A Modern Interpretation of Tauriel: The Evolution of a Tolkien Character

I love Evangeline Lilly no matter what. She completely exceeded any expectations as there were none. Tolkien didn’t write her character at all, so with no reference to compare to, she did wonders.

Introduction of Tauriel in the Movie Series

Honestly, I’m so glad Peter Jackson added her into the film series. The Hobbit doesn’t mention a single female character except for Belladonna Took at the very beginning. Although Tauriel doesn’t have a motivation in the movie that is independent of the other male characters, she opens the door for important discussions about life as a female elf.

Social Hierarchy in Elven Society

There’s the social hierarchy thing going on with the romantic element between her and Legolas. Thranduil alludes to the distinction between the Sindar elves, who are viewed as superior, and the Sylvan elves, who are considered inferior. The Sindar, or the “Eldar,” counted as "blessed with the light," while the Sylvan elves, or “Moriquendi,” live on starlight. This distinction reflects a prejudice within the elven society, much like European imperialists and colonizers viewed African tribes as “barbarians.”

Symbolism and Metaphors in Tolkien's Works

European prejudice against African tribes when they first landed on the so-called “Dark Continent” is linked to the metaphor of “light” and “dark” in Tolkien's works. The “light” is associated with beauty, wisdom, and civilization, as seen in Tirion, the “city on a hill.” The Moriquendi, or “Dark Elves,” represented a more nomadic and savagely close to nature. This portrayal of the Moriquendi parallels the European view of the African tribes as "dark" and "savage."

Love and Taboo in Tauriel’s Relationship

The choice to have Kili and Tauriel fall in love is particularly interesting. Scholars have compared Durin’s folk to European Jews, the “people without a nation,” who faced prejudice for having wealth but lacking political ambition. Tauriel and Kili are in the same position, part of a world they can’t assimilate into. Tauriel and Legolas' relationship is also taboo as they come from different elven "clans" or "kindreds." However, Tauriel and Kili’s relationship is different; Kili is below her in the elite class within his community.

Physical Toughness and Equality

Tauriel’s physical toughness is something I really appreciate. Unlike the physically weak female elves we’ve seen in Tolkien’s writings before and Peter Jackson’s adaptations, Tauriel is a captain and a warrior by profession. She isn’t privileged like Arwen or Galadriel, so she experiences the full brutality of war and battle. Her physical strength and actions reflect that she is a real elf, not just a princess.

Acting and Fan Dedication

I’m not saying I like seeing women getting beat up by orcs, but at least she isn’t on the sidelines waiting to be rescued. Just like male soldiers in war, she is part of the action and suffers just as much as they do. Evangeline Lilly portrayed Tauriel in a strong and rebellious manner, which goes beyond the flat character. She has read the Silmarillion, a significant detail that adds to her dedication to the role. Viggo Mortenson didn’t even read LotR when he was invited to play Aragorn.

In conclusion, Tauriel’s presence in the Hobbit and LOTR movies has opened up new interpretations and discussions about elven culture and societal structures in Tolkien's world.