The Inevitable Temptation: Boromir's Attempt to Take the Ring at the Council of Elrond

The epic tale of The Lord of the Rings is replete with instances of temptation, with Boromir's attempt to take the Ring from Gandalf and Frodo standing out as a pivotal moment. The question remains: was this act of theft driven by greed and a sense of entitlement, as some might argue? Or was it a desperate attempt to save Gondor from the looming threat of Mordor, guided by the corrupting influence of the Ring itself?

Boromir's Motives: A Deliberate Steal or a Desperate Act?

Boromir's action in trying to seize the Ring from Frodo is often seen as a clear case of theft. And yes, stealing is still stealing, irrespective of the circumstances. However, it is important to delve deeper into the context and motivations that led Boromir to this act. Was it a reflection of his character flaws or a result of the dire circumstances facing Gondor?

Some argue that Boromir's desire to take the Ring stemmed from a sense of entitlement and a lack of decisiveness on Frodo's part. It is noted that Frodo was emotionally vulnerable and indecisive, which allowed the Ring to manipulate the more desperate Boromir. The "It might have been mine it should have been mine!" exclamation underscores this interpretation, highlighting Boromir's desire for power and his inability to resist the Ring's allure.

Desire to Save Gondor

On a different note, others argue that Boromir's attempt to take the Ring was driven by a noble but misguided desire to save Gondor. Gondor had endured a long and arduous struggle against Mordor, and with the threat now more pressing than ever, Boromir felt that taking the Ring and using it against Sauron was the only path forward.

Boromir's belief in the Ring's potential to save his kingdom is supported by the strategic and sympathetic view that Sauron would have likely turned his full attention to Gondor had Boromir accepted the Ring as his own. The weakened state of Gondor at the time of The Lord of the Rings trope well with this interpretation.

The Corruption of the Ring

Regardless of Boromir's motives, the Ring played a pivotal role in his descent into both madness and corruption. The Ring's corrupting influence, as depicted in the story, is a constant threat, always seeking to entice and ensnare its wielder. This corruption can be seen as a deeper reason behind Boromir's actions, even if the intention was initially noble.

For instance, Boromir was a great man, not a thief, but the Ring's persistent influence led him to believe that taking it was the only path to saving his homeland. This belief, though misguided, is a reflection of the Ring's power to pervert even the best intentions. Had Boromir taken the Ring, declaring himself to Sauron as its new master, the consequences for Gondor would have been devastating. Sauron's formidable energy and might would likely have been redirected towards the destruction of Gondor, potentially leading to its downfall.

Conclusion

The temptation of the Ring is a complex narrative, driven by a mix of entitlement, desperation, and the corrupting influence of the Ring itself. While Boromir's actions are reprehensible in the context of the story, his motivations provide a deeper understanding of the Ring's allure and the tragic consequences of its power.

What do you think? Was Boromir's attempt to take the Ring driven by greed and entitlement, or was it a desperate and noble act to save Gondor? Share your thoughts in the comments below!