Hobbit2 - Chapter 03 - A Short Rest

[Boromir88]

I almost forgot to add some general things after reading the chapter a few days ago.

At first, I thought "wow these Elves seem uncharistically silly, with a snobbish attitude." Like my comments about the dwarves in Roast Mutton, the Elves in A Short Rest were jarring if compared to LOTR. But, relatively quickly, I remembered Gildor, who gives us a similar impression, poking fun at hobbits and wizards:

"But we have no need of other company, and hobbits are so dull," they laughed.~Three is Company

They might come off a bit too cheery, but their teasing of dwarves and laughter doesn't bother me as much when considering Gildor's company having a similar personality. Perhaps, Gildor serves as a transition from Elves who are leaving the troubles of Middle-earth and are thus meant to annoy us with their joking and rather dismissiveness of Frodo's danger. Then, in Rivendell, Elrond and others have stayed and while they are more serious, their kindness is displayed in a willingness to "fight the long defeat."

It's similar to this chapter in several ways. Bilbo and the dwarves overcome their trouble with the trolls and starvation by getting to Rivendell for necessary rest and recovery. The Elves (in general) come off as annoying snobs, who like to laugh and joke about other races. Yet, they still receive a minor (but important) help in deciphering Thror's map from Elrond.

Elrond's description is one of my favorite character descriptions in the book. Smaug is, without question, my favorite character in The Hobbit, but the description of Elrond is pure gold:

He was as noble and as fair in face as an elf-lord, as strong as a warrior, as wise as a wizard, as venerable as a king of dwarves, and as kind as summer.

I've often joked with other members Elrond would be the one most likely to take in an orc baby, raise the orc in Rivendell, and try to prove they can be redeemed. And I think this description, where he has notable qualities from each of the Middle-earth races is just...lovely.

Originally Posted by Bethberry

Given the importance of Rivendell in the first movie, would it do to rush too quickly by it in TH movie?

I wonder if Jackson will do the moon letters and Thror's map bit here. I believe Hugo Weaving is a confirmed cast member, so presumably there will be scenes in Rivendell. I'm not sure what else they could do for this part other than the Thror's map discussion, and maybe Elrond giving some standard wise counsel about their journey ahead. I am interested in seeing how they portray Elrond in the films. In the LOTR movies he was too much of a grump for me, but maybe time-travelling back 60 years, will lighten Elrond's grouchiness?