Boromir and Frodo are the two members of the Fellowship who
sacrifice their lives on the Quest. Boromir sacrifices his life to be
the catalyst that propels the members of the Fellowship on the
different directions that they need to take in order to fulfill their
roles, whether physically or emotionally.
Boromir’s sacrifice of his life in view of Merry and Pippin both gives
them an example of the nature of nobility and valor, and gives them the
final appreciation that the Quest is a serious matter. It also
demonstrates to them that they are valued in and of themselves. It’s
been pretty clear to that point that Frodo is extremely valued as the
Ringbearer, and Sam is valued as Frodo’s man (hobbit). But they would
never have expected this incredibly valiant warrior who (absent
Aragorn) would be the next ruler of Gondor, to value their lives so
highly that he would sacrifice his own in an effort to protect them. I
think it is a huge event in their maturity – their lives have been
dearly bought, they owe debts which later lead them to take hasty yet
crucial and effective actions. It also demonstrates another reason why
Gondor is worth saving, worth dying for, if it is the home of people of
such valor and generosity.
Boromir’s death scene in the movie is much more effective for me, so I
base the next bit on that. Aragorn has been wracked with self-doubt and
indecision about whether he should pursue his destiny to become the
King of Gondor. During their travels together he and Boromir have been
able to observe each other, fight with each other against the Enemy’s
forces and exchange thoughts on matters that are close to their hearts.
Their respect, esteem and affection for each other has grown. Boromir
has been closer to the actual rule of Gondor, having been raised as the
son of the Steward; he has also been closer to the actual forces of
Mordor. He would be a necessary ally for Aragorn, but he also has
knowledge and experience that would make his judgment more meaningful
to Aragorn, who would supplant him. As he dies Boromir extracts an oath
from Aragorn that he will not let their people fail, nor the White City
fall; he also gives him an oath, that he would have followed Aragorn
and accepted him as his king. The respect and faith of this most
valiant warrior are not given lightly, and Aragorn knows that. In the
same way that his death shows Merry and Pip that they are valued,
Boromir’s oath affirms to Aragorn that he is worthy of his destiny, his
doom. And now Aragorn is bound to seek it by virtue of his oath to the
dying man. He still has doubts to overcome, but he can no longer waver
or dither about whether he is worthy or strong enough for the throne.
Like Frodo, he must take it or die in the attempt. He would not have
come to that decision in time to take action if it were not for Boromir.
Of course Boromir is the catalyst for Frodo’s decision to finally leave
the Fellowship behind and seek Mount Doom alone. He is the first to
succumb to the Ring’s power and his attack on Frodo has a powerful
impact on the poor hobbit, both from the physical threat perspective
and from the grief of placing the members of the Fellowship at risk of
suffering similar fates if they remain in proximity of the Ring. Later,
Boromir is the catalyst for Faramir’s judgment that Frodo may be
trusted, both in the veracity of his tale of how he and the Fellowship
parted ways, and that he must be allowed to continue his Quest since he
is the only one who has been able to withstand the power of the Ring.
By not being able to protect Merry and Pip from the Orcs and the Uruk
Hai, Boromir is the catalyst that sends Gimli and Legolas on the hunt
with Aragorn in pursuit of the prisoners. Alliances are made which lead
to the defeat of Isengard and the distraction of Sauron from Frodo and
Sam. Boromir sacrifices his life to truly begin the Quest, while Frodo
gives his life to complete the Quest by bearing the Ring as it grows in
power and achieving its destruction.
