Exploring the Connection Between Thorin and Tauriel in 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'

It is often assumed that characters from different races, such as Thorin Oakenshield and Tauriel from J.R.R. Tolkien's works, share a significant connection. However, when delving into the original text and the film adaptation, one might find that their interactions, if any, are decidedly limited.

The Original Text and Character Backgrounds

Thorin, the main protagonist of The Hobbit, is a dwarf and a member of the lineage of Thror and Thrain II. He is bound by honor and a deep sense of duty to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its riches after the loss of his treasure and kingdom. This quest is the driving force that guides his journey throughout the story.

On the other hand, Tauriel is an elf from the Silvan race and the daughter of Lord Celebdil. The elves, particularly the Silvans, are known for their affinity towards nature and the preservation of natural beauty. Tauriel, as a elf, is deeply entrenched in these values and her role is primarily that of a protector of the enchanted forest of Mirkwood.

Understanding the Movements and Alliances in 'The Hobbit'

Throughout the events of the film The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Thorin's primary focus is on the quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain. This quest is a highly violent and combative one, involving battles with dragons and wargs, and navigating treacherous terrains. The film emphasizes Thorin's ruthless pursuit of vengeance and the reclaiming of his birthright.

Tauriel, on the other hand, is not involved in the main quest. Her role is largely within the confines of the Elven forest, where her duties include protecting the forest from encroaching darkness. Tauriel's first and most significant engagement with the dwarves occurs when she is sent to support Erebor in the battle against Smaug.

Interactions and Dynamics: A Lack of Direct Connection

The film adaptation does not delve deeply into any personal or romantic relationships between Thorin and Tauriel. In fact, the interactions they do have are quite sparse and formal. For example, Thorin, as the leader of the dwarves, would be more likely to engage with Tauriel in a formal and tactical manner, considering her position as a protector of Mirkwood, rather than on any personal level.

It is worth noting that the interactions between the characters are primarily politically motivated. Tauriel does not only assist in the fight against Smaug; she also becomes a leader in her own right, symbolizing the potential for change and growth among elves. However, this does not necessarily involve a connection with Thorin, who is focused on his own quest for power and gold.

Implications of the Limited Relationship

The limited interaction between Thorin and Tauriel raises an interesting question about the broader themes of The Hobbit. It highlights the importance of unity and inter-racial cooperation, particularly in times of crisis. While Thorin and Tauriel's worlds do overlap, their goals do not align, suggesting a need for alliances beyond traditional boundaries.

The characters eventually come to a moment of relative peace, as Tauriel's intervention helps to secure the safety of Thorin and the dwarves after the battle with Bolg and the wargs. However, this period of calm is short-lived, and their interactions do not develop into anything more substantial.

Conclusion

In summary, while The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey introduces several possibilities for interaction between Thorin and Tauriel, particularly around the defense of the forest and Erebor, their direct and deep connection is largely unexplored in both the original work and the film adaptation. This limited interaction reflects the broader themes of the novel, which deal with the complex allegiances and allegiances that exist among different races and factions in Middle-earth.

Related Keywords

Thorin Tauriel The Hobbit Fellowship of the Dwarves Elven Warriors

External Links

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) The Hobbit Movie Analysis The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Reviews