Thranduil's Mysterious Journey: Pre, During & Post Lord of the Rings

Tolkien's Middle-earth boasts a vast array of characters, both heroic and villainous, which can be both a blessing and a curse. With so many memorable personalities, it's easy to have a plethora of favorites. However, the sheer number of characters can be overwhelming for even the most astute reader, exemplified by Thranduil, an Elven king who remained nameless in his early appearances.

Despite sharing the same universe, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are markedly different in tone, showcasing Tolkien's versatility as a writer. The longevity of his characters also adds an intriguing element to the writing process, as their centuries-long lives offer unique perspectives on the world.

Where was Thranduil at the End of The Hobbit?

As the Elvenking in The Hobbit, Thranduil ruled over the Elves who resided in the forested realm of Mirkwood. While his home was secluded, his primary trading allies were destroyed by the fearsome Smaug. When Bilbo and a company of Dwarves entered Thranduil's territory, his guards apprehended them, leading to escalating tensions after Smaug's demise. Thranduil and the people of Esgaroth demanded a portion of Smaug's hoard, but Thorin and his Dwarves opposed them. However, the dispute was resolved when Gandalf pointed out the imminent threat of greater dangers.

Thranduil's force of Elven spearmen and archers was a crucial part of the Five Armies in the legendary battle. They operated one of the two mountain spurs that guarded the entrance to the Lonely Mountain. Although both spurs eliminated many Orcs, Bats, and Wargs, the enemy forces still greatly outnumbered them. The tide of war didn't fully turn until the arrival of the iconic Giant Eagles and the skin-changer Beorn, in the form of a giant bear. Their presence boosted morale and helped lead the charge that forced the Orcs to retreat. Beorn destroyed the strongest Orcs before facing their leader, Bolg. The Orcs fled into Mirkwood, where most of them were killed by hidden archers and large spiders. Thranduil's aid was rewarded with the 500 emeralds of Girion.

What did Thranduil do Before Lord of the Rings?

After Sauron's return to Mordor in 2951, he sent three Ringwraiths to re-occupy Dol Guldur, the dark fortress in the Mirkwood that had been unoccupied for a decade. Thranduil was forced to become involved in the War of the Ring early on, as he had to deal with the re-occupation of Dol Guldur and the presence of Sauron's agents in his realm. His involvement increased when Gollum was brought to him, tortured and imprisoned by Sauron in an attempt to extract information about the One Ring. Thranduil sent his son Legolas to Rivendell to inform Elrond about Gollum's escape, which ultimately led to Legolas's involvement in the Fellowship of the Ring.

What did Thranduil do After the War of the Ring?

After the war, Thranduil's leadership continued to benefit the flourishing of Eryn Lasgalen. He reached an agreement with Celeborn to redefine the borders of his domain, allowing the southern region to be renamed East Lorien and establishing his base of power in the north. The vast forest between the two lands was granted to the Beornings and the Woodmen, who had always inhabited it. Thranduil also renamed Mirkwood to reflect its new growth and vitality, dubbing it the Wood of Greenleaves. Despite his success, it remains unclear whether Thranduil abdicated his throne or departed for the Undying Lands. As a powerful noble in Middle-earth, Thranduil's actions during the war and his leadership in the aftermath cannot easily be defined as heroic or villainous, but rather as a pragmatic response to the challenges at hand.