What if Denethor found out about the Ring?

[BalrogRingDestroyer]

Route 1: From Faramir
I believe, though I could be wrong, that Faramir arrived just in time for the battle and didn't really have time to tell his father about the conversation with Frodo and about the Ring. But what if Faramir had somehow arrived a lot sooner (I don't know how he could have, but we can talk hypothetical here, heck, maybe we can assume that for whatever reason, they met Faramir sooner and didn't go through the Dead Marshes at all.)

Route 2 : From Gandalf & Co

We could also alter this question to what if Pippin accidentally let slip about the Ring when being interrogated by Denethor or something instead of the Faramir route sounds too improbable.

What do you think would have happened?

A.) He would have tried to go after the Ring, with disastrous results (well, maybe, as I'm not sure how far Frodo would have been along by the point.)
B.) He would have tried to find the Ringbearer with his Palantir, and possibly risked being ensnared by Sauron and risked the truth being forced out of him
C.) He would have realized that there WAS hope against the larger forces of Sauron out there and would not have killed himself nor tried to kill Faramir

Do you think that Gandalf made a mistake in not letting Denethor in on the truth about the Ring or do you think GAndalf averted even MORE disaster by keeping that information from him?

 

[ZehnWaters]

Route 1: From Faramir
I believe, though I could be wrong, that Faramir arrived just in time for the battle and didn't really have time to tell his father about the conversation with Frodo and about the Ring. But what if Faramir had somehow arrived a lot sooner (I don't know how he could have, but we can talk hypothetical here, heck, maybe we can assume that for whatever reason, they met Faramir sooner and didn't go through the Dead Marshes at all.)

No, he had time to find out and likely guessed at the truth. Faramir was actively trying to keep it from him as Gandalf was in the room and could tell he shouldn't say anything.

Route 2 : From Gandalf & Co

We could also alter this question to what if Pippin accidentally let slip about the Ring when being interrogated by Denethor or something instead of the Faramir route sounds too improbable.

The more likely option.

What do you think would have happened?

A.) He would have tried to go after the Ring, with disastrous results (well, maybe, as I'm not sure how far Frodo would have been along by the point.)
B.) He would have tried to find the Ringbearer with his Palantir, and possibly risked being ensnared by Sauron and risked the truth being forced out of him
C.) He would have realized that there WAS hope against the larger forces of Sauron out there and would not have killed himself nor tried to kill Faramir

Do you think that Gandalf made a mistake in not letting Denethor in on the truth about the Ring or do you think GAndalf averted even MORE disaster by keeping that information from him?

I don't think Denethor had time or the resources to try to get it at that point. I believe he would have tried to take it, just like Saruman.

 

[Ent]

Do you think that Gandalf made a mistake in not letting Denethor in on the truth about the Ring or do you think GAndalf averted even MORE disaster by keeping that information from him?

This is the only part I'll speak to.
No, Gandalf made no mistake. Gandalf knew Denethor's mind was already askew. In fact, Denethor's mind had been askew for a long time.

As we recall, Denethor felt they needed no king because he was sufficient unto the task. Frankly, he never would have willingly given 'the throne' over to Aragorn. I'm rather certain Gandalf knew this.

Had Boromir managed to get the ring, can you imagine what things would have been like on his return? Denethor the proud, self-centered king vs. Boromir, who SHOULD turn the Ring over to him, but in no way WOULD turn the ring over to him? Now THERE's a thing for speculation..!

Anyway, Gandalf made no mistakes here.

(small additive: I believe Pippin had 'grown much' by this time, and was very unlikely to 'make a slip' about the ring. it's a very different Pippin now than it was at the well, or with the Palantir. I believe the Palantir was the point at which he had 'stuck his hand on the hot burner' for the last time. Some kids just take longer to believe mommy... the burner IS hot..!))

 

[ZehnWaters]

Had Boromir managed to get the ring, can you imagine what things would have been like on his return? Denethor the proud, self-centered king vs. Boromir, who SHOULD turn the Ring over to him, but in no way WOULD turn the ring over to him? Now THERE's a thing for speculation..!

And were I to do so I'd say Denethor would try to make Boromir give it to him but Boromir ultimately wouldn't and I believe it would result in a struggle and Denethor's death. At which point I believe the death would torment poor Boromir as much as the Ring would. Ultimately they'd all fall as I don't believe Boromir would be able to use the Ring sufficient to stop Sauron's armies.