PG-543 / PG-527

2018

The Hobbit

Thranduil, son of Oropher, is a prominent Elven king in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, most notably appearing in The Hobbit. He rules the Woodland Realm, a large domain encompassing Mirkwood, and is renowned for his wisdom, power, and somewhat aloof and guarded nature.

His origins trace back to Doriath in Beleriand before its destruction. He accompanied his father to Middle-earth, eventually settling in Greenwood the Great (later Mirkwood). After Oropher's death in the War of the Last Alliance, Thranduil became king.

In The Hobbit, Thranduil imprisons Thorin's company of dwarves for trespassing in his realm, suspecting their motives. He later joins the Battle of Five Armies, driven by a desire for treasure hoarded by Smaug. Though appearing harsh, his actions are often motivated by a desire to protect his people and maintain order within his kingdom, leading to a more complex characterization.