The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - Tauriel's Romantic Pairing: Legolas or Kili?

In the film The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, a olynomial of new characters brought The Lord of the Rings universe into a world of action and adventure. One of the most welcoming new characters is Tauriel, an elven archer who plays a crucial role in the film. But her romantic pairing has caused some debate among fans. Should she be paired with Legolas or Kili?

The Characters: Legolas and Kili

Legolas, a Sindarin Elf, is a beloved character in the Tential of the Rings series, known for his skill with the bow and his wisdom. However, he did not appear in The Hobbit, as per J.R.R. Tolkien's original novel. Kili, on the other hand, is the younger brother of Fili, a dwarf who belongs to the company of Thorin Oakenshield. He is just as brave and equally skilled in combat but has a different background and role in the story.

The Plot Does Not Allow for a Romantic Tauriel

Where the plot of The Hobbit allows, there is no romantic storyline for Tauriel. The Hobbit focuses on the journey of the dwarves and the quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. Tauriel's role is more tactical and action-oriented, serving as a representative of the elves, defending their homeland of Mirkwood, and aiding the dwarves during their quest. Any romantic pairing would have taken away from this essential part of her character and the film's overall narrative.

Peter Jackson's Interpretation

Peter Jackson, the filmmaker behind The Hobbit, has often been criticized for his interpretation of the Lord of the Rings and its characters. His incorporation of Tauriel, a character from the books by J.R.R. Tolkien himself, into The Hobbit has also been met with mixed reactions. Some fans appreciate the addition of new elements, while others view it as a severe deviation from the original source material.

Peter Jackson and Tolkien Contradictions

On a broader scale, the film's interpretation of Tolkien's universe has often been scrutinized for its contradictions. Jackson's portrayal of Legolas and Tauriel's romance is often seen as a fan fiction version of Tolkien's world. While Jackson's intentions behind such decisions are open to interpretation, the end result often falls short of the source material's depth and authenticity. Tauriel, as a Tolkien character, should have remained in her environment, specifically Mirkwood, rather than being transplanted into the events of The Hobbit.

The Case for Legolas

Many fans argue that Tauriel should be paired with Legolas. Legolas' background and shared elven heritage provide a natural connection. Additionally, Legolas' presence in other Lord of the Rings works makes his inclusion in the story more understandable. Their pairing could have added depth to Legolas' character and potentially introduced a compelling subplot that avoids detracting from the main narrative.

The Case for Kili

Others see Kili as Tauriel's more fitting partner. Kili's bravery, combat skills, and connection to the dwarves could create an interesting dynamic. Furthermore, Kili's absence from earlier Hobbit films makes his role in any romantic subplot somewhat unique. However, including Kili's romance would challenge the established narrative and potentially overshadow the journey of the dwarves and the broader conflict with Smaug.

Conclusion

The question of Tauriel's romantic pairing in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a topic of much debate. Whether it should be Legolas, who has a deep connection to the world of The Lord of the Rings, or Kili, who offers a fresh perspective, the debate speaks to the ongoing discussion about fan adaptations and their relationship with source material. Peter Jackson's interpretation, while adding new elements to the Lord of the Rings narrative, often raises questions about the faithful representation of J.R.R. Tolkien's work.

In the end, the discussion highlights the complexity of adapting beloved works into new forms, balancing fan expectations, and staying true to the original story. Tauriel, as a character, remains a fascinating addition to the Hobbit universe, but her specific romance remains open to interpretation.

Tauriel Aurora

Tauriel Aurora is a character introduced by J.R.R. Tolkien in his works, specifically the appendices of "The Lord of the Rings". She is an elven archer who plays a significant role in the fleshe and defense of Mirkwood. In the 2012 film, Tauriel was played by Evangeline Lilly, bringing the character to life as a brave and tactical warrior. Her role in the film is primarily focused on the elves' alliance with Thorin and the dwarves, spearheaded by her as the leader of the Woodland Realm's forces against the dragon Smaug.

Legolas

Legolas is one of the main characters in J.R.R. Tolkien's works. In the films, he is played by Orlando Bloom. He is a Sindarin Elf, a member of the Vonyoyelin rulers, and a close friend of Gimli (played by John Rhys-Davies) in the Hobbit films. As an Elf, Legolas possesses exceptional skills in archery, woodcraft, and his profound wisdom. However, in the original novel "The Hobbit", he does not appear, as his journey begins in "The Lord of the Rings".

Kili

Kili is one of the Dwarves in "The Hobbit". He is the younger brother of Fili and a member of Thorin Oakenshield's company. Kili is an adept warrior, highly skilled with a sword, and descends from an illustrious line of Dwarven kings. His role in the film is to provide formidable support and aid the dwarves on their quest. However, he, unlike his brother, does not appear in "The Lord of the Rings".