 Denethor is depicted as embittered and despairing as the forces of Mordor close in on Gondor.Critics have noted the contrast between Denethor and both Théoden, the good king of Rohan, and Aragorn, the true king of Gondor.In Tolkien's Middle-earth, Denethor was the first son and third child of Ecthelion II, a Steward of Gondor.