About this site

Welcome to Son Of Gondor, my small archive for the fanfiction I've written, most of which centers on Boromir II, elder brother to the last Ruling Steward of Gondor. I have loved that character since I first read The Lord Of The Rings, many years ago. From the moment he turned up at the Council of Elrond, he's held my fascination more than anyone else in these wonderful books. I won't take the time now to quote the many passages that caused me to see him as the most valiant of the company, but would suggest that if you doubt it, go back and read the books again.

And then, Peter Jackson cast Sean Bean in the role of Boromir for the movie version of Fellowship Of The Ring. I admit I was nervous. So many people - even those who love the books - have misunderstood his character; have missed his courage, and his nobility as he faced the end of everything he knew. For of course, even if the evil of Mordor was defeated, Boromir's own role as Steward of Gondor would never be realized. He would have to hand over the rule of his home and his people to someone of whose existence he hadn't even known prior to the quest, whose lineage had yet to be proven, and whose fitness to rule had not been tested. I think he behaved pretty well.

In any event, my concerns were groundless. I cannot imagine a richer, more nuanced portrayal of the character than was given by Sean Bean. Sometimes, when an actor truly becomes a character from a book I've loved, I feel a little cheated, as though by so becoming the character they've taken from me the character that I'd known and loved before. Not so in this case. On the contrary, far from feeling cheated, I believe that Bean has given fans of these books, and of this character, a gift for which no amount of praise or thanks is adequate.

So, these stories are dedicated to J.R.R. Tolkien, for providing us with a vision so beautiful we cannot help but wish to inhabit it ourselves, if only through our own work; to Sean Bean, for giving us this precious gift; and to the friends who have so patiently put up with my latest obsession. Thanks, y'all.

 

Lament for Boromir
by JRR Tolkien, The Two Towers

Through Rohan over fen and field where the long grass grows
The West Wind comes walking, and about the walls it goes.
'What news from the West, O wandering wind, do you bring to me tonight?
Have you seen Boromir the Tall by moon or by starlight?'
'I saw him ride over seven streams, over waters wide and grey;
I saw him walk in empty lands, until he passed away
Into the shadows of the North. I saw him then no more.
The North Wind may have heard the horn of the son of Denethor.'
'O Boromir! From the high walls westward I looked afar,
But you came not from the empty lands where no men are.'

From the mouths of the Sea the South Wind flies, from the sandhills and the stones;
The wailing of the gulls it bears, and at the gate it moans.
'What news from the South, O sighing wind, do you bring to me at eve?
Where now is Boromir the Fair? He tarries and I grieve.'
'Ask not of me where he doth dwell-so many bones there lie
On the white shores and the dark shores under the stormy sky;
So many have passed down Anduin to find the flowing Sea.
Ask of the North Wind news of them the North Wind sends to me!'
'O Boromir! Beyond the gate the seaward road runs south,
But you came not with the wailing gulls from the grey sea's mouth.'

From the Gate of Kings the North Wind rides, and past the roaring falls;
And clear and cold about the tower its loud horn calls.
'What news from the North, O mighty wind, do you bring to me today?
What news of Boromir the Bold? For he is long away.'
'Beneath Amon Hen I heard his cry. There many foes he fought.
His cloven shield, his broken sword, they to the water brought.
His head so proud, his face so fair, his limbs they laid to rest;
And Rauros, golden Rauros-falls, bore him upon its breast.'
'O Boromir! The Tower of Guard shall ever northward gaze
To Rauros, golden Rauros-falls, until the end of days.'

Disclaimers: With the exception of the above "Lament for Boromir," all works here are works of fan fiction, written out of love for the creations of J. R. R. Tolkien. The characters, settings, places, and languages used in these works are the property of the Tolkien Estate, Tolkien Enterprises, and/or New Line Cinema, except for certain original characters or settings which belong to me. They'll be easy to spot. I receive no money or other compensation for these works, which were written solely for my own enjoyment and edification.