Denethor II is the steward of Gondor and the father of Boromir and Faramir in The Lord of the Rings. He rules Gondor from Minas Tirith during the War of the Ring while the kingdom’s throne remains vacant.
Denethor belongs to the House of Húrin and is the twenty-sixth and final ruling Steward of Gondor. His position is hereditary, but a steward is expected to govern in the king’s absence rather than claim the crown. Denethor’s long service is combined with exceptional intelligence, pride, and a willingness to use the palantír of Minas Tirith.
The palantír gives him glimpses of Sauron’s power and contributes to his despair. After Boromir’s death and Faramir’s grave injury, Denethor loses hope and attempts to die with Faramir in the tombs beneath Rath Dínen. Gandalf prevents Faramir’s death, but Denethor dies.
Théoden is king of Rohan, not Gondor. Ecthelion II was Denethor’s father, while Beregond is a soldier who serves in Minas Tirith.