SPLICED Magazine Issue 02 Dec/Jan 2014 | Page 131

is a grand journey that sees our eager heroes faced with all manner of fantastical encounters: warg-riding orcs, wispy elves, men who happen to be part-time bears, giant spiders, angry goblin armies, majestic giant eagles and halfwit trolls eager to turn the group into a hearty supper. The Desolation of Smaug reunites us with Bilbo and co. as they continue the march eastward. They’ll meet a variety of new friends and foes (and a few that will be pleasantly familiar to fans of Jackson’s films) along the way. The wood-elves and spiders of Mirkwood. Beorn the shapeshifter. The inhabitants of Lake-town, who prove wary of Thorin Oakenshield and his desire to reclaim Erebor. Our lithe friend Legolas the elf, son of Thanduil, the Elvenking. And most importantly, we meet the titular dragon Smaug for the first time. Beorn PLAYED BY: MIKAEL PERSBRANDT A mountain of a man, Beorn is the last of his kind. Part of an ancient race of skin-changers, he has the ability to assume the form of a powerful black bear. Aside from his beloved animal friends, Beorn is not fond of visitors, and has no love for dwarves in particular. Regardless, Gandalf knows that the party must seek out Beorn’s help to continue their quest. FEATURE / MOVIES / THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG 131