Thranduils Elk

Thranduil’s Elk was a great elk described in the films’ The Hobbit – The Battle of the Five Armies’ and ‘The Hobbit – An Unexpected Journey’. King Thranduil of Mirkwood had used this Elk that was giant and one of the biggest deer species ever known. Thranduil was an Elven king who exercised power over the kingdom of Woodland in the Second and the Third Ages.

Thranduil’s Elk was big in size and unaffected by the presence of giant creatures like were-worms and Smaug. The Elk had remained calm, brave, and wise in the Battle of the Five Armies when the combat included vast armies of Trolls and Orcs. He was known for his stamina and prowess to take part in great battles without getting tired. The massive elk existed outside of Middle-Earth. His common name is Irish Elk and is the largest species of deer to have existed. At the height of 7 feet and weighing 680kg, the elk had an antler spread of up to 4m. The Irish Elk had lived all over Asia, Europe, Africa, and Siberia. Similar creatures were even seen in China. [1]

Sometime during the Third Age, Thranduil was riding the elk when he witnessed the attack on Erebor by Smaug and dwarves fleeing away to save their lives. Thorin asked him for help, and Thranduil refused as he could not risk the life of his people to suffer the dragon’s terror. This resulted in a distaste by Thorin for the elves. [2] The mighty Elven king would enter the battle on this graceful elk as described in the film adaptations. The films show this giant elk as the method of transportation of the king. He had supported his master throughout the battle by kicking and using his antlers to crush the orcs.

Thranduil’s Elk first appeared in ‘The Hobbit – An Unexpected Journey’ by Peter Jackson. King Thranduil had arrived riding on his elk when Smaug, the dragon, had attacked the Lonely Mountain. Another and final appearance of this Elk was seen in ‘The Hobbit – The Battle of the Five Armies’ when Thranduil had come to Dale to provide food to Bard and his people. At that time, the elk was greyer and older and was seen accompanying the king throughout the way to the gates of Erebor. Later, the elk was seen helping Thranduil during the battle between the ruins of Dale and the mountain. He employs his speed and power to kill several Orcs from the army of Azog. He was slain after being shot twice with arrows in the neck and in the head. The Elk also appears in the video game ‘LEGO The Hobbit’ where they are shown roaming in Mirkwood.

1. ^TIL That Thranduil’s Elk Was Based On An Actual Creature, The Irish Elk
2. ^Thorin Is Annoying & Over Glorified