Lord of the Rings Book Canon Details Peter Jackson Decided to Ignore
Some of them are so complicated that it's easier to ignore them than to explain them.
Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings film trilogy, while beloved, made some changes to the original novels that didn't sit well with fans.
Some aspects did not make it to the screen, though the films generally stayed true to J.R.R. Tolkien's vision.
Here are some of the most important canonical details from the Lord of the Rings books that have been overlooked in the film franchise.
Gandalf's Origin
The movies don't explicitly reveal the true nature of the main protagonist. Gandalf belongs to the Maiar, a group of divine beings that have existed since time began.
Eru Ilúvatar, the One Creator (God), created the Valar as his helpers, and then he created the Maiar as the helpers of the Valar.
Gandalf, known as Olórin, was in Valinor in the previous ages.
His story, and the stories of other wizards, is very powerful, and many fans were of the opinion that this story was completely absent from the film.
The Real Reason Why Merry and Pippin Join Frodo
There is a notable difference in the characterization of Merry and Pippin, Frodo's cousins who go on an adventure with him. In the books, they are perceptive, aware of the danger Frodo faces, and willing to travel with him.
In the films, however, they are portrayed as bumbling and comical, downplaying their loyalty and true character. Throughout the films, this change in portrayal has had a significant effect on their overall portrayal.
Sauron's Origin
Sauron is the title character and main antagonist who is the ruler of the land of Mordor and has ambitions to rule all of Middle-earth.
However, the films omit Sauron's entire pre-Second Age backstory, leaving viewers with limited knowledge of his history and motivations.
Sauron was essentially the Lucifer of Middle-earth, bringing terrible destruction to the earth and waging the greatest war against the elves.
His origin plays an important role in the books and helps to make his character deeper and easier to understand.
Why Did the Elves Really Leave?
Why the Elves really had to leave Middle-earth, regardless of the outcome of the battle, was never explained in the movie.
The movie gave the impression that the elves were giving up hope, but the truth was that they couldn't stay and help because of their own limitations.
In the books, it was clear that their power was in decline, and their rings were dependent on the One Ring.
The Scouring of the Shire
The Scouring of the Shire is one of many events which took place in Middle-earth during the War of the Ring and is the only time the Shire was attacked during the Great Years.
This pivotal chapter showed the growth and resilience of the Hobbits as they fought against the tyranny of their homeland.
Omitting it was seen as a missed opportunity to convey a powerful allegorical message and to reflect Tolkien's experiences during the Second World War.
Although Peter Jackson has defended his decision, many fans are still disappointed by this significant exclusion.