Evangeline Lilly, who portrayed Tauriel in The Hobbit trilogy, once reflected on her character’s fate in an interview with Syfy, highlighting the raw, unresolved, and deeply human aspect of Tauriel’s ending. Unlike many characters in cinematic fantasy, Tauriel was not granted a happily-ever-after—instead, her journey concluded in heartbreak and loss.
Her words emphasize an important aspect of storytelling—one that mirrors real life:
“Things did not end well for Tauriel. Her last scene, really, was tragic. She was in tears and pain and sorrow. And what I like about that is it allows for two things. One, it allows for the viewer’s imagination to then say, ‘Where does she go from here? What happens now?’ And two, it’s truer to life.”
Tauriel’s story in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies was one of love, defiance, and heartbreak. As a non-canonical character created for the film adaptation, her presence sparked debate among Tolkien purists, but her arc left an undeniable emotional impact.
🧝 Who Was Tauriel? A Fierce Yet Doomed Warrior
Tauriel, a Silvan Elf, served as the Captain of the Mirkwood Guard under King Thranduil’s command. Unlike the aloof and isolationist elves of Mirkwood, Tauriel possessed a curiosity and compassion for the outside world, particularly for the struggles of mortals.
Her love for Kili, a Dwarven prince, defied centuries of elven prejudice and ultimately led her into the heart of the Battle of the Five Armies, where tragedy struck.
🔥 The Key Moments That Defined Tauriel’s Journey
✔ Loyalty vs. Defiance – She chose to disobey Thranduil, believing that Elves should not isolate themselves from the world’s struggles.
✔ Unlikely Love – Her bond with Kili was a rare and controversial romance, symbolizing unity between two divided races.
✔ Grief and Loss – In the aftermath of battle, Kili died in her arms, leaving Tauriel in utter devastation.
Tauriel’s last scene showed her kneeling over Kili’s lifeless body, heartbroken and lost, whispering:
“If this is love, I do not want it. Take it from me. Please!”
It was a painful, human moment—one that did not offer resolution, but rather lingered in sorrow, just as real grief does.
🌍 Why Tauriel’s Ending Feels More Realistic Than Fantasy Usually Allows
1️⃣ No Neat Conclusion
Unlike many fantasy narratives, Tauriel’s story did not end in triumph.
✔ She did not return to Mirkwood victorious.
✔ She did not find a new love.
✔ She did not have closure—instead, she was left in grief and exile.
Lilly herself appreciated this:
“I like that we can do that in stories, but it is refreshing sometimes to see things not wrap up and be left more like life.”
In real life, grief does not resolve itself neatly, and heartbreak often leaves scars rather than lessons.
2️⃣ A Character Who Wasn’t Defined by Romance Alone
Tauriel’s story was more than just a love story. While her relationship with Kili was central to her arc, she was also:
✔ A warrior who fought for what she believed in.
✔ A leader who questioned the rigid laws of her people.
✔ A symbol of change, representing a new kind of elf who did not see herself as superior to mortals.
Her grief was not just for Kili, but for an entire worldview that she believed in—a world where Elves, Dwarves, and Men could fight together.
3️⃣ What Happens to Tauriel After The Hobbit?
Since Tauriel was not in Tolkien’s original works, her fate remains unknown.
Some theories suggest:
- She may have been exiled from Mirkwood, punished by Thranduil for defying him.
- She may have wandered Middle-earth, lost in grief, similar to how Arwen mourned Aragorn’s death in solitude.
- She could have left for the Undying Lands, though there is no confirmation she was allowed that privilege.
📌 Lilly’s statement encourages fans to imagine what happens next—a rare opportunity to shape Tauriel’s destiny beyond the confines of a film script.
🏹 A Character That Divided Fans but Left an Impact
Tauriel remains one of the most debated characters in The Hobbit trilogy:
✔ Some believe she added depth to the story, bringing emotion and a new perspective on the Elves.
✔ Others argue she was unnecessary, and her romance with Kili distracted from Tolkien’s original narrative.
Regardless of where fans stand, her tragic ending resonated with many, reminding us that not all stories have happy endings, and not all grief can be healed.
Her story was not about victory, but loss.
Not about a grand destiny, but an uncertain future.
And perhaps, in that bittersweet realism, Tauriel found a place in Middle-earth’s history after all.
📢 What Do You Think?
🔹 Did Tauriel’s tragic ending make her story more powerful?
🔹 Should she have had a different fate?
🔹 Where do you think she went after The Hobbit?
Let’s discuss! 🏹💔