Tauriel: The Elven Captain Created for The Hobbit Films

Tauriel, a character brought to life by actress Evangeline Lilly, plays a significant role in Peter Jackson's film adaptations of The Hobbit. She is a Wood Elf from the ruler King Thranduil#39;s realm, a character who does not exist in the original J.R.R. Tolkien novel. Created specifically for the films, Tauriel adds depth, emotional nuance, and diverse representation to these fantasy narratives. Here’s a detailed exploration of her character background, history, and development.

Character Background

Race

Tauriel is a Wood Elf who belongs to the Woodland Realm, governed by King Thranduil. She serves as the captain of the Elven guard, a role that highlights her combat skills with a bow and dagger. Her character is depicted as strong, independent, and compassionate, making her a pivotal figure in the film series.

History and Development

Relationship with Other Characters: Tauriel develops a romantic subplot with Kili, one of the dwarves from Thorin Oakenshield’s company. This relationship serves to humanize the dwarves and create emotional stakes within the narrative. Tauriel’s interactions with Kili and the other characters like Legolas and Thorin Oakenshield are crucial to the film's emotional depth and complexity.

Conflict: Tauriel grapples with her loyalty to her people and her feelings for Kili, providing a deeper emotional layer to the story. Her character also highlights themes of love and sacrifice, as seen in her actions during pivotal moments like defending Kili and refusing to leave the battlefield despite King Thranduil’s orders.

Purpose of Creation

Female Representation: One of the primary reasons for Tauriel’s creation was to introduce a strong female character into a predominantly male cast. This decision aimed to diversify the narrative and give female audiences a relatable figure. Unlike the original book, where Legolas is also a creation for the film, Tauriel addresses the lack of female representation in the source material.

Expanded Narrative: Tauriel’s character allows for the exploration of themes such as love, loyalty, and the impact of war on different races within Middle-earth. Her interactions with the dwarves and her own kin, such as her relationship with Legolas and King Thranduil, add complexity to the story, particularly in relation to the growing darkness in Middle-earth.

Her Character’s History

Tauriel is an orphan who was adopted by Thranduil and raised as a soldier. In The Desolation of Smaug, her backstory is further revealed. She is tasked with capturing the Company of Thorin, which she pursues to Laketown. She also fights off orc raids in Mirkwood and Laketown, showcasing her combat skills and loyalty to her duties.

During the events surrounding Smaug’s last attack on Laketown, Tauriel heals Kili the dwarf. She later accompanies Legolas to Gundabad, where they discover the Army of Bolg. In the battle of Five Armies, she refuses to leave the field despite King Thranduil’s orders for a full retreat and is exiled for her rebellion. She fights and wounds Bolg before being wounded herself, and Kili is killed. The fate of Tauriel remains unknown, leaving viewers to speculate about her future within the expansive narrative of Middle-earth.

Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh: Tauriel was invented by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh to serve two primary purposes. The first is to have a significant female presence in the film, addressing Tolkien’s perceived antiquated sexism, as he wrote a book with not a single woman speaking or being mentioned. The second purpose is to further the characters of Kili and Legolas. Tauriel’s relationship with Kili adds a romantic subplot, making his death more poignant and dramatic. Her character acts as Legolas’ moral compass, inspiring him to overlook prejudice and defy his father, ultimately joining Tauriel in exile and later joining the court of Elrond.

Overall, Tauriel’s inclusion in the The Hobbit films adds depth and emotional nuance to the storyline while also addressing the need for more diverse representation in fantasy narratives. Her character’s journey from a soldier to a heroine in a time of war is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of diversity in fiction.