Part 6/8:
The Climax of Their Relationship
As the War of the Ring unfolded, the pressures on Denethor intensified. His mental state crumbled under the strain of using the Palantir, which revealed grim realities about the approaching war but left him more isolated and despairing. When Faramir returned from a mission that included letting hobbits, bearing the One Ring, escape, Denethor's rage reached a boiling point. This decision, although strategically sound according to Faramir's understanding of the greater good, was seen by Denethor as treachery. In a chilling exchange, Denethor expressed a wish that Faramir had been the one to perish instead of Boromir, revealing the depths of his resentment.