Reversed places

[William Cloud Hicklin]

But, Mithalwen, the Orcs would have attacked at Parth Galen whether the betrayal took place or not.

[MatthewM]

Originally Posted by Nazgûl-king

What do you think would have happened had Faramir went to the Council of Elrond rather then Boromir?

He would have died, along with the other members of the Fellowship. If not for Boromir's strength and determination on Caradhras (helped by Aragorn) the Fellowship would have died on the mountain. Well, maybe not Legolas, who could simply walk on the snow. I find it doubtful, however, that Legolas would have been able to save all eight other members in doing this, regardless of his elven strength. If this was the case, he would have done so instead of letting Boromir and Aragorn tread paths with their bodies while he ran off in joy to "find the sun".

Also, as others have pointed out, if Boromir had not tried to take the Ring, the events that proceeded would never have been put into motion.

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by William Cloud Hickli

But, Mithalwen, the Orcs would have attacked at Parth Galen whether the betrayal took place or not.

But it was Boromir's attempt on the Ring that catalysed Frodo vitally going alone and at that moment. Clearly he already knew his path was for Mordor but if Boromir had let him be would he have slipped off like that? I don't think so though I haven't read those chapters recently.

The orcs would stil have attacked but the consequences could have been truly catastrophic - I doubt all the fellowship together could have defeated them, all might easily have been killed or captured.