The praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards

The praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards is a maxim spoken by Faramir, Captain of Gondor, to Samwise Gamgee within the hidden refuge of Henneth Annûn. The words are uttered in the immediate aftermath of a moment of supreme moral tension, when Sam, having inadvertently revealed that his master Frodo carries the One Ring, fears that Faramir will seize it. Instead, Faramir declares his refusal to take the Ring, even if he found it lying by the highway, and Sam, overwhelmed with relief and admiration, tells him, 'You took the chance, sir' and 'showed your quality: the very highest.' It is to this that Faramir replies with the maxim, before adding, 'Yet there was naught in this to praise. I had no lure or desire to do other than I have done.' The phrase thus serves as a definition of true nobility: an act of virtue performed without expectation of reward, which is itself the highest form of praise.

Context and the Ethical Code of Gondor

The maxim is not an isolated aphorism but a distillation of the values that Faramir embodies throughout his encounter with the hobbits. Earlier in the same conversation, he has already articulated his philosophy, stating that he does not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the warrior for his glory, but only that which they defend. His refusal of the Ring is consistent with this creed, and the maxim serves to explain why his refusal is praiseworthy: because it is not a calculated choice made for the sake of a reward, but an expression of his inherent character. The phrase also implicitly contrasts Faramir with his brother Boromir, whose desire for the Ring was a desire for power and glory, a pursuit of a tangible reward that ultimately corrupted him. Faramir's words thus define the moral high ground of Gondor's nobility, a standard that he himself upholds.

The Immediate Dramatic Function

The maxim functions as the climax of a scene built on dramatic irony and suspense. Sam's accidental revelation of the Ring's presence places Faramir in a position of immense power, surrounded by his men, with the Ring's bearer at his mercy. The reader, aware of the Ring's corrupting influence as seen with Boromir, fears the worst. Faramir's response, however, is to reject the temptation outright, and the maxim is his final, quiet assertion of his integrity. It is a moment of character revelation that not only reassures Sam and Frodo but also establishes Faramir as a figure of exceptional moral strength, one who is immune to the Ring's lure. The phrase is thus a key turning point in the scene, transforming it from a potential confrontation into a moment of mutual respect and understanding.

Thematic Significance and the Gift Economy

The maxim also resonates with the broader theme of gift-giving and reward that runs through the narrative, particularly in the context of the Elves of Lothlórien. When Galadriel bestows gifts upon the departing Fellowship, she offers them not as payment for service but as tokens of memory and hope, with the understanding that their true value lies in the sentiment they carry. Sam's own gift, a box of earth from her orchard, is explicitly described as having no practical use, but is meant to be a blessing and a reminder. Faramir's maxim aligns with this philosophy: the highest praise is not a material reward but the recognition of a praiseworthy deed. It is a sentiment that Sam, a hobbit of simple virtue, instinctively understands and appreciates, and it cements his loyalty and respect for the Gondorian captain.