Tolkien beautifully illustrated the enduring friendship between Pippin and Faramir, a connection that I wish had found its way into Peter Jackson’s film adaptations of The Lord of the Rings. This unique bond between a Hobbit and a man stands out as one of the most engaging narratives within the franchise. During the siege of Gondor, Pippin went to great lengths to rescue Faramir from the grips of his father’s insanity, successfully forging a deep-rooted friendship along the way. Sadly, much of this rich character development was left unexplored in Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
The literary version of The Lord of the Rings delves deeper into the aftermath of the One Ring’s destruction, providing insights that the movies could not accommodate. Pippin’s courageous act of saving Faramir not only solidified their bond but also mirrored the relationship shared between Merry and Éowyn. The connections between the Hobbits and the realms of men were further highlighted by the eventual marriage of Éowyn and Faramir, marking a joyful union born from shared struggles. Ultimately, Pippin even honored this friendship by naming his son after Faramir, a touching tribute that underscores their lasting connection.
Pippin Names His Son After Faramir in the Lord of the Rings Books
Tolkien Explored Pippin’s Continued Journey
After Frodo accomplished his monumental task of destroying the One Ring in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, he, along with his fellow Hobbits, returned to the Shire, where new challenges awaited before they could find peace. In Tolkien’s extensive Appendices, readers discover how Pippin’s life unfolded after these battles; he married a Hobbit named Diamond and eventually became the Shire-thain. Pippin and Diamond Took had a son, affectionately named Faramir, in honor of the Gondorian Steward he had once saved during the pivotal Battle of Pelennor Fields.
While Faramir Took is not depicted in the original Lord of the Rings text, Tolkien’s Appendices reveal how closely connected he remained with Gondor, ultimately succeeding Pippin as Shire-thain. Interestingly, Faramir would later marry Goldilocks Gardner, the daughter of Samwise Gamgee. This narrative thread, extending the lives of these characters, highlights the enduring friendships born from their shared experiences, a detail regrettably missing from the film adaptations.
I Wish the Lord of the Rings Movies Included This Sweet Nod to Pippin & Faramir’s Bond
A Perfect Representation of Bonds Formed During War
Unfortunately, the touching moment when Pippin names his son after Faramir was not included in Jackson’s film adaptation, and Return of the King largely overlooked Faramir’s personal relationships. This character, portrayed differently on screen, appeared more somber, and the tender interactions between him and Pippin were mainly presented in the extended edition of the film. Likewise, the blossoming romance between Faramir and Éowyn was touched upon only briefly, missing the chance to fully explore the essential connections between Gondor, Rohan, and the Shire.
Before Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin embarked on their journey, the majority of Middle-earth was unaware of who Hobbits were. Yet, the endearing relationships formed by Merry and Pippin with Rohan and Gondor not only enriched their characters but also served as a crucial element in uniting these two realms. The friendships and their repercussions form a central theme in The Lord of the Rings, and it would have been a joy to see these bonds more richly represented on screen.
Why This Detail Wasn’t Included in Peter Jackson’s Movies
The Decision to Exclude Extra Details
While it’s disappointing that Jackson’s adaptations did not capture Pippin naming his son after Faramir, it’s understandable considering the narrative constraints. Even in Tolkien’s own narrative, this detail found its home in the Appendices, rather than in the main text. Jackson wisely centered the conclusion of Return of the King around Frodo’s journey to the Undying Lands and Sam’s reunion with Rosie Cotton, both focal points that resonated with the audience. Though it would have been delightful to witness Pippin’s marriage and the arrival of his son, the necessary build-up would have been challenging to incorporate into the film’s structure.
As noted earlier, Jackson opted to streamline Faramir’s storyline, which limited the portrayals of his relationships, particularly with Pippin. However, there remains hope for a future project that could explore Aragorn’s reign in Gondor, potentially shedding light on Pippin’s lasting friendship with Faramir. For now, fans can cherish the heartwarming narratives woven into Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings books.