Hobbit Movie vs Book: Understanding Gandalf's Concern Over Orkish Spies

In the film adaptation of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, a critical plot point arises when Gandalf questions Thorin about the pursuit of their company by Orks led by Azog. This scene captivates audiences, setting the stage for an intense and suspenseful narrative. However, it's worth unpacking this moment to better understand the differences between the book and the movie.

Background in the Book

According to J.R.R. Tolkien's novel The Hobbit, there is no mention of the company being tracked by enemies. The company, especially Thorin, are notable due to their historical significance and the animosity between Dwarves and Orcs, which naturally draws attention. Nevertheless, it’s stated that the Dwarves are not being pursued until much later in the story, after their escape from the Goblins, when it is implied that goblin scouts follow them to the eastern foothills of the Misty Mountains.

The Movie Plot Evolution

The movie takes a different approach, beginning with the company being tracked from an early stage. This involves interactive elements that engage both the audience and the characters in the film. In the theatrical version, the orkish spies and Azog's pursuit are only revealed after significant events, including the encounter with trolls and Radagast’s warning at Dol Guldur. Gandalf asks Thorin, "Who did you tell?" highlighting the orkish network's tracking of the company without their knowledge.

Orkish Motivations Revisited

The movie delves deeper into the reasons behind the orkish pursuit. Instead of the orcs being generally focused on the dwarves' quest to the Lonely Mountain, the primary motivation is Azog's personal vendetta against Thorin. In the earlier battles outside Moria, Thorin cut off Azog's left forearm and hand. This act of revenge fuels Azog's desire to find and attack Thorin, rather than the dwarves' overall quest goals.

Extended Version Analysis

Even with the additional scenes from the extended version of the film available on YouTube, the core motivations of the orcs remain consistent: it is personal revenge against Thorin that drives Azog's actions. The orcs are not strategically tracking the company to hinder their quest but are instead searching for Thorin to settle a grudge. This personal vendetta continues throughout the first and even the second Hobbit movies, influencing Azog's actions even after the death of Smaug.

Tolkien’s Intentions and the Parallel with Lord of the Rings

It is worth noting that, while the Hobbit movies make significant changes from the original books, many of these adjustments are aimed at integrating the works more closely with those of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. This merge was proposed by Tolkien himself, who intended to rewrite The Hobbit to align more closely with his later works. Although his exact intentions remain a matter of debate, it was generally seen as a positive move to bring the stories into a unified narrative.

Conclusion

The differences between the book and the movie in regards to the orkish pursuit highlight the evolution of narrative and character development. While the books provide a more straightforward portrayal of the company's journey, the movies add layers of complexity and personal enmity, making the story in Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey more compelling and immersive.

Lastly, it's important to consider both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings as a cohesive narrative, acknowledging the intent behind these adaptations to ensure consistency and deepening of the Tolkien universe. Whether or not Tolkien himself would have seen this adaptation as ideal, it undeniably adds a rich layer to the storytelling.