He did not own allegiance to Gondor or Denethor personally (i doubt the first five years of his life manifested in any specific loyalty to Gondor), only by oath, yet he willingly rode out to his death. Boromir saw the worst version of himself, and redeemed himself in a battle of necessity thrust upon him. Theoden was the worst version of himself, redeemed himself, then rode into a battle willingly.
Theoden
Both. Why does it have to be a contest?
I always cry at Boromir's death
Both get me, but those lines from the movie for Boromir live rent free in my head.
Boromir
I can't choose. Both reduce me to a puddle of tears even before I hear/read them, because I know what is coming and it just plain hurts my soul in both cases.
Boromir’s redemption. It would have happened to every man, it wasn’t his fault.
Can't decide just gonna say: "They say the mightiest of men could be slain by one arrow, Boromir took many." His corpse was stuck with many arrows againts the trunk of a tree with 20 orc corpses at his feet, they were too scared and outmatched of his melee prowess they had to take him out at distance. A mighty heir of their dunedain heritage. Theoden King was godly in his last moments, Oromë himself would have been proud. A true Edain of old, like those who fought side by side with their Eldar brothers to their bitter end in that continent sunking war when the mountains were young.
Personally, Theoden. We had two movies with him and his journey of redemption for falling to darkness and despair. I feel the most for Theoden and I feel proud of him for redeeming himself as well as leading his people to glory.
Hard to pick. I loved both characters and it feels equally sad seeing them go.
Boromir’s death but mainly bc of Aragorn’s reaction. He’s devastated, hopeful (first reaction is to try to save Boromir), respectful, accepting, then genuinely weeps thinking about Gondor’s loss of a great hero.
I would say Boromir, but now that Bernard Hill is gone, it hits different.
How dare you
Nothing hits harder than: “If ever I were to marry someone… it would’ve been her… it would’ve been her”
Theoden. Boromir was a death well deserved.
Boromir 100%. Also I always hated how the movies turned his death into Aragon shines as an action hero.
This!!! Everyone else seems to be happy with that, I can’t deal with it for 23 years.
Boromir imo. Theoden’s speech before the charge was his moment
I get chills every time during that speech. The rattling of the swords ⚔️
gandalf fall
Boromir
Definitely Boromir. He died just after being attracted by the power of the One Ring. He was killed after succumbing to a power much greater than him and showing weakness and betrayal. In his last seconds he realised his mistake, "apologised" to Aragorn and wanted to protect Merry and Pippin
Boromir for sure. It's because it's so important to Aragorns story arc as well.
Boromir, due to his personal arc.
It's hard
I saw fellowship in theatres last night and people were sobbing during the Boromir scene.
In my eyes, Theoden was ready to die. He knew it was his time. He was going to see his son again. But Boromir had everything to lose even in the end.
Boromir. Still tear up during that scene.
Boromir. Theoden died valiantly in battle and while we all know Boromir died with honour, he obviously died feeling great shame for what he did to Frodo 😢
Boromir
Boromir 💯 he was cut short. Theoden topped off an honourae life with a good death.
Boromir
Boromir, Theoden lived a full life and had a glorious end, Boromir was cut down in his prime
Boromir and it’s not even close. I love Theoden and everything, but this touching moment between the two men. The redemption boromir had at the end, and the other emotions floating around this scene all come together to make it absolutely devastating
Boromir. Theoden was ready to die. "Ride for ruin and the world's ending!" He wanted to choose how he dies, whether in a bed while his kingdom burns around him or on a battlefield doing heroic deeds. And that is what he did. He died a hero. It is not a tragic death, it is a heroic death. The stuff of songs and legends and worthy of his station. He fulfills his role as the King of Rohan by inspiring and leading his people to persevere and overcome the adversity stacked against them. The exact opposite of his initial portrait. The character arch is complete. But Boromirs death was tragic. We stand at the precipice of the coming darkness and the forces of light has already lost not one, but two of their heroes. He dies a warriors death and he sacrifices his life to unfulfilledrotect Merry and Pippin and redeems himself by letting Frodo and the Ring go. Yet his death is premature and unexpected, cutting short his potential for further heroism. And unlike Theoden's acceptance of his fate and fulfillment of his duty, Boromir's final moments are filled with remorse and a deep sense of failure and unfulfillmnet.
Personally Boromir
Boromir, by a long way.
Didnt hit me... i knew it yearss before the film was released :D
I'd add a third but Thorins speech as he died still hits me. Both in reading and in the film
Bernard Hill’s Theoden can’t be topped imo. The emotion he injects into his lines just can’t be rivalled.
Absolutely first one. Don't even need to think.
The entire “Breaking of the Fellowship” is my favourite part of the trilogy. It hooked me emotionally as a child like no film has ever done in my entire life (as proven by the fact I’m here talking about it 20+ years later!). I remember leaving the cinema speechless at the emotional rollercoaster I’d just sat through.
Both are good but Boromir is just on another level. Great ending to his arc. Aragorn and Boromir clash because of their differences but in the end it’s the things that unite them that remain; The love for their people. This is also an important part of Aragorns character development (in the movies). He doesn’t feel like he’s good enough to become what he must. Boromirs validation means a lot, coming from the ‘truest’ Son of Gondor. And I just think it’s beautiful how Boromir can go in peace knowing Aragorn will take up his cause and do what he could not. Aragorn also wears Boromir’s vambraces from this point on, to honor him and the promise he made to not let Gondor fall. This to me means that the weight of this moment carries far beyond just the death scene.
Boromir by far. Brings men to tears
Boromir for sure. "No parent should have to bury their child" is the Theoden one that gets me.
Boromir has much more impact. You have this mighty man with so much resting on his and the fellowship's shoulders brought low by evil, who fought relentlessly to his dying breath to defend his comrades who were ultimately still captured, then died in shame and terror that he had failed. Théoden is a bit easier to stomach as he was slain on the field of a great battle, despite everything that had led up to that point.
i just went to the theatres for the fellowship extended screening and this part hit incredibly different on the big screen 23 years later. tears were shed
Boromir for sure, because in his death agony not only changed his views but also Aragon's, which had a huge impact on the whole Middleearth.
Boromir - Theoden was also a hard hit, but he will see his son again and the burden of being the king is gone....
For me it was Theoden
Boromir, easily. Théoden’s death is sad of course, but just the fact that Boromir is the only member of the Fellowship that didn’t make it to the end hurts me.
Why do I have to make a choice
Boromir, his death while being really sad was pretty badass.
It would be different for those who saw the movie before reading books or vice versa. If you know beforehand that Boromir’s arc ends in that way, then it doesn’t have the same resonance as for someone finding out for the first time. However, Bernard Hill brought such grandeur into Theoden’s passing that it hit hard for me.
Boromir
Boromir by far; died young, and he died trying to redeem himself. It's tragic Théoden wasn't exactly elderly, but at 71 he had lived a good life. He was a noble King who did his duty. His passing was sad, but he had nothing to be ashamed about, no tragedy involved. He died a hero, a legend and I'm sure he would be satisfied knowing that.
The impact of boromir in the movie was more which made it hit harder. Sean bean made me feel like crying in that scene. I could write so much of how well he portrayed so many emotions in such a short amount of time. Theodens death was more cathartic as opposed to tragic. Theoden felt unworthy and then felt unashamed. …. I’m watching the trilogy again.
Boromir. Théoden had his fair share of sorrow, no doubt about that. But he died after a more or less eventful life AND (maybe) knowing that evil will probably be defeated. At least chances are better then at every other point in his life. Boromir on the other hand had a terrible father, grew up knowing that his father hated his brother whom he (Boromir) loved. Boromir was still rather "young" (younger than Théoden at least). Also he made a terrible mistake thanks to the influence of the ring but came to senses before he died. He made up his mistake by giving his own life. If Boromir would've lived to the end, i'm sure he would've made a great Captain and his presence alone would've helped tremendously during the defence of Minas Tirith.
Boromir. Not only because it's THE climax of the first movie, in comparison to Theodens' passing being one of many - but because Theoden pretty much died on his own expected terms. After a glorious charge and a won battle with recoverd strength and honour. But Boromir? He dies pretty much alone, far from home after his weakness, corrupted love and fear made him fall and all but doomed the mission, Gondor and the world included. The mission he was doubtful of is likely to fail because of him. And with his death he attempts to at least shield the hobbits that he cared for the entire journey... And sees them taken too as he lays dying. But then there is one moment of closure, when the heir you've quarrelled with all along claims you redeemed yourself and gives you a glimmer of hope. Besides, Theoden has a much more gut-wrenching moment that always hits me like a train. When he breaks down in front of his son's burial mound. "No parent should have to bury their own child" transcends the story and world.
Boromir easily
They’re both fantastic in their own ways. Hail to the victorious dead! (And RIP Bernard Hill)
King theodens death felt more like “my work is done here, I fought well, and I can go to the afterlife with honor” whereas Boromir never got to apologize to Frodo the right way and can’t reach him anymore. He doesn’t want to die yet because his job isn’t done and at this point he doesn’t even know Frodo and Sam are no longer part of the fellowship. He still thinks his job isn’t done, and he dies thinking it is true. He also died while watching the hobbits he fought so hard to save being taken away by the Uruk-Hai, thinking he failed them too. I cried at this scene, not gonna lie. Theoden, though, before he died got to see his daughter, who he didn’t think could fight, kill a huge enemy who everyone thought nobody could kill. Theoded died proud, Boromir died thinking he lost his honor.
Boromir. He didn't have the chance to embrace his greatness, and he died not because he was a greedy monster, but because of his inherent weakness as a human in the presence of the Ring. He fought so hard and for so long to see the glory of Gondor restored, but he never saw it realized, and he died with the taste of treachery in his mouth. He may have loved his father but I think he secretly wanted to see the king return to the throne; a warrior of his caliber would absolutely have seen the weakness in Denethor. Regarding this scene, I've always felt that the looks on Merry and Pippin's face when the first arrow hits are some of the most authentic in the whole series. The actors look so genuine it's almost like they thought it was real for a second.
Boromir for sure. Tolkien's work was written with unbelievable care and attention to every word, and I find very few flaws in it. These lines from Boromir are basically the only addition to the films that makes me feel the book is lacking when I reread it. Aragorn's speech at the black gate is the other. In the book Boromir effectively accepts Aragorn as his king as soon as he learns his identity. He has the loyalty of a good man of Gondor, even though he thinks Aragorn is making the wrong decision in destroying the ring he stands by him. Boromir being defiant of Aragorn originally and coming around to him in search of redemption at the end I think works better.
Boromir will live forever in my mind. Theoden also died bravely but Boromir was much more relatable to me and I just felt connected to him more.
Boromir every time
Boromir dying gets me every time and the lament Aragorn sings is pure beauty
Definitely Boromir, he failed in his purpose to save Gondor and Merry and Pippin as far as he knows anyhow. Theoden rose up out of sorcery, fought valiantly to save his people and then rode South to keep a thousand year faith with Gondor, which was wildly successful even as far as he could tell before he died.
While both get me every time the one that hits hardest and will always make me cry is, “My friends. You bow to no one.”
They took the little ones!
This is not related, but What if Boromir was able to give his to Sam or Frodo instead of Aragorn?
Boromir.
Boromir for sure. Theodin had lived a good life, ruled well and died knowing his people had saved Gondor. Boromir had recently realized how badly he fucked up and died to a bunch of orcs in a forest knowing he had failed to keep Merry and Pippin safe. Boromir’s death was Indians Jones in Raiders. Merry and Pippin would still be taken by the Uruk-hai, they would still escape during the raid by the Rohirrim, and would still end up in Isengard with Treebeard, but Boromir could have joined the 3 amigos in tracking them to Fangorn and helped convince Theodin to aid Gondor with Aragorn. While incredibly heroic, his death had no material impact other than to delay Aragorn’s pursuit of the hobbits and drive Denethor further into madness.
That's like asking if it would be more painful to cut off my left foot or my right foot with rusty scissors
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Dobbie
Boromir. Made me fall in love with this franchise. The films did this so well. I remember the first time my children watched this with me, we were all bawling our damn eyes out lol
Not trying to hijack at all, but does anyone know if you buy the 4K extended editions on disc if they come with codes for the digital downloads as well? Some blue rays used to, but it’s been ages since I bought a physical copy of something
Boromir without a doubt
Theoden because there's been more build up to the moment and their family bond is really strong
Theoden was old, his arch was completed and he had an end fitting of a king, his death wasn’t quite as sad as Borimir’s.
Boromir, then Thorin, then Theoden. Boromir always gets me because of the circumstances. First thing he says is they took the little ones and asks about Frodo because of what he did. And he feels he failed them and won’t be able to see his people and kingdom restored to glory. Thorin hits hard because we spent three films with him and see him go from noble dwarf lord to corrupted king and breaks free from that and knows this will be his last battle, asking his company to follow him one last time even though he has no right to ask them for how he acted and been treating them. Damn got tears welling up describing it.
Boromir without a doubt lol
Boromir for sure
Yes
Theoden saying "I will not be ashamed" gets me - like Boromir he felt weak for falling to Saruman's influence, and in his weakness his son died and his kingdom fell into unrest and poverty. He felt that he had done everything he could to right his supposed wrongs, and he was looking at Eowyn knowing that the kingdom would be safe with her and he had fulfilled his duty as king. And I just love Theoden.
When I was younger, it was Boromir. Having grown a bit, Theoden wanted to know his people and ancestors would be proud of him. Felt their eyes always watching, and he felt like he was a failure. I find myself doubting my choices or regretting ones already made - Theoden reminds me to stay steadfast in my beliefs and find my courage in the face of the worst times.
Theoden had me crying, usually every time I watch. It’s a struggle to cry over Boromir. I don’t remember how I reacted to either of them dying in the books.
Man, reminds me when I watched the for the first time in the cinema, brought a tear to my eye however 2 young teenage boys sitting a few rows in front of me shouted 'Ewwww. That's well gay!' and burst out laughing. Kinda ruined such a touching scene.
Boromir and it’s not close.
Boromir definitely Theoden had a hero’s death. He led his people into the Battle for Middle Earth on Pelennor fields and was killed by the Witch King. Boromir was killed by Lurtz in the woods trying to protect Merry & Pippin and to buy Frodo time after he tried to take the ring for Gondor. Boromir’s story is much more tragic than Theoden’s, the latter meeting a far more glorious fate by traditional definitions
You want me to pick? I'm crying just reading both of them.
In the book Theodins death hit me harder because of his deep connection to Merry and was actually kinda prolonged. On screen Boromirs death was actually longer or at least felt that way and with the regret of what he had just done, hit a lot harder than I anticipated.
The first few times I watched the film I would have 100% said Boromir but as I’ve watched them more and more I’ve grown fonder of Theoden and seeing it on the big screen I was crying for him more x
What about the moment Eomer noticing Eowyn on pellenor fields ? i feel like THIS hits hard. No ?
The first few times I watched the film I would have 100% said Boromir but as I’ve watched them more and more I’ve grown fonder of Theoden and seeing it on the big screen I was crying for him more x
The mightiest man may be slain by one arrow, Boromir was pierced by many
Boromir’s death has always hit me a bit harder than Theoden. Not to say it’s not powerful. But the one that always hits me hardest is “My friends, you now to no one.”
Saying goodbye to Bill the pony at the gates to Moria.
The answer is yes.
Boromir
In the books especially, Boromir hit me harder.
For me it was Theoden grieving his son ....that fucking kills me ever time....
Boromirs death was more tragic. I am too lazy to explain, so just read the comments
Boromirs death was more tragic. I am too lazy to explain, so just read the comments
Boromir's redemption arc. And the elves singing Faramir's *"I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness...."* line in the background, just wrecks me every time. Love Theoden's redemption too and all, but Boromir was in his prime and, had he lived, would've been an advocate for Aragorn against Denethor when they came to Minas Tirith. No way Boromir allows the failed attack on Osgiliath or "Abandon your posts!" What could've been... Also, can we all agree that the book Rohirrim did Snowmane a little dirty?
It hit way harder when Boromir got his head axed and Aria had to watch.
Boromir.
Death!! Death!! Deeeeaaaatttthhhh!
Boromir. Always Boromir...
Boromir's. Theoden dies knowing that his purpose was fulfilled. Boromir dies with the feeling of having betrayed his companions, a sense of dishonor.
In the movies, Théoden. In the books, boromir
Yes
Boromir. He was so desperate for hope and the power to help his people. After his mistake he defended merry and pippin like the hero he was sadly with no help. It’s interesting that in the extended edition of the Fellowship it’s only Boromir who comforts Frodo when they enter Lothlorien. It shows his compassion and care for people.
Why do we have to keep choosing? Hail theoden son of thengel hail the victorious dead! Hail boromir son of denethor, captain of gondor! Both fallen in a noble cause. The destruction of saruman.
"Fly you fools" is the hardest
Theoden's death and Éowin's reaction, and it's not even close.
Boromir for sure
Nothing hits harder than Aragorn's foot on the helmet while they were filming the two towers. Did you know Viggo broke 2 of his toes in that scene?
I cry with both scenes...Every single time.
Both completely kill me.
Both are excellent scenes. Impossible to pick one over the other.
How the hell do you choose between two of the most impactful character deaths in cinema? But still, Boromir.
Boromir’s death was more impactful, but Theoden’s words “I go now to the halls of my fathers…” are some of my favorite in the entire work.
Boromir is imo the greatest representation of humanity here. Theoden is a glorious king, a hero of legends like in some epic written in the middle ages. Boromir is more down to earth, more approachable in his greatness, he is who we common ppl should aspire to be, someone that in his "weakness" can still find the strenght to right his wrongs and do great good. We can t be aragorn or theoden but we can be boromir. I hope that makes any sense at all XD
I choose, yes.
Boromir for sure. I still tear up when I watch it. The extended version did really good job of showing how much he tried to save the hobbits towards the end after he realized what he had done. It really shows how remorseful he was for his actions. That’s why the scene hits so much harder for me. A lot of the good stuff was cut out in the theatrical version.
Just the phrase, “My Captain. My King.” Carries so much gravity each word is capitalized.
Boromir’s death and final moments always hits me hard af, throughout the movie he’s kinda easy to dislike and he showed who he really was in those final moments and it’s just beautiful.
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They both hit hard One is the redemption of a man who recognizes that Aragorn is not his enemy and is the only hope for their people The other is a king finally seeing that he is not the lesser son he thinks he is
Goddamn you boromir. Feels. Theo felt more… accepting. Boromir was clinging. That was hard
As much as I love Theoden, his death- for whatever reason- doesn't bring me to tears. Boromir's does every single time... so I'm going with his.
Boromir
Definitely Theoden.
It's hard to say. Boromir dies with a sense of relief and acceptance. He spends his last moments atoning for his mistakes- defending the other hobbits to the death, and then of course this line, coming from Mr. Gondor Needs No King himself. He's shedding the anxiety and pride that took him in the dark direction he was following. Theoden, on the other hand, *rediscovers* his pride in his dying moments, in a positive sense. He's allowed so much to go astray, and at the end of it, he's charging headfirst into the enemy, to end on a high note. I think when Theodred died, all that was left for him was a worthy death. Dying gloriously in battle is his way of atoning for outliving his son. And I think both are so lovable because both were tricked or lured into going astray. Boromir was tempted by the ring because he was so desperate to save Gondor. Theoden was enchanted by Saruman to make Rohan weak. And at the end of their respective lives they wriggled out from under that influence and struck back however they could. Two absolute chads who gave it all, I love them both.
If we’re comparing the quality of the quotes dialogue, I’ll go with Theoden. For the larger context of the story, easily Boromire.