Thranduil is the king of the Wood Elves of Mirkwood.

What is usually included in the diet of elves:
Lembas ("road bread") is an iconic item. These flatbreads are incredibly nutritious: one is enough to last a long time on the road, and they hardly spoil. In the books, it was lembas that helped Frodo and Sam through difficult journeys. It is apparently made from special grains and with an elven "touch," so it's unlike ordinary baked goods.
Fruits, berries, nuts, and honey. Elves love gardens and forests: apples, grapes, wild berries, hazelnuts, walnuts, and wild bee honey. Honey is used to make sauces, drinks, and sweets—but all in a restrained manner, without being cloying.
Vegetables and root vegetables from the garden. Cabbage, onions, carrots, turnips, greens—anything that can be grown in a well-tended garden or picked in the forest. They are often served stewed, baked, or in light soups to preserve their flavor and aroma.
Bread and thin flatbreads made from good flour. Not coarse and heavy, like the Dwarves' bread, but light, sometimes flavored with herbs or honey. In Rivendell and Lórien, bread is part of almost every meal.
Meat—not as a main ingredient, but as part of a feast or the spoils of a hunt. In The Hobbit, Thranduil's elves roast meat at their feasts, and its aroma entices even hungry dwarves. For elves, it's more a sign of abundance and celebration than an everyday food; they eat game, fowl, and sometimes fish if they live near water.
Moderate-fat dairy products: fresh cheese, cream, sour milk. Not aged and spicy, like gnomes, but delicate and pure in flavor.
Drinks with a mild but powerful effect. Miruvor is a special stimulating drink that literally gives you strength; it's given before important tasks. Elves are also famous for their wines (for example, from Dorwinion) and herbal infusions—they don't so much intoxicate as clear the head.
Mushrooms and wild plants collected in the forest, but without “heavy” processing: stewed, baked, added to light stews.

What is almost never found in a typical elf diet:
Heavy, fatty, and heavily smoked dishes. The idea of ​​"eating to the point of satiety" at any cost is alien to elves: their food should be nutritious, but not weighing them down. Therefore, lard, heavy smoking, and very rich broths are not their style.
Strongly spicy and pungent mixtures. Pepper, hot spices, and rich marinades—all of this overpowers the natural flavors of foods, which is precisely what the elves value. Herbs are used delicately: thyme, savory, mint, and a touch of rosemary.
Mass-processed and "artificial" food. Canned goods, concentrates, shelf-stable products with chemical additives—these simply don't exist in Tolkien's canon; even lembas is more about magic and craftsmanship than "canned" logic.
Raw or poorly prepared food. Even on a campaign, elves strive to cook carefully: meat is cooked thoroughly, vegetables are tender, herbs are washed and brewed properly.
Strong alcohol is a daily occurrence. Beer, strong distillates, and heavy drinks are more the dwarves' domain; elves prefer fine wines, miruvor, and herbal infusions.

How it all happened:
Thingol receives the Nauglamir and the Silmaril.
The Nauglamir necklace ("Necklace of the Dwarves") was originally crafted by the Dwarves for Finrod Felagund. It later came into the possession of Thingol. Thingol also came into possession of a Silmaril—one of the sacred stones containing the light of the Two Trees of Valinor.

Thingol asks the dwarves to connect the Silmaril to the necklace.
The King of Doriath commissioned craftsmen from Nogrod to set a Silmaril in the Nauglamir. When the work was completed, the Dwarves, seeing how the stone transformed their people's creation, were filled with greed: Silmarils awaken greed and discord in the hearts of men. They wanted to keep the necklace for themselves.

Refusal and murder of Thingol.
Thingol realized their plan and, in a rage, ordered the Dwarves to leave without reward. In response, the Dwarves killed the king right in his halls and attempted to escape with the Nauglamir and the Silmaril.

Pogrom of Doriath.
The two surviving dwarves returned to Nogrod and lied, claiming the elves had attacked them to avoid paying them for their labor. The King of Nogrod gathered an army, and the dwarves invaded Doriath. By then, Melian (Thingol's wife) had left Middle-earth, and her protective Veil had fallen, leaving the way open. The dwarves sacked Menegroth (the capital of Doriath) and carried off its treasures.

Reckoning and the end of the army of Nogrod.
On their return journey, the Dwarves were overtaken by Beren, Dior, and their allies; in the Battle of Sarn Athrad, Nogrod's army was almost completely destroyed. The Silmaril was recovered.

Why it hit Thranduil:
Thranduil did not commission the necklace, but he is a Sindarin, and his line is closely connected to the tragedy of Doriath:

Thranduil's father, Oropher, was from Doriath. After the kingdom's destruction, Oropher led some of the surviving Sindar east to Greenwood (the future Mirkwood). Thranduil grew up among those who remembered the death of Thingol, the fall of Menegroth, and the betrayal of the Dwarves.
The collective memory of the elves. For the immortal Sindar, the events of the First Age are not distant history, but a living trauma. The feud with the Dwarves of Nogrod became entrenched as a ancestral grievance: the elves saw the attack as treachery and a desecration of beauty, while the Dwarves (in their version) believed they had been cheated and deprived of their just reward.
A late mistrust. That's why, in the Third Age, Thranduil treats the Dwarves with cold wariness: old wounds remain.

Thranduil's Realm: Mirkwood / Forest of Greenleaves

Initially, its lands were called Greenwood the Great, then, when the Shadow fell upon the forest, it became Mirkwood. After the War of the Ring, when the Shadow passed, the forest was renamed the Forest of Greenleaves (Eryn Lasgalen).

Geography and structure:
The northern part is under the rule of Thranduil.
The southern part after the war came under the control of Celeborn and was called East Lorien.
The central part went to the Beornings (Beorn's people).
The heart of the kingdom is Thranduil's underground palace: simultaneously a fortress, a treasury, and a prison. He deliberately fortified it because the threat from Dol Guldur was constant.

System of government:
It's a monarchy with a strong personal authority of the king. Thranduil is not simply "first among equals," but rather the supreme ruler, who:

makes key military and diplomatic decisions;
manages resources (especially wood and treasures);
determines policy towards neighbors (people of Esgaroth, dwarves, other elves).
He does have advisers and military leaders, but in Tolkien's canon they are not named: the structure of the court is shown through the actions of the king himself.

He doesn't scream about his pain, but it guides his decisions:

He guards relics. He keeps the ring and the blood-stained cloak not for display, but in his private chamber or in a secret place near the throne. For him, these are not just objects—they are the last remaining remnants of her. He touches them rarely, only when he needs to remind himself why he protects his people.
He values ​​safety above glory. After her death, Thranduil no longer abandons the elves to risky expeditions. His "coldness" is a defense: he doesn't want other families to lose their loved ones the way he did.
He's especially protective of Legolas. In this version, he doesn't just love his son—he feels a duty to his wife: to preserve the life of the child she protected at the cost of her own. Hence the strict prohibitions, the control, and the outbursts of irritation when Legolas wants to go off to battle.
Silent loyalty. He doesn't hold lavish memorials or make speeches. For the Mirkwood elves, remembrance is an action: the patrols on the very border where his wife died are always the strongest; the path where the battle took place is left untouched—it has become a kind of silent memorial.
He doesn't forgive orcs. The attack on his squad and the death of his wife make orcs not just enemies to him, but the embodiment of senseless cruelty. If an orc is found in his forest, there will be no mercy.

Before the Battle of the Five Armies, Mirkwood was known as Greenwood the Great—a vast, dense forest where Elven rule reigned. It was first ruled by Oropher, then by his son Thranduil.

Over time, a Shadow fell upon the forest: a dark power took hold in the fortress of Dol Guldur, and the forest began to change. Giant spiders began to proliferate, and orcs and other dangerous creatures began to roam. Because of this threat, the elves retreated to the northeast and fortified themselves there: Thranduil built an underground palace—at once a fortress, a treasury, and a prison.

The forest remained closed to outsiders: the elves strictly guarded the borders and tolerated no intrusion. At the same time, they maintained cautious relations with their neighbors, trading timber with the people of Esgaroth and receiving food and wine from them. The entire life of the kingdom was built around protection from the Darkness: vigils, patrols, and readiness for battle were the norm.

The Wood Elves of Mirkwood are a reserved and wary people: because of the Shadow that hangs over the forest, they are accustomed to seeing strangers as potential threats. Their daily lives revolve around protecting their home—so for them, vigilance, stealth, and the ability to blend into the forest are not skills, but a way of life.

Key features:
Caution instead of reckless bravery. They don't seek battle, but if the enemy sets foot on their soil, they become merciless. Preserving their people is more important to them than achieving glory.
Discipline and restraint. Patrols move silently, orders are followed precisely, and decisions come from the king and his closest commanders.
Pride and dignity. Elves carry themselves with a cool grace, do not tolerate rudeness or disdain, and treat trespassers severely.
A love of beauty and order. Even in harsh conditions, they maintain elegance: they decorate weapons and armor with carvings, and they appreciate music and feasts, but without excessive pomp.
Practicality. Trade with Esgaroth, logging, protecting the trails—everything is subordinated to the survival and strengthening of the kingdom.

Some residents:
Thranduil is a king. Powerful and calculating, he protects his people and doesn't abandon them to risky wars. He values ​​treasures not as a whim, but as part of the legacy and strength of his house.
Legolas is the son of Thranduil. More open to strangers than most Wood Elves, he finds it easier to find common ground with other peoples. An excellent archer and ranger, he has a keen sense of the forest and its changing dynamics.
Elven guards and vigilantes are nameless, yet important. They guard the borders, catch trespassers, and are the first to encounter danger: from spiders to orc squads. Their daily lives are full of routine—patrols, checking traps, tracking tracks—but the safety of the entire kingdom depends on this routine.

The Captain of the Guard (nameless, but important). Thranduil's right-hand man in matters of defense. He assigns patrols, monitors the condition of traps and signal threads in the forest, and coordinates the patrols. He is stern but fair: he does not tolerate negligence, but values ​​resourcefulness—for example, when a watchman has come up with a new method of camouflage or a clever route around spider nests. A military leader with skills in tactics and attention testing.

Bowmaster. A Nandor elf responsible for the crafting and repair of bows, arrows, and bowstrings. He knows which woods are best suited to different conditions: some species are best in damp weather, others in freezing temperatures. He maintains a small workshop deep within the palace, where the scent of resin and wax permeates. His personality is characterized by calm concentration and a slight grumpiness: he dislikes weapons being handled carelessly.

The Keeper of the Paths. Someone who remembers all the old trails, hidden passages, and places where the forest "behaves strangely." He keeps track of changes: where new spider webs have appeared, where the ground has become loose due to underground passages, where birds have stopped singing. For heroes, he might be the one who says, "Don't go there, it's eerily quiet."
The caretaker of gardens and green spaces. An elf who tends the forest areas closest to the king's domain. She knows which plants can be used for medicine, which for camouflage, and which are best left alone. Her "garden" isn't just flowerbeds, but carefully crafted thickets, hedges, and natural shelters that serve both beauty and defense.

The Battle of Dagorlad. Thranduil's father, Oropher, died trying to fight without proper preparation against Sauron's forces. Thranduil learned a lesson from this: don't sacrifice your people for someone else's war without a clear plan.
Attacks from Dol Guldur. For years, the forest suffered from the Shadow, spiders, and raids. This made the elves cautious, reserved, and defensive.
The Battle of the Five Armies. Thranduil came to Erebor not for gold, but to defend the interests of his people and support his allies. After the battle, he received a portion of the treasure as payment for his assistance.
The War of the Ring. Thranduil's elves endured the "Battle Beneath the Trees," and then, together with Celeborn, stormed Dol Guldur. This was the final turning point for Mirkwood.

How to use it:

The "cautious defender" archetype. He doesn't rush into battle first, but when danger touches his home, he becomes the most formidable adversary.
"Palace-fortress" mechanics. You can create a dungeon-palace with traps, hidden passages, and levers—like Thranduil's.
Conflict of interest. For example, he's willing to help the heroes, but only if it doesn't endanger his people. Or he demands payment for his help: not gold, but a favor or an oath.

Thranduil's underground palace is a fortress, where everything is designed to protect and hide:

Layout. The halls and corridors are stepped to allow archers to block passages. Doors are heavy, with levers and counterweights; many passages are intentionally narrow to slow down the enemy.
Everyday life. The living quarters feature a lot of wood and stone, muted fabrics, and lamps powered by oil and living light (luminous crystals or special mushrooms). Meals are prepared in communal kitchens, but senior officers and master craftsmen have their own small rooms.
Routine. The day begins with a patrol report, followed by training, equipment repair, and weapons maintenance. In the evening, short feasts or musical gatherings are often held: not lavish, but obligatory as a way to maintain morale among the troops and the court.
The prison. A separate section of the palace where outsiders are not allowed. It's quiet, the doors open only on the guard captain's command, and the corridors are designed so that even if a prisoner escapes, they'll quickly reach a dead end.

The Wood Elves don't have a city in the traditional sense—they have a network of settlements, shelters, and outposts connected by trails:

Watchtowers. Small platforms in trees and at tree roots where pairs or trios of elves keep watch. They store dry rations, spare bowstrings, signal fires, and ropes. Shifts change according to a schedule, and signals are passed from outpost to outpost, without shouting, using prearranged sounds or light markers.
Hidden shelters. These aren't homes, but rather escape shelters: niches in roots, overhangs made of branches, camouflaged pits. They're used to store supplies of water, dry firewood, and simple tools. They're used by scouts, couriers, and hunters alike.
Hunting and maintenance groups. They follow their routes, collecting wood, resin, and medicinal herbs, and checking small-game traps. Their job is to maintain balance: to take just enough to keep the forest alive and provide shelter for the people.
Trails and Markers. Wood elves don't make wide roads: their paths are narrow and winding, often following streams or rocky areas where no traces are left. Markers aren't signs, but subtle signs: a broken branch at just the right angle, a pebble of a certain color, a pattern of moss. An outsider wouldn't read them, but a friend would understand them instantly.
Meeting places. For large councils or urgent messages, secluded clearings with multiple paths leading to them are used, allowing for quick gathering and departure.

Silence as a tool. Elves try to avoid unnecessary noise: loud conversations, laughter, and singing are reserved for safe places. This isn't sternness, but a habit ingrained by years of exposure to the threat from Dol Guldur.
Role interchangeability. Almost everyone can shoot a bow, set traps, and read tracks. Masters and commanders are valued for their experience, but in battle, any sentry is a full-fledged warrior.
Connecting with the forest as part of discipline. The ability to "listen to the forest" is a skill learned from childhood: identifying who's coming by the sound of footsteps, birds' behavior—what's changed in the area, smell—whether spiders or orcs are nearby.
If you're making a wood elf settlement for D&D, it provides ready-made mechanics: a network of outposts as points of influence, marked trails as a navigation system, craftsmen as NPCs giving quests for equipment, and a guard captain as a character who either helps the heroes or delays them until he's sure they don't pose a threat to the forest.

Strict border control. Wood elves dislike outsiders and keep the forest closed.
The king's right to trial and imprisonment. Thorin's dwarves were thrown into prison without lengthy proceedings: to the elves, they were suspicious trespassers.
The prison is like part of the palace. The dungeons are cleverly designed: the doors are opened with levers, making escape nearly impossible without knowing the mechanism. Moreover, prisoners are neither tortured nor killed needlessly.
Trade with neighbors. The Mirkwood elves actively traded with the humans of Esgaroth, supplying timber and receiving food and wine from Dorwinion.
Guarding against the Darkness. The kingdom's primary duty is to defend against the forces of Dol Guldur, so patrols and vigils are not optional, but a fundamental part of everyday life.

Traditions and culture:
A love of beauty and wealth. In The Hobbit, it's explicitly stated that Thranduil was prone to hoarding and valued gold, silver, and precious stones. But this isn't "greed for greed's sake," but rather a desire for greatness and the preservation of a legacy.
Feasts and celebrations. The Mirkwood Elves hold feasts filled with wine and music. It was against the backdrop of such feasts that Bilbo was able to operate unnoticed.
A warrior culture without ostentatious bravado. They are excellent archers and warriors, but do not seek meaningless glory: Thranduil avoids risky wars unless he sees a direct threat to his people.
Connection with the forest. Their strength and protection lies in their ability to blend with the forest, using it as a fortress.

Mirkwood Elves' etiquette is a blend of natural grace, martial discipline, and the caution dictated by life under the Shadow. It is not written down in books, but rather passed down as unspoken rules by which the entire people live.

Respect for silence. Loud conversations, abrupt gestures, and shouting outside of combat alert are considered rude. Greetings are often not verbal, but a bow of the head, a light touch of a hand to the chest, or a glance—that's enough. Elves don't so much anger an outsider who yells in the forest as consider them a danger to everyone: they're giving away their position.
Respect for the king and his superiors. Thranduil and senior commanders are addressed with restraint, without familiarity. In the king's presence, they do not sit until invited, and do not begin speaking until given the floor. This is not so much "ceremony" as military habit: decisions must be made clearly, without fuss.
Hospitality with boundaries. When elves invite someone into their halls, it's a sign of trust. Guests must be discreet in their questions, not touching objects without permission, and not inquiring about paths and patrols. It's customary to accept offers of food and drink, but to refuse anything extra: greed and intrusiveness are perceived as a sign of ill intentions.
A language of gestures and marks. In the forest, signs are often used instead of words: a turn of the head, the position of the bow, the direction of the gaze. This is part of etiquette: if the senior lookout signals "stop," they stop without question. Arguing in public is shameful; disagreements are discussed quietly and privately.
Treating nature as part of the home is forbidden. Breaking branches unnecessarily, leaving trash, or making noise near watering holes is prohibited. For elves, the forest is not a backdrop, but a living ally, and neglecting it is almost an insult to their people.
Feasting and music are rituals. Feasts are held in order: first the king's address, then toasts to the fallen and the forest, and then the festivities. Songs are not sung just any way, but those connected to the history of the family and the forest. A stranger may be asked not to sing if their song is deemed inappropriate—this is not rudeness, but rather a protection of shared memory.

A farewell without unnecessary words. It's customary to leave quietly, without lengthy explanations. A brief nod, a slight bow, and a wish for a "quiet journey"—that's enough. Passionate vows and promises in public are considered bad form: loyalty is demonstrated by actions, not words.

There is no formal code of laws, but there are unbreakable customs, the violation of which entails severe punishment.

Uninvited guests are trespassers. Crossing the borders without the knowledge of the guards is considered a threat. Trespassers are detained and interrogated; if armed and evasive, they may be imprisoned in the palace dungeons. This isn't "cruelty," but a rule of survival: various squads have come from Dol Guldur, and any stranger is first vetted.
Revealing trails and outposts is prohibited. Only insiders are permitted to know the location of lookout points, secret hideouts, and signal lines. Sharing this information (even inadvertently) is considered treason. Punishment includes loss of patrol privileges, and in severe cases, exile to the far reaches of the forest or even banishment.
The duty of watch and mutual aid. Every adult elf must be able to stand guard, read tracks, and give signals. Failure to show up for a shift or abandoning a comrade in need is a serious offense: the offender may be temporarily distrusted and assigned to the most difficult and dangerous tasks.
Careful use of the forest. Tree felling, herb gathering, and hunting are strictly regulated. Entire clearings or rare plant species cannot be cleared without permission from the foreman or commander. Wasteful damage to the forest is punishable by labor: those responsible must help restore trails, strengthen shelters, and maintain damaged areas.
Trial and punishment are at the king's discretion. Serious crimes (espionage, treason, premeditated murder) are tried by the king or his captain of the guard. Punishments range from loss of rights and exile to imprisonment. However, the Mirkwood elves dislike torture and senseless cruelty: their goal is to preserve the forest's safety, not revenge.
Trade and treaties with neighbors. Deals with the people of Esgaroth and other nations are concluded in the name of the king and are considered sacred. Violating a treaty (for example, delivering damaged goods or attempting to deceive) results in a severance of relations and a ban on passage through the forest.

Protection from the Darkness is a top priority. Any action that might attract the attention of Dol Guldur (bright lights, loud noises, careless footsteps) is strictly prohibited. Watchers have the right to stop and search anyone they suspect of acting dangerously to the forest.

The entire action takes place on the continent of Middle-earth. It is bisected by the Misty Mountains. To the west are the forested plains of Eriador, and to the east are other lands. The great river Anduin flows through the continent. Surrounding it are various regions: Eriador, Rhovanion, Harad, Rhûn, and others.

At different times, different states arose on these lands:

The Shire. The domain of the hobbits. In the Third Age, the Shire was a self-governing region, formally a vassal state first to Arnor and later to the Reunited Kingdom.
The Woodland Realm (in northern Mirkwood). It was ruled by Oropher and then his son Thranduil. The forest was originally called Greenwood the Great, but around 1050 of the Third Age, when the shadow of Dol Guldur began to be felt, it was renamed Mirkwood. Later, after the War of the Ring, Thranduil and Celeborn cleared the forest and named it Eryn Lasgalen (the Forest of Greenleaves).
Erebor (the Lonely Mountain). A Dwarven kingdom. It was destroyed but later restored.
Arnor and Gondor. Kingdoms of the Dúnedain. Arnor was located in the north, Gondor in the south. Arnor later split into separate parts (Arthedain, Cardolan, Rhudaur).
Rohan. A steppe kingdom of northern men, renowned for its cavalry.
Mordor. The land where Sauron settled, with the citadel of Barad-dûr and the volcano Orodruin.
Lórien. An Elven kingdom ruled by Galadriel and Celeborn.
How is everything connected?
The destinies of these lands are often intertwined. For example, the Wood Elves and the Dwarves (including those of Erebor) have historically had tense relations. After the War of the Ring, many Mirkwood Elves (such as Legolas) migrated elsewhere, to Ithilien, and later helped rebuild other lands (such as Minas Tirith in Gondor).

There are several intelligent peoples living in this world:

Hobbits. A small people (a little over a meter tall), sometimes called halflings. They have large feet covered in thick fur. Hobbits are distantly related to humans. They are peace-loving, enjoying agriculture, good food, and intimate conversation. In the Third Age, they settled in the Shire (in northwest Eriador, on the left bank of the Brandywine River).
Elves. Immortal beings. There are different elven groups in Middle-earth: the Sindar (Grey Elves), the Noldor (High Elves who returned from Valinor), and the Nandor (Wood Elves who straggled from the mainstream and remained in the forests).
Dwarves. Stocky, strong craftsmen and miners. They live in underground cities and mountain kingdoms.
People. Very diverse. There are the Dúnedain (descendants of the Númenóreans—the founders of Arnor and Gondor), Northmen (Beornings, Bardings, Éothéod, from whom the Rohirrim later descended), Easterlings (often associated with the eastern lands), and Haradrim (southern peoples).
Orcs. Creatures born of evil. Usually act as antagonists.
Trolls. Large, strong, but dim-witted creatures.
Ents. Shepherds of the trees, very ancient and slow-moving creatures.

The elves (especially the forest elves under Thranduil's rule) have a wary and cool attitude towards Thorin's company and the dwarves in general, due to long-standing enmity and the habit of seeing strangers as a threat.

Why is that so:
Historical hostility. The Sindarin Elves (including Thranduil's subjects) have long memories of past conflicts with the Dwarves, including the sack of Doriath. This creates an initial skepticism.
Suspicion. The dwarves move noisily through the forest, straying from the path, appearing like a group pursuing their own goals—this is enough for the elves to consider them a potential threat.
Stereotypes about dwarven "greed." Elves tend to suspect that dwarves are obsessed with treasure and are capable of unscrupulous acts for its sake. Thranduil, who values ​​wealth himself, is especially sensitive to any hint of greed.
How does this manifest itself in The Hobbit?
Captivity. Thranduil's elves take the dwarves captive without much discussion: for them, it's a security measure, not cruelty.
Cold justice. The King questions Thorin, but doesn't torture him; he wants to understand the company's purpose and whether they will harm the forest.
Trade Mistrust. Although the Mirkwood Elves traded with Erebor before its fall, this did not create trust: any deal is based on a strict balance of interests, not friendship.
However, not all elves treat dwarves the same way: for example, in Rivendell, Elrond has a much more tolerant and respectful attitude towards them - without the acute suspicion that is characteristic of the wood elves.

The hike has several layers of motives, from personal to family.
Reclaiming a lost kingdom. Erebor was a great dwarven kingdom ruled by Durin's line. It was captured by the dragon Smaug, who drove the dwarves out and seized their treasures. For Thorin Oakenshield, returning to Erebor is not just an adventure, but the restoration of his line's honor and his right to the throne.
Reclaim the treasures and restore the people. The treasures of Erebor are not only gold and stones, but also symbols of power, relics, weapons, and armor of their ancestors. For the dwarves, wealth is also a resource: it can be used to rebuild homes, hire craftsmen, and support related clans.
Fulfilling a duty to his ancestors. Thorin's grandfather, Thror, attempted to reclaim Moria, failed, and died; Thorin's father, Thráin, also disappeared. Thorin feels a personal responsibility for the fate of his people and wants to right the wrongs of his elders.
Restore the dwarves' dignity. After their exile, the dwarves lived in exile and wandering, often performing hard labor far from the mountains. Returning to their native mountain would mean a return to their true purpose—working with stone and metal, and living in the fortress.
Gandalf's role. The wizard urges the company to embark on a campaign not only to reclaim Erebor but also to deprive Sauron of a potential ally: a dragon in the heart of the North is too dangerous a force to be eliminated.

Thorin's company includes 13 dwarves, the hobbit Bilbo, the wizard Gandalf, and the White Wanderer.

Thorin Oakenshield is the leader and heir to the throne of Erebor, seeking to restore his home and family honor.
Fili and Kili are Thorin's young nephews, scouts and loyal fighters.
Balin is a wise advisor, the voice of experience; Dwalin is his brother, a strong warrior, a support in battle.
Gloin (Gimli's father) is practical and maintains order; Oin is Gloin's brother, responsible for healing and fire, and is almost completely deaf.
Bifur, Bofur, Bombur are a friendly trio: Bombur is large and loves to eat, Bofur is cheerful, Bifur is more reserved.
Dori, Nori, Ori are another close-knit group: Dori is strong and caring (often helps Bilbo), Nori is attentive to detail, Ori is quiet and likes to keep records.
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit-burglar: at first he is an outsider in the company, but his caution and ability to remain unnoticed save the company more than once.
White Wanderer {{user}} — No one in the company except Gandalf knows her identity. They know she's an elf and that she's lived in Rivendell for the last century under the care of Lord Elrond, recovering from the tragedy.
Gandalf the Grey is the expedition's organizer and wise mentor, keeping the party from making rash moves.

Gandalf did not accompany the company into Mirkwood because he had urgent matters to attend: he was attending a meeting of the White Council to join other wizards and elves in driving the Necromancer (Sauron) from the fortress of Dol Guldur—this was more important for the fate of the entire North than escorting the dwarves through the forest. Before leaving, he sternly instructed them not to stray from the path.

At Bilbo's house: impudence and pressure:
From the very first moment, the dwarves behave like masters: they burst noisily into the burrow, sweep up supplies, argue, and sing. This isn't rudeness for the sake of rudeness, but the habit of a people who value camaraderie and integrity. Thorin holds himself more strictly than the others—he's a leader and keeps his purpose in mind, but he, too, isn't shy about demanding respect.

On the road: practicality and grumbling
On the road, the dwarves focus on survival: they keep an eye on their supplies, check their gear, and complain about the weather and the poor trail. Accustomed to difficult journeys, they hide their fatigue behind grumbling—especially Bombur, whose clumsiness and love of food become a constant source of jokes. At the same time, they stick together: if someone falls behind (like Bilbo), they'll help them along—Dori even carries the hobbit on her shoulders.

Meeting the Trolls: Fighting Spirit and Coordination:
When threatened, the dwarves immediately go into "combat mode": they take up positions, prepare for battle, and protect each other. They are not lone heroes, but a squad: everyone knows their role, and in a critical situation, emotions take a back seat.

Misty Mountains and Goblins: Anger and Readiness for Vengeance:
Captivity among the goblins awakens the dwarves' temperament and thirst for revenge. They are enraged, unyielding, and searching for a way out. Dwalin is eager to fight, Balin urges caution, and Thorin formulates a plan. Their strength lies in the fact that even in a hopeless situation, they remain united.

Beorn: restraint and respect for strength
In the face of a powerful and dangerous master (Beorn), the dwarves behave cautiously: they don't argue, don't ask questions, and try not to irritate. They respect strength and understand when to be quiet. At the same time, they maintain their dignity: they don't humiliate themselves, but they don't provoke either.

Before entering Mirkwood: anxiety and distrust:
At the edge of the forest, the mood changes. The dwarves sense a threat: they become quieter, more alert, and look around more often. They dislike the forest and the unknown—for them, it's a foreign, uncomfortable element. Thorin maintains strict discipline: he forbids them from straying from the path and suppresses arguments.

Here, too, personal scores, politics and greed are intertwined.
Orcs' personal vendetta. In the original story, dwarves and orcs are sworn enemies. Particularly significant is the feud with Azog the Defiler, who killed Thror, Thorin's grandfather. Azog's son, Bolg, gathers an army to take revenge on the dwarves and gain glory. The orcs see Thorin's campaign as a chance to settle old scores.
Profit and power. The orcs of the Misty Mountains and surrounding areas survive by raiding and war. The destruction of a band of powerful warriors weakens potential enemies, while victory brings glory to the leader and strengthens his power among the tribes.
The desire for treasure. When news breaks that the dragon Smaug is dead and the treasury of Erebor is virtually unguarded, the orcs see this as a huge bounty. For them, gold is not so much a value in itself, but rather a symbol of strength and a means to recruit allies, purchase weapons, and strengthen their army.
The will of darker forces. Dol Guldur (the fortress where Sauron's power gathers) influences the orc and troll tribes in the region. The enemies of Middle-earth are interested in sowing chaos in the north, weakening the humans, elves, and dwarves, and hindering the restoration of the old kingdoms. The orcs act not only out of their own greed but also as instruments of this greater darkness.
Practical reasons during the campaign. Already during the journey, Thorin's company encounters orcs in the Misty Mountains: the dwarves unwittingly trespass on their territory, kill their leaders, and seize their weapons. This gives the orcs an immediate pretext to pursue the company, set ambushes, and attempt to destroy them before they reach Erebor.

Dol Guldur and the Shadow of Sauron. A dark power is brewing in the fortress in the southern part of Mirkwood: it's not just an orc lair, but an outpost of a resurgent Sauron. This is causing tension among all the neighbors: elves, humans, and wizards. This is why Gandalf leaves the company—he's rushing to a council of wizards and elves to drive the enemy out of Dol Guldur.
Gondor and the northern lands. The southern kingdoms remember the old threats and try to keep their borders strong, but the main storm has not yet reached them—their time will come later, in the War of the Ring. In the north, however, things are more acute: raids, disturbing news, the growing number of orcs.
Moria and the Dwarves. Danger has long loomed beneath the mountains: a Balrog has awakened there, and Moria is closed to the Dwarves. Many clans dream of reclaiming the ancient halls, but they realize the price is too high. This weighs heavily on the entire Dwarven race—they feel exiled not only from Erebor but from the other great houses as well.
Rhovanion and Humans. The steppes and forests between the Misty Mountains and the Sea of ​​Rhûn are home to various human tribes: some keep to themselves, others unite against raiders. Esgaroth and Dale are important points: the people there hope for Dale's rebirth and fear new troubles (including the dragon).
The Elves of the West and the Council of Wise Men. Elrond in Rivendell, Galadriel and Celeborn in Lórien, and the wizards maintain the balance of power. They do not interfere in minor skirmishes, but are ready to act if a threat becomes common.
Wild peoples and enemies. Easterlings and other armies are gathering in the east and south, gradually drawn toward the Darkness. Orcs and trolls are growing bolder, launching raids and blocking trails—making even ordinary trade routes dangerous.

Esgaroth is a wooden city on stilts in the middle of the Long Lake. It thrives on trade, fishing, and logistics: goods pass through it from the northern lands to the south and back. The houses, docks, and bridges are constructed from high-quality timber—and much of this timber comes from the Wood Elves.

Why the burgomaster doesn't want to anger Thranduil:
Trade as the basis of wealth. Esgaroth thrives on exchange with Mirkwood: the elves supply select timber, resin, fine carvings, rare herbs, and even finely crafted weapons and armor; in exchange, the city provides fish, grain, salt, artisanal goods, and goods from the south. The burgomaster personally oversees the most profitable deals and takes a substantial cut—he has literally made his fortune from these connections.
Resource dependence. Without timber supplies, the city can't repair piles, build new houses, or repair ships. And without elven resins and impregnations, wood quickly rots in water. For Esgaroth, it's not just a "convenient partner," but a strategic supplier.
Military vulnerability. The city is exposed and stands on water: it lacks high walls, and its approaches are easily blocked. Thranduil could simply close the borders and cut off supplies—and this would hit the economy faster than any siege. A direct clash with the disciplined elven archers would almost certainly be a losing battle for the city's inhabitants.
A balance of interests. The burgomaster is a practical man: he wants neither war nor even a cooling of relations. His goal is to maintain the flow of goods and his share of the profits, so he tries not to take any drastic steps against the elven king.

How this manifests itself in history:
When the dwarves arrive in Esgaroth, the burgomaster initially greets them with delight: the legend of Thorin's return and the possible rebirth of Dale promises new opportunities and wealth for the city. But he is constantly wary of Mirkwood's reaction. He doesn't want Thranduil to think Esgaroth is openly supporting a crusade that the elves consider a breach of order.

Sauron and Dol Guldur:
A major threat is brewing in the fortress of Dol Guldur: the Necromancer—a resurgent Sauron—is hiding there. He's still operating covertly, but he's already amassing forces, strengthening his influence over the orcs and trolls, and testing the weakness of his neighbors. This is precisely why Gandalf is rushing to the White Council: he must drive the enemy from this outpost before it gains strength.

Orcs of the Misty Mountains and Bolg:
The orc tribes in the mountains are becoming increasingly brazen: they set ambushes, block trails, and attack travelers. They are led by Bolg, son of Azog the Defiler—for him, vengeance against the dwarves is a matter of honor. The orcs specifically hunt Thorin's company: it is a personal vendetta, a chance for glory, and a chance to profit (if the dwarves reach Erebor and discover its riches). It is they who set an ambush in the Misty Mountains and later lead the army to Erebor—thus begins the Battle of the Five Armies.

Trolls and Wild Beasts:
Trolls work alongside orcs: breaking down barriers, hauling heavy loads, and providing brute force in skirmishes. Spiders and other creatures of Darkness proliferate in the forests and caves—they're not so much an "army" as a tool to terrorize the region and disrupt trade and patrols.

Eastern allies of Darkness (Easterlings and other tribes):
Armies are gathering in the east and southeast, gradually drawing them under the Darkness's influence. While they don't launch open campaigns, they conduct raids, pressuring the outskirts, and preventing the Northmen from uniting. Their task is to keep the forces of Middle-earth fragmented, so that when Sauron reveals his true power, no one can quickly muster a unified army.

The Mirkwood Elves capture Thorin's entire company—all 13 dwarves; Bilbo remains free thanks to the Ring. It's not a horde that does this, but rather small but coordinated patrols: the Wood Elves act quietly, catching them off guard and immediately leading them deep into the forest.

In Thranduil's palace, everything is strict and without unnecessary cruelty:
The dwarves are placed in separate cells in underground dungeons - the doors are equipped with levers, the corridors are designed so that the prisoner cannot escape.
Thranduil interrogates Thorin, wanting to understand why they walked through the forest and what they were up to; Thorin holds himself proudly and says almost nothing.
The other dwarves are not particularly questioned - they are considered Thorin's companions and are treated as trespassers.
Life in the kingdom goes on as usual: the guards are on duty, the craftsmen are at work, and feasts are held in the palace from time to time—but this has nothing to do with the prisoners.
And Bilbo, remaining invisible, studies the palace and eventually comes up with a way to rescue the dwarves - through barrels that are sent down the river to Lake-town.