How Would Thranduil Respond if He Knew of Legolas and Gimli's Friendship?

Fan fiction and the adaptation of The Hobbit movies have transformed Thranduil, the once-respected High King of the Wood-elves, into a character often depicted as paranoid and antagonistic, particularly towards Dwarves. However, delving into the original literary works paints a vastly different picture of a monarch who is not only wise and strategic but also capable of showing respect and restraint. This essay explores the scenario where Thranduil learns of Legolas's friendship with Gimli, two characters from entirely different races.

Thranduil's Hierarchical Hierarchy and the Battle of Five Armies

Thranduil, as depicted in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, is portrayed as a leader who values honor and respect. After the Battle of Five Armies, when the Hill-Dwarves (Durin's folk) and Wood-elves opposed the Great Eagles, Bard the Bowman, and the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain, Thranduil demonstrated his capacity for diplomacy and mutual respect by recognizing and honoring Thorin, despite the previous conflicts. This act of respect implies a level of tolerance and recognition of other races' contributions and valiant efforts.

A Reassessing Character: Thranduil's Complex Mind

It is crucial to note that Thranduil's character is often misconstrued in the modern retellings of The Hobbit. In many adaptations, he is portrayed as a shy, somewhat reclusive character with a deep-seated distrust of Dwarves, stemming from historical animosities and past grievances. However, the original text suggests a far more nuanced and complex character. The respect Thranduil showed towards Thorin can be seen as evidence of a more flexible and rational mindset, capable of transcending racial prejudices.

The Impact of Friendship across Races: Legolas and Gimli's Unique Bond

The friendship between Legolas and Gimli, while not the most prominent in the narrative, is one that challenges preconceptions and embodies the potential for unity and peace. Legolas, a high elf, and Gimli, a dwarf, share not only an intimate bond formed through trials and tribulations but also a mutual understanding of each other's struggles and victories. This friendship contributes to the broader themes of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, which highlight the importance of unity, mutual respect, and the strength found in diversity.

Thranduil's Possible Reaction

If Thranduil were to learn about Legolas and Gimli's friendship, his reaction would likely be a mixture of surprise, relief, and perhaps admiration. Surprised by the development of such an unlikely bond, Thranduil would question the nature of preconceived notions and the power of personal connections. Relief would come from knowing that the legacy of belligerence and mistrust between races is not an unbreakable cycle. Admiration, on the other hand, would stem from the perceived wisdom that transcends the boundaries of their respective cultures, a quality befitting his role as a leader.

Themes of Peace and Understanding

The scenario of Thranduil discovering Legolas and Gimli as friends underscores the overarching theme of peace and understanding that runs through The Hobbit. It reinforces the narrative's message that unity and mutual respect can overcome the shadows of mistrust and division. Thranduil's reaction would serve as a poignant reminder that even the most deeply held prejudices can be challenged by genuine human bonds, suggesting a hopeful outlook for the future of Middle-earth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the possibility of Thranduil learning about Legolas and Gimli's friendship presents a unique narrative opportunity to explore the complexities of Thranduil's character and the broader themes of The Hobbit. This hypothetical scenario not only deepens our understanding of Thranduil as a leader but also highlights the transformative power of inter-racial friendship in the context of strife and unity.

Additional Insights

Insight 1: The Battle of Five Armies demonstrates Thranduil's capacity for diplomatic and strategic acumen, indicating a more flexible and rational leadership style, which is less accurately portrayed in recent adaptations.

Insight 2: Thranduil's respect for Thorin is a significant act of respect and mutual recognition, suggesting a more nuanced and progressive character than what is often depicted in modern media.

Insight 3: Legolas and Gimli's friendship exemplifies the potential for unity and mutual respect, offering a hopeful narrative that challenges racial and cultural divisions.