Comment by jltsiren
2 days ago
Denethor is described as wise and strong-willed (unlike the caricature seen in the movies). He knows Sauron is trying to manipulate him, but he believes his strength and legitimacy will let him prevail. It's the same belief Aragorn has, and it's mostly correct. Denethor benefits greatly from the information gained using the palantir. But because his claim is weaker than Aragorn's and because he keeps using it repeatedly over the decades, it eventually corrupts him and leads him to his doom.
> unlike the caricature seen in the movies
I agree that the movie portrayal was totally unlike the Denethor in the books.
> He knows Sauron is trying to manipulate him
To some extent, yes. But I'm not sure he fully realizes what's going on. For example, he sees the fleet with black sails coming up Anduin--but he didn't see any of the events that led to that fleet being taken over by Aragorn and his followers? He could have.
> because his claim is weaker than Aragorn's
I don't think this is given as a cause of Denethor's doom in the books.
> because he keeps using it repeatedly over the decades
This is mentioned in the books, yes.