Summary
Many weapons and artifacts introduced inLord of the Ringsplay an important role in the story. Some of them serve as answers that help the characters get out of trouble, while others carry mysteries and backstories that may leave fans with more questions than answers. One of them is the Horn of Gondor, an artifact with a great backstory that remained somewhat unexplored in Peter Jackson’s film adaptations. The horn carries a rich legacy of the land from which it hails, and it holds a strong connection to Boromir, who left an incredible mark on Tolkien’s saga.
The Horn of Gondor is mostly associated with Boromir, one of the most beloved characters inLord of the Rings, and the eldest son of Denethor II, the Steward of Gondor during the War of the Ring. It represents the sacrifices of its previous bearers, and carries with it their heroism and bravery. The horn, when winded, can be heard at any place in Gondor, which results incredibly helpful to its bearer during times of need.
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What Is the Horn of Gondor?
A treasured heirloom of the Stewards of Gondor, the horn was crafted before the line of the Kings of Gondor broke. Vorondil, Steward of Gondor and a skilled hunter, shot a Kine of Araw, a legendary cattle-like beast that lived around the Sea of Rhûn, and used its horns to create the Horn of Gondor. The horn itself was white, tipped with silver, and inscribed with ancient characters, and since its creation, it became a symbol of the Stewards of Gondor. Vorondil’s son, Mardil Voronwe, handed it down to his eldest son. After this, the horn was passed down to the Stewards’ eldest son for over 25 generations, becominga symbol of Gondorian courage and heritage. When it reached Denethor II, he passed it down to his eldest son Boromir, who became its best known and last bearer.
Horns in Middle-earth were used as an announcement meant to be heard. They were usually used in battle, and its sounds held the same significance as waving a flag. It was believed that whenever the Horn of Gondor was blown within the bounds of its land, its notes would echo on every corner of the kingdom, and its call would not go unnoticed. This notion was rooted in tradition and history, and it turned its sounds into a symbol of unity amongst the Gondorians. After being passed down to Boromir, the Horn of Gondorbecame widely known as the Horn of Boromir, and it perfectly represented his pride, his nobility, and his status as a great warrior.
What Happened to the Horn of Gondor?
Boromir used the horn on multiple occasions. After the Council of Elrond, whenBoromir was selected as part of the Fellowship, he blew the horn in Rivendell, as was his tradition and a way to announce himself. Boromir was then warned not to use it again until he reached Gondor. He winded it once again, as a reply to the horns being blown by the Orcs marching through Moria, causing them, and even the Balrog, to stop marching and pause their attacks temporarily, until the echo faded away.
Boromir blew the horn a third timein the slopes of Amon Hen, near Parth Galen, where the horn’s fate became forever linked to his own. This is the only time the horn is heard in theFellowship of the Ringfilm adaptation. When a group of Uruk-hai tried to capture Merry and Pippin, Boromir ran to their aid and winded the horn as a call for help. However, although he managed to defeat the initial group of attackers, more Orcs arrived and the help from the Fellowship came too late. Boromir’s life met a tragic end as he was mortally wounded by multiple arrows, which also caused the Horn of Gondor to break in half. His final call was first heard by Legolas and Aragorn, but his brother Faramir and his father also heard its echoes. When Legolas and Aragorn got to him and the Hobbits, there was nothing they could do, and Aragorn stayed beside Boromir during his final moments until he died from his wounds.
Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli laid Boromir’s body to rest in an Elven boat, along with the horn’s broken pieces, and sent the boat down the falls of Rauros as they sang the Lament for Boromir. The broken pieces of the horn fell off the boat and were found by the Men of Gondor several days later.Faramir stumbled upon the Elven boatcontaining his brother’s body as he guarded Osgiliath’s shore near the Anduin river. However, the horn, which he had heard only a few days prior, was not present. The Men who found the broken horn sent the pieces to Denethor II, who kept them beside him as he awaited news about his beloved son. He, however, could sense that Boromir was dead. The last time the broken Horn of Gondor is seen, it is being held by Denethor II, as Gandalf and Pippin arrive in Minas Tirith with the news.
The story of the Horn of Boromir serves as a powerful reminder of the connection between individuals and their signature artifacts in Tolkien’s legendarium.Boromir’s legacy lived on, and his horn became a symbol of unity and courage for the people of Middle-earth andLord of the Ringsfans alike.
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