The Role of the Elves and the Elvenking

The Hobbit

The Wood-elves, led by the Elvenking, are portrayed as proud and distrustful, but ultimately they are allies in the fight against evil.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
The Elvenking's GreetingThe Elvenking's Greeting
The Elves' Behavior The Feast The Wood-elves hold feasts in the forest, but they avoid the dwarves. They are capricious and playful, but also dangerous. The Capture When the dwarves approach, the elves vanish. Eventually, they capture the dwarves and take them to the king. The King's Interrogation The Elvenking questions Thorin, but Thorin refuses to answer. The king imprisons them, showing his distrust of strangers.
The Elvenking's AidThe Elvenking's Aid
The March to the Mountain The News When the Elvenking learns of Smaug's death, he marches to the Mountain with his army to claim a share of the treasure. The Siege He joins forces with Bard and lays siege to the Mountain. He is motivated by the desire for treasure and justice. The Battle In the Battle of Five Armies, the Elvenking fights alongside the others. He is a valuable ally.
The ReconciliationThe Reconciliation
The Peace The Gift After the battle, the Elvenking receives the emeralds of Girion as a gift. He is satisfied. The Friendship He leaves on good terms with the dwarves and men. The earlier hostility is resolved. The Portrait The Elvenking is a complex character: proud, but ultimately fair. He values beauty and treasure but also honor.
When the dwarves first enter Mirkwood
After Smaug's death
After the battle