The Hobbit: Durin’s Prophecy Was Originally Told By A Surprising Character

gamerant.com:

In J.R.R. Tolkein's famous writings, Durin was one of the most mighty kings of dwarves ever to have lived. It is thought that his ancestors dated back to the very original dwarves first created by Aule, back before Middle Earth and the children of Illuvatar (elves and men) had ever been created. Durin was a mighty warrior, a fair and just leader, and a noble king in pursuit of riches and treasures from deep within the world to share in abundance with his people. This is where the regality, pride, and heart that Thorin, Filli ,and Killi share comes from. As the last direct descendants of Durin’s line, the three are the last hope of reclaiming Erebor, and feel it is their duty to rid the once stunning kingdom of their forefathers of the terrible dragon who now resides within.

But with this great legacy also comes a terrible prophecy. Whilst it is only briefly touched upon in the movies, the prophecy of the return of the king under the mountain features heavily in Tolkien’s original book of The Hobbit. The prophecy is a warning of history repeating itself, and of the greed and hubris that has brought down many empires. But of all the people who would want to dissuade the dwarves from their mission, and prevent their tragedy, Thranduil the elven king of Mirkwood would have been thought to be one of the least likely. Yet in this deleted scene from the film, it was he who first alerts the audience to what the dwarves meddling with dragon fire may reap.

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The scene was supposed to take place just after Tauriel defies Thranduil’s orders and goes after Kili and the other dwarves. Legolas pleads with his father that Tauriel has always been loyal and that she must have good reason for her