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From
the moment Boromir is introduced in Rivendell, there is the
suspicion that he is susceptible to the power of the
ring. Therefore in the concluding scenes of The
Fellowship of The Ring, it is no surprise when Boromir
does succumb to its power when he tries to take the ring
from Frodo. After frightening Frodo away, Boromir
returns to his right mind and is filled with remorse.
While running after Frodo, he comes upon Merry and Pippin
who are under attack by the orcs. Signaling a call for
help, Boromir blows the horn of Gondor, and then sacrifices
himself in order to save the Hobbits.
One
of the most moving and powerful scenes follows when Aragorn
arrives. After killing the Uruk-hai, he goes to the
side of the dying Boromir. With a large figure in the
background that looks very much like a priest, Boromir
makes his dying confession to Aragorn and asks his
forgiveness. Aragorn tells him, "You fought
bravely. You kept your honor." Boromir
laments that the world of men will fall and all will come to
darkness. This prompts Aragorn to say, "I do not
know what strength is in my blood. I give you my word
that I will not let the White City fall or our people fail.
" Boromir, who had earlier shown a disdain for
Aragorn, now makes the most beautiful statement, "I
would have followed you, my brother, my captain, my
king." Aragorn gives Boromir his sword, and
touching his own forehead and chin says, "Be a peace,
son of Gondor."
Boromir
is an example of a lost and arrogant man who finds salvation
through repentance, confession of his sin, and
acknowledgement of who the true King is. Aragorn is a
picture of Christ not only as King, but also as the merciful
and faithful High Priest who alone can grant forgiveness and
peace with God.
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