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| image=[[File:Lourdes Velez - King Thranduil.jpg|250px]]
| image=[[File:Lourdes Velez - King Thranduil.jpg|250px]]
| caption="King Thanduil" by [[:Category:Images by Lourdes Velez|Lourdes Velez]]
| caption="King Thanduil" by [[:Category:Images by Lourdes Velez|Lourdes Velez]]
| othernames=Elvenking
| othernames=The Elvenking
| titles=King of the [[Woodland Realm]]
| titles=King of the [[Silvan Elves]] in northern Mirkwood<ref>{{UT|15}}</ref>
| position=
| position=
| realm=[[Doriath]]<ref name="Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref> <br>[[Woodland Realm]]
| location=[[Doriath]], [[Lindon]], [[Woodland Realm]]
| affiliation=
| affiliation=[[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]
| language=[[Silvan Elvish|Silvan]], [[Sindarin]], [[Westron]]
| language=[[Silvan Elvish|Silvan]], [[Sindarin]], [[Westron]]
| birth=[[First Age]]<ref name="Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref>
| birth=Before {{FA|507}}<ref name="Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref>
| birthlocation=[[Doriath]]<ref name="Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref>
| birthlocation=[[Doriath]]<ref name="Princes"/><br>''[[#Other versions of the legendarium|See below]]''
| rule=From {{SA|3434}}
| rule=From {{SA|3434}}  
| death=
| death=
| deathlocation=
| deathlocation=
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| weapons=Sword
| weapons=Sword
| steed=
| steed=
}}{{pronounce|Sindarin - Thranduil.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
}}
<center>{{quote|In a great hall with pillars hewn out of the living stone sat the Elvenking on a chair of carven wood. On his head was a crown of berries and red leaves, for the autumn was come again. In the spring he wore a crown of woodland flowers. In his hand he held a carven staff of oak.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', [[Barrels Out of Bond]]}}</center>
'''Thranduil''', the '''Elvenking''', was a [[Sindar]]in [[Elves|Elf]] of [[Doriath]]<ref name="Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref> and King of the [[Silvan Elves|Silvan]] [[Elves of Mirkwood]] in the [[Woodland Realm]]. Thranduil was son of [[Oropher]] and father of [[Legolas]].


== History ==
<center>{{quote|In a great hall with pillars hewn out of the living stone sat the Elvenking on a chair of carven wood. On his head was a crown of berries and red leaves, for the autumn was come again. In the spring he wore a crown of woodland flowers. In his hand he held a carven staff of oak.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[Barrels Out of Bond]]"}}</center>
'''Thranduil''', also known as the '''Elvenking''', was a [[Sindar]]in [[Elves|Elf]] of [[Doriath]]<ref name="Princes"/> and King of the [[Silvan Elves|Silvan]] [[Elves of Mirkwood]] of the [[Woodland Realm]]. Thranduil was son of [[Oropher]] and father of [[Legolas]].
 
The Elvenking is a name used for the ruler of the [[Woodland Realm]], the realm of the [[Silvan Elves]] in the far northeast of [[Mirkwood]] by the late [[Third Age]].<Ref group=note>While he is nameless throughout the ''[[The Hobbit]]'', his name is first revealed in ''[[The Council of Elrond]]'' chapter of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as the father of [[Legolas]].</ref>
 
==History==
=== Early History ===
=== Early History ===
Thranduil was one of the [[Iathrim]] who spent his early life in [[Doriath]].<ref name="Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref>  Following the destruction of [[Beleriand]] and the [[War of Wrath]], most of the [[Noldor]]in exiles and remnants of the Sindar retreated to [[Lindon]]. The [[Valar]] reinvited these Elves to [[Aman]], but Thranduil, among many others, was unwilling and remained in Lindon.<ref name="Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref>
{{seealso|#Other versions of the legendarium}}


At the end of the First Age many [[Sindar]] stayed at [[Lindon]], and before the building of the [[Barad-dûr]] in {{SA|1000}}, they travelled eastward.<ref name="AppB">{{App|B}}</ref> Thranduil is first recorded in this event, when he and his father, [[Oropher]], arrived, circa {{SA|750}}, in [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]].<ref>{{PM|Second}}</ref> Oropher was taken by the [[Silvan Elves]] as their lord and founded the [[Woodland Realm]].<ref name="UT6b"/>
Thranduil was one of the [[Iathrim]] who spent his early life in [[Doriath]].<ref name="Princes"/> Following the destruction of [[Beleriand]] and the [[War of Wrath]], most of the [[Noldor]]in exiles and remnants of the [[Sindar]] retreated to [[Lindon]]. The [[Valar]] reinvited these Elves to [[Aman]], but Thranduil, among many others, was unwilling and remained in Lindon.<ref name="Princes">{{UT|6b}}</ref>
[[Image:Anna Lee - Thranduil and Legolas.jpg|left|thumb|''Thranduil and Legolas'' by [[Anna Lee]]]]


[[Image:Anna Lee - Thranduil and Legolas.jpg|left|thumb|[[Anna Lee]] - ''Thranduil and Legolas'']]
Many of the Sindar left [[Lindon]] and travelled eastward, before the building of the [[Barad-dûr]] in {{SA|1000}}.<ref name="AppB">{{App|B}}</ref> Thranduil is first recorded in this event, when he and his father, [[Oropher]], arrived, in {{SA|750}}, in [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]].<ref name=foundation>{{PM|Second}}</ref> Oropher was taken by the [[Silvan Elves]] as their lord and founded the [[Woodland Realm]].<ref name="Princes"/>
In {{SA|3434}}, Thranduil followed his father and numerous lightly armed Elves in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. In the [[Battle of Dagorlad]], Oropher was slain in the first assault upon Mordor, "rushing forward at the head of his most doughty warriors before Gil-galad had given the signal for the advance."<ref name="UT6b"/> His son survived, but over the course of the war, two-thirds of his people had perished. After the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]] in {{SA|3441}}, when [[Sauron]] was defeated, Thranduil led the remainder of his people north back to the Woodland Realm, where he was crowned king.<ref name="UT6b">{{UT|6b}}</ref>
 
The [[Elves of Mirkwood]] joined the [[Last Alliance]] and in {{SA|3434}}, Thranduil followed his father and numerous lightly armed Elves in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. In the [[Battle of Dagorlad]], Oropher was slain in the first assault upon Mordor, "rushing forward at the head of his most doughty warriors before Gil-galad had given the signal for the advance."<ref name="Princes"/> His son survived, but over the course of the war, two-thirds of his people had perished. After the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]] in {{SA|3441}}, when [[Sauron]] was defeated, Thranduil led the remainder of his people north back to the Woodland Realm, where he was crowned king.<ref name="Princes"/>


=== Third Age ===
=== Third Age ===
Upon the return of Sauron - disguised as the [[Sauron|Necromancer]] - in around {{TA|1050}}, southern Greenwood became increasingly dangerous; evil creatures such as the great [[spiders]] came to dwell in it and the forest soon came to be known as "[[Mirkwood]]".<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> Thranduil's folk retreated to the north of the forest, where they established themselves near the [[Forest River]], building and fortifying the [[Elvenking's Halls]].{{fact}}
====The Shadow Returns====
[[File:David T. Wenzel - Mirkwood elves.jpg|thumb|David T. Wenzel - ''Mirkwood elves'']]
Upon the return of [[Sauron]] - disguised as the [[Sauron|Necromancer]] - in around {{TA|1050}}, southern Greenwood became increasingly dangerous; evil creatures such as the great [[spiders]] came to dwell in it and the forest soon came to be known as "[[Mirkwood]]".<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> Thranduil's folk retreated to the north of the forest, where they established themselves near the [[Forest River]]. Thranduil had [[Elvenking's Halls|his halls]] delved underground, fashioned partly in memory (it was said) of the mighty, but long-lost, [[Menegroth]] of [[Doriath]].<ref group="note">In the ''[[Lord of the Rings]]'', it is stated by [[Gimli]] that the [[Dwarves]] aided in the making of Thranduil's halls. However, in the ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', it is stated that Thranduil's halls "were not to be compared with [[Menegroth]]. He had not the arts nor wealth nor the aid of the Dwarves."</ref><ref>{{TT|Road}}</ref><ref name="Princes"/> In north-eastern Mirkwood, they were near the Forest River behind great, stone gates.
 
====Battle of Five Armies====
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Thorin and Thranduil.jpeg|thumb|right|''Thorin and Thranduil'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
In {{TA|2941}}, Thranduil and some of his folk were feasting in the woods when they were repeatedly disturbed by [[Thorin and Company|a party]] of [[Dwarves]]. After the third disturbance, the Elves captured [[Thorin]] who refused to reveal to Thranduil the reason for their journey through Mirkwood.<ref name="Flies"/> Following their battle with the spiders, the rest of [[Thorin and Company|the company]] was also captured by the Elves. Following their repeated failure to explain their presence in Mirkwood, Thranduil placed all the Dwarves under lock and key. They escaped, however, with the aid of a Hobbit, [[Bilbo Baggins]]. Baggins had evaded capture by Thranduil's people through the use of [[The One Ring|his magic ring]].
In {{TA|2941}}, Thranduil and some of his folk were feasting in the woods when they were repeatedly disturbed by [[Thorin and Company|a party]] of [[Dwarves]]. After the third disturbance, the Elves captured [[Thorin]] who refused to reveal to Thranduil the reason for their journey through Mirkwood.<ref name="Flies"/> Following their battle with the spiders, the rest of [[Thorin and Company|the company]] was also captured by the Elves. Following their repeated failure to explain their presence in Mirkwood, Thranduil placed all the Dwarves under lock and key. They escaped, however, with the aid of a Hobbit, [[Bilbo Baggins]]. Baggins had evaded capture by Thranduil's people through the use of [[The One Ring|his magic ring]].


===Battle of Five Armies===
After the Dwarves' escape, Thranduil received word of what had transpired from the [[Raft-elves]] who returned up the [[Forest River]]. Thus he was now aware of the Dwarves' quest. Upon learning this, he stated, "no treasure will come back through Mirkwood without my having something to say in the matter."<ref>{{H|Welcome}}</ref> He believed the Dwarves were incapable of slaying the Dragon. However, he soon heard from his own messengers (including the birds) that the [[Dragons|Dragon]] [[Smaug]] had been felled (and the [[Lake-town]] was destroyed).
After the Dwarves' escape, Thranduil received word of what had transpired from the [[Raft-elves]] who returned up the [[Forest River]]. Thus he was now aware of the Dwarves' quest. Upon learning this, he stated, "no treasure will come back through Mirkwood without my having something to say in the matter."<ref>{{H|Welcome}}</ref> He believed the Dwarves were incapable of slaying the Dragon. However, he soon heard from his own messengers (including the birds) that the [[Dragons|Dragon]] [[Smaug]] had been felled (and the [[Lake-town]] was destroyed).


Thranduil was aware that Smaug had a massive hoard of treasure. Believing the Dwarves to be dead, and desiring a share of the treasure, he set out towards the [[Lonely Mountain]] with a company of Elves. On the way, they met messengers from [[Bard]] who was seeking aid for his destroyed town. Thranduil gave aid to these Men, as the [[Lake-men]] had been friends with the Wood-elves, and left elven craftsmen to aid in the labour and building of huts to fortify them against the coming winter.<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref> Together, Thranduil and Bard led their forces towards the Lonely Mountain and were surprised when they found out that the Dwarves not only survived Smaug's attacks, but had taken possession of the Mountain and its treasures; the [[King under the Mountain]] had returned.
Thranduil was aware that Smaug had a massive hoard of treasure. Believing the Dwarves to be dead, and desiring a share of the treasure, he set out towards the [[Lonely Mountain]] with a company of Elves. On the way, they met messengers from [[Bard]] who was seeking aid for his destroyed town. Thranduil gave aid to these Men, as the [[Lake-men]] had been friends with the Wood-elves, and left elven craftsmen to aid in the labour and building of huts to fortify them against the coming winter.<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref> Together, Thranduil and Bard led their forces towards the Lonely Mountain and were surprised when they found out that the Dwarves not only survived Smaug's attacks, but had taken possession of the Mountain and its treasures; the [[King under the Mountain]] had returned.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Arkenstone.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Arkenstone'']]
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Arkenstone.jpg|thumb|left|''The Arkenstone'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]


As Thorin refused to give away any part of the treasure for [[Dale]] and Lake-town under armed threat, Thranduil and Bard besieged the mountain. After a few days, a Dwarvish host led by [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]], who had been summoned by [[Ravens|raven]] messengers, approached to support Thorin. But, two evenings before his arrival, Bilbo came before Thranduil and Bard bringing the [[Arkenstone]], a great jewel that Thorin valued above all, in order to make Thorin open to negotiations again. Thranduil was impressed by Bilbo and urged him to remain in order to avoid Thorin's wrath, but Bilbo returned to his friends. The next morning Bard and Thranduil entered into negotiations with an angered Thorin, who agreed to pay one-fourteenth share of the treasure in exchange for the stone. Thranduil was reluctant to start a war over gold, but when the forces of Dáin arrived the next day, before the trade had been made for the Arkenstone, the Dwarves proceeded to attack.
As Thorin refused to give away any part of the treasure for [[Dale]] and Lake-town under armed threat, Thranduil and Bard besieged the mountain. After a few days, a Dwarvish host led by [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]], who had been summoned by [[Ravens|raven]] messengers, approached to support Thorin. But, two evenings before his arrival, Bilbo came before Thranduil and Bard bringing the [[Arkenstone]], a great jewel that Thorin valued above all, in order to make Thorin open to negotiations again. Thranduil was impressed by Bilbo and urged him to remain in order to avoid Thorin's wrath, but Bilbo returned to his friends. The next morning Bard and Thranduil entered into negotiations with an angered Thorin, who agreed to pay one-fourteenth share of the treasure in exchange for the stone. Thranduil was reluctant to start a war over gold, but when the forces of Dáin arrived the next day, before the trade had been made for the Arkenstone, the Dwarves proceeded to attack.


[[Image:Capucine Mazille - The Battle of Five Armies.jpg|thumb|Capucine Mazille - ''The Battle of Five Armies'']]
[[Image:Capucine Mazille - The Battle of Five Armies.jpg|thumb|''The Battle of Five Armies'' by [[:Category:Images by Capucine Mazille|Capucine Mazille]]]]
At that moment, the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and [[Grey Mountains]] under [[Bolg]] were using the opportunity to march after the hoard, and he was accompanied by a cloud of great bats. After skirmishing among themselves, under the council of Gandalf, the three commanders agreed that the Goblins were the enemies of all. So the [[Battle of Five Armies]] began, "upon one side were the Goblins and the Wild Wolves, and upon the other were Elves and Men and Dwarves."<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref> Thranduil's host was positioned on the southern side of the Mountain, and they were the first to charge. Many Elves and allies were slain and things looked grim when the [[Eagles]] and [[Beorn]] arrived on the battlefield. They turned the tide and the battle was won.
At that moment, the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and [[Grey Mountains]] under [[Bolg]] were using the opportunity to march after the hoard, and he was accompanied by a cloud of great bats. After skirmishing among themselves, under the council of Gandalf, the three commanders agreed that the Goblins were the enemies of all. So the [[Battle of Five Armies]] began, "upon one side were the Goblins and the Wild Wolves, and upon the other were Elves and Men and Dwarves."<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref> Thranduil's host was positioned on the southern side of the Mountain, and they were the first to charge. Many Elves and allies were slain and things looked grim when the [[Eagles]] and [[Beorn]] arrived on the battlefield. They turned the tide and the battle was won.
[[File:Alan Lee - The King under the Mountain.jpg|thumb|"The King under the Mountain" by [[Alan Lee]]|left]]
 
 
Thorin died soon after the battle. Thranduil laid [[Orcrist]] on Thorin's tomb, where it was said to glow in warning when foes approached.
Thorin died soon after the battle. Thranduil laid [[Orcrist]] on Thorin's tomb, where it was said to glow in warning when foes approached.


The victors divided the treasure, with Bard giving Thranduil the emeralds of [[Girion]]. When Bilbo and [[Gandalf]] bade farewell to Thranduil, Bilbo gave him a necklace of silver and pearls. Thranduil gave the [[Hobbits|hobbit]] the title [[Elf-friends|Elf-friend]] and returned with the remainder of his host to his realm in Mirkwood.
The victors divided the treasure, with Bard giving Thranduil the emeralds of [[Girion]]. When Bilbo and [[Gandalf]] bade farewell to Thranduil, Bilbo gave him a necklace of silver and pearls. Thranduil gave the [[Hobbits|hobbit]] the title [[Elf-friends|Elf-friend]] and returned with the remainder of his host to his realm in Mirkwood.


=== War of the Ring===
====War of the Ring====
 
On [[21 March]], {{TA|3018}} [[Aragorn]] and [[Gandalf]] delivered [[Gollum]] as a prisoner to Thranduil; but in June he later escaped. Thranduil sent his son [[Legolas]] to Rivendell to inform [[Elrond]], and during the [[Council of Elrond]] Legolas was selected as one of the nine members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].<ref name="council">{{FR|II2}}</ref> Another member of the Company was the Dwarf, [[Gimli]], the son of [[Glóin]] of [[Thorin and Company|Thorin's company]], who had previously been imprisoned by Thranduil. The unprecedented friendship between Elf and Dwarf helped to reconcile Thranduil's people and the Dwarves.
On [[21 March]], {{TA|3018}} [[Aragorn]] and [[Gandalf]] delivered [[Gollum]] as a prisoner to Thranduil; but in June he later escaped. Thranduil sent his son [[Legolas]] to Rivendell to inform [[Elrond]], and during the [[Council of Elrond]] Legolas was selected as one of the nine members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|II2}}</ref> Another member of the Company was the Dwarf, [[Gimli]], the son of [[Glóin]] of [[Thorin and Company|Thorin's company]], who had previously been imprisoned by Thranduil. The unprecedented friendship between Elf and Dwarf helped to reconcile Thranduil's people and the Dwarves.{{fact}}


On [[15 March]], {{TA|3019}}, [[Sauron]]'s army from [[Dol Guldur]] attacked Mirkwood. There was a long [[Battle Under Trees|battle under the trees]] and the woods were set on fire, but in the end Thranduil was victorious. In the south, the forces of the [[Lord and Lady of Galadhrim]] stormed Dol Guldur and threw down its walls.
On [[15 March]], {{TA|3019}}, [[Sauron]]'s army from [[Dol Guldur]] attacked Mirkwood. There was a long [[battle under the trees]] and the woods were set on fire, but in the end Thranduil was victorious. And after the passing of Sauron, the [[Galadhrim|forces]] of the [[Lord and Lady of Galadhrim]] stormed Dol Guldur and threw down its walls, finally cleansing the forest.<Ref name=great>{{App|Great}}</ref>


On [[6 April]], the Elvenking met with Lord [[Celeborn]] in the midst of Mirkwood and renamed it ''[[Eryn Lasgalen]]'', "The Wood of the Greenleaves". With the forest cleansed and Sauron's forces destroyed, the Woodland Realm was divided. Thranduil received the northern region of the Eryn Lasgalen as far as the Mountains and ruled there into the [[Fourth Age]].<ref name="AppB">{{App|B}}</ref>
On [[6 April]]<ref>{{app|chief}}</ref> (the [[Yestare|day of the Elven New Year]]), the Elvenking met with [[Celeborn]] in the midst of Mirkwood and renamed it ''[[Eryn Lasgalen]]'', "The Wood of the Greenleaves". With the forest cleansed and Sauron's forces destroyed, the forest was divided; Celeborn claimed the southern part of the forest north to the Narrows, Thranduil took the northern part of the forest south to the [[Mountains of Mirkwood|Mountains]], and the two Elf-lords granted the middle to the [[Beornings]] and [[Woodmen]]. Thranduil ruled the re-established Woodland Realm into the [[Fourth Age]].<Ref name=great/>


=== Fourth Age ===
=== Fourth Age ===
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== Personality ==
== Personality ==
[[Image:Marya Filatova - Thranduil.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Marya Filatova]] - ''Thranduil'']]
[[Image:Marya Filatova - Thranduil.jpg|right|thumb|200px|''Thranduil'' by [[Marya Filatova]]]]
Thranduil lived in atunement with nature, wearing a crown of woodland flowers, or autumn berries and red leaves, according to the season.<ref name="Barrels">{{H|Barrels}}</ref> His banner was green in colour.<ref>{{H|Gathering}}</ref> He loved the forest, though it was dark and dangerous in many parts; and enjoyed hunting and feasting among the trees with his people.<ref name="Flies">{{H|Flies}}</ref> He was distrustful of strangers for the most part, although he had business dealings with the men of [[Lake-town]].<ref name="Barrels"/> He was mostly unconcerned with affairs of the world beyond Mirkwood unless a common enemy was shared or for trade with "their kinsfolk in the South, or . . . Men in distant lands."<ref name="Barrels"/>
 
Although his concern was primarily for his realm, the memory of the end of the [[Second Age]] and what lay outside his borders haunted him:
Although his concern was primarily for his realm, the memory of the end of the [[Second Age]] and what lay outside his borders haunted him:
{{blockquote|But there was in Thranduil's heart a still deeper shadow. He had seen the horror of [[Mordor]] and could not forget it. If ever he looked south its memory dimmed the light of the Sun, and though he knew that it was now broken and deserted and under the vigilance of the Kings of Men, fear spoke in his heart that it was not conquered for ever; it would arise again.|{{UT|6b}}}}
{{blockquote|But there was in Thranduil's heart a still deeper shadow. He had seen the horror of [[Mordor]] and could not forget it. If ever he looked south its memory dimmed the light of the Sun, and though he knew that it was now broken and deserted and under the vigilance of the Kings of Men, fear spoke in his heart that it was not conquered for ever; it would arise again.|''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]", "Appendix B: The Sindarin Princes of the Silvan Elves"}}


He had a particular fondness for white gems and wanted to acquire more: "if the elf-king had a weakness it was for treasure, especially for silver and white gems; and though his hoard was rich, was eager for more, since he had not yet as great a treasure as other elf-lords of old."<ref name="Flies"/> Despite this weakness, he was wise and would not wantonly go to war, risking his people's lives, over treasure. This was evidenced when the Elvenking said, "long will I tarry, ere I begin this war for gold . . . let us hope still for something that will bring reconciliation."<ref name="Burst"/>
Thranduil lived in atunement with nature, wearing a crown of woodland flowers, or autumn berries and red leaves, according to the season.<ref name="Barrels">{{H|Barrels}}</ref> His banner was green in colour.<ref>{{H|Gathering}}</ref> He loved the forest, though it was dark and dangerous in many parts; and enjoyed hunting and feasting among the trees with his people.<ref name="Flies">{{H|Flies}}</ref> He was distrustful of strangers for the most part, although he had business dealings with the men of [[Lake-town]].<ref name="Barrels"/> He was mostly unconcerned with affairs of the world beyond Mirkwood unless a common enemy was shared or for trade with "their kinsfolk in the South, or [...] Men in distant lands."<ref name="Barrels"/>  


Thranduil had his halls delved underground, fashioned partly in memory (it was said) of the mighty, but long-lost, [[Menegroth]] of [[Doriath]].<ref name="UT6b">{{UT|6b}}</ref> In north-eastern Mirkwood, they were near the Forest River behind great, stone gates. His realm was also protected by the [[Enchanted River]]<ref>{{H|Queer}}</ref>, which could cause one to sleep and dream deeply, whilst the [[Elvenking's Halls]] served as a fortress.<ref name="Flies"/>
He had a particular fondness for white gems and wanted to acquire more: "if the elf-king had a weakness it was for treasure, especially for silver and white gems; and though his hoard was rich, was eager for more, since he had not yet as great a treasure as other elf-lords of old."<ref name="Flies"/> Despite this weakness, he was wise and would not wantonly go to war, risking his people's lives, over treasure. This was evidenced when the Elvenking said, "long will I tarry, ere I begin this war for gold [...] let us hope still for something that will bring reconciliation."<ref name="Burst"/>


== Etymology ==
== Etymology ==
The name '''Thranduil''' means "Vigorous spring" in [[Sindarin]], from ''[[tharan]]'' "vigorous" and ''[[tuil]]'' "spring". Though the name is said to be of [[Silvan Elvish|Silvan]] origin, Tolkien's notes on ''tharan'' state it was used only in Sindarin.<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 187</ref>
{{pronounce|Sindarin - Thranduil.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
The name '''''Thranduil''''' means "Vigorous spring" in [[Sindarin]], from ''[[tharan]]'' ("vigorous") and [[Lenition|lenited]] ''[[tuil]]'' ("spring"). Though the name is said to be of [[Silvan Elvish|Silvan]] origin, Tolkien's notes on ''tharan'' state it was used only in Sindarin.<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 27, 187</ref>
 
==Other versions of the legendarium==
The early life and timing of Thranduil are disputed in the legendarium.
 
According to [[Appendix B]] of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', Thranduil is first mentioned among the wave of [[Sindar]] who, before the building of  [[Barad-dûr]] c. {{SA|1000}}, established the Woodland Realm among the [[Silvan Elves]] and became the king in the north of [[Greenwood the Great]].<ref name="AppB">{{App|B}}</ref> In one draft from the article [[The Tale of Years of the Second Age]] from ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', Thranduil was said to have founded his kingdom in {{SA|750}}.<ref name=foundation>{{PM|Second}}</ref>
 
However, in the ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', a different story is told in which he is far older. In the article [[The History of Galadriel and Celeborn]], Thranduil is given a father, [[Oropher]], and an origin as a [[Sindar|Sindarin Elf]] of [[Doriath]]. In this story, Oropher and his household of [[Sindar]] (including his son Thranduil), establish the Woodland Realm among the [[Silvan Elves]] in the south of [[Greenwood]] after the [[Ruin of Doriath|ruin of Doriath]]. According to this, Thranduil becomes king after his father's death in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], contradicting the other accounts.<ref name="Princes"/>
 
This article and the wiki reconciles these three stories as: [[Oropher]] and his household of [[Sindar]] (including his son Thranduil) from [[Doriath]] established the Woodland Realm in the south of [[Greenwood the Great]] in {{SA|750}}. It is only after the [[War of the Last Alliance]] that Thranduil takes up the rule of the Woodland Realm.


== Genealogy ==
== Genealogy ==
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|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Battle for Middle-earth II - Thranduil.jpg|Thranduil in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Battle for Middle-earth II - Thranduil.jpg|Thranduil in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]''
|File:The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug - Thranduil.jpg|Thranduil in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
|File:The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug - Thranduil.jpg|Thranduil in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Thranduil.jpg|Thranduil in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
}}
}}
'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
===Films===
:[[Leonard Fenton]] provided the voice of Thranduil. He provides him with a Germanic accent.
 
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:Thranduil is voiced by [[Otto Preminger]]. For some reason, in the movie, the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] are portrayed as squat and ugly, as opposed to the noble Elves of [[Rivendell]]. Like Fenton before him, Preminger's Thranduil speaks with a German accent.
:Thranduil is voiced by [[Otto Preminger]]. For some reason, in the movie, the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] are portrayed as squat and ugly, as opposed to the noble Elves of [[Rivendell]]. Like Fenton before him, Preminger's Thranduil speaks with a German accent.
'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:Thranduil is referred to as "Elvenking Thranduil", using both his title from ''The Hobbit'' and his name from ''The Lord of the Rings'', to accommodate players who have only read ''The Hobbit''. Thranduil first appears in the level "Barrels Out of Bond", in which he can be overheard speaking about the [[White Council]] and their attack on [[Dol Guldur]]. He returns as a conversation partner in the last level, "The Clouds Burst", in which he and Gandalf ask the player, in the persona of Bilbo, to deliver a message to Bard. No voice actor is specified for this part.
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Thranduil is a hero for the Elven faction. In the good campaign, he shows up after the [[Battle of Dale]], and participates in the Siege of [[Dol Guldur]].


'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:Thranduil is played by [[Lee Pace]] in the ''Hobbit'' [[The Hobbit (film series)|film trilogy]].<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150239464391558|articlename=Casting news!|dated=30-April-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> Thranduil is first seen in the prologue paying homage to King [[Thrór]] inside within the [[Lonely Mountain]], though leaves in a huff when the [[Dwarves]] refuse to give him a box of white jewels. He is next seen with an army outside of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] riding a reindeer, seemingly ready to help during the [[Sack of Erebor]]. However, he decides not to help and turns away.
:Thranduil is played by [[Lee Pace]] in the ''Hobbit'' [[The Hobbit (film series)|film trilogy]].<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150239464391558|articlename=Casting news!|dated=30-April-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> Thranduil is first seen in the prologue paying homage to King [[Thrór]] inside within the [[Lonely Mountain]], though leaves in a huff when the [[Dwarves]] refuse to give him a box of white jewels. He is next seen with an army outside of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] riding an elk, seemingly ready to help during the [[Sack of Erebor]]. However, he decides not to help and turns away.


'''2013: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''
'''2013: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''
Line 129: Line 137:
:After learning of [[Smaug]]'s demise, Thranduil leads his Elven army to claim the white jewels from the Dwarves of Erebor, even by force. It is revealed that these jewels were meant for his wife, who had been taken to [[Gundabad]] and tortured by Orcs to death many years prior. When the army arrives in [[Dale]], he forges an allegiance with [[Bard]], also offering the [[Lake-town]] refugees food and supplies. When Gandalf arrives at Erebor to warn them of the impending attack by the approaching Orc army, the Elven-king refuses to listen. Thranduil's soldiers come to clashes with those of [[Dáin Ironfoot]] right before the Orcs arrive, leading to the [[Battle of Five Armies]]. Thranduil himself fights in the battle against the Orcs, but withdraws his forces when defence of Dale results in many Elven casualties. This leads to a confrontation between him and [[Tauriel]] before she and [[Legolas]] go to Thorin's aid at [[Ravenhill]]. The event causes a rift between Thranduil and his son, to the point where Legolas decides not to return to the kingdom. Thranduil then advises him to go and find the [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]] known as "[[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]]" among the [[Dúnedain]]. The Elven-king also accepts Tauriel's love for [[Kíli]] when he finds her mourning over the Dwarf's death.
:After learning of [[Smaug]]'s demise, Thranduil leads his Elven army to claim the white jewels from the Dwarves of Erebor, even by force. It is revealed that these jewels were meant for his wife, who had been taken to [[Gundabad]] and tortured by Orcs to death many years prior. When the army arrives in [[Dale]], he forges an allegiance with [[Bard]], also offering the [[Lake-town]] refugees food and supplies. When Gandalf arrives at Erebor to warn them of the impending attack by the approaching Orc army, the Elven-king refuses to listen. Thranduil's soldiers come to clashes with those of [[Dáin Ironfoot]] right before the Orcs arrive, leading to the [[Battle of Five Armies]]. Thranduil himself fights in the battle against the Orcs, but withdraws his forces when defence of Dale results in many Elven casualties. This leads to a confrontation between him and [[Tauriel]] before she and [[Legolas]] go to Thorin's aid at [[Ravenhill]]. The event causes a rift between Thranduil and his son, to the point where Legolas decides not to return to the kingdom. Thranduil then advises him to go and find the [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]] known as "[[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]]" among the [[Dúnedain]]. The Elven-king also accepts Tauriel's love for [[Kíli]] when he finds her mourning over the Dwarf's death.


==See also==
===Radio series===
* [[:Category:Images of Thranduil|Images of Thranduil]]
'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Leonard Fenton]] provided the voice of Thranduil. He provides him with a Germanic accent.
 
===Games===
'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:Thranduil is referred to as "Elvenking Thranduil", using both his title from ''The Hobbit'' and his name from ''The Lord of the Rings'', to accommodate players who have only read ''The Hobbit''. Thranduil first appears in the level "Barrels Out of Bond", in which he can be overheard speaking about the [[White Council]] and their attack on [[Dol Guldur]]. He returns as a conversation partner in the last level, "The Clouds Burst", in which he and Gandalf ask the player, in the persona of Bilbo, to deliver a message to Bard. No voice actor is specified for this part.
 
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Thranduil is a hero for the Elven faction. In the good campaign, he shows up after the [[Battle of Dale]], and participates in the Siege of [[Dol Guldur]].
 
'''2017: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Thranduil's earliest appearances are during the War of the [[Last Alliance]]. He can be found during the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] and later is seen during the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]].
 
:In the present time, Thranduil is first encountered fighting in [[Mirkwood]] during the last days of the [[War of the Ring]]. He joins the forces of Lord [[Celeborn]] and Lady [[Galadriel]] and their combined host moves on [[Dol Guldur]] where Galadriel brings down the fortress. Afterwards he and Celeborn renamed the forest [[Eryn Lasgalen]] and divide it into three parts, giving the middle section to the [[Woodmen]]. Thranduil then returns to his halls in Felegoth where his son [[Legolas]] and the player join him after the [[One Ring]] is destroyed. Thranduil's people have to deal with an unexpected situation when most of spiders in Mirkwood, except for the very young or very old ones, suddenly depart the forest en masse, travelling south to answer the call of [[Shelob|their mother]]. In their place come the Wood-trolls from the north and Thranduil tasks the player with finding the source of the new threat and preventing it from reaching his borders.


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2013/09/15/79209-thranduil-the-fisher-king-and-oberon-why-it-matters/ Thranduil, The Fisher King and Oberon; Why It Matters] by Marthe
*[http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2013/09/15/79209-thranduil-the-fisher-king-and-oberon-why-it-matters/ Thranduil, The Fisher King and Oberon; Why It Matters] by Marthe
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2013/09/27/was-the-elvenking-of-the-hobbit-supposed-to-be-thingol-greycloak/ Was the Elvenking of ''The Hobbit'' Supposed to be Thingol Greycloak?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2013/09/27/was-the-elvenking-of-the-hobbit-supposed-to-be-thingol-greycloak/ Was the Elvenking of ''The Hobbit'' Supposed to be Thingol Greycloak?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
{{references|n}}
 
{{references|note}}
{{hobbitfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

Revision as of 14:04, 1 April 2021

Thranduil
Sinda
Lourdes Velez - King Thranduil.jpg
"King Thanduil" by Lourdes Velez
Biographical Information
Other namesThe Elvenking
TitlesKing of the Silvan Elves in northern Mirkwood[1]
LocationDoriath, Lindon, Woodland Realm
AffiliationLast Alliance of Elves and Men
LanguageSilvan, Sindarin, Westron
BirthBefore F.A. 507[2]
Doriath[2]
See below
RuleFrom S.A. 3434
Family
ParentageOropher
ChildrenLegolas
Physical Description
GenderMale
Hair colorGolden[3]
WeaponrySword
GalleryImages of Thranduil
"In a great hall with pillars hewn out of the living stone sat the Elvenking on a chair of carven wood. On his head was a crown of berries and red leaves, for the autumn was come again. In the spring he wore a crown of woodland flowers. In his hand he held a carven staff of oak."
The Hobbit, "Barrels Out of Bond"

Thranduil, also known as the Elvenking, was a Sindarin Elf of Doriath[2] and King of the Silvan Elves of Mirkwood of the Woodland Realm. Thranduil was son of Oropher and father of Legolas.

The Elvenking is a name used for the ruler of the Woodland Realm, the realm of the Silvan Elves in the far northeast of Mirkwood by the late Third Age.[note 1]

History

Early History

See also: #Other versions of the legendarium

Thranduil was one of the Iathrim who spent his early life in Doriath.[2] Following the destruction of Beleriand and the War of Wrath, most of the Noldorin exiles and remnants of the Sindar retreated to Lindon. The Valar reinvited these Elves to Aman, but Thranduil, among many others, was unwilling and remained in Lindon.[2]

Thranduil and Legolas by Anna Lee

Many of the Sindar left Lindon and travelled eastward, before the building of the Barad-dûr in S.A. 1000.[4] Thranduil is first recorded in this event, when he and his father, Oropher, arrived, in S.A. 750, in Greenwood the Great.[5] Oropher was taken by the Silvan Elves as their lord and founded the Woodland Realm.[2]

The Elves of Mirkwood joined the Last Alliance and in S.A. 3434, Thranduil followed his father and numerous lightly armed Elves in the War of the Last Alliance. In the Battle of Dagorlad, Oropher was slain in the first assault upon Mordor, "rushing forward at the head of his most doughty warriors before Gil-galad had given the signal for the advance."[2] His son survived, but over the course of the war, two-thirds of his people had perished. After the Siege of Barad-dûr in S.A. 3441, when Sauron was defeated, Thranduil led the remainder of his people north back to the Woodland Realm, where he was crowned king.[2]

Third Age

The Shadow Returns

Upon the return of Sauron - disguised as the Necromancer - in around T.A. 1050, southern Greenwood became increasingly dangerous; evil creatures such as the great spiders came to dwell in it and the forest soon came to be known as "Mirkwood".[6] Thranduil's folk retreated to the north of the forest, where they established themselves near the Forest River. Thranduil had his halls delved underground, fashioned partly in memory (it was said) of the mighty, but long-lost, Menegroth of Doriath.[note 2][7][2] In north-eastern Mirkwood, they were near the Forest River behind great, stone gates.

Battle of Five Armies

Thorin and Thranduil by Anke Eißmann

In T.A. 2941, Thranduil and some of his folk were feasting in the woods when they were repeatedly disturbed by a party of Dwarves. After the third disturbance, the Elves captured Thorin who refused to reveal to Thranduil the reason for their journey through Mirkwood.[8] Following their battle with the spiders, the rest of the company was also captured by the Elves. Following their repeated failure to explain their presence in Mirkwood, Thranduil placed all the Dwarves under lock and key. They escaped, however, with the aid of a Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. Baggins had evaded capture by Thranduil's people through the use of his magic ring.

After the Dwarves' escape, Thranduil received word of what had transpired from the Raft-elves who returned up the Forest River. Thus he was now aware of the Dwarves' quest. Upon learning this, he stated, "no treasure will come back through Mirkwood without my having something to say in the matter."[9] He believed the Dwarves were incapable of slaying the Dragon. However, he soon heard from his own messengers (including the birds) that the Dragon Smaug had been felled (and the Lake-town was destroyed).

Thranduil was aware that Smaug had a massive hoard of treasure. Believing the Dwarves to be dead, and desiring a share of the treasure, he set out towards the Lonely Mountain with a company of Elves. On the way, they met messengers from Bard who was seeking aid for his destroyed town. Thranduil gave aid to these Men, as the Lake-men had been friends with the Wood-elves, and left elven craftsmen to aid in the labour and building of huts to fortify them against the coming winter.[10] Together, Thranduil and Bard led their forces towards the Lonely Mountain and were surprised when they found out that the Dwarves not only survived Smaug's attacks, but had taken possession of the Mountain and its treasures; the King under the Mountain had returned.

The Arkenstone by Ted Nasmith

As Thorin refused to give away any part of the treasure for Dale and Lake-town under armed threat, Thranduil and Bard besieged the mountain. After a few days, a Dwarvish host led by Dáin II Ironfoot, who had been summoned by raven messengers, approached to support Thorin. But, two evenings before his arrival, Bilbo came before Thranduil and Bard bringing the Arkenstone, a great jewel that Thorin valued above all, in order to make Thorin open to negotiations again. Thranduil was impressed by Bilbo and urged him to remain in order to avoid Thorin's wrath, but Bilbo returned to his friends. The next morning Bard and Thranduil entered into negotiations with an angered Thorin, who agreed to pay one-fourteenth share of the treasure in exchange for the stone. Thranduil was reluctant to start a war over gold, but when the forces of Dáin arrived the next day, before the trade had been made for the Arkenstone, the Dwarves proceeded to attack.

The Battle of Five Armies by Capucine Mazille

At that moment, the Orcs of the Misty Mountains and Grey Mountains under Bolg were using the opportunity to march after the hoard, and he was accompanied by a cloud of great bats. After skirmishing among themselves, under the council of Gandalf, the three commanders agreed that the Goblins were the enemies of all. So the Battle of Five Armies began, "upon one side were the Goblins and the Wild Wolves, and upon the other were Elves and Men and Dwarves."[11] Thranduil's host was positioned on the southern side of the Mountain, and they were the first to charge. Many Elves and allies were slain and things looked grim when the Eagles and Beorn arrived on the battlefield. They turned the tide and the battle was won.


Thorin died soon after the battle. Thranduil laid Orcrist on Thorin's tomb, where it was said to glow in warning when foes approached.

The victors divided the treasure, with Bard giving Thranduil the emeralds of Girion. When Bilbo and Gandalf bade farewell to Thranduil, Bilbo gave him a necklace of silver and pearls. Thranduil gave the hobbit the title Elf-friend and returned with the remainder of his host to his realm in Mirkwood.

War of the Ring

On 21 March, T.A. 3018 Aragorn and Gandalf delivered Gollum as a prisoner to Thranduil; but in June he later escaped. Thranduil sent his son Legolas to Rivendell to inform Elrond, and during the Council of Elrond Legolas was selected as one of the nine members of the Fellowship of the Ring.[12] Another member of the Company was the Dwarf, Gimli, the son of Glóin of Thorin's company, who had previously been imprisoned by Thranduil. The unprecedented friendship between Elf and Dwarf helped to reconcile Thranduil's people and the Dwarves.

On 15 March, T.A. 3019, Sauron's army from Dol Guldur attacked Mirkwood. There was a long battle under the trees and the woods were set on fire, but in the end Thranduil was victorious. And after the passing of Sauron, the forces of the Lord and Lady of Galadhrim stormed Dol Guldur and threw down its walls, finally cleansing the forest.[13]

On 6 April[14] (the day of the Elven New Year), the Elvenking met with Celeborn in the midst of Mirkwood and renamed it Eryn Lasgalen, "The Wood of the Greenleaves". With the forest cleansed and Sauron's forces destroyed, the forest was divided; Celeborn claimed the southern part of the forest north to the Narrows, Thranduil took the northern part of the forest south to the Mountains, and the two Elf-lords granted the middle to the Beornings and Woodmen. Thranduil ruled the re-established Woodland Realm into the Fourth Age.[13]

Fourth Age

Thranduil's ultimate fate is unknown.

Personality

Thranduil by Marya Filatova

Although his concern was primarily for his realm, the memory of the end of the Second Age and what lay outside his borders haunted him:

But there was in Thranduil's heart a still deeper shadow. He had seen the horror of Mordor and could not forget it. If ever he looked south its memory dimmed the light of the Sun, and though he knew that it was now broken and deserted and under the vigilance of the Kings of Men, fear spoke in his heart that it was not conquered for ever; it would arise again.
Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn", "Appendix B: The Sindarin Princes of the Silvan Elves"

Thranduil lived in atunement with nature, wearing a crown of woodland flowers, or autumn berries and red leaves, according to the season.[15] His banner was green in colour.[16] He loved the forest, though it was dark and dangerous in many parts; and enjoyed hunting and feasting among the trees with his people.[8] He was distrustful of strangers for the most part, although he had business dealings with the men of Lake-town.[15] He was mostly unconcerned with affairs of the world beyond Mirkwood unless a common enemy was shared or for trade with "their kinsfolk in the South, or [...] Men in distant lands."[15]

He had a particular fondness for white gems and wanted to acquire more: "if the elf-king had a weakness it was for treasure, especially for silver and white gems; and though his hoard was rich, was eager for more, since he had not yet as great a treasure as other elf-lords of old."[8] Despite this weakness, he was wise and would not wantonly go to war, risking his people's lives, over treasure. This was evidenced when the Elvenking said, "long will I tarry, ere I begin this war for gold [...] let us hope still for something that will bring reconciliation."[11]

Etymology

The name Thranduil means "Vigorous spring" in Sindarin, from tharan ("vigorous") and lenited tuil ("spring"). Though the name is said to be of Silvan origin, Tolkien's notes on tharan state it was used only in Sindarin.[17]

Other versions of the legendarium

The early life and timing of Thranduil are disputed in the legendarium.

According to Appendix B of The Lord of the Rings, Thranduil is first mentioned among the wave of Sindar who, before the building of Barad-dûr c. S.A. 1000, established the Woodland Realm among the Silvan Elves and became the king in the north of Greenwood the Great.[4] In one draft from the article The Tale of Years of the Second Age from The Peoples of Middle-earth, Thranduil was said to have founded his kingdom in S.A. 750.[5]

However, in the Unfinished Tales, a different story is told in which he is far older. In the article The History of Galadriel and Celeborn, Thranduil is given a father, Oropher, and an origin as a Sindarin Elf of Doriath. In this story, Oropher and his household of Sindar (including his son Thranduil), establish the Woodland Realm among the Silvan Elves in the south of Greenwood after the ruin of Doriath. According to this, Thranduil becomes king after his father's death in the War of the Last Alliance, contradicting the other accounts.[2]

This article and the wiki reconciles these three stories as: Oropher and his household of Sindar (including his son Thranduil) from Doriath established the Woodland Realm in the south of Greenwood the Great in S.A. 750. It is only after the War of the Last Alliance that Thranduil takes up the rule of the Woodland Realm.

Genealogy

Oropher
d. S.A. 3434
 
 
 
 
THRANDUIL
Unknown
 
 
 
 
Legolas
Sailed West Fo.A. 120


Portrayal in adaptations

Thranduil in adaptations
The "Elvenking" in The Hobbit (1977 film)  
Thranduil in The Hobbit (film series)  

Films

1977: The Hobbit (1977 film):

Thranduil is voiced by Otto Preminger. For some reason, in the movie, the Elves of Mirkwood are portrayed as squat and ugly, as opposed to the noble Elves of Rivendell. Like Fenton before him, Preminger's Thranduil speaks with a German accent.

2012: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey:

Thranduil is played by Lee Pace in the Hobbit film trilogy.[18] Thranduil is first seen in the prologue paying homage to King Thrór inside within the Lonely Mountain, though leaves in a huff when the Dwarves refuse to give him a box of white jewels. He is next seen with an army outside of Erebor riding an elk, seemingly ready to help during the Sack of Erebor. However, he decides not to help and turns away.

2013: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug:

Mentioning his past, Thranduil is portrayed as a widower and also an isolationist king who isn't concerned with the evil that happens beyond his borders. He has generously raised Tauriel for the last 600 years, and also mentions that he has fought the "serpents of the North".
When Thorin is taken before Thranduil in the Elvenking's Halls, he surmises that he and his Company are going to try to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from Smaug (unlike in the book, where he had no idea as to their purpose). He offers a deal to Thorin, saying he will let the Company go if they will pay him the white jewels he desires inside the Mountain. When the Dwarf refuses and chastises him for not offering aid to the Dwarves the day of the Sack, the Elven-king reveals a large disfigurement on his face underneath his skin, mentioning his fighting against the 'great serpents of the North.'
Later, an invisible Bilbo Baggins spies his discussion with Tauriel, having ordered her company of Elves to destroy the spiders's nests, but not beyond the borders of the Woodland Realm, displaying his disregard for the outside world.
He and Legolas interrogate Narzug, a captured Orc who claims that "The One" is returning, and will unleash a powerful weapon (possibly Smaug). Despite his own promise to "set him free", he beheads the orc, and orders the kingdom to be completely sealed off from the outside world.

2014: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies:

After learning of Smaug's demise, Thranduil leads his Elven army to claim the white jewels from the Dwarves of Erebor, even by force. It is revealed that these jewels were meant for his wife, who had been taken to Gundabad and tortured by Orcs to death many years prior. When the army arrives in Dale, he forges an allegiance with Bard, also offering the Lake-town refugees food and supplies. When Gandalf arrives at Erebor to warn them of the impending attack by the approaching Orc army, the Elven-king refuses to listen. Thranduil's soldiers come to clashes with those of Dáin Ironfoot right before the Orcs arrive, leading to the Battle of Five Armies. Thranduil himself fights in the battle against the Orcs, but withdraws his forces when defence of Dale results in many Elven casualties. This leads to a confrontation between him and Tauriel before she and Legolas go to Thorin's aid at Ravenhill. The event causes a rift between Thranduil and his son, to the point where Legolas decides not to return to the kingdom. Thranduil then advises him to go and find the Ranger known as "Strider" among the Dúnedain. The Elven-king also accepts Tauriel's love for Kíli when he finds her mourning over the Dwarf's death.

Radio series

1968: The Hobbit (1968 radio series):

Leonard Fenton provided the voice of Thranduil. He provides him with a Germanic accent.

Games

2003: The Hobbit (2003 video game):

Thranduil is referred to as "Elvenking Thranduil", using both his title from The Hobbit and his name from The Lord of the Rings, to accommodate players who have only read The Hobbit. Thranduil first appears in the level "Barrels Out of Bond", in which he can be overheard speaking about the White Council and their attack on Dol Guldur. He returns as a conversation partner in the last level, "The Clouds Burst", in which he and Gandalf ask the player, in the persona of Bilbo, to deliver a message to Bard. No voice actor is specified for this part.

2006: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II:

Thranduil is a hero for the Elven faction. In the good campaign, he shows up after the Battle of Dale, and participates in the Siege of Dol Guldur.

2017: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Thranduil's earliest appearances are during the War of the Last Alliance. He can be found during the Battle of Dagorlad and later is seen during the Siege of Barad-dûr.
In the present time, Thranduil is first encountered fighting in Mirkwood during the last days of the War of the Ring. He joins the forces of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel and their combined host moves on Dol Guldur where Galadriel brings down the fortress. Afterwards he and Celeborn renamed the forest Eryn Lasgalen and divide it into three parts, giving the middle section to the Woodmen. Thranduil then returns to his halls in Felegoth where his son Legolas and the player join him after the One Ring is destroyed. Thranduil's people have to deal with an unexpected situation when most of spiders in Mirkwood, except for the very young or very old ones, suddenly depart the forest en masse, travelling south to answer the call of their mother. In their place come the Wood-trolls from the north and Thranduil tasks the player with finding the source of the new threat and preventing it from reaching his borders.

External links

Notes

  1. While he is nameless throughout the The Hobbit, his name is first revealed in The Council of Elrond chapter of The Lord of the Rings as the father of Legolas.
  2. In the Lord of the Rings, it is stated by Gimli that the Dwarves aided in the making of Thranduil's halls. However, in the Unfinished Tales, it is stated that Thranduil's halls "were not to be compared with Menegroth. He had not the arts nor wealth nor the aid of the Dwarves."

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, Index
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn", "Appendix B: The Sindarin Princes of the Silvan Elves"
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Flies and Spiders"
  4. 4.0 4.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B: The Tale of Years (Chronology of the Westlands)
  5. 5.0 5.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "VI. The Tale of Years of the Second Age"
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Road to Isengard"
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Flies and Spiders"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "A Warm Welcome"
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Fire and Water"
  11. 11.0 11.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Clouds Burst"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"
  13. 13.0 13.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years"
  14. 15.0 15.1 15.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Barrels Out of Bond"
  15. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Gathering of the Clouds"
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, "Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings", in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), pp. 27, 187
  17. Peter Jackson, "Casting news!" dated 30 April 2011, Facebook (accessed 23 December 2011)
The Hobbit film series
Source material: The Hobbit · The Lord of the Rings
Films An Unexpected Journey (extended editionThe Desolation of Smaug (extended edition) · The Battle of the Five Armies (extended edition)
Music An Unexpected Journey (Special Edition) · The Desolation of Smaug (Special Edition) · The Battle of the Five Armies (Special Edition) · "Song of the Lonely Mountain" · "I See Fire" · "The Last Goodbye"
Tie-in books An Unexpected Journey Official Movie Guide · Visual Companion · Movie Storybook · Annual 2013 · Chronicles: Art & Design · Chronicles: Creatures & Characters · The World of Hobbits
The Desolation of Smaug Official Movie Guide · Visual Companion · Movie Storybook · Annual 2014 · Chronicles: Art & Design · Chronicles: Cloaks & Daggers · Smaug: Unleashing the Dragon · Activity Book · Sticker Book · Ultimate Sticker Collection
The Battle of the Five Armies Official Movie Guide · Visual Companion · Movie Storybook · Annual 2015 · Chronicles: Art & Design · Chronicles: The Art of War · Activity Book
Video games Kingdoms of Middle-earth · Armies of The Third Age · Lego The Hobbit
Characters Bilbo · Thorin · Gandalf · Balin · Fíli · Kíli · Dwalin · Dori · Nori · Ori · Óin · Glóin · Bifur · Bofur · Bombur · Smaug · Radagast · Elrond · Galadriel · Saruman · Azog · Bolg · Thranduil · Legolas · Tauriel · Bard · Bain · Tilda · Sigrid · Master of Lake-town · Alfrid · Dáin Ironfoot · Necromancer · Bert · William · Tom · Beorn · Thráin · Thrór · Goblin King · Gollum · Frodo