LOTR: Would Boromir Have Died If Gandalf Had Been There?

gamerant.com:

The way in which the omniscience of the characters in the Lord of the Rings is portrayed, is one of the most interesting aspects of Tolkien’s writings. In some ways, it seems as if several characters within the story know exactly what events will take place, how they will come to pass, and what outcomes they will have for the fate of the world. Take, for example, Galadriel, who can look into the mirror and glimpse Frodo’s fate. But in other ways, it appears as if there is no one specific destiny. In fact, there are millions of possible outcomes that all stem from the choices that the characters make. Those who can see these choices and their outcomes can do nothing but guide the fellowship on their journey and try to steer them into the right places. This is hinted by Galadriel in her famous line:

“The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and you will fall, to the ruin of all”.

Of all the characters in the story, Gandalf is probably the biggest representation of this uncertain future. His entire part in the quest, indeed his entire purpose on Middle Earth as an Istari, is to guide those who need him, helping them with his care, his knowledge and his sacrifice. But even he cannot control the future, and has no power over the other and their actions, he can only do what he feels is best for them, and encourage them to do what is best for each other. Samwise says “I don’t think Gandalf would’ve meant for us to come this way,”, to which Frodo replies “I don’t think Gandalf intended for a lot of things to happen.”

This is of course a reference to the breaking of the fellowship, the fact that Boromir gave his life, Merry and Pippin were captured by the Uruk-hai, and Frodo and Sam had to leave alone to try to