Why Didn’t Peter Jackson Use the Real Ending of the Battle of Five Armies Where Thorin Has Orcrist and the Arkenstone Laid on His Chest?

The ending of Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" has become a subject of much debate among fans of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. In the original novel, J.R.R. Tolkien described a poignant scene where Thorin is laid to rest with his sword, Orcrist, and the Arkenstone at his chest, symbolizing his tragic yet honorable end. However, Peter Jackson chose a different and shorter ending for his adaptation. Why did he make this choice, and what implications does it have for the story?

Character Development

One of the key factors in Jackson's decision was the emphasis on character development. Throughout his adaptation, Jackson often focused on the emotional growth of the characters, particularly Thorin Oakenshield. The original ending, with Thorin's body laid to rest alongside the Arkenstone and Orcrist, might not have fully captured the dramatic essence of Thorin's redemption and the themes of sacrifice and reconciliation. By creating a more dramatic final scene with Thorin surrounded by his companions, Jackson could have highlighted these themes more effectively. This would have also showcased Thorin's relationships with Bilbo and the other dwarves in a way that resonates more with the audience.

Pacing and Structure

The cinematic structure of the film also played a role in the decision. As a filmmaker, Jackson had to maintain a tight narrative flow that would keep the audience engaged until the very end. The original ending, while poignant, might have slowed down the pacing or felt out of place within the overall narrative arc. By reworking the scene, Jackson could have maintained a more consistent and impactful storytelling rhythm. This choice allowed the film to build towards a more significant emotional climax, leaving a stronger impression on the audience.

Visual Storytelling

Filmmaking is an art form that heavily relies on visual storytelling. Jackson and his team likely favored a scene that would provide a more striking image and evoke stronger emotions from the audience. The scene in the extended edition of the film, which shows Dain Ironfoot crowning himself and Thorin's companions surrounding him with the Arkenstone, offers a powerful visual representation of the final moments. This scene, with its dramatic lighting and intense atmosphere, could be more effective in capturing the essence of the event and the emotions of the characters.

Creative Interpretation

Adapting literature to film often requires creative liberties, and Peter Jackson's team was no exception. The success of Jackson's work in creating a cohesive series of films that appeal to both fans of the books and new viewers sometimes necessitated changes. These changes could be made for dramatic effect or to streamline the narrative. Jackson’s interpretation allowed him to create a more emotional and impactful conclusion that feels more integrated with the rest of the trilogy. This vision may not be identical to Tolkien's original, but it reflects Jackson's unique perspective on the story.

While the original ending from Tolkien's work is poignant and significant, Jackson's interpretation reflects his own unique vision for the story. Fans of the book may not have the same level of emotional resonance with the original ending, but the visual and emotional impact of Jackson's adaptation can be just as powerful.

Conclusion

The different endings of the Battle of the Five Armies highlight the challenges of adapting beloved literary works into visually and emotionally compelling films. Jackson's choice to change the ending, while controversial to some, allowed him to create a more impactful and cohesive final chapter in the trilogy. The choices he made, whether intentional or necessary, ultimately contribute to the rich and varied interpretations of the story, adding to its enduring legacy.