Why Did Thranduil Refrain from Joining Bard in Attacking Smaug? Exploring Elven-Dwarf Relations

The Tale of the War of the_last_alliance paints a vivid and intricate story, yet it often leaves many readers scratching their heads at certain characters' decisions. One such query pertains to Thranduil's actions during the Battle of Erebor. Why did he choose not to join Bard in his mission to destroy Smaug, and why was he so suspicious of dwarves despite their help in battles against Azog's orcs and the Battle of Five Armies?

The Sequence of Events: Clarification and Context

The first question reflects a common misunderstanding of the sequence of events in Tolkien's Middle-earth. The Battle of Erebor and the destruction of Smaug occurred well after the battle against Azog's orcs. The events leading up to the Battle of Five Armies were:

The Battle of Azanulbizar in the Hornburg, where dwarves and elves united to defeat the orcs led by Azog. The subversion of Erebor by Smaug, who decimated the town and its inhabitants. Bard's mission to kill Smaug with the aid of an arrow from the Long Arrow of Thrain II.

Thranduil, as king of the Woodland Realm, had other priorities and concerns beyond simply joining the fray to kill Smaug. His role and the nature of his relations with the dwarves were more deeply rooted in historical precedents.

Historical Prejudices: Elven-Dwarf Relations

The second question delves into the complex historical relations between elves and dwarves. This animosity was no mere afterthought but rather the result of a long and turbulent history that spanned generations. The deep-seated prejudices and conflicts between these two races were established well before the events of the The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

One major factor was the ancient enmity between the Orcs and the Beornings, especially between the dwarf King Dáin II and the Beorning Wolfman Balin. This event and the subsequent battles in the Ice Mountains and Azanulbizar created a lasting mistrust between dwarves and elves.

Peace and Friendship: The Atypical Case of Legolas and Gimli

Despite the deep-seated animosity, there was a rare instance of peace and friendship between an elf and a dwarf. This case was Legolas and Gimli's unlikely partnership. Their friendship transcended the traditional enmity and symbolized a rare understanding between these two races, suggesting that not all elves or dwarves adhered to their prejudices.

It's important to recognize that while Thranduil's actions can be seen as a reflection of longstanding distrust, not all elves and dwarves shared this view. This friendship between Legolas and Gimli provides hope that not all is lost between these races and that peaceful coexistence is possible.

Key Takeaways and Conclusion

In conclusion, Thranduil's decision not to join Bard in his mission to destroy Smaug was influenced by complex historical and personal factors. His animosity towards dwarves was not an isolated incident but part of a long-standing conflict rooted in previous generations' battles.

The tale of Legolas and Gimli's friendship reminds us that while prejudice exists, there is also the possibility of change and understanding. In the vast world of Middle-earth, even the most entrenched prejudices can be challenged and overcome.