I agree the Hobbit is not just a prequel - it's a story on its own. But really, I don't think it be such a success without some other 'background' story around it - as it's a very 1 dimensional story - unless we include the events of Gandalf and where he popped off to......
But this brings to mind what we COULD put in the film(s). If we consider the events of Dol Guldur, the history of Smaug taking over the Mountain, and then up to Bilbo arriving back home from his adventures, then we have a timeline of 882 years.....
Quote:
2060
The power of Dol Guldur grows. The Wise fear that it may be Sauron taking shape again.
2063
Gandalf goes to Dol Guldur. Sauron retreats and hides in the East. The Watchful Peace begins. The Nazgûl remain quiet in Minas Morgul.
2460
The Watchful Peace ends. Sauron returns with increased strength to Dol Guldur.
2463
The White Council is formed. About this time Déagol the Stoor finds the One Ring, and is murdered by Sméagol.
2589
Dáin I slain by a Dragon.
2590
Thrór returns to Erebor. Grór his brother goes to the Iron Hills.
2770 Smaug the Dragon descends on Erebor. Dale destroyed. Thrór escapes with Thráin II and Thorin II.
2799
Battle of Nanduhirion before the East-gate of Moria. Dáin Ironfoot returns to the Iron Hills. Thráin II and his son Thorin wander westwards. They settle in the South of Ered Luin beyond the Shire (2802).
2841
Thráin II sets out to revisit Erebor, but is pursued by the servants of Sauron.
2845
Thráin the Dwarf is imprisoned in Dol Guldur; the last of the Seven Rings is taken from him.
2850
Gandalf again enters Dol Guldur, and discovers that its master is indeed Sauron. who is gathering all the Rings and seeking for news of the One, and of Isildur's Heir. He finds Thráin and receives the key of Erebor. Thráin dies in Dol Guldur.
2851
The White Council meets. Gandalf urges an attack on Dol Guldur. Saruman overrules him. Saruman begins to search near the Gladden Fields.
2890
Bilbo born in the Shire.
2939
Saruman discovers that Sauron's servants are searching the Anduin near Gladden Fields, and that Sauron therefore has learned of Isildur's end. He is alarmed, but says nothing to the Council.
2941
Thorin Oakenshield and Gandalf visit Bilbo in the Shire. Bilbo meets Sméagol-Gollum and finds the Ring. The White Council meets; Saruman agrees to an attack on Dol Guldur, since he now wishes to prevent Sauron from searching the River. Sauron having made his plans abandons Dol Guldur. The Battle of the Five Armies in Dale. Death of Thorin II. Bard of Esgaroth slays Smaug. Dáin of the Iron Hills becomes King under the Mountain (Dáin II).
2942
Bilbo returns to the Shire with the Ring. Sauron returns in secret to Mordor. 2944 Bard rebuilds Dale and becomes King. Gollum leaves the Mountains and begins his search for the 'thief of the Ring.
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How much of this history do we put into the films? And really, they become more a history of the millenium before LOTR rather than the Hobbit...........
Or will PJ use his artistic licence and change the timeline so we speed up all the events in dol guldur and have them happening around the time of the Hobbit (except for a flashback scene of Gandalf getting the Key from Thrain in Dol Guldur)
We could also just have a flashback with Thorin telling the Company the story of Smaug taking over the mountain as they sit in Bag End before there adventures start......