On Thursday in class Dr. Donovan said she toys with the idea that Faramir is influenced by Lancelot. This is in reference to the love triangle formed by Faramir, Aragorn, and Eowyn. Being a great soldier like Lancelot also brings ties of Faramir to Lancelot. However, unlike Lancelot, Faramir does not succumb to the 'lustful' temptation, Faramir's temptation being the ring and Lancelot's being Guenevere. Since so many characters of Tolkien are heavily influenced by characters from mythologies such as Turin being directly influenced by Kullervo, perhaps there is a more direct influence for Faramir. The one that comes to mind is Galahad since in Arthurian legend he is a more pure knight than any of the others just as Faramir shows his purity in resisting temptation however, I don't know Galahad's lore terribly well to base Faramir's off of it.
Are there any other characters from mythology that match directly to Faramir or is he a more unique creation of Tolkien than some of his other characters?
3 comments:
I think you could make an argument that Faramir parallels Hector from the Iliad both in personality and in his relationship with his father and brother. Like Hector, Faramir is the "good son" who stays behind to fight on the front lines, even if he does not want to. Both Faramir and Hector are beloved by their troops and are revered as great leaders among men. And while Hector certainly had the support of his father while Faramir did not, it is worthwhile to note that like Hector, it is Faramir who stays behind while Boromir and Paris go on quests beyond their lands.
-Varda*
Tulkas-
Isn't Galahad Lancelot's son? He's the only one who can complete the grail quest, which is kind of interesting in reference to Varda's comment about Faramir being the good son like Galahad.
I also think the love triangle between Eowyn, Faramir, and Aragorn is sort of meant to be an improvement (with a happy ending, no less) upon the Arthurian triangle. Maybe not, but I definitely read it with that thought in mind. There is something to be said about Faramir resisting temptation, not just with the ring, but also in some ways with Eowyn (maybe???).
Vána
Hi Tulkas,
I agree with you that Lancelot and Faramir do not match up completely when it comes to their characterization. They differ in very many ways. From Arthurian legend, Lancelot seems to me to be more sultry. Although he is a very brave knight, he is only trustworthy at some points and not towards the end of his story. Personally, I can't think of any better characters from mythology that Faramir is more similar to, but I definitely think Tolkien likely took inspiration from somewhere when creating him.
-Melian
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.