"The Misty Mountains," also known as "Misty Mountains Cold," is a song featured in J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novel "The Hobbit," and it also appears in the film adaptations of the book. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic song:
Authorship: J.R.R. Tolkien wrote the lyrics for "The Misty Mountains" in his novel "The Hobbit." The song is sung by Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves in the book as they journey through the Misty Mountains.
Film Adaptation: In Peter Jackson's film adaptation of "The Hobbit," titled "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" (2012), the song is performed by the cast. Richard Armitage, who plays Thorin Oakenshield, led the dwarves in singing it.
Lyric Adaptations: The lyrics in the film are a slight adaptation of Tolkien's original verses. Neil Finn, a New Zealand musician, and songwriter who is best known as a member of Crowded House, provided some of the lyrics for the song.
Mood and Atmosphere: "The Misty Mountains" is one of the most iconic songs in both the book and the film. It sets the mood for the perilous journey the dwarves are about to undertake, foreshadowing the dangers they will face in their quest to reclaim their homeland.
Musical Score: The song is an integral part of Howard Shore's film score for "The Hobbit" trilogy. It incorporates various elements of dwarven culture and the epic fantasy feel of the story.
Cultural Impact: "The Misty Mountains" became popular among fans of Tolkien's works and was covered and parodied numerous times on the internet and in various media. Some fans even created their own renditions of the song.
Multiple Versions: There are different versions of the song used throughout the film series, including both shorter and extended versions. The song is reprised in later films in the trilogy as well.
Awards: The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2013, and it was nominated for several other awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
Traditional Folk Influence: The song's melody and lyrics are reminiscent of traditional folk songs. This folkloric quality adds to the rich cultural tapestry of Middle-earth.
Legacy: "The Misty Mountains" is a prime example of how music can enhance the storytelling experience in film adaptations of literature. It has become a memorable and beloved element of "The Hobbit" series and Tolkien's overall legendarium.
The haunting and epic nature of "The Misty Mountains" makes it a standout piece in both the book and the film, and it remains a favorite among fans of Tolkien's works and the movie adaptations.