[Mithalwen]

It is interesting that you see Ithilien as the Shire - I think of Ithilien once it is in Faramir's care as a mini-Numenor. A land of gift, reward for part in struggle against a great enemy, fair but made more beautiful by the aid of elves. Faramir is so often associated with Numenor and I have a theory that his exceptional lifespan was a grace allowed him for his significant role in the downfall of Sauron. In this context, I see the relationship of Eowyn and Faramir as a positive balace to the dysfunctional one of Aldarion and Erendis which sowed the seeds of Numenor's downfall. In Ithilien, with Faramir and Eowyn, all things flourish..

It almost seems ironic that Faramir is "condemned" as a wizard's pupil, he has not learned sorcery from him but humanitarianism - the key lesson on the lines of " many who live deserve death and many who die deserve life - can you give it to them?". It is Farmir's humanity that saves the quest, sparing Gollum, letting Frodo go - in effect risking his own life by not copping out and following orders.