"Misty Mountains Cold" is a song from the soundtrack of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," the first film in Peter Jackson's Hobbit film trilogy. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic song:
Original Source: The song is based on a poem from J.R.R. Tolkien's novel "The Hobbit." In the book, it's sung by the dwarves as they prepare to depart on their adventure to the Lonely Mountain.
Composition: "Misty Mountains Cold" was composed by Howard Shore, who also composed the music for the entire "The Lord of the Rings" film trilogy. He sought to capture the rich, epic tone of Tolkien's world in the music.
Lyrics: The lyrics for the song were adapted from Tolkien's original poem by Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh, and Peter Jackson, the same team that adapted Tolkien's works for the screenplay.
Vocal Performance: The haunting vocals in the song were performed by Richard Armitage, who portrayed Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the dwarf company in the film. His deep, resonant voice added a powerful and somber quality to the song.
Use in the Film: "Misty Mountains Cold" plays a significant role in setting the tone for the film. It's first heard early in the movie when Thorin sings it in Bag End, and it recurs several times throughout the trilogy, often during moments of reflection and nostalgia.
Cultural Impact: The song has become one of the most iconic pieces of music from "The Hobbit" film trilogy and is recognized by fans of both the books and the movies. It has been covered and reinterpreted by various artists and orchestras.
Awards: Howard Shore's work on "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" soundtrack, including "Misty Mountains Cold," earned him nominations and awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
In-World Significance: In the context of Tolkien's Middle-earth, "Misty Mountains Cold" is a dwarven song that pays homage to their ancestral home, the Lonely Mountain, and the treasure they lost to the dragon Smaug. It serves as a reminder of their quest to reclaim their homeland and their sense of identity as dwarves.
Mood and Atmosphere: The song's melancholic and mysterious melody captures the eerie and enchanting essence of the Misty Mountains, emphasizing the perilous journey that awaits the characters.
Variations: Various versions of the song appear in the extended editions of the Hobbit films, each conveying different emotions and themes as the story progresses.
"Misty Mountains Cold" is a musical masterpiece that helps immerse viewers in the magical and perilous world of Middle-earth, making it a memorable and integral part of "The Hobbit" film trilogy.