In the film adaptation of The Hobbit, both Galadriel and Saruman appear, a notable deviation from J.R.R. Tolkien’s original text. While The Lord of the Rings films are often heralded for their fidelity to Tolkien’s writing, The Hobbit trilogy has been subject to scrutiny for its changes. Despite grossing approximately $1 billion per installment (according to The Numbers), the films have faced criticism regarding how they diverge from the source material.
Transforming a single novel into three full-length features inherently invites challenges, and The Hobbit is no exception. The narrative initially follows Bilbo Baggins on a relatively straightforward journey, leaving little room for the larger conflicts or elaborate battle sequences that the filmmakers sought to incorporate. This necessitated creative expansions, which is a primary reason why characters like Galadriel and Saruman, portrayed by Cate Blanchett and Christopher Lee, were introduced into the storyline.
Galadriel & Saruman as Essential Expansions
Peter Jackson’s Challenge of Adaptation
The arrangement to adapt Tolkien’s beloved 1937 novel into three separate films may be one of the primary factors contributing to the movie’s pitfalls. The book’s plot, though engaging, lacks the intricate political machinations and grandiose battles present in Jackson’s cinematic rendition. Thus, to fill the extensive runtime of three feature-length films, including Galadriel and Saruman was a logical choice to enrich the cinematic experience.
Establishing a Connection to The Lord of the Rings
Peter Jackson’s Desire for Continuity
The success of The Lord of the Rings films undoubtedly motivated Jackson to establish a stronger link to the original trilogy within The Hobbit. His eagerness to reintroduce beloved characters, including Legolas (played by Orlando Bloom), was part of a broader strategy to weave a cohesive narrative throughout both trilogies. The presence of Galadriel and Saruman enhances this continuity and draws fans deeper into the richly woven tapestry of Tolkien’s universe.
Moreover, adding Galadriel addresses the gender imbalance present within the original source material. While The Lord of the Rings featured strong female figures such as Arwen and Éowyn, The Hobbit lacked similarly significant roles. Jackson recognized this disparity and sought to enrich the representation in The Hobbit trilogy, bringing Galadriel into the spotlight alongside other notable female characters.
Canon Relevance of Galadriel and Saruman
Characters’ Place Within the Legendarium
Notably, the inclusion of Galadriel and Saruman does not contradict Tolkien’s established canon. Insights gleaned from Tolkien’s appendices and Unfinished Tales outline both characters’ involvement during the events of The Hobbit. As members of the White Council, their actions and involvement in the narrative naturally align with the storyline presented by Jackson, particularly regarding the threat from Dol Guldur.
While certain expansions within The Hobbit may not resonate with all critics, the presence of Galadriel and Saruman enriches the cinematic experience, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the lore while bridging gaps in Tolkien’s narrative. Their roles grant audiences not only a glimpse into the broader context of Middle-earth but also familiarity with lineage pivotal to understanding both trilogies.
Sources: The Numbers, Slate