Denethor's Madness and Death

Denethor's pride and despair drive him to madness, leading to his tragic end.

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The Use of the Palantír

The Use of the Palantír The Secret Knowledge Denethor uses the Palantír of Minas Tirith to spy on Sauron, but he only sees what Sauron allows. He is slowly corrupted by despair. The Strain of the War As the war progresses, Denethor becomes increasingly hopeless. He sees the might of Mordor and believes Gondor cannot win. The Mistrust of Gandalf Denethor resents Gandalf's influence and suspects Aragorn's claim. He isolates himself, trusting only his own judgment.

The Despair at the Siege

The Despair at the Siege The Loss of Boromir The news of Boromir's death deepens Denethor's despair. He sees no hope for his family's future. The Wounding of Faramir Faramir is brought back near death. Denethor, in his madness, decides to burn himself and his son on a pyre. The Refusal of Help Denethor rejects Gandalf's counsel and orders his servants to prepare the pyre. He is determined to end his life in pride.

The Pyre and Death

The Pyre and Death The Rescue of Faramir Gandalf and Pippin intervene to save Faramir, but Denethor sets himself on fire. He dies holding the Palantír. The Final Words Denethor's last words are about his desire to avoid the shame of surrender. He chooses death over defeat. The Aftermath Denethor's death leaves Gondor without a leader, but Faramir survives. The kingdom is passed to Aragorn, the rightful king.

Years before the War of the Ring

March 12–15, T.A. 3019

March 15, T.A. 3019