Final answer:
Boromir's statement about the wolf and the orc reflects on the power of fear of the unknown compared to actual dangers. Imagined threats can be as paralyzing as real ones, and are often born from the imagination, which can create scenarios more daunting than reality itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Boromir says, "The wolf that one hears is worse than the orc that one fears," he is referring to the idea that often, the fear of the unknown or the anticipation of danger can be more paralyzing or intimidating than the actual danger itself. Both imagined dangers, like the sounds that conjure images of a menacing wolf, and real dangers, such as the tangible threat of the orcs, imperil the Company by challenging their resolve, increasing anxiety, and possibly causing disarray.
In the texts provided, we see various instances where characters face fears, whether it's facing the Karg, contemplating wicked deeds due to poverty, or dealing with an atmosphere of lies that poisons the life of a home. In each case, perceived dangers, like the supposed supernatural being in the dark or the dread of an individual's own actions, can be just as frightening as actual threats.
The fear felt by characters often has a profound impact, sometimes greater than the threat itself. Personally, perceived dangers can be most fearful because they are born from the limitless realm of imagination where the mind can conjure scenarios far worse than reality, making them psychologically daunting.