To be fair.. the book has been out for a while. Odds are you're not the first person to notice.
Situation may appear similar with Gwaihir, who isn't called Gwaihir, but that's because he isn't actually the same eagle: GW (or somebody in the Hobbit films) simply decided to call the leader of the eagles by that name. Based on conversation between Gandalf and Gwaihir in RotK, it becomes clear that the two aren't the same.
Sithious wrote:
Yes, His name is mentioned only once in the book if I recall and afterward is always the elven king and is very down played through the whole story. I often wonder how some characters become peoples favorites all the time when they are barely mentioned or don't do anything noteworthy to deserve such praise.
At least in the film he is treated as a bit of a royal brat and not deserving of favoritism from anyone.
At least in the film he is treated as a bit of a royal brat and not deserving of favoritism from anyone.
Well, there are a good few glimpses at the Elvenking/Thranduil's personality (and he's nicer than in the movies).
Most important is his line 'Long will I tarry, ere I begin this war for gold.', in response to Bard's aggresive stance regarding the arrival of Dain and his army. A pity that leaders who value peace over wealth are more common in Fantasy than in reality...
And then there is the courteous yet not entirely nice remark to Bilbo (after he brought the Arkenstone): 'You are more worthy to wear the armour of elf-princes than many that have looked more comely in it.' Take that, friendly ugly Hobbit.
