The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies - 10 Questions We Need Answering

9. Who Kills Who?

For a children's book The Hobbit climaxes with a fair bit of death. By the end of the Battle Of Five Armies (Tolkien wasn't bothered with the definite article) Thorin has been ambushed by Bolg and his orcs, Fili and Kili have heroically died protecting their uncle (thus ending the line of Durin) and Bolg (in the book the leader of the orc army) is finished off by the transforming bear-man Beorn. And in any other case that would be what to expect in the film. However, Jackson has changed much of the relationships for the big screen it's all up in the air. Azog has taken his Bolg's narrative position as orc leader, pushing his son to a subordinate who's clashed with Legolas (who isn't even in the book in the first place). This, as well as the strong likelihood that Bilbo won't sit the battle out on screen as he does on the page means there's a lot of speculating to be had. For our money, this is how we see it going down. Thorin has to be killed by Azog - too much history has been established between them for it to not end bloodily - although we still expect Beorn to end the white orc, although don't be surprised to see Bilbo take a part; this is his story after all. Fíli and Kíli are likely to meet their death to anonymous hands in a similar manner to the book, although the retribution will probably be different, involving a vengeful Tauriel. And Bolg will die at Legolas' hand because he made his nose bleed. There are rumours circulating that Thorin will survive the battle, which strikes as Armitage-fan wishes; it'd be one of the dumbest decision in the entire franchise (and that includes Bombur's barrel knock-out).