Rammas Echor – Walls of the Pelennor Fields
Rammas Echor was a castle wall that surrounded the Pelennor Fields that protected Minas Tirith. Rammas Echor wasn’t depicted in the movie Lord of the Rings, however itw as one of the important defenses that protected the Pelennor Fields, the main food source with plantations that supported Minas Tirith.
Faramir in the novel made his stand at Rammas Echor but was overrun by the Haradrim and orcs and retreated to Minas Tirith.
Faramir’s retreat to Minas Tirith and Gandalf’s aid
After Osgiliath was overrun by the orcs and Haradrim, Faramir ordered a retreat to Minas Tirith. The garrison of Osgiliath were, however, heavily attacked and couldn’t even retreat to Minas Tirith.
In the novel, Imrahil, the prince of Dol Amroth led his swan knights of Dol Amroth to save the remaining survivors of Osgiliath. (The storyline is different in the original novel).
In the movie, the nazguls on fell beasts pursuit the survivors of Osgiliath. Gandalf, however, was able to ride out and save the remaining survivors from the nazguls.
Faramir’s report of Frodo and Sam to Gandalf
After Faramir arrived at Minas Tirith safely, Faramir gazed at Pippin as Pippin wasn’t the first hobbit he ever saw. Gandalf also realized that Faramir had already seen a hobbit before.
Faramir tells Gandalf his stories with Frodo and Sam, the ring bearers at Henneth Annun.
Faramir told Gandalf that Frodo and Sam were heading to Cirith Ungol that worried Gandalf as Gandalf knew the terrible rumors of Shelob at Cirith Ungol.
However, Gandalf was relieved by Faramir’s news of Frodo and Sam as there was still hope on the destruction of the One Ring.
Madness of Denethor II by the Palantir of Minas Tirith
Denethor II became furious after learning that Faramir released Frodo and Sam who bore the One Ring. Faramir explained that the One Ring itself was Isidlur’s bane and the only reason Sauron still survives and tries to take down Gondor.
Denethor II would scold Faramir and say that he only favored Boromir and thought Faramir was a disgrace.
Denethor II sought into the Palantir of Minas Tirith once more and Sauron was able to fill the mind of Denethor 2nd with fear and despair.
Sauron has finally driven Denethor II to madness with fear and vanity without hope. Denethor II would eventually order Faramir to retake Osgiliath, sending him on a suicide mission.
Faramir’s suicide mission to reclaim Osgiliath
Faramir would confront his father that has always disapproved of him that he never regretted releasing Frodo and Sam. Faramir first thought of earning recognition from his father Denethor II by handing over the One Ring and Frodo and Sam to Denethor II.
However, Faramir believed this would become a disaster and released them for their mission to destroy the One Ring. Denethor II had already driven mad by Sauron, was furious with Faramir and sent him back to Osgiliath.
Faramir knew it was a suicide mission; however he felt no shame and rode to Osgiliath. Of course, Faramir and his troops failed to reclaim Osgiliath and Faramir was hit by a poisoned arrow, becoming unconscious.
With Gandalf and Imrahil’s efforts, Faramir was brought back into Minas Tirith but all believed that Faramir was dead without knowing he fainted because of the poison
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The pyre of Denethor II and attempt to burn himself and Faramir
Denethor II who was already made was almost in a bipolar disorder and grieved as he believed Faramir was dead. Denethor II looked once more into the Palantir where he foresaw the doom of Gondor.
In the movie he saw the massive armies of Minas Morgul, easterlings and hardrim that massed up and sieged Minas Tirith.
Denethor II claimed he won’t abide to the enemy and ordered the guards of the citadel to prepare a pyre so he could burn himself and Faramir as the last ruling stewards of Gondor.
Pippin’s discovery of Faramir’s survival
Pippin objected Denethor II’s orders to build a pyre while Pippin begged Denethor II to lead the defense of Minas Tirith.
Pippin, Peregrin Took however even discovers that Faramir, although weak, has a pulse and realizes that Faramir is alive. Pippin would rush to Denethor II but Denethor II refused to listen to any words of Pippin.
Pippin eventually runs to Beregond, the captain of the citadel guards(in the novel) and informed him of Faramir’s survival.
Beregond would face execution for treason if he disobeyed Denethor II but Beregond along with Gandalf would halt Denethor II from lighting the fire up on him and Faramir on the pyre made.
Death of Denethor II, the 26th and Last Ruling Steward of Gondor
Denethor II while holding the Palantir of Minas Tirith driven crazy by Sauron eventually lit the pyre that he knelled upon and burned himself alive.
In the movie Denethor II sees Faramir opening his eyes with a glimpse, however Denethor II has already lit himself on fire that couldn’t be extinguished.
In the movie, Denethor II eventually jump off from the Fountain Court. Denethor II was once a fair ruler of Gondor but his jealousy and temptation led to his doom.
Faramir’s transfer to the Healing House
After Denethor II’s death by his madness, Faramir was quickly transferred to the Healing Houses. Gandalf nor the other guards of Minas Tirith couldn’t look after Faramir as the Siege of Gondor and Minas Tirith was taking place.
Later on, Aragorn would bring the Athelas, the same herb that treated Frodo’s Morgul Wound that would cure Faramir’s poisoning.
