The Lord Of The Ring: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Fellowship
8. Legolas' Father Was Also Fighting In Mirkwood During The War Of The Ring
Peter Jackson's movies barely scratched the surface of all the events that took place during Tolkien's epic tale. And even Tolkien only hinted at the sheer scope of the War of the Ring. In his expanded writings, the Appendices and Unfinished Tales, he alludes to matters that went down further afield.
Sauron's attack on Middle-earth was spread across a wide front. He sent legions of Easterlings to attack the Lonely Mountain; they destroyed Dale and besieged the survivors inside the Mountain. Dáin II Ironfoot was killed defending the body of King Brand; the grandson of Bard the Bowmen who slew Smaug years before.
But an army was also sent to attack the Woodland Realms. Thranduil's kingdom was almost destroyed when orcs from Dol Guldur set the forrest on fire. What follows is a bitter fight known as the Battle Under the Trees. Eventually the elves emerge as the victors. This was in part due to the sacrifice made by Dáin and Brand, who delayed the Easterlings from reinforcing the evil forces attacking Mirkwood.