The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Teaser Trailer Released

Source: IGN

Can even four armies of fantastical heroes avert the imminent destruction of Middle-Earth?
Warner Bros. Pictures have today released the full teaser trailer for their upcoming fantasy motion picture The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Resolving plot strands first established in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and Peter Jackson's beloved trilogy of The Lord of the Rings film adaptations, Battle's narrative will ultimately centre on the titular conflict which sparks between four armadas (the Dwarves, the Elves, the Eagles and the race of Men) and the oncoming hordes of Orcs who were glimpsed flying Sauron's banners in the conclusion of last year's (largely mediocre) second instalment The Desolation of Smaug.

Both Unexpected and Desolation's teaser trails arguably conveyed an optimistic tone in keeping with their respective films' enduring themes of hope and the capacity of even the most (seemingly) fearful individuals amongst us to demonstrate true courage and to thus triumph over the greatest levels of adversity. In stark contrast, Battle's initial video preview is decidedly more foreboding, perhaps due to the long-emphasised fact that Middle-Earth won't necessarily be left in a sturdy position come its climax, with just six decades separating the Hobbit trilogy and The Fellowship of the Ring. The series' ongoing protagonist Bilbo Baggins notes here that one day, he'll remember those who survived the Battle and those who perished, and judging by the lack of characters whose storylines carry through from this trio of movies to The Lord of the Rings, we can all but guarantee that not everyone will make it out of this one with their heads still attached to their bodies...

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies marches to battle in UK cinemas nationwide this December 12th, then lays siege to theatres in the United States on December 17th.