I can imagine Thranduil calling his entire army, marching it all the way to helms deep, arriving on the third day on the hill, looking down at the sea of orcs and meeting eyes with theoden from afar just as they start to ride out across the bridge. Then Thranduil does a slow turn and leaves with his army without saying a word and marches straight to Gondor to do the exact same thing again

I believe he would come to the aid of the alliance as he has a number of reasons to do so. Firstly, to make sure his son, Legolas, would survive and continue his line. Secondly, if he learns that Frodo, the ringbearer, was the nephew of his friend Bilbo, there's a good chance he'll provide whatever aid he can. Third, if he still values his friendship with men, and still fosters his hatred towards orcs, he wouldn't hesitate to charge into the fray. Fourth, he has a score to settle with Mordor about the death of his father.

Why Thranduil is one of the best elves: -Huge elven kingdom in the east with no ring of power to help protect. His ability to rule successfully helped make sure both Lothlorien & the North weren't overrun by Sauron's forces (which would might have also threatened Rivendell, Erebor, Laketown, etc). -Saw massacre of elves by western elves at Menegroth (no wonder his father didn't vibe w/ them). Still helped fight against Sauron despite father dying in initial siege (presumedly had to take over for the rest of the war) and massive casualties to his people. -Returned to northern Las Galen to rule over his kingdom (again w/o the aid of a ring of power) for many years. -Successfully traded with many in the area. -Helped the men of Laketown when their city was burned down. -Successfully fought off attack from Sauron during the 'Battle Under the Trees' (others in his area had to retreat in their own battles; re: Battle of Dale). -Restored forest and gave land back to Beornings. -Wine connoisseur. Honestly, his character is super interesting & by all measures, he was a fierce warrior, great king, and fair to others.

Lol just saw that Lee Pace is actually 2 years younger than Orlando Bloom

Legolas was worth a thousand soldiers. And can level up throughout the campaign. He sent himself through his son.

Where was Thranduil when the Westfold fell? Where was Thranduil?

He was a friend to men, and his own son had stakes in the war, he would definitely have sent aid. The bigger question though, is would he have actually sailed back to the Undying Lands? It honestly seemed like enjoyed his time on Middle Earth.

I’m actually surprised Legolas doesn’t mention more of this during the movies. He never really talks about his home even in the extended cuts. So it would have been great to see his kin along with the dwarves joining the battle.

If Thranduil hadn't been tied down by Dol Guldur, the next closest threat to his kingdom was the army from the East attacking Dale/Lonely Mountain. I imagine he would've concentrated his forces there, rather than the long march all the way down to Gondor.

Lol he was busy doing King Shit.. I love how all the powerful elf lords were "supposed to" run off and help the fellowship or March to the rescue when they had their own kingdoms to run. Thraunduil sent his Son, who's probably one of if not the best warrior in Mirkwood to help out, he's gotta look after his own people too.

Thranduil would have helped but I think it far more likely he would have sent troops to Erebor/Dale and/or Lorien as those were much closer. Any forces he sent to Gondor probably couldn't have arrived in time for the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.

Honestly I think that Thraundil would go to support dwarves and Men of Dale against the Easterlings and stopped many loses that happend during that batlle. He is one of those characters that you need to love and he is so cool. Guys as always love your videos and your channel!!!

These guys nailed it as actors...you can't imagine nobody else as these characters. They owned these roles. Even if the movies had some liberties with the original story.

I like to imagine that far in the Fourth Age Thranduil joined Celeborn and Cirdan on the very last ship that left for Valinor and that so the last great lords of the Sindar left Middleearth together.

Some of these artists are just so incredibly talented. Love all the art work.

I could listen to Lee Pace monologue for days.

I'm never going to complain if there is more Thranduil content.

Lee Pace was FABULOUS as Thranduil. Now that's an elf lord I'd die for 😆😆😆

Upon hearing that Sauron still lived and was expanding his reach he would have come to the same conclusion as he did when he was younger. Like his father he knew the risk. Sauron cannot be allowed to survive and spread his reach. He would most likely have committed most of his forces to aid men, dwarves and his elven allies in the defeat of the dark forces.

This video came just at the perfect time for me! Gonna be painting my some wood Elves over the next few days and I'll be revisiting this video a couple of times to fully absorb the Lore!

This is a wonderful video. Sometimes you just need to see the timelines of how all the battles played out and who was closest to which one. I don't see Thranduil abandoning the Greenwood to his enemies. I love how Lee Pace has become the accepted face of Thranduil in art as well as film. He is stunning and was perfect for the role. Much better than that creepy drawing in the original Hobbit cartoon. I love your videos and how you make all the big picture clearer. It's easy to get lost in the big history of Middle Earth.

Guys! Thank you so much for this video I'm currently in the midst of a multi-chapter story about Thranduil and the War in the North and your vid is MOST USEFUL. Thank you! About your question. Had Thranduil not been attacked by Sauron's forces I do think he would definitely would have come to the aid of those fighting in Gondor and Rohan. Yes, he was insular because of the losses sustained of the battle of the Last Alliance but if for no other reasons he would have come to their aid to support his son. If Dale and Erebor still been attacked he might split his forces but he would still have come personally to the aid of his son.

I've always thought that Thranduil left on one of the last ships that sailed from Middle earth to Valinor. Btw, awesome summary of one of my favourite characters of all time.

They need to make another LOTR trilogy about war on the north including Mirkwood, Dale and Erebor and show allies of Mordor like Rhun, Khand, and other easterlings and southrons while they fight against Thranduil, Dale, Erebor and Khamul as lord of Dol Guldur

Now that I hear the Gladden fall; found out the other day a logical explanation why the ring cannot have been found in the Anduin, as generally recounted. Deagol and Smeagol must have been fishing in the Gladden: "It is significant that the river is the Gladden, not the Anduin. The Gladden meanders slowly through the Gladden Fields before joining the Anduin. Being a slow river with a muddy bottom, it did not have the power to move the Ring. Had the Ring reached the Anduin, it might well have washed downstream, perhaps even to the sea" Never thought about it 😑 And that's why i love channels like this 🙏

When thranduil finally speaks of legoless' is satisfying. Lee's role is epic in the movie...

Yeah, I imagine Thranduil wouldn't pass on the chance of avenging his father.

Thank you so much for making this video, it really clears things up for me.

Thranduil is definitely a top 100 character in LOTR

Gotta love The Broken Sword cinematic you guys made 😋❤🗡

We need 3 more trilogy films which show the wars that took place at other places during Lord of the Rings original trilogy.

I'm not inclined to believe Thranduil is as cold in the lore as he is somewhat portrayed in the films, but even if said army had not trounced up to his domain, I don't forsee him sending forces; the threat of such an attack would gave kept his army home, even if they never came. Sid he gobto other battles? No. Maybe the old alliances were not as dead as King Theoden said, but neither were they strong, and many forces had to risk allies to protect their own against maybe-threats, like King Dain's forces, or Elrond's. One of my favorite Jackson changes to the films was when Haldir and forces arrived at Helm's Deep; the elves were finally doing something more than just cashing in their special "get out of Middle Earth free" cards, and leaving everyone else to whatever fate, even as they knew they were the people Sauron most wanted to crush, but I can also see why, in the book, such a force would have had to stay in Lothlorien, to protect it. Thranduil might have wanted to aide others, but he knew he had to watch over his own first.

Another great video, guys! Very informative.

If there was no Battle of the North and Dor Guldur empty, all forces of Lorien, Woodland Realm, Erebor, Kindom of Dale will all be present in the Battle of the Black Gate.

Wonderful Illustrations . Perfect in every way .

That is a tough question to answer. I don't know how much responsibility Thranduil felt he had for the outside world. I do think he would have helped against any orc invasion of Lothlorien, but how would he find out about it? I guess the Eagles could notify him, but even then it would take weeks to get to the battle. I don't think he would send his army in anticipation of an attack on Lothlorien because it would leave him vulnerable to any attack from the orcs on his realm coming from Dol Guldur. As for joining the men of Dale and the dwarves to fight the Easterlings, that makes sense to me because if the Easterlings defeat the men of Dale, they will probably go down the west side of the lake and do the same to Lake Town and then try to attack the Woodland Realm of Thranduil anyway. I don't see why Thranduil would send an army all the way to Minas Tirith. How long would that even take? Gondor's need was urgent and immediate. The Rohirrim barely arrived in the nick of time as did Aragorn in the Corsairs ships. Plus, how much protection would Thranduil have left in order to defend his own people? In the end, Legolas represented his father's kingdom well in Minas Tirith.

Yes his son was there and he would have know his realm was next. Wow imagine the galadhrim and Mirkwoods army plus some ents like the old days! Really wish we would have seen somefighting from the north.. and I do wish the dwarves/elfs/ents fought at the fields or even the black gate.

Oh god if he got involved...this would have fleshed out the movies to 4 hours!

I am personally convinced that Thranduil would have helped those fighting against Sauron's forces. I think that in the films he is portrayed colder and less caring that he is in the books. I think he is a great kind, that is more or less well-loved amongst his people and he would definitely have the best intentions at heart. Thank you for this amazing video by the way! Loved watching it and learning more about this amazing King!

One of my favourite character ❤️

Just discovered your channel this morning. I love it!!!! I listened to the videos all day at work.

The guy literally took over the whole battlefield by himself when fought the orcs.

Please make more videos about Thranduil, he's my favourite elf and he's so overlooked, I can barely found videos about him.

Interesting subject. I really like how you use art in your vids. High quality👍

I've been looking forward to an elf video and its finally here. Great video 👍

Thrannduil did the best thing he possibly could in the circumstances. He sent the one elf army that was his son Legolas!

Hard to believe not one word about the animosity between Dwarves and Elves created by the Dwarves who slew Elu Thingol over the Nauglamir.

Thanks to you bro . keep it up

It looks to me like Sauron anticipated that Thranduil would actually assist Gondor and decided to make a move to avoid that. Sauron wanted Gondor to fall so badly, but stupid he was not.

He is very wise and carying king for his kingdom, so when he came to Erebor and saw the threat of Smaug to Thror, he knew the battle is lost in front of Smaug, due to the fact that at last battle he lost his father and 3/4 of army, he didn't want his army to suffer again that much, in my opinion that is why he haven't help Thror then. Here, my answer to the question is that I think that he would have come as through my way of understanding his psyche, he was already recovered and went through grief.

its so weird that they didn't show that battle in the movies. seems like an important thing to show.

If Sauron hadn't sent a force to attack Mirkwood, I think Thranduil would have ended up marching north to aid the men of Dale and the dwarves of Erabor at the Battle of Dale.

That’s because Lee is a guy who knows how to manscape, and moisturize, and keeps that wonderful sense of humor. Just don’t mess with his brows!😮

Honestly liked this video so much im subscribed now

Perhaps Thranduil would have come to help Lothlorien, but he couldn't travel with a host to Minas Tirith. If he would travel to Minas Tirith with a large host, with most of his soldiers, he would leave the woodland realm as well as the entire forest unprotected against the eaterlings that were thought to take Erebor and Dale. If he would travel to gondor with a small host, it would not make much of a difference and only make moral worse because the men of gondor would find out about the war in the north. Also, if he left the woodland realm with a host, he would leave the kingdom without a king in the war. He could not have sent an army to the aid of men without him in command. So... I think thranduil only could help the men of Dale and the dwarves of Erebor and the Iron Hills, and it is unlikely that he would help the dwarves. If somehow he would, they still wouldn't be able to defeat the easterlings. Also, it would leave the woodland realm unprotected against the orc army that attacted Lothlorien. The orc army would have won against Lothlorien, as I assume the orcs that didn't attack the woodland real in this alternative timeline, would join the attack on Lothlorien. So, I think the only way Thranduil could have help the free people against the armies of Suaron, is to gather all of his soldiers, and march to the help of Lothlorien quiqly. If, and only if the elves would have defeated the orcs extremely quiqly, he would make it back to the woodland realm in time so the Easterling army, I'd victorios against the men and the dwarves would not be able to attack and conquer the woodland realm. I belive that is what he would do.

He was defending his home of course, the forces of evil attacked everybody

Since Dale and Erebor were also under siege by Sauron's forces, it's most likely he would have led his troops to aid them as Gondor was leagues away. Thranduil would have known too that the Woodland realm was next once Sauron defeated Erebor and Dale. Also, Sauron planned to keep the Elves and the northern men and Dwarves busy to keep everyone divided. Should his plan have worked, he would have flanked Rohan(Even though he planned for Saruman to defeat them) and Gondor.

Love this channel 💯

I think if Thranduil hadn't had to deal with Dul Goldor, he'd likely still not have gone to Gondor's aide, as he'd more likely go to the aide of Dale and Erabor. They're his closest neighbors and any threat to them could soon become a direct threat to his realm and people. And they're much closer and he'd be more likely to get his armies to the battlefield in time to be of any use. If he tried to go to Gondor's aide, he'd likely have just depreived the North of a valuable army, and his army would have arrived at the Pelenor Fields well after all the fighting had ended anyways. Thranduil appears to have been a smart leader and would know this. The only reasonable choice for him would be to go fight the army that's the most direct threat and the one he can actually reach. That would be the armies attacking Dale and Erabor. Had Dale and Erabor both fallen, that would have freed up that army to then attack the Woodland Realm from the east. I'm assuming in this timeline that Dul Goldor had been completely destroyed during the events of The Hobbit in this timeline so was not even an option for Mordor. Lothorien and Celeborn may have gone south to aide Rohan and Gondor without the threat of Dol Goldor, though they'd have still had to hold back enough force to contain any threats from Moria. So in a timeline with Dol Goldor not being a factor in the War of the Ring, that's the broad strategic situation I'd expect to see. I'd expect Rohan would mop up Isengard faster and with fewer casualties in this timeline, with the 3 way alliance of Rohan, Fanghorn and Lothlorien. That would likely mean more Rohirim answering Gondor's call, plus a force from Lothorien also answering, and the battle of Pelenor Fields would still be a brutal affair, but would be ended as less of a pyretic victory for The West. I'd also expect Lothlorien to be represented at the Black Gate as well, making that battle also less costly to the Men of the West. Meanwhile, in the North, Dale may not have fallen with Thranduil and the Woodland Realm also present in those battles, some of their kings and great generals who died would have survived, most likely and the armies of the East would have either been defeated and sent on the retreat, or at best reached a stalemate where neither side could gain the upper hand. If the East were routed, Dale, Erabor and the Woodland Realm may have ended up pursuing them to The Black Gate, and there's a chance all these armies may have arrived at nearly the same time, making that battle much bigger then it was in the cannon timeline. It's also possible the Eaterlings may have fled due east and been pursued that way by the Men of the North, likely resulting in the siege of the westernmost Easterling stronghold. Of course, any timeline we speculate on that has Dul Goldor as a threat, ends up with both Lothorien and the Woodland Realm forced to the course of action they took in the cannon timeline.

Uhm...Gondor was not the only kingdom under attack by Sauron, he sent equally sized armies to Erebor/Lothlorien and Mirkwood to prevent these kingdoms from sending help south.

Good vid but I think you make a slight mistake in stating that it is possible that Thranduil might have been at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields had it not been for the attack on Mirkwood. As you pointed out, they occurred simultaneously. As a result, Thranduil would have already had to be on the march weeks before the attack in order to participate in the southern battle. The math doesn't work. Otherwise a great job and well worth the watch!

I've been waiting for 7 years for this!!!!!!

He was just chilling being above everyone lol

Citation needed for Sauron assailing Mirkwood to fend off Thranduil’s forces.

I love the actor lol. He did an awesome job and looked so cool as Thranduil.

He was busy applying more eyeliner before the AFI concert.

Can you guys make a video about the oldest (continuing) settlements and city’s in middle earth?

Depends, the Lonely Mountain and Dale were both attached at this time and the kings slain. Rather then go south, it might be better to go to known allies and help make sure they are safe

I can imagine him and all his elves going to the aid of Erebor and Dale, for they were in dire straits. Where both their Kings perished side by side.

Thranduil is my fav Elf of all time!! And I'm pretty sure he'd aid and fight in the battle of the Pelennor Fields side by side, probably, with his son. Thanks to you guys now I know that my birthday is also the first day of the elven new year haha, awesome!

He is an amazing character one my fav

Being friends of Men, even warming to the Hobbits and Dwarves, his son's life at stake, other Elves joining the battle and knowing the power and darkness of the Enemy... Thranduil would have led his people into the battle.

You guys as always are great fun

By far my favorite character in the hobbit series.

Clearly he was trying to figure out why everybody keeps escaping from his prison...

Hmmmm i do think its gonna depend on the situation because dale and erebor was also being attacked and since he was a close friend to the 2 kingdoms he may have went there and supported dain and brand. Or maybe he could had split his forces and may have sent help to the fellowship.

Also I would have loved to see the sindar/silvan army march in. Some elvish axmen like we read about in the first age haha. I mean how epic would it have been seeing the elvish spearmen/infantry march in and then BOOM! suddenly from the flanks emerge the bull moose cavalry! Smashing through orcsies!

He's more likely march to the Lonely Mountain to reinforce the dwarves and Dale against the Easterlings. Then all 3 may have marched south to Gondor, or more likely to the Black Gate.

Well as he rode to the aid of the Dunedain at the disaster of the Gladden Fields I’m pretty sure he would have sent forces if he could. As it was he protected the north along with the men of Dale and the Dwarves of Erebor. So he certainly did his part!

If Thranduil's realm has not attacked the wise move would be to help Erebor and dale in the east or just fortify his own realm. the amount of Easterling gathered there makes the idea of helping Gondor idiotic. Maybe his best bet would be to stay in the woods and fortify his own realm as a small number of elves can not stand against a mighty host of Easterling in open.

I think Thranduil would have come to Gondor's aid seeing as his son was possibly in the midst of a the war or somewhere nearby.

I mean, the idea that he didn't help in the war of the ring is a bit contradictory. By absorbing an assault from Dol Guldur he was fighting a portion of Sauron's forces that could have been fighting elsewhere. If those forces were at another battle they could have tipped the scales and changes the fate of middle earth. Imagine if that army was out in force looking for the ring bearer instead of fighting in Mirkwood. Could have been very bad.

No, but he would most lilely have sent in aid of King Dáin and King Brand, a surprise attack against the Easterlings. Dur to the woeful losses sustained directly by his kin at the Last Alliance, and lesser so at the 5 Armies battle, I am sure that Thranduil most probably would have been extremely slow to risk the lives of his Elves again. It is something which is actually highly admirable in a Leader but is rarely said. However, I am sure that with the battle getting on and the strength of his allies waining, Thranduil would definitely have sallied forth to help them. It would have been a most WONDROUS sight to see the three good races unify so well together again, something which had not happened even in the Last Alliance.

He would've definitely gone to Gondor. Not only for this son, but to avenge his family who were slayen in the early ages in the now dead marshes. Alas, wood elves were sent to Rohan to assist against the white hand at Helms, again showing the alliance between men and elves. Imagine him charging with Rohan on that mighty Moose.

They need to make a movie about what happen . I'm sure it will be incredible. Thank you for this great info. I always wonder why he wasnt there in LOTR.

I feel like thranduil would have marched to the aid of Dale and erabor as it had only been 60 years since his army fought with them in the battle of 5 armies.

i would assume he would send aid to gondor as his son is there too.

Just imagine if he decided sometime before the events of the hobbit if he was just not bothered with dol goldur and reclaimed the amon lanc and eryn las galan

He would've more than likely gone to the Dwarves aid at the Battle of Dale. Then maybe join Aragon at the black gates but maybe that's a push.

This Chad was fighthing orcs as he always do

Thranduil would’ve probably saved Erebor/Dale from the Easterling army.

Thandruil is one of the best characters of the trilogy in my humble opinion.

we need a new tolkien movie, the one situated in an earlier age. Sauron should be present as the people already know him, but for a twist, it should be when he had a fair form

I think Thranduil and Celeborm would have attacted Dol Guldur even if they were not attacked first A fortress of the Dark Lord just could not be left lurking there. It could have acted as a staging point for orcs and Easterlings to attack thw Army of the West in the back.

Old video I know, His lack of communication with the fellowship suggests, he was acting on information of his own intelligence gathering and was planning to defend Mirkwood, If that failed or seemed impossible he was, as fall back worst case saving his forces to defend a retreat for his people to escape to the Gray Havens and sail away.

Now I'm daydreaming thinking of the army of gondolin freshly resurrected! Even feanor 🤣🤣 I really would love a final battle movie.. with everyone I don't mind if it was anime either but wow the uniting of the elves would be absolutely stunning and some reuinions would be tear jerkers for us Tolkien fans. I can see it.. thuranduil sees his dad. The lady Galadriel reunited with her brothers , Baren and Luthian holding hands again . Beleg and Turin .. Thingol and Melian my favorite.. awesome question and vid

I honestly think he would go help at Dale against the Easterlings. Because when you consider many things. Here's a few things to consider 1. Geography time would be against them because they would half to march at least 1000 miles. Which would probably take about a few weeks. They would probably be to exhausted to fight. So, Dale makes more sense. Since there right there. 2. You also need to consider there Alliance they've built with the Elves and men of Dale. They've helped them prosper and expand their territory If they just avoid them I feel it could lead to dispute and anger between the faction. 3. Gandalf Vision in the Hobbits, i think this is what Gandalf feared would happen if the dwarves retake the mountain. If, Dale and Erebor were to fall that would open up the northern passage. Thranduil people would be next ones to fall. So, it would make sense then for him to help Dale. This, is what I think Is there anything else I should include.

Thranduil: Gondor? Never heard of it. Wait, Erebor is under attack?! Get my MOOSE AND MY SWORD.

I truly think he would have because his son was there and Sauron is his old enemy as much as he is anyone else's. The same with The Lonely Mountain and Dale. I'm sure they would've joined the fight if they weren't attacked full force by the Easterlings at the same time as the Battle For Gondor. Gimili's father was still present and very much alive at Erebor and so was Dain, Thorin's cousin. They would've come to aid Gimili.

From my perspective Thranduil would almost definitely help others , he would Aragorn elessar for sure when he charged to the black hates,but he wouldn't have time to send forces to minas turith or helm's deep as Sauron's attack was swift and secret