The song "Misty Mountains" from "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" soundtrack is a hauntingly beautiful and iconic piece of music composed by Howard Shore. Here are some interesting facts about this memorable track:
Inspired by Tolkien's Work: Howard Shore, the composer of the soundtrack for "The Hobbit" film series, drew inspiration directly from J.R.R. Tolkien's original text. The lyrics of "Misty Mountains" are adapted from Tolkien's poem "Far Over the Misty Mountains Cold," which is found in "The Hobbit" novel.
Multiple Versions: There are several versions of "Misty Mountains" throughout the Hobbit film trilogy. The most notable rendition is performed by the dwarves in Bag End during the first film, "An Unexpected Journey." The song takes on different forms as the story progresses.
Dwarvish Chorus: The deep, resonant voices heard in the song are provided by a male choir. These voices create a sense of gravity and ancient history, perfectly fitting the dwarves' longing for their homeland.
Musical Motif: "Misty Mountains" features a recurring musical motif that is associated with the dwarves' quest throughout the film series. This motif helps tie the music together thematically and adds depth to the storytelling.
Critical Acclaim: The song received critical acclaim and was widely praised for its emotional impact. It became a fan favorite and is often associated with the themes of longing and adventure found in Tolkien's works.
Extended Version: The extended version of "Misty Mountains" features additional lyrics and is included in the soundtrack album. This version provides more insight into the dwarves' history and their quest to reclaim their homeland.
Impact on Pop Culture: "Misty Mountains" has had a significant impact on popular culture, with numerous covers, parodies, and adaptations by fans and other artists. It has become an iconic piece of music associated with the world of Middle-earth.
Oscar Nomination: The song was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 85th Academy Awards in 2013. While it didn't win, its nomination highlighted its impact and significance in the film.
Extended Editions: In the extended edition of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," a longer version of the song is performed by the dwarves during their journey. This extended scene provides even more depth to the song's narrative.
Cultural Legacy: "Misty Mountains" continues to be celebrated by fans of both J.R.R. Tolkien's works and the film adaptations. It serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring appeal of Tolkien's stories and the musical talent of Howard Shore.
The song "Misty Mountains" has become a beloved and iconic piece of music, capturing the essence of adventure, longing, and the epic journey at the heart of "The Hobbit" and Tolkien's larger Middle-earth legendarium.