We’ve got your ultimate guide to the characters in ‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.’

Gandalf (Ian McKellen)

Wise and all knowing, this bearded, eccentric wizard helps guide our heroes on their quest, while also being quite the powerful ally.

Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman)

Before Frodo, there was Bilbo. A friendly Hobbit whose legendary Middle-earth adventures included big battles, new friendships and an encounter with one very big dragon.

Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch)

Smaug is a clever dragon prone to flattery, whose mind is as dangerous as his fiery breath. If he’s not sleeping atop mountains of gold, you can find him terrorizing the citizens of Laketown.

Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage)

The leader of the dwarves is tough and fearless, with an immense longing to reclaim their former home (and treasure) from the devious dragon who stole it from the dwarves years ago.

Necromancer/Sauron (Benedict Cumberbatch)

Initially known as The Necromancer, the terrifying Sauron is the creator of the One Ring and an evil whose presence is felt across all of Middle-earth.

Legolas Greenleaf

A skilled warrior and prince of the Mirkwood elves, Legolas (and his bow and arrow) plays  a major role as protector for our Dwarven and Hobbit heroes.

Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly)

This Mirkwood elf is a new character created for the ‘Hobbit’ movie trilogy. Partner to Legolas, she first assists the dwarves when they are attacked by giant spiders.

Bard the Bowman (Luke Evans)

A skilled archer and resident of Laketown, this agile hero swings into action when the dragon Smaug attacks his people.

Thranduil (Lee Pace)

Son of Oropher and father to Legolas, Thranduil is a stoic Elven king who’s known for his battle against Sauron in the War of the Ring. 

Galadriel (Cate Blanchett)

Galadriel is a luminous Noldorin princess who’s been around for ages, having witnessed the creation of the Rings of Power. She can also communicate telepathically, which is pretty sweet.

Elrond (Hugo Weaving)

The Half-elven Lord of Rivendell is a mighty ruler who provided shelter to Bilbo during his quest. He also headed the council that decided to destroy the One Ring. 

Saruman (Christopher Lee)

Also known as Saruman the White, this wizard was originally one of the five sent to Middle-earth to challenge Sauron, except he was so intoxicated with dark power that he ultimately turned evil.