If Denethor hadn't committed suicide

[Faramir Jones]

I'm glad that you like the topic, Pitchwife!

Originally Posted by Pitchwife

Great topic indeed, Faramir! When I first saw it, I thought it was a classical case of what I like to call IMGH4WSBAO (If My Granny Had 4 Wheels She'd Be An Omnibus), but if you think about it, it's a good opportunity to delve a little into Denethor's character - one of the more complex in LotR, and too often misrepresented *coughPJ'smoviescough*.

Mentioning that film's portrayal of Denethor brought back some very bad memories! It was even worse than Jackson's earlier portrayal of Faramir!

[Faramir Jones]

Fellow fans and Downers might like to know, that Denethor was originally not going to be as harsh with Faramir for letting Frodo and Sam go on to Mordor with the Ring, as was portrayed in LotR. According to an earlier draft of the chapter 'The Siege of Gondor', this was what he said in response to Faramir's question, 'Do you wish then that our places had been exchanged?':

'Yes, I wish that indeed,' said Denethor. 'Or no.' And then he shook his head, and rising swiftly he laid his hand upon his son's bowed head. 'Do not judge me harshly, my son,' he said quietly, 'or believe me more harsh than I am. I know your brother well also. Love is not blind. I could wish that Boromir had been at Henneth Annûn when this thing came there, only if I had been sure of one thing.'

'Sure of what, my father?'

'That he was as strong in heart and selfless as you, my son. That taking this thing he would have brought it here and surrendered it, and not fallen swiftly under its thraldom. For, Faramir - and you too Míthrandir, amid all your wide webs and policies - there is a third way, that is neither the folly of wizards nor the lust of warriors....' (The History of Middle-earth: VIII. The War of the Ring, p. 332.)

Tolkien then made this note to explain why this portrayal must be changed:

The early conversation of Faramir and his father and motives must be altered. Denethor must be harsh. He must say he did wish Boromir had been at Henneth Annûn - for he would have been loyal to his father and brought him the Ring. (Gandalf may correct this.) Faramir grieved but patient. Then Denethor must be all for holding Osgiliath 'like Boromir did', while Faramir (and Gandalf?) are against it, using the arguments previously given to Denethor. At length in submission, but proudly, to please his father and show him that not only Boromir was brave [he] accepts the command at Osgiliath. Men in the City do not like it.

This will not only be truer to previous situation, but will explain Denethor's breaking up when Faramir is brought back dying, as it seems.(Ibid., p. 333.)

[Sarumian]

Ok, let me make up something in

IMGH4WSBAO

style.

Would you like such an alternative script?

While saving Faramir, Gandalf sends Denethor into sleep and orders the guards to take both of them to the Houses Of Healing. There both are treated by Aragorn, who leaves before they become conscious. When Denethor wakes up the battle is well over, he learns the news and accepts the order to remain in the Houses till he is fine. He looks sad and tired, though he is glad to see Faramir alive.

He is also glad to learn about Faramir's love to Eowyn. He tells Faramir, he is no longer able to rule Gondor and if by a small chance the war is won he will resign. He wants to see his grandchildren though they are not going to rule the country. Nothing more is said about Aragorn and possible outcome of the war.

One of the warriors who have retaken Cair Andros returns to Gondor with some information. Denethor realises that the army should have reached Morannon about that time. He looks fine, so he is allowed out of the Houses of Healing. He comes to the White Tower and asks a guard to give him a key of the small room. Gandalf had forbidden anyone to enter it, but Gandalf is far away and Denethor is still a Steward; he receives the key and looks into the Palantir. He finds the army of the West at Morannon Gates, sees how the fight starts and then goes further into Modor and reaches Barad-dur. Sauron is eager to find out if the Ring is really with Aragorn, so he turns his attention to Palantir. Denethor doesn't answer but engages Sauron into some sort of mental duel, partly distracting him from both Frodo and the battle. When Frodo claims the Ring, Sauron abandons Denethor. The latter walks into the hall, holding the Palantir. In his chair Denethor watches the fall of Barad-dur and dies. Faramir and Eowyn find him dead with Plalantir still in his hands; the hands are burnt. Since then Palantir shows nothing but two old burnt hands...

Honestly, I started thinking of "healing" even before PrinceOfTheHalflings' post...