An Unexpected Analysis: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and the Witch-King's Fate

The film adaptation of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey released in 2012 brought to life the beloved world of Middle Earth in a visually stunning way. However, some of the film's choices, such as the depiction of the Witch-King, sparked discussion among fans and critics alike. This article delves into these choices and their implications, exploring how they diverge from the source material while also suggesting potential storylines that could have inspired Peter Jackson's vision.

The Witch-King's Divergence from the Books

A significant point of discussion around The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey concerns the Witch-King's fate. In the film, the Witch-King is seen in a tomb, although he does not appear to be buried. Moreover, he is shown to be searching for something of great importance, which differs from his portrayal in the books. According to J.R.R. Tolkien's works, the Witch-King, originally known as Sauron's lieutenant, was never defeated in battle by a single hero, as per the events in the book The Lord of the Rings.

Tolkien's Intentions

Tolkien deliberately crafted the story so that the Witch-King could only be defeated by a mortal woman, Eowyn, in a battle with the armies of Gondor. His earlier defeat is a significant instance of his fleeing as the forces of dark magic were defeated in the region of Angmar. This is in stark contrast to the film's portrayal, which suggests an extended and more prolonged story about the Witch-King's existence.

Screenwriter's Choices

The depiction of the Witch-King in the film is a product of the screenwriters' vision, albeit one that offers intriguing narrative possibilities. It serves to motivate the characters, particularly Gandalf and Radagast, to investigate the tomb and seek answers to their questions. This exploration leads them to Dol Guldur, where a deeper mystery unfolds. Although these scenes do not directly align with the book's narrative, they provide an engaging sequence of events that bridges the gap between the end of The Hobbit and the events of The Lord of the Rings in the year 3018 of the Third Age.

A Theory: Mortal Versions of the Ring-bearers

Given the screenwriters' artistic license, we can explore a more theoretical scenario that aligns with the film's depiction. What if the Witch-King, and possibly the other leaders of the Nazg?l, were not fully Wraiths at the time of the fall of Angmar but rather powerful leaders corrupted by their Rings of Power? In this theory, their mortal forms might have been sealed away by the Elves and the Dunadain, the descendants of the Númenórean kingdom. This idea offers a rich storyline that could fill in the gaps between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, providing a more cohesive narrative arc.

Conclusion

While The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey takes some liberties with the source material, it presents a narrative that, while not in strict adherence to the books, offers an engaging and intriguing storyline. Fans of Tolkien's work will appreciate the creativity of Jackson's adaptation, even if it diverges from the original source material. This article showcases the opportunity that such creative adaptations present to expand and enrich the Middle-earth story, inviting further exploration and discussion among fans.

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