I believe he would come to the aid of the alliance as he has a number of reasons to do so. Firstly, to make sure his son, Legolas, would survive and continue his line. Secondly, if he learns that Frodo, the ringbearer, was the nephew of his friend Bilbo, there's a good chance he'll provide whatever aid he can. Third, if he still values his friendship with men, and still fosters his hatred towards orcs, he wouldn't hesitate to charge into the fray. Fourth, he has a score to settle with Mordor about the death of his father.
I would have loved it for have the actors of lotr stay the same age as they did when they were originally filming so they could film it at this time so that they could have had lee pace as thranduil st the pelinor fields
Why Thranduil is one of the best elves: -Huge elven kingdom in the east with no ring of power to help protect. His ability to rule successfully helped make sure both Lothlorien & the North weren't overrun by Sauron's forces (which would might have also threatened Rivendell, Erebor, Laketown, etc). -Saw massacre of elves by western elves at Menegroth (no wonder his father didn't vibe w/ them). Still helped fight against Sauron despite father dying in initial siege (presumedly had to take over for the rest of the war) and massive casualties to his people. -Returned to northern Las Galen to rule over his kingdom (again w/o the aid of a ring of power) for many years. -Successfully traded with many in the area. -Helped the men of Laketown when their city was burned down. -Successfully fought off attack from Sauron during the 'Battle Under the Trees' (others in his area had to retreat in their own battles; re: Battle of Dale). -Restored forest and gave land back to Beornings. -Wine connoisseur. Honestly, his character is super interesting & by all measures, he was a fierce warrior, great king, and fair to others.
There's a reason why, when I play Dwarf Fortress, I'm burning those hippie caravans to the ground and rejoicing at their screams: pretty much saying "Thranduil brought this on you." But more seriously, Thranduil didn't get as much story time as the other elf lords, but he clearly was also one of the more complex ones, in that he obviously had a big streak of greed and envy, a flaw perhaps matched only with Elrond's resentment and frustration with men and Galadriel's lurking desire for power. The fact that he had the same primary tragic flaws that Thorin did made it obvious for Tolkien to redeem it with the Legolas/Gimli friendship.
I can imagine Thranduil calling his entire army, marching it all the way to helms deep, arriving on the third day on the hill, looking down at the sea of orcs and meeting eyes with theoden from afar just as they start to ride out across the bridge. Then Thranduil does a slow turn and leaves with his army without saying a word and marches straight to Gondor to do the exact same thing again
I'm not inclined to believe Thranduil is as cold in the lore as he is somewhat portrayed in the films, but even if said army had not trounced up to his domain, I don't forsee him sending forces; the threat of such an attack would gave kept his army home, even if they never came. Sid he gobto other battles? No. Maybe the old alliances were not as dead as King Theoden said, but neither were they strong, and many forces had to risk allies to protect their own against maybe-threats, like King Dain's forces, or Elrond's. One of my favorite Jackson changes to the films was when Haldir and forces arrived at Helm's Deep; the elves were finally doing something more than just cashing in their special "get out of Middle Earth free" cards, and leaving everyone else to whatever fate, even as they knew they were the people Sauron most wanted to crush, but I can also see why, in the book, such a force would have had to stay in Lothlorien, to protect it. Thranduil might have wanted to aide others, but he knew he had to watch over his own first.
He was a friend to men, and his own son had stakes in the war, he would definitely have sent aid. The bigger question though, is would he have actually sailed back to the Undying Lands? It honestly seemed like enjoyed his time on Middle Earth.
He was a friend of men, for sure. However, keep in mind the geography and strategic situation involved. Mordor had a massive army assaulting the lands to the north too, lands who border his own realm, Erabor and Dale. If he wasn't forced to defend against Dol Goldor, he'd more likely have sent his armies to the aide of the closer threat, Dale and Erabor, to fight the Easterling army. Keep in mind, if Dale and Erabor were to fall, the next obvious target for the Easterlings would be HIS realm. He's not stupid, he'd no this and prioritize countering that threat above other options. The other factor is distance. Even if he wanted to go to the aide of Gondor, he couldn't, the time it would take once he realized Gondor was in need of aide would be too far. His army would not arrive in time to do anything - the battle would already be over, one way or the other. Meanwhile, he'd be leaving his land less defended against the Easterling army and leaving Dale and Erabor less defended and in a worse position to hold that army off. I think he'd weigh his options and choose the more sensible course, help those close enough to him for him to be able to help, and deal with the most immediate threats to his realm. That would be Easterling army, at his neighbors' doorsteps.
@@Mr713mexican Will have to reread things to confirm but it doesn’t need to be the ocean. Ulmo is lord of all waterways including rivers, streams, etc. and his music could be heard from them as well.
Thranduil would have helped but I think it far more likely he would have sent troops to Erebor/Dale and/or Lorien as those were much closer. Any forces he sent to Gondor probably couldn't have arrived in time for the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
@@Joh00226 Yes they can, but, it it's never really involved elves in full armor, with shields, spears, and swords etc. They might not be able to walk on top of snow with all that gear.
Honestly I think that Thraundil would go to support dwarves and Men of Dale against the Easterlings and stopped many loses that happend during that batlle. He is one of those characters that you need to love and he is so cool. Guys as always love your videos and your channel!!!
I agree on helping Erebor and Dale over the month long march to Minas Tirith if, and only if, King Thranduil had no other threat to his realm and people. Its also quite strategically stupid of sauron to attack mirkwood on the same day as pelennor as the two are hundreds of leagues apart, and the elves would've marched weeks in advance to get to Gondor in time for Denethors summons. If any was sent. Likely though mirkwood was beset with attacks for far longer though and no help was coming. You can't cross huge distances over night like in GOT lol. Remember the maps!
We don't know exactly how big Sauron army sent from Dol Guldur to attack Mirkwood, but we know that the Orcs set the woods on fire which is excellent strategy against enemy with base dug underground. No my friend, Thranduil won't go anywhere. He and his army would pinned down and defending their base would difficult, I suppose their victory had something to do with the ring of power being destroy in mount doom.
These guys nailed it as actors...you can't imagine nobody else as these characters. They owned these roles. Even if the movies had some liberties with the original story.
I’m actually surprised Legolas doesn’t mention more of this during the movies. He never really talks about his home even in the extended cuts. So it would have been great to see his kin along with the dwarves joining the battle.
the movies are already long and packed. Introducing a whole lot of other geographies and characters (not even showing them, for obvious time and budget constraints) would be only confusing for the viewer, without providing any additional value to the main narrative.
Lol he was busy doing King Shit.. I love how all the powerful elf lords were "supposed to" run off and help the fellowship or March to the rescue when they had their own kingdoms to run. Thraunduil sent his Son, who's probably one of if not the best warrior in Mirkwood to help out, he's gotta look after his own people too.
Exactly not only that if the elf lords went on the front lines that’s three shiny beacons for the eye to sense and pour all his power, some else explained this in a different video they had to stay in elf territory to keep the forces of light powered and to wait for any sneak attacks they know would come keep the dark armies divided
So you think Thranduil is a short sighted moron? Or is it that you think he’d bow down to Sauron to survive? Or perhaps Thranduil is a deluded fool who thinks he can defeat Sauron with only his forces when Sauron comes to chat? I think the best option is… *YOU* are a moron who couldn’t think he way out of a wet paper bag.
I agree. With Dol Guldor on his borders, he can't send any significant armies on campaign, as he's got to defend his own realm from a direct threat. If you eliminate Dol Guldor from the timeline (say the White Council's assault on it was more decisive and Dol Goldor was razed to the ground and no longer even an option for Mordor), then he's still got the Northern Mordor army to deal with, which is closer and more of an immediate threat. If he was not having to deal with Dul Goldor, he'd be marching to the aide of his neighbors, and allies, Erabor and Dale. If they fall, who's next? Yup, HIS realm. Also of consideration is if he TREID to send help to Gondor, Rohan or anyone that far away, his armies would probably not have reached anyone in time to help with any battles, and would have been sorely missed in the north. For Thranduil, going to the aide of Rohan, let alone Gondor, was just not even a possibility. I could, on the other hand, see Lothorien sending troops to help first Gondor, and then Rohan, as they're at least close enough to reach those places in time for their armies to be of any use. Of course, one thing to keep in mind is that Lothlorien was facing the dual threats of both Dol Goldor AND Moria. Though I think Moria threw their lot in a bit more with Isengard then with Mordor, Isengard was still an enemy to Lothlorien nonetheless.
If Thranduil hadn't been tied down by Dol Guldur, the next closest threat to his kingdom was the army from the East attacking Dale/Lonely Mountain. I imagine he would've concentrated his forces there, rather than the long march all the way down to Gondor.
Yup. Plus he's the most envious of the elf lords, and certainly the most likely to say "I've got enough problems of my own" -- which is essentially a statement made by each and every one of the elf lords over the story.
@@TransRoofKoreanIt's hard to see with what Elrond and Galadriel had to keep them so consumed. Elrond couldn't even walk his lazy ass up to Rhudaur during the Quest for Erebor, and instead he and Galadriel have Gandalf break off an urgent quest with the Dwarves, to traipse all the way North to Rhudaur, when it was obviously far closer to Elrond. It baffled me, the poor logistics. Anyway, I have said it too that Thranduil most assuredly would have aided Dáin and Brand rather than the long traipse all the way South to Gondor.
I like to imagine that far in the Fourth Age Thranduil joined Celeborn and Cirdan on the very last ship that left for Valinor and that so the last great lords of the Sindar left Middleearth together.
This is a wonderful video. Sometimes you just need to see the timelines of how all the battles played out and who was closest to which one. I don't see Thranduil abandoning the Greenwood to his enemies. I love how Lee Pace has become the accepted face of Thranduil in art as well as film. He is stunning and was perfect for the role. Much better than that creepy drawing in the original Hobbit cartoon. I love your videos and how you make all the big picture clearer. It's easy to get lost in the big history of Middle Earth.
Absolutely!! He really sold Elven and beyond it all. The behind the scenes are so funny too. I wish the cared for more hobbit BTS in general, they did so much in such a short period of time
Upon hearing that Sauron still lived and was expanding his reach he would have come to the same conclusion as he did when he was younger. Like his father he knew the risk. Sauron cannot be allowed to survive and spread his reach. He would most likely have committed most of his forces to aid men, dwarves and his elven allies in the defeat of the dark forces.
Guys! Thank you so much for this video I'm currently in the midst of a multi-chapter story about Thranduil and the War in the North and your vid is MOST USEFUL. Thank you! About your question. Had Thranduil not been attacked by Sauron's forces I do think he would definitely would have come to the aid of those fighting in Gondor and Rohan. Yes, he was insular because of the losses sustained of the battle of the Last Alliance but if for no other reasons he would have come to their aid to support his son. If Dale and Erebor still been attacked he might split his forces but he would still have come personally to the aid of his son.
This video came just at the perfect time for me! Gonna be painting my some wood Elves over the next few days and I'll be revisiting this video a couple of times to fully absorb the Lore!
Now that I hear the Gladden fall; found out the other day a logical explanation why the ring cannot have been found in the Anduin, as generally recounted. Deagol and Smeagol must have been fishing in the Gladden: "It is significant that the river is the Gladden, not the Anduin. The Gladden meanders slowly through the Gladden Fields before joining the Anduin. Being a slow river with a muddy bottom, it did not have the power to move the Ring. Had the Ring reached the Anduin, it might well have washed downstream, perhaps even to the sea" Never thought about it 😑 And that's why i love channels like this 🙏
They need to make another LOTR trilogy about war on the north including Mirkwood, Dale and Erebor and show allies of Mordor like Rhun, Khand, and other easterlings and southrons while they fight against Thranduil, Dale, Erebor and Khamul as lord of Dol Guldur
@@skemjames the problem is the climax would be the same because the war ends when the ring is destroyed so regardless of wins and losses on the field they are moot in the scale of the war and end with the same event. Wouldnt want to turn it into the hobbit battle of 5 armies : mirkwood edition
@@uckluck The Destruction of the ring didn't really end it, eventually the Easterlings were routed, so there's heros that can be built and unfortunately we know the outcome of them but that would make for good story, the fall of Kili, Fili and Thorin are some of the strongest factors in the Hobbit. Personally I'm not looking for this movie/movies but it is possible.
That is a nice idea, but personally for me if they are going to make another trilogy or movies saga in Tolkien's universe I’d prefer to see the events of Silmarillion rather than the war of the ring once more
I've always thought that Thranduil left on one of the last ships that sailed from Middle earth to Valinor. Btw, awesome summary of one of my favourite characters of all time.
He is very wise and carying king for his kingdom, so when he came to Erebor and saw the threat of Smaug to Thror, he knew the battle is lost in front of Smaug, due to the fact that at last battle he lost his father and 3/4 of army, he didn't want his army to suffer again that much, in my opinion that is why he haven't help Thror then. Here, my answer to the question is that I think that he would have come as through my way of understanding his psyche, he was already recovered and went through grief.
Yes his son was there and he would have know his realm was next. Wow imagine the galadhrim and Mirkwoods army plus some ents like the old days! Really wish we would have seen somefighting from the north.. and I do wish the dwarves/elfs/ents fought at the fields or even the black gate.
That is a tough question to answer. I don't know how much responsibility Thranduil felt he had for the outside world. I do think he would have helped against any orc invasion of Lothlorien, but how would he find out about it? I guess the Eagles could notify him, but even then it would take weeks to get to the battle. I don't think he would send his army in anticipation of an attack on Lothlorien because it would leave him vulnerable to any attack from the orcs on his realm coming from Dol Guldur. As for joining the men of Dale and the dwarves to fight the Easterlings, that makes sense to me because if the Easterlings defeat the men of Dale, they will probably go down the west side of the lake and do the same to Lake Town and then try to attack the Woodland Realm of Thranduil anyway. I don't see why Thranduil would send an army all the way to Minas Tirith. How long would that even take? Gondor's need was urgent and immediate. The Rohirrim barely arrived in the nick of time as did Aragorn in the Corsairs ships. Plus, how much protection would Thranduil have left in order to defend his own people? In the end, Legolas represented his father's kingdom well in Minas Tirith.
Perhaps Thranduil would have come to help Lothlorien, but he couldn't travel with a host to Minas Tirith. If he would travel to Minas Tirith with a large host, with most of his soldiers, he would leave the woodland realm as well as the entire forest unprotected against the eaterlings that were thought to take Erebor and Dale. If he would travel to gondor with a small host, it would not make much of a difference and only make moral worse because the men of gondor would find out about the war in the north. Also, if he left the woodland realm with a host, he would leave the kingdom without a king in the war. He could not have sent an army to the aid of men without him in command. So... I think thranduil only could help the men of Dale and the dwarves of Erebor and the Iron Hills, and it is unlikely that he would help the dwarves. If somehow he would, they still wouldn't be able to defeat the easterlings. Also, it would leave the woodland realm unprotected against the orc army that attacted Lothlorien. The orc army would have won against Lothlorien, as I assume the orcs that didn't attack the woodland real in this alternative timeline, would join the attack on Lothlorien. So, I think the only way Thranduil could have help the free people against the armies of Suaron, is to gather all of his soldiers, and march to the help of Lothlorien quiqly. If, and only if the elves would have defeated the orcs extremely quiqly, he would make it back to the woodland realm in time so the Easterling army, I'd victorios against the men and the dwarves would not be able to attack and conquer the woodland realm. I belive that is what he would do.
to add to that perfect explian people forget that surons army was massive only 50% went to gondor 10% were sent all over and the other 40% stayed in reserve
@@prepperchris1 he most likely had an army if about 500K In total,,only about 30k was sent to gondar so he most likely had the vast majority of his army in reserves
If there was no Battle of the North and Dor Guldur empty, all forces of Lorien, Woodland Realm, Erebor, Kindom of Dale will all be present in the Battle of the Black Gate.
Good vid but I think you make a slight mistake in stating that it is possible that Thranduil might have been at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields had it not been for the attack on Mirkwood. As you pointed out, they occurred simultaneously. As a result, Thranduil would have already had to be on the march weeks before the attack in order to participate in the southern battle. The math doesn't work. Otherwise a great job and well worth the watch!
I think if Thranduil hadn't had to deal with Dul Goldor, he'd likely still not have gone to Gondor's aide, as he'd more likely go to the aide of Dale and Erabor. They're his closest neighbors and any threat to them could soon become a direct threat to his realm and people. And they're much closer and he'd be more likely to get his armies to the battlefield in time to be of any use. If he tried to go to Gondor's aide, he'd likely have just depreived the North of a valuable army, and his army would have arrived at the Pelenor Fields well after all the fighting had ended anyways. Thranduil appears to have been a smart leader and would know this. The only reasonable choice for him would be to go fight the army that's the most direct threat and the one he can actually reach. That would be the armies attacking Dale and Erabor. Had Dale and Erabor both fallen, that would have freed up that army to then attack the Woodland Realm from the east. I'm assuming in this timeline that Dul Goldor had been completely destroyed during the events of The Hobbit in this timeline so was not even an option for Mordor. Lothorien and Celeborn may have gone south to aide Rohan and Gondor without the threat of Dol Goldor, though they'd have still had to hold back enough force to contain any threats from Moria. So in a timeline with Dol Goldor not being a factor in the War of the Ring, that's the broad strategic situation I'd expect to see. I'd expect Rohan would mop up Isengard faster and with fewer casualties in this timeline, with the 3 way alliance of Rohan, Fanghorn and Lothlorien. That would likely mean more Rohirim answering Gondor's call, plus a force from Lothorien also answering, and the battle of Pelenor Fields would still be a brutal affair, but would be ended as less of a pyretic victory for The West. I'd also expect Lothlorien to be represented at the Black Gate as well, making that battle also less costly to the Men of the West. Meanwhile, in the North, Dale may not have fallen with Thranduil and the Woodland Realm also present in those battles, some of their kings and great generals who died would have survived, most likely and the armies of the East would have either been defeated and sent on the retreat, or at best reached a stalemate where neither side could gain the upper hand. If the East were routed, Dale, Erabor and the Woodland Realm may have ended up pursuing them to The Black Gate, and there's a chance all these armies may have arrived at nearly the same time, making that battle much bigger then it was in the cannon timeline. It's also possible the Eaterlings may have fled due east and been pursued that way by the Men of the North, likely resulting in the siege of the westernmost Easterling stronghold. Of course, any timeline we speculate on that has Dul Goldor as a threat, ends up with both Lothorien and the Woodland Realm forced to the course of action they took in the cannon timeline.
I am personally convinced that Thranduil would have helped those fighting against Sauron's forces. I think that in the films he is portrayed colder and less caring that he is in the books. I think he is a great kind, that is more or less well-loved amongst his people and he would definitely have the best intentions at heart. Thank you for this amazing video by the way! Loved watching it and learning more about this amazing King!
Thranduil is my fav Elf of all time!! And I'm pretty sure he'd aid and fight in the battle of the Pelennor Fields side by side, probably, with his son. Thanks to you guys now I know that my birthday is also the first day of the elven new year haha, awesome!
It looks to me like Sauron anticipated that Thranduil would actually assist Gondor and decided to make a move to avoid that. Sauron wanted Gondor to fall so badly, but stupid he was not.
Since Dale and Erebor were also under siege by Sauron's forces, it's most likely he would have led his troops to aid them as Gondor was leagues away. Thranduil would have known too that the Woodland realm was next once Sauron defeated Erebor and Dale. Also, Sauron planned to keep the Elves and the northern men and Dwarves busy to keep everyone divided. Should his plan have worked, he would have flanked Rohan(Even though he planned for Saruman to defeat them) and Gondor.
No, but he would most lilely have sent in aid of King Dáin and King Brand, a surprise attack against the Easterlings. Dur to the woeful losses sustained directly by his kin at the Last Alliance, and lesser so at the 5 Armies battle, I am sure that Thranduil most probably would have been extremely slow to risk the lives of his Elves again. It is something which is actually highly admirable in a Leader but is rarely said. However, I am sure that with the battle getting on and the strength of his allies waining, Thranduil would definitely have sallied forth to help them. It would have been a most WONDROUS sight to see the three good races unify so well together again, something which had not happened even in the Last Alliance.
Doesn‘t it say somewhere that all those born in Doriath durin the first age took one of the last boats west? Even though Tolkien never confirmed it, it‘s very likely Thranduil was born in Doriath at the end of the first age, since he already was with his father during the journey East from Doriath before the Silvan elves made Oropher their king. So I agree with you, he most probably did sail West eventually. Why would he linger when there was nothing left for him in Middle Earth and Legolas had already journeyed west? I‘m certain he wanted to be reunited with his son.
Depends, the Lonely Mountain and Dale were both attached at this time and the kings slain. Rather then go south, it might be better to go to known allies and help make sure they are safe
I feel like thranduil would have marched to the aid of Dale and erabor as it had only been 60 years since his army fought with them in the battle of 5 armies.
I mean, the idea that he didn't help in the war of the ring is a bit contradictory. By absorbing an assault from Dol Guldur he was fighting a portion of Sauron's forces that could have been fighting elsewhere. If those forces were at another battle they could have tipped the scales and changes the fate of middle earth. Imagine if that army was out in force looking for the ring bearer instead of fighting in Mirkwood. Could have been very bad.
No need to worry about the fate of all at the end of the third age. Eru Ilúvatar was managing all. It is obviously seen from the time Gandalf defeated thee balrog that the hand of Eru Ilúvatar was dominant. His hand was at work the entire time, but it was not easy to see. Old Gandalf defeating the balrog, then being sent back to deal with Saruman, indeed taking Saruman’s staff is a second point of the hand of Eru Ilúvatar at work. As no one working in union with Eru Ilúvatar does anything on their own. Next is the union with the dead and bringing them to fight against Sauron. These dead knew their fate and were waiting for it as it was foretold to them. Aragorn with his re-made sword were what the dead were waiting for. With all these in mind the fate of all is determined. Those who fall in line with Eru Ilúvatar live with immortal joy. Those who work against Eru Ilúvatar will live in eternal fear and anger with no hope of success. This is actually a very Christian tale.
If Sauron hadn't sent a force to attack Mirkwood, I think Thranduil would have ended up marching north to aid the men of Dale and the dwarves of Erabor at the Battle of Dale.
Thranduil was kind of a dick in the movies but he WAS a good dude. If it wasn't for him the men of dale would have frozen/starved to death. And he DEFINITELY would have been down for the final battle IMHO
I honestly think he would go help at Dale against the Easterlings. Because when you consider many things. Here's a few things to consider 1. Geography time would be against them because they would half to march at least 1000 miles. Which would probably take about a few weeks. They would probably be to exhausted to fight. So, Dale makes more sense. Since there right there. 2. You also need to consider there Alliance they've built with the Elves and men of Dale. They've helped them prosper and expand their territory If they just avoid them I feel it could lead to dispute and anger between the faction. 3. Gandalf Vision in the Hobbits, i think this is what Gandalf feared would happen if the dwarves retake the mountain. If, Dale and Erebor were to fall that would open up the northern passage. Thranduil people would be next ones to fall. So, it would make sense then for him to help Dale. This, is what I think Is there anything else I should include.
Uhm...Gondor was not the only kingdom under attack by Sauron, he sent equally sized armies to Erebor/Lothlorien and Mirkwood to prevent these kingdoms from sending help south.
If Thranduil's realm has not attacked the wise move would be to help Erebor and dale in the east or just fortify his own realm. the amount of Easterling gathered there makes the idea of helping Gondor idiotic. Maybe his best bet would be to stay in the woods and fortify his own realm as a small number of elves can not stand against a mighty host of Easterling in open.
Maybe he would aid them because of legolas but I did not expect of him that...More expected was from Noldor elves because the connected more through the many of ancestors...Only sindar ancestor of Aragorn and Numenor is Elwing
Hmmmm i do think its gonna depend on the situation because dale and erebor was also being attacked and since he was a close friend to the 2 kingdoms he may have went there and supported dain and brand. Or maybe he could had split his forces and may have sent help to the fellowship.
we need a new tolkien movie, the one situated in an earlier age. Sauron should be present as the people already know him, but for a twist, it should be when he had a fair form
Well as he rode to the aid of the Dunedain at the disaster of the Gladden Fields I’m pretty sure he would have sent forces if he could. As it was he protected the north along with the men of Dale and the Dwarves of Erebor. So he certainly did his part!
Being friends of Men, even warming to the Hobbits and Dwarves, his son's life at stake, other Elves joining the battle and knowing the power and darkness of the Enemy... Thranduil would have led his people into the battle.
Old video I know, His lack of communication with the fellowship suggests, he was acting on information of his own intelligence gathering and was planning to defend Mirkwood, If that failed or seemed impossible he was, as fall back worst case saving his forces to defend a retreat for his people to escape to the Gray Havens and sail away.
I truly think he would have because his son was there and Sauron is his old enemy as much as he is anyone else's. The same with The Lonely Mountain and Dale. I'm sure they would've joined the fight if they weren't attacked full force by the Easterlings at the same time as the Battle For Gondor. Gimili's father was still present and very much alive at Erebor and so was Dain, Thorin's cousin. They would've come to aid Gimili.
From my perspective Thranduil would almost definitely help others , he would Aragorn elessar for sure when he charged to the black hates,but he wouldn't have time to send forces to minas turith or helm's deep as Sauron's attack was swift and secret
He's more likely march to the Lonely Mountain to reinforce the dwarves and Dale against the Easterlings. Then all 3 may have marched south to Gondor, or more likely to the Black Gate.
nah you know he was too far away from Gondor, not even knowing his son was there i do strongly believe he would join the Battle of Dale as he did in the battle of Five Armies years earlier, for the outcome would affect him further in the North if the elves helped in Dale, maybe Dain Ironfoot and Brand might have lived... their archers would outplace them in the vale
He would've definitely gone to Gondor. Not only for this son, but to avenge his family who were slayen in the early ages in the now dead marshes. Alas, wood elves were sent to Rohan to assist against the white hand at Helms, again showing the alliance between men and elves. Imagine him charging with Rohan on that mighty Moose.
They need to make a movie about what happen . I'm sure it will be incredible. Thank you for this great info. I always wonder why he wasnt there in LOTR.
If it weren't for the battle under the trees he would probably help the free people. But probably at the battle of dale instead of the battle of pelennor fields.
I believe he would come to the aid of the alliance as he has a number of reasons to do so. Firstly, to make sure his son, Legolas, would survive and continue his line. Secondly, if he learns that Frodo, the ringbearer, was the nephew of his friend Bilbo, there's a good chance he'll provide whatever aid he can. Third, if he still values his friendship with men, and still fosters his hatred towards orcs, he wouldn't hesitate to charge into the fray. Fourth, he has a score to settle with Mordor about the death of his father.
Not only his dad but maybe for his dead Wife too
@@arsonelly wasn’t that gundabad
I would have loved it for have the actors of lotr stay the same age as they did when they were originally filming so they could film it at this time so that they could have had lee pace as thranduil st the pelinor fields
@@rogueshadow4960 yes it was but for her sake he would fight because he came to his senses
Agree. #1 and #4 should be his biggest reasons.
Why Thranduil is one of the best elves:
-Huge elven kingdom in the east with no ring of power to help protect. His ability to rule successfully helped make sure both Lothlorien & the North weren't overrun by Sauron's forces (which would might have also threatened Rivendell, Erebor, Laketown, etc).
-Saw massacre of elves by western elves at Menegroth (no wonder his father didn't vibe w/ them). Still helped fight against Sauron despite father dying in initial siege (presumedly had to take over for the rest of the war) and massive casualties to his people.
-Returned to northern Las Galen to rule over his kingdom (again w/o the aid of a ring of power) for many years.
-Successfully traded with many in the area.
-Helped the men of Laketown when their city was burned down.
-Successfully fought off attack from Sauron during the 'Battle Under the Trees' (others in his area had to retreat in their own battles; re: Battle of Dale).
-Restored forest and gave land back to Beornings.
-Wine connoisseur.
Honestly, his character is super interesting & by all measures, he was a fierce warrior, great king, and fair to others.
Except to the dwarfs.
@@bigpoppaproductions5986 why be fair to dwarves when the hate anybody that's not also a dwarf.
There's a reason why, when I play Dwarf Fortress, I'm burning those hippie caravans to the ground and rejoicing at their screams: pretty much saying "Thranduil brought this on you."
But more seriously, Thranduil didn't get as much story time as the other elf lords, but he clearly was also one of the more complex ones, in that he obviously had a big streak of greed and envy, a flaw perhaps matched only with Elrond's resentment and frustration with men and Galadriel's lurking desire for power.
The fact that he had the same primary tragic flaws that Thorin did made it obvious for Tolkien to redeem it with the Legolas/Gimli friendship.
@@TransRoofKorean whoa easy there, rpg nerd edge lord.
@@mistermysteryman107 everyone knows your goal in DF is actually to start war with the elves, hardly an edgy thing
I can imagine Thranduil calling his entire army, marching it all the way to helms deep, arriving on the third day on the hill, looking down at the sea of orcs and meeting eyes with theoden from afar just as they start to ride out across the bridge. Then Thranduil does a slow turn and leaves with his army without saying a word and marches straight to Gondor to do the exact same thing again
Hahaha Yes. And then he walks his army to the black Gate and does it a 3th time. And when the hobbits come home he can do it one last time.
Lol
Lmao
the best comment ever! LOL
The Drawfs: Not this again!
Where was Thranduil when the Westfold fell?
Where was Thranduil?
Getting a manicure
Lol
He had a heroine addiction. He was waiting for Doomslayer to send him some suboxone via teleportation.
Where was Gondor?
Didn't you watch the video?
Lol just saw that Lee Pace is actually 2 years younger than Orlando Bloom
No shit?
@@yewhobagstea9332 nahh I didn’t eat anything today
Yeh but taller so, as Orlando said, it worked worked out well!
Wait what
Lol jeez. Lee's still daddy though...
I'm not inclined to believe Thranduil is as cold in the lore as he is somewhat portrayed in the films, but even if said army had not trounced up to his domain, I don't forsee him sending forces; the threat of such an attack would gave kept his army home, even if they never came. Sid he gobto other battles? No. Maybe the old alliances were not as dead as King Theoden said, but neither were they strong, and many forces had to risk allies to protect their own against maybe-threats, like King Dain's forces, or Elrond's. One of my favorite Jackson changes to the films was when Haldir and forces arrived at Helm's Deep; the elves were finally doing something more than just cashing in their special "get out of Middle Earth free" cards, and leaving everyone else to whatever fate, even as they knew they were the people Sauron most wanted to crush, but I can also see why, in the book, such a force would have had to stay in Lothlorien, to protect it. Thranduil might have wanted to aide others, but he knew he had to watch over his own first.
Legolas was worth a thousand soldiers. And can level up throughout the campaign.
He sent himself through his son.
So what level is thranduil? 🤭
@@qwertylink9066 God Mode
10 is max level@@qwertylink9066
He was a friend to men, and his own son had stakes in the war, he would definitely have sent aid. The bigger question though, is would he have actually sailed back to the Undying Lands? It honestly seemed like enjoyed his time on Middle Earth.
He is, like his son.
They all eventually did, since the sea longing had become almost unbearable for a lot of elves.
He was a friend of men, for sure. However, keep in mind the geography and strategic situation involved. Mordor had a massive army assaulting the lands to the north too, lands who border his own realm, Erabor and Dale. If he wasn't forced to defend against Dol Goldor, he'd more likely have sent his armies to the aide of the closer threat, Dale and Erabor, to fight the Easterling army. Keep in mind, if Dale and Erabor were to fall, the next obvious target for the Easterlings would be HIS realm. He's not stupid, he'd no this and prioritize countering that threat above other options. The other factor is distance. Even if he wanted to go to the aide of Gondor, he couldn't, the time it would take once he realized Gondor was in need of aide would be too far. His army would not arrive in time to do anything - the battle would already be over, one way or the other. Meanwhile, he'd be leaving his land less defended against the Easterling army and leaving Dale and Erabor less defended and in a worse position to hold that army off.
I think he'd weigh his options and choose the more sensible course, help those close enough to him for him to be able to help, and deal with the most immediate threats to his realm. That would be Easterling army, at his neighbors' doorsteps.
@@Caedus696 sea longing only happens when the elf in question sees the sea/ocean or is near it.
@@Mr713mexican Will have to reread things to confirm but it doesn’t need to be the ocean. Ulmo is lord of all waterways including rivers, streams, etc. and his music could be heard from them as well.
Thranduil would have helped but I think it far more likely he would have sent troops to Erebor/Dale and/or Lorien as those were much closer. Any forces he sent to Gondor probably couldn't have arrived in time for the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
The 15th of March too all that cold mud and snow from the North it would be a long and slow movement of his troops.
@@gc4346 elfs can walk on slow tho right ?
@@Joh00226 Yes they can, but, it it's never really involved elves in full armor, with shields, spears, and swords etc. They might not be able to walk on top of snow with all that gear.
Honestly I think that Thraundil would go to support dwarves and Men of Dale against the Easterlings and stopped many loses that happend during that batlle. He is one of those characters that you need to love and he is so cool. Guys as always love your videos and your channel!!!
But they would still lose
how would they lose? with elven forces that battle would be a victory - if little less costly perhaps the two kings would survive
Mirkwood itself was on fire and under attack. No movie fantasies please.
I agree on helping Erebor and Dale over the month long march to Minas Tirith if, and only if, King Thranduil had no other threat to his realm and people. Its also quite strategically stupid of sauron to attack mirkwood on the same day as pelennor as the two are hundreds of leagues apart, and the elves would've marched weeks in advance to get to Gondor in time for Denethors summons. If any was sent. Likely though mirkwood was beset with attacks for far longer though and no help was coming. You can't cross huge distances over night like in GOT lol. Remember the maps!
We don't know exactly how big Sauron army sent from Dol Guldur to attack Mirkwood, but we know that the Orcs set the woods on fire which is excellent strategy against enemy with base dug underground. No my friend, Thranduil won't go anywhere. He and his army would pinned down and defending their base would difficult, I suppose their victory had something to do with the ring of power being destroy in mount doom.
These guys nailed it as actors...you can't imagine nobody else as these characters. They owned these roles. Even if the movies had some liberties with the original story.
I could listen to Lee Pace monologue for days.
I’m actually surprised Legolas doesn’t mention more of this during the movies. He never really talks about his home even in the extended cuts. So it would have been great to see his kin along with the dwarves joining the battle.
the movies are already long and packed. Introducing a whole lot of other geographies and characters (not even showing them, for obvious time and budget constraints) would be only confusing for the viewer, without providing any additional value to the main narrative.
He barely talks about his home in the books either, that was just more Legolas' character.
@@RedBungieAnimations45 He barely talks
@@ThyAxeman tv show series are very much needed in order to cover all bases
Lol he was busy doing King Shit.. I love how all the powerful elf lords were "supposed to" run off and help the fellowship or March to the rescue when they had their own kingdoms to run. Thraunduil sent his Son, who's probably one of if not the best warrior in Mirkwood to help out, he's gotta look after his own people too.
Agreeeee he really cares about his own ppl’s benefits! Indeed a great king
Exactly not only that if the elf lords went on the front lines that’s three shiny beacons for the eye to sense and pour all his power, some else explained this in a different video they had to stay in elf territory to keep the forces of light powered and to wait for any sneak attacks they know would come keep the dark armies divided
So you think Thranduil is a short sighted moron? Or is it that you think he’d bow down to Sauron to survive? Or perhaps Thranduil is a deluded fool who thinks he can defeat Sauron with only his forces when Sauron comes to chat?
I think the best option is… *YOU* are a moron who couldn’t think he way out of a wet paper bag.
I agree. With Dol Guldor on his borders, he can't send any significant armies on campaign, as he's got to defend his own realm from a direct threat. If you eliminate Dol Guldor from the timeline (say the White Council's assault on it was more decisive and Dol Goldor was razed to the ground and no longer even an option for Mordor), then he's still got the Northern Mordor army to deal with, which is closer and more of an immediate threat. If he was not having to deal with Dul Goldor, he'd be marching to the aide of his neighbors, and allies, Erabor and Dale. If they fall, who's next? Yup, HIS realm.
Also of consideration is if he TREID to send help to Gondor, Rohan or anyone that far away, his armies would probably not have reached anyone in time to help with any battles, and would have been sorely missed in the north. For Thranduil, going to the aide of Rohan, let alone Gondor, was just not even a possibility.
I could, on the other hand, see Lothorien sending troops to help first Gondor, and then Rohan, as they're at least close enough to reach those places in time for their armies to be of any use. Of course, one thing to keep in mind is that Lothlorien was facing the dual threats of both Dol Goldor AND Moria. Though I think Moria threw their lot in a bit more with Isengard then with Mordor, Isengard was still an enemy to Lothlorien nonetheless.
@@Zomfoo umm... i think you misread or misunderstood his comment cause i'm pretty sure he was backing Thranduils decisions 😂
If Thranduil hadn't been tied down by Dol Guldur, the next closest threat to his kingdom was the army from the East attacking Dale/Lonely Mountain. I imagine he would've concentrated his forces there, rather than the long march all the way down to Gondor.
this!
Yup. Plus he's the most envious of the elf lords, and certainly the most likely to say "I've got enough problems of my own" -- which is essentially a statement made by each and every one of the elf lords over the story.
@@TransRoofKoreanIt's hard to see with what Elrond and Galadriel had to keep them so consumed. Elrond couldn't even walk his lazy ass up to Rhudaur during the Quest for Erebor, and instead he and Galadriel have Gandalf break off an urgent quest with the Dwarves, to traipse all the way North to Rhudaur, when it was obviously far closer to Elrond. It baffled me, the poor logistics.
Anyway, I have said it too that Thranduil most assuredly would have aided Dáin and Brand rather than the long traipse all the way South to Gondor.
Some of these artists are just so incredibly talented. Love all the art work.
I'm never going to complain if there is more Thranduil content.
Lee Pace was FABULOUS as Thranduil. Now that's an elf lord I'd die for 😆😆😆
You're mistaken. He didn't get involved in the war, because he was off getting his hair done. Fabulously ...
I like to imagine that far in the Fourth Age Thranduil joined Celeborn and Cirdan on the very last ship that left for Valinor and that so the last great lords of the Sindar left Middleearth together.
The guy literally took over the whole battlefield by himself when fought the orcs.
This is a wonderful video. Sometimes you just need to see the timelines of how all the battles played out and who was closest to which one. I don't see Thranduil abandoning the Greenwood to his enemies. I love how Lee Pace has become the accepted face of Thranduil in art as well as film. He is stunning and was perfect for the role. Much better than that creepy drawing in the original Hobbit cartoon. I love your videos and how you make all the big picture clearer. It's easy to get lost in the big history of Middle Earth.
Absolutely!! He really sold Elven and beyond it all. The behind the scenes are so funny too. I wish the cared for more hobbit BTS in general, they did so much in such a short period of time
Upon hearing that Sauron still lived and was expanding his reach he would have come to the same conclusion as he did when he was younger. Like his father he knew the risk. Sauron cannot be allowed to survive and spread his reach. He would most likely have committed most of his forces to aid men, dwarves and his elven allies in the defeat of the dark forces.
Thranduil is definitely a top 100 character in LOTR
Guys! Thank you so much for this video I'm currently in the midst of a multi-chapter story about Thranduil and the War in the North and your vid is MOST USEFUL. Thank you! About your question. Had Thranduil not been attacked by Sauron's forces I do think he would definitely would have come to the aid of those fighting in Gondor and Rohan. Yes, he was insular because of the losses sustained of the battle of the Last Alliance but if for no other reasons he would have come to their aid to support his son. If Dale and Erebor still been attacked he might split his forces but he would still have come personally to the aid of his son.
This video came just at the perfect time for me! Gonna be painting my some wood Elves over the next few days and I'll be revisiting this video a couple of times to fully absorb the Lore!
:D
Now that I hear the Gladden fall;
found out the other day a logical explanation why the ring cannot have been found in the Anduin, as generally recounted. Deagol and Smeagol must have been fishing in the Gladden:
"It is significant that the river is the Gladden, not the Anduin. The Gladden meanders slowly through the Gladden Fields before joining the Anduin. Being a slow river with a muddy bottom, it did not have the power to move the Ring. Had the Ring reached the Anduin, it might well have washed downstream, perhaps even to the sea"
Never thought about it 😑 And that's why i love channels like this 🙏
That’s because Lee is a guy who knows how to manscape, and moisturize, and keeps that wonderful sense of humor. Just don’t mess with his brows!😮
They need to make another LOTR trilogy about war on the north including Mirkwood, Dale and Erebor and show allies of Mordor like Rhun, Khand, and other easterlings and southrons while they fight against Thranduil, Dale, Erebor and Khamul as lord of Dol Guldur
is this a prequel or a sequel?
@@jmgonzales7701 it would be a sametimedifferentlocationquel
@@skemjames the problem is the climax would be the same because the war ends when the ring is destroyed so regardless of wins and losses on the field they are moot in the scale of the war and end with the same event. Wouldnt want to turn it into the hobbit battle of 5 armies : mirkwood edition
@@uckluck The Destruction of the ring didn't really end it, eventually the Easterlings were routed, so there's heros that can be built and unfortunately we know the outcome of them but that would make for good story, the fall of Kili, Fili and Thorin are some of the strongest factors in the Hobbit.
Personally I'm not looking for this movie/movies but it is possible.
That is a nice idea, but personally for me if they are going to make another trilogy or movies saga in Tolkien's universe I’d prefer to see the events of Silmarillion rather than the war of the ring once more
I've always thought that Thranduil left on one of the last ships that sailed from Middle earth to Valinor. Btw, awesome summary of one of my favourite characters of all time.
When thranduil finally speaks of legoless' is satisfying. Lee's role is epic in the movie...
Please make more videos about Thranduil, he's my favourite elf and he's so overlooked, I can barely found videos about him.
He is very wise and carying king for his kingdom, so when he came to Erebor and saw the threat of Smaug to Thror, he knew the battle is lost in front of Smaug, due to the fact that at last battle he lost his father and 3/4 of army, he didn't want his army to suffer again that much, in my opinion that is why he haven't help Thror then. Here, my answer to the question is that I think that he would have come as through my way of understanding his psyche, he was already recovered and went through grief.
Yeah, I got the impression at least from the movies that there was a PTSD issue going on.
Yes his son was there and he would have know his realm was next. Wow imagine the galadhrim and Mirkwoods army plus some ents like the old days! Really wish we would have seen somefighting from the north.. and I do wish the dwarves/elfs/ents fought at the fields or even the black gate.
What for? It is told as a passing remark in the book and that was all
Wonderful Illustrations . Perfect in every way .
That is a tough question to answer. I don't know how much responsibility Thranduil felt he had for the outside world. I do think he would have helped against any orc invasion of Lothlorien, but how would he find out about it? I guess the Eagles could notify him, but even then it would take weeks to get to the battle. I don't think he would send his army in anticipation of an attack on Lothlorien because it would leave him vulnerable to any attack from the orcs on his realm coming from Dol Guldur. As for joining the men of Dale and the dwarves to fight the Easterlings, that makes sense to me because if the Easterlings defeat the men of Dale, they will probably go down the west side of the lake and do the same to Lake Town and then try to attack the Woodland Realm of Thranduil anyway.
I don't see why Thranduil would send an army all the way to Minas Tirith. How long would that even take? Gondor's need was urgent and immediate. The Rohirrim barely arrived in the nick of time as did Aragorn in the Corsairs ships. Plus, how much protection would Thranduil have left in order to defend his own people?
In the end, Legolas represented his father's kingdom well in Minas Tirith.
Perhaps Thranduil would have come to help Lothlorien, but he couldn't travel with a host to Minas Tirith.
If he would travel to Minas Tirith with a large host, with most of his soldiers, he would leave the woodland realm as well as the entire forest unprotected against the eaterlings that were thought to take Erebor and Dale.
If he would travel to gondor with a small host, it would not make much of a difference and only make moral worse because the men of gondor would find out about the war in the north.
Also, if he left the woodland realm with a host, he would leave the kingdom without a king in the war.
He could not have sent an army to the aid of men without him in command.
So...
I think thranduil only could help the men of Dale and the dwarves of Erebor and the Iron Hills, and it is unlikely that he would help the dwarves.
If somehow he would, they still wouldn't be able to defeat the easterlings.
Also, it would leave the woodland realm unprotected against the orc army that attacted Lothlorien. The orc army would have won against Lothlorien, as I assume the orcs that didn't attack the woodland real in this alternative timeline, would join the attack on Lothlorien.
So, I think the only way Thranduil could have help the free people against the armies of Suaron, is to gather all of his soldiers, and march to the help of Lothlorien quiqly. If, and only if the elves would have defeated the orcs extremely quiqly, he would make it back to the woodland realm in time so the Easterling army, I'd victorios against the men and the dwarves would not be able to attack and conquer the woodland realm.
I belive that is what he would do.
>_>
to add to that perfect explian people forget that surons army was massive only 50% went to gondor 10% were sent all over and the other 40% stayed in reserve
@@prepperchris1 he most likely had an army if about 500K In total,,only about 30k was sent to gondar so he most likely had the vast majority of his army in reserves
Yeah, I imagine Thranduil wouldn't pass on the chance of avenging his father.
Gotta love The Broken Sword cinematic you guys made 😋❤🗡
Glad you like it :)
If there was no Battle of the North and Dor Guldur empty, all forces of Lorien, Woodland Realm, Erebor, Kindom of Dale will all be present in the Battle of the Black Gate.
He is an amazing character one my fav
Good vid but I think you make a slight mistake in stating that it is possible that Thranduil might have been at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields had it not been for the attack on Mirkwood. As you pointed out, they occurred simultaneously. As a result, Thranduil would have already had to be on the march weeks before the attack in order to participate in the southern battle. The math doesn't work. Otherwise a great job and well worth the watch!
I think if Thranduil hadn't had to deal with Dul Goldor, he'd likely still not have gone to Gondor's aide, as he'd more likely go to the aide of Dale and Erabor. They're his closest neighbors and any threat to them could soon become a direct threat to his realm and people. And they're much closer and he'd be more likely to get his armies to the battlefield in time to be of any use. If he tried to go to Gondor's aide, he'd likely have just depreived the North of a valuable army, and his army would have arrived at the Pelenor Fields well after all the fighting had ended anyways. Thranduil appears to have been a smart leader and would know this. The only reasonable choice for him would be to go fight the army that's the most direct threat and the one he can actually reach. That would be the armies attacking Dale and Erabor. Had Dale and Erabor both fallen, that would have freed up that army to then attack the Woodland Realm from the east. I'm assuming in this timeline that Dul Goldor had been completely destroyed during the events of The Hobbit in this timeline so was not even an option for Mordor.
Lothorien and Celeborn may have gone south to aide Rohan and Gondor without the threat of Dol Goldor, though they'd have still had to hold back enough force to contain any threats from Moria.
So in a timeline with Dol Goldor not being a factor in the War of the Ring, that's the broad strategic situation I'd expect to see. I'd expect Rohan would mop up Isengard faster and with fewer casualties in this timeline, with the 3 way alliance of Rohan, Fanghorn and Lothlorien. That would likely mean more Rohirim answering Gondor's call, plus a force from Lothorien also answering, and the battle of Pelenor Fields would still be a brutal affair, but would be ended as less of a pyretic victory for The West. I'd also expect Lothlorien to be represented at the Black Gate as well, making that battle also less costly to the Men of the West.
Meanwhile, in the North, Dale may not have fallen with Thranduil and the Woodland Realm also present in those battles, some of their kings and great generals who died would have survived, most likely and the armies of the East would have either been defeated and sent on the retreat, or at best reached a stalemate where neither side could gain the upper hand. If the East were routed, Dale, Erabor and the Woodland Realm may have ended up pursuing them to The Black Gate, and there's a chance all these armies may have arrived at nearly the same time, making that battle much bigger then it was in the cannon timeline. It's also possible the Eaterlings may have fled due east and been pursued that way by the Men of the North, likely resulting in the siege of the westernmost Easterling stronghold.
Of course, any timeline we speculate on that has Dul Goldor as a threat, ends up with both Lothorien and the Woodland Realm forced to the course of action they took in the cannon timeline.
One of my favourite character ❤️
I am personally convinced that Thranduil would have helped those fighting against Sauron's forces. I think that in the films he is portrayed colder and less caring that he is in the books. I think he is a great kind, that is more or less well-loved amongst his people and he would definitely have the best intentions at heart.
Thank you for this amazing video by the way! Loved watching it and learning more about this amazing King!
Thranduil is my fav Elf of all time!! And I'm pretty sure he'd aid and fight in the battle of the Pelennor Fields side by side, probably, with his son.
Thanks to you guys now I know that my birthday is also the first day of the elven new year haha, awesome!
How would he fight with his son. Remember Legolas went with aragorn. He didn't arrive until late in the battle.
@@bandofbauers6779 thranduil would of taken a long time to get there I'll remind you so legolas couldve arrived before him
It looks to me like Sauron anticipated that Thranduil would actually assist Gondor and decided to make a move to avoid that. Sauron wanted Gondor to fall so badly, but stupid he was not.
Since Dale and Erebor were also under siege by Sauron's forces, it's most likely he would have led his troops to aid them as Gondor was leagues away. Thranduil would have known too that the Woodland realm was next once Sauron defeated Erebor and Dale. Also, Sauron planned to keep the Elves and the northern men and Dwarves busy to keep everyone divided. Should his plan have worked, he would have flanked Rohan(Even though he planned for Saruman to defeat them) and Gondor.
We need 3 more trilogy films which show the wars that took place at other places during Lord of the Rings original trilogy.
Interesting subject. I really like how you use art in your vids. High quality👍
Thank you so much 😀
No, but he would most lilely have sent in aid of King Dáin and King Brand, a surprise attack against the Easterlings.
Dur to the woeful losses sustained directly by his kin at the Last Alliance, and lesser so at the 5 Armies battle, I am sure that Thranduil most probably would have been extremely slow to risk the lives of his Elves again.
It is something which is actually highly admirable in a Leader but is rarely said.
However, I am sure that with the battle getting on and the strength of his allies waining, Thranduil would definitely have sallied forth to help them.
It would have been a most WONDROUS sight to see the three good races unify so well together again, something which had not happened even in the Last Alliance.
He was defending his home of course, the forces of evil attacked everybody
Doesn‘t it say somewhere that all those born in Doriath durin the first age took one of the last boats west? Even though Tolkien never confirmed it, it‘s very likely Thranduil was born in Doriath at the end of the first age, since he already was with his father during the journey East from Doriath before the Silvan elves made Oropher their king. So I agree with you, he most probably did sail West eventually. Why would he linger when there was nothing left for him in Middle Earth and Legolas had already journeyed west? I‘m certain he wanted to be reunited with his son.
I have just come across your channel and am completely blown away! I can't believe I've been missing out on these videos for years!
Depends, the Lonely Mountain and Dale were both attached at this time and the kings slain. Rather then go south, it might be better to go to known allies and help make sure they are safe
I feel like thranduil would have marched to the aid of Dale and erabor as it had only been 60 years since his army fought with them in the battle of 5 armies.
i would assume he would send aid to gondor as his son is there too.
He and his folk were fighting Mordor's legions even as Minas Tirith were under siege.
Oh god if he got involved...this would have fleshed out the movies to 4 hours!
I mean, the idea that he didn't help in the war of the ring is a bit contradictory. By absorbing an assault from Dol Guldur he was fighting a portion of Sauron's forces that could have been fighting elsewhere. If those forces were at another battle they could have tipped the scales and changes the fate of middle earth. Imagine if that army was out in force looking for the ring bearer instead of fighting in Mirkwood. Could have been very bad.
No need to worry about the fate of all at the end of the third age. Eru Ilúvatar was managing all. It is obviously seen from the time Gandalf defeated thee balrog that the hand of Eru Ilúvatar was dominant. His hand was at work the entire time, but it was not easy to see. Old Gandalf defeating the balrog, then being sent back to deal with Saruman, indeed taking Saruman’s staff is a second point of the hand of Eru Ilúvatar at work. As no one working in union with Eru Ilúvatar does anything on their own. Next is the union with the dead and bringing them to fight against Sauron. These dead knew their fate and were waiting for it as it was foretold to them. Aragorn with his re-made sword were what the dead were waiting for. With all these in mind the fate of all is determined. Those who fall in line with Eru Ilúvatar live with immortal joy. Those who work against Eru Ilúvatar will live in eternal fear and anger with no hope of success. This is actually a very Christian tale.
Clearly he was trying to figure out why everybody keeps escaping from his prison...
Honestly liked this video so much im subscribed now
😁
He was just chilling being above everyone lol
If Sauron hadn't sent a force to attack Mirkwood, I think Thranduil would have ended up marching north to aid the men of Dale and the dwarves of Erabor at the Battle of Dale.
Thranduil was kind of a dick in the movies but he WAS a good dude. If it wasn't for him the men of dale would have frozen/starved to death. And he DEFINITELY would have been down for the final battle IMHO
I honestly think he would go help at Dale against the Easterlings. Because when you consider many things. Here's a few things to consider
1. Geography time would be against them because they would half to march at least 1000 miles. Which would probably take about a few weeks. They would probably be to exhausted to fight. So, Dale makes more sense. Since there right there.
2. You also need to consider there Alliance they've built with the Elves and men of Dale. They've helped them prosper and expand their territory If they just avoid them I feel it could lead to dispute and anger between the faction.
3. Gandalf Vision in the Hobbits, i think this is what Gandalf feared would happen if the dwarves retake the mountain. If, Dale and Erebor were to fall that would open up the northern passage. Thranduil people would be next ones to fall. So, it would make sense then for him to help Dale.
This, is what I think Is there anything else I should include.
Uhm...Gondor was not the only kingdom under attack by Sauron, he sent equally sized armies to Erebor/Lothlorien and Mirkwood to prevent these kingdoms from sending help south.
Thrannduil did the best thing he possibly could in the circumstances. He sent the one elf army that was his son Legolas!
If Thranduil's realm has not attacked the wise move would be to help Erebor and dale in the east or just fortify his own realm.
the amount of Easterling gathered there makes the idea of helping Gondor idiotic. Maybe his best bet would be to stay in the woods and fortify his own realm as a small number of elves can not stand against a mighty host of Easterling in open.
Maybe he would aid them because of legolas but I did not expect of him that...More expected was from Noldor elves because the connected more through the many of ancestors...Only sindar ancestor of Aragorn and Numenor is Elwing
He would've more than likely gone to the Dwarves aid at the Battle of Dale.
Then maybe join Aragon at the black gates but maybe that's a push.
Hard to believe not one word about the animosity between Dwarves and Elves created by the Dwarves who slew Elu Thingol over the Nauglamir.
Citation needed for Sauron assailing Mirkwood to fend off Thranduil’s forces.
I think Thranduil would have come to Gondor's aid seeing as his son was possibly in the midst of a the war or somewhere nearby.
He was busy making Mirkwood great again
I've been looking forward to an elf video and its finally here. Great video 👍
its so weird that they didn't show that battle in the movies. seems like an important thing to show.
Thank you so much for making this video, it really clears things up for me.
Hmmmm i do think its gonna depend on the situation because dale and erebor was also being attacked and since he was a close friend to the 2 kingdoms he may have went there and supported dain and brand. Or maybe he could had split his forces and may have sent help to the fellowship.
I love the actor lol. He did an awesome job and looked so cool as Thranduil.
the actor is underrated
we need a new tolkien movie, the one situated in an earlier age. Sauron should be present as the people already know him, but for a twist, it should be when he had a fair form
Thranduil would’ve probably saved Erebor/Dale from the Easterling army.
Well as he rode to the aid of the Dunedain at the disaster of the Gladden Fields I’m pretty sure he would have sent forces if he could. As it was he protected the north along with the men of Dale and the Dwarves of Erebor. So he certainly did his part!
I've been waiting for 7 years for this!!!!!!
Being friends of Men, even warming to the Hobbits and Dwarves, his son's life at stake, other Elves joining the battle and knowing the power and darkness of the Enemy... Thranduil would have led his people into the battle.
Old video I know, His lack of communication with the fellowship suggests, he was acting on information of his own intelligence gathering and was planning to defend Mirkwood, If that failed or seemed impossible he was, as fall back worst case saving his forces to defend a retreat for his people to escape to the Gray Havens and sail away.
Thandruil is one of the best characters of the trilogy in my humble opinion.
I truly think he would have because his son was there and Sauron is his old enemy as much as he is anyone else's. The same with The Lonely Mountain and Dale. I'm sure they would've joined the fight if they weren't attacked full force by the Easterlings at the same time as the Battle For Gondor. Gimili's father was still present and very much alive at Erebor and so was Dain, Thorin's cousin. They would've come to aid Gimili.
He was busy applying more eyeliner before the AFI concert.
From my perspective Thranduil would almost definitely help others , he would Aragorn elessar for sure when he charged to the black hates,but he wouldn't have time to send forces to minas turith or helm's deep as Sauron's attack was swift and secret
Of Thranduil would have helped. He helped Bard before the battle of the 5 armies and had cordial relationship with the Lakemen.
He's more likely march to the Lonely Mountain to reinforce the dwarves and Dale against the Easterlings. Then all 3 may have marched south to Gondor, or more likely to the Black Gate.
nah you know he was too far away from Gondor, not even knowing his son was there
i do strongly believe he would join the Battle of Dale as he did in the battle of Five Armies years earlier, for the outcome would affect him further in the North
if the elves helped in Dale, maybe Dain Ironfoot and Brand might have lived... their archers would outplace them in the vale
He would've definitely gone to Gondor. Not only for this son, but to avenge his family who were slayen in the early ages in the now dead marshes. Alas, wood elves were sent to Rohan to assist against the white hand at Helms, again showing the alliance between men and elves. Imagine him charging with Rohan on that mighty Moose.
Ah the elves.. thousands of years of wisdom and knowledge. Beauty and grace beyond compare. *Can't build a functional prison.*
By far my favorite character in the hobbit series.
They need to make a movie about what happen . I'm sure it will be incredible. Thank you for this great info. I always wonder why he wasnt there in LOTR.
I can imagine him and all his elves going to the aid of Erebor and Dale, for they were in dire straits. Where both their Kings perished side by side.
If it weren't for the battle under the trees he would probably help the free people. But probably at the battle of dale instead of the battle of pelennor fields.