How the Misty Mountains song from The Hobbit was made!

Amazing behind the scenes of how the Misty Mountains song from the Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) was made! Did you know they had 8 different versions of the Misty Mountains song before they settled on the one we all know today? A lot went into bringing this iconic song from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey!

[@robgoald]

I have to say, they picked the PERFECT version.

[@havok9001]

also find that right tone to sing it in as will cuz sound good

[@OUD4444]

It’s basically Robert ingles version from the audiobook

[@annieberardino8732]

Agreed. The others were cool to hear but the chosen version gives you chills!

[@katybyrd8674]

I dunno, the one in the last 20 seconds of this video is pretty convincing as well...

[@vipe650r]

They really really did. It still gives me a chill. It's incredible.

[@ViktorSarge]

That song was the highlight of all three Hobbit movies for me, still gives me goosebumps.

[@vipe650r]

Indeed.

[@johanna_na]

A true masterpiece and a proof of co operation.

[@taraevans1108]

It makes me teary every time I see that scene.

[@christinemalone]

My partner cringed and still does when this scene comes on

[@vipe650r]

@@christinemalone Why?

[@SlothLinn]

"What a beautiful voice! I hate him." 😂 This piece is a true work of art. The tune writers are so skilled in what they do, and I love the dedication & love that clearly went into the making of this.

[@joankwamboka700]

Hahah I eating and when he said that I almost spit out my food laughing.

[@alyssacollinwood1057]

I love the fact that Richard Armitage sang this song with such confidence that it inspired me to join choir

[@MiddleEarthUpdates]

That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[@leonardomattarmonteiro2824]

Wow!What a beautiful precious comment/revelation.🙏🏽🤜🏼🤛🏼🍻🇧🇷💚

[@englishlady9797]

"I immediately thought of Medieval Icelandic Sagas". These people know their Tolkien onions (and po-tay-toes). That's the difference between PJs team and those dolts on Rings of Power. Almost every detail is so well-considered, carefully thought out. The crew and most of the cast's knowledge and passion for Tolkien and his work genuinely comes through so often as well.

[@seregrian5675]

The Jar-Jar Abrams acolytes at Amazon never stood a chance of creating anything as powerful - they were in it for a cash grab, and not art

[@jedironin380]

I love hearing that the cast were allowed to suggest edits to the scripts and scenes, and that every change brought the movies back closer to the books and more into line with the story Tolkein wrote.

[@friedrichjunzt]

Thats the difference between skilled professionals and amateur activists.

[@englishlady9797]

@@jedironin380 Yeah, they say Ian McKellan kept a copy of LoTR with him on set and was constantly checking things out against the books.

[@GobiSubramaniam]

I'm glad they picked that version. It is perfect for the scene. I remember watching the scene in the theater and the whole place become silent throughout the play.

[@carriecollins6697]

I've been a Richard Armitage fan since 2006, but when I first heard him singing Misty Mountains, I was dead.

[@DHDragon]

He really did absolutely nail it

[@bardockmou]

Since i see him in Strike Back, i always wanted see him as James Bond. Such a good actor.

[@carriecollins6697]

@@bardockmou Ooh, he'd be a wonderful James Bond.

[@melaniekay3647]

Same. I loved him in North & South *swoon*

[@carriecollins6697]

@@melaniekay3647 Yaaaaaas! I have a hard time deciding if I prefer Fitzwilliam Darcy or John Thornton!

[@mrtks34]

I don’t know if anyone mentioned it but this song is a perfect baby silencer:) Whenever our baby would cry for no reason and we had nothing to do we would play this song and he would stop crying immediately:)

[@IagreeY3pp]

True! I sing bass in a choir, and would sing this to my nephews to calm them down. Works like a charm.

[@sorateal12]

Noted, for when I start a family some day!! ^_^

[@bombay4797]

There is a group called Clamavi de Profundis who makes song like these. They have their own songs and compose songs from tolkiens poems. Really very beautiful songs in exactly the same style as in the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings film, highly recommended.

[@maryhrgm]

Careful, your baby will want to go on dangerous quests.

[@Claud_AdderHive]

I hummed this to both my kids when trying to put them back to sleep on difficult nights

[@Durin_Son]

I love the marching sound they gave it. You feel as if you're marching along with the dwarfs as you go off to battle.

[@pIayingwithmahwii]

i dunno. i see it more as a defeated march. almost a shameful march. a sorrowful retreat. but one with, as you say, an edge of menace, a promise to return

[@darkcircle899]

@@pIayingwithmahwii I agree. I's less like a war march and more like the march of refugees leaving their home to go to an unknown destination. I think they capture the sorrow that the dwarves would have had after their home was destroyed by Smaug perfectly.

[@Scuzzlebutt142]

Would agree with the other two gentle people, more of a Dirge, a song of mourning for a lost home and Kin, than a march. It really doesn't hit the right beat for a March, if you think of something like The Imperial March from Star Wars, or the Raiders March from Indy, it generally hit a note on the beats for stepping.

[@reneejett6509]

I see it more as a funeral march, it's a remorseful song of defeat

[@kingfang2945]

Awesome user name mate!

[@moth_MCMXCIII]

everyone's work was brilliant but they definitely picked the perfect version and it just sticks deep inside 👏🏻👌🏻🔥

[@jogennotsuki]

that's what she said

[@benjaminjane93]

I bet every version they made was excellent, but they really nailed it with the one they ended up using in the final product. It’s such a haunting hymn, past glories gone but not forgotten.

[@MartinTraXAA]

And that glimmer of hope at the end of the song so reminds me of my favorite part of the LotR books when Gimli sings the Song of Durin as they travel through the 'mines': The world is grey, the mountains old, The forge's fire is ashen-cold; No harp is wrung, no hammer falls: The darkness dwells in Durin's halls; The shadow lies upon his tomb In Moria, in Khazad-dûm. But still the sunken stars appear In dark and windless Mirrormere; There lies his crown in water deep, Till Durin wakes again from sleep. Tolkien was a poet of ages past.

[@ILoveAnime1121]

Hymn is the perfect way to describe this song

[@rmionex6435]

Exactly. You can feel the longing, it cuts deep. And then hope sneaks up on you near the end.

[@SwirlingSoul]

They chose absolute perfection for this one. Same for pippin's song, and the burial song, I always forget who she is, that sings it.

[@chicospencer]

Miranda Otto

[@SwirlingSoul]

@@chicospencer Thank you!!

[@SheepdogSmokey]

Honestly, it's perfect for the movie, that scene is reminiscent of warriors from many ages, just after a fine meal, sitting and thinking of their next steps, and suddenly they mesh so perfectly that you just know, they are a force!

[@missyjo2475]

I loved Rich as the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robinhood but he was so perfect as Thorin 😭😭😭 He is such a great actor 😭♥️

[@stormauror2642]

Always goosebumps. ALWAYS .

[@sarahdetweiler9752]

2:23 is also lovely! Those deep harmonies make you feel like you’re deep in a cavern…their deep voices echoing in that vast underground place. You can almost hear water dripping down stalactites. I love that they kept that in the final version 🥰

[@samaritanturk6256]

I am happy it ended with this tune.

[@MiddleEarthUpdates]

Totally! It was the best version!

[@mindyschocolate]

Me too. I definitely don’t like the other renditions.

[@annep.1905]

I'm glad they picked a version that was somewhat close to the Rankin/Bass version (which is still my preference of the versions I've heard).

[@fingers5944]

yes , play them side by side. very close

[@richa.s9912]

Me too I love the original cartoon of Hobbit but the others Hobbits cartoons wasn't good and 1970s always have good cartoons and stories lines and great music and gospel music and country music and Pop music but today music is bad language and sex stuff and criminal stuff. I love only wholesome music from the past.

[@annep.1905]

@@richa.s9912 Yeah, modern art is essentially stuff that I would put in the rubbish bin.

[@ozarkpipertony8396]

Soooo cool that they picked the exact one they needed to for that moment in the movie.

[@zubbs69]

this song is *chefs kiss* like its literally perfect

[@thiagouff12345]

This is the song my baby daughter listens everyday to sleep... this means so much to us!

[@oldfashionedboots2774]

For as much as people hate these movies for some reason, you can’t deny the music in them was about heart wrenching and beautiful

[@sorateal12]

Wow!! I've been singing this like almost several times a week since the film came out!! Amazing!! Also, I like that the version they went for sounds quite mournful, whereas the other ones sounded triumphant and proud.

[@astercat49]

That scene is literally my favorite moment in all of film.

[@cliffowens3629]

This version is more in keeping with the Rankin Bass animated version. It's a lament, a dirge, a regret of what was lost.

[@qcrew2938]

4:09 Richard looked like he was ready to storm the mountain right then and there!

[@MuLaFraga1]

gosh, so many years have passed since... these days i dont expect such movies and such inspiration

[@markcruz359]

These days its less about the lore and more about DEI

[@dagman85]

​@@markcruz359 - Tolkien's DEI is Dwarves, Elves, and... Isengard?

[@markcruz359]

@@dagman85 thats not what i meant about DEI. Thats part of the lore and storytelling. DEI is when you feel the need to change the characters because you feel it doesn't suit the current political landscape.

[@dagman85]

@markcruz359 - sorry, that was a poor attempt at humor on my part. Sadly, I'm familiar enough with the conventional meaning of DEI.

[@feuerlotusdrache8593]

goosebumps. the song in the film is the best i've heard

[@andrewthomas891]

I think it's wild how well all the Actors and support Family got along so well!!! I think that's a huge testament to Peter Jackson being such a wonderfully warm, well respected, kid at heart Human !

[@wolffriendinus]

I'm so glad they went with the slower version. It really sets the mood, and you can feel their pain about what happened.

[@brat_prince]

Richard is so beautiful 😭

[@berserkerofthrawn5707]

Man I wish we can hear the full versions of the other ones they made

[@nick_trains_dogs]

I did not enjoy the hobbit movies as a whole. But not knowing anything about the movies or that they were even being made, i went to see a movie with my friend and trailers are playing and the screen goes black and i heard misty mountain and immediately recognized it and how it sounded uncannily like i had read it in my head so many times over the years

[@rayannahorvath5259]

When comparing the movies to the book, they suck, yes. But as just regular movies, they are wonderful.

[@CZghost]

Howard Shore picked up on this tune, let himself to be influenced, which set the overall theme for the movie.

[@Friskni]

does anybody else feel they can really pick out james nesbitt in the resonance? like I feel his accent adds to it.

[@willowmoon5063]

Great film, great song, love Richards voice and his films. Truly talented.

[@jeroen92]

And then Clamavi de Profundis came and turned it into a whole universe of beautiful music

[@allicide166]

Makes more sense than the '77 version of the hobbit. That one was wierd, even for 70's-80's animation, which was already weird enough

[@taylorhauser3347]

Honestly, what Peter and all who were involved were able to produce with both hands tied behind their back and an impossible time schedule, is pretty impressive.

[@seregrian5675]

I am always fascinated by the creative process, and just how different artists use all their talent - voice, pen and instrument - to create the tunes and songs and stories we love. All praise to this video!

[@hermanleferink6143]

I sang it to all my kids, as a bedtime lullaby and til this day, it is still calming them when they are stressed... They picked the perfect version

[@Shadowblades666]

This is one of my favourite songs from the movie and to hear the different versions that could've been it are interesting. I'm really the with the one they picked, the most definitely made the right choice

[@althelas]

HEaring this song live on stage, sung by almost all of the dwarves is still a thing I will remember for a long time. I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it. It sent shivers down all our spines.

[@flex5377]

2:09 WE NEED THESE UNRELEASED VERSIONS AS FULL VERSIONS OF THEIR OWN PLS

[@revan4638]

Yes! I cant stop thinking about it

[@andrewthomas891]

and after being a lifelong Hobbit nerd yet again I learn something mind blowingly cool!!! My beloved Prose Edda was where the names came from is giving my Germanic-Gaelic background a boost of love!

[@ZHBraden13]

In 2012 I enlisted as a 19D in the Army, and while still at 30th AG at Fort Benning, our reception Sgt let us watch this movie the day before we went to Harmony Church the next day. Dunno why but this song resonated with me even though I was never a LotR fan.

[@samwisegamgee6532]

As a long time fan of Tolkien’s work, I am definitely not fan of some adaptation choices made in the Hobbit and LOTR trilogies but music and visuals are just amazing in the 6 movies.

[@fuferito]

I'm so glad they went with the one they picked for the film; it has that _liturgical_ sound while the words tell of such loss.

[@SidMaron]

I've always loved that song.

[@kylekeenan3485]

To me it sounded like a sea shanty song but with a serious vibe rather than cheery, it was perfect!

[@ButterflyWings11]

this song always puts me to sleep honestly its so calming i love that they chose to use this version.😄❤

[@user-en3uv4nh1y]

The one they use in the movies is perfect. It just captures the sorrow and grief the dwarves have for their lost homes

[@damastashonuff640]

This song gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.

[@maggiecollins9870]

Love the final version, sounded ancient and mysterious ❤❤❤ Richard sang beautifully

[@Dro_21]

shout-out to the bass singers who can sing this💪🏽

[@biancaj1298]

I love this song so much, the scene in the film is really adorable.

[@lifetruth.2631]

I was spiritually moved. One of my favorite scenes in my 50 years of loving movies. I wept knowing the message was one of profound loss and deep seated hurt.

[@martinhughes2637]

The moving fifths. Absolutely. Medieval. Chilling. Gripping. Resonant. Powerful. Haunting. Unreal. Nailed it!

[@Epic-Clipz294]

You see how much effort they out into just the music and you think damn, 180 mil well spent and people still shit on it. Mad respect the music was amazing.

[@kvaqich]

It's such a good song.

[@drw_predator]

More I find how they did Real Cinema, more I have deep understanding and amaze all of us

[@konstantinospapadopoulos219]

perfection achieved !!

[@Ham3dF]

03:53 😂 you know it's pure admiration when he says:"I hate him"

[@kateanders5101]

This scene still remains my favourite cinematic moment of all time. 12 years have passed, and I have since started pursing a creative career. I remember noting down in my early interview preparation that this scene has everything I want to achieve in storytelling. So many gratitudes for the efforts put into making this!!

[@TinoB20]

This tune brings out the Dwarf in everyone.

[@CaptainNim]

absolutely fascinating thank you for sharing!

[@qazz6209]

Has to be one of the best songs in any film ever, it hits so hard an sets the story

[@EionRobb]

Funny the contrast compared to how they got us to sing in dwarvish for the first LoTR movie (the mines of moria bit). Shore kept directing us to sound more rough and loud with our voices and kept turning down the gain on the microphones to the point that we were almost shouting in tune. They even got in a kapa haka group in to help out 😅

[@Matthewwithers33]

Their version was brilliant, the 70’s cartoon version was good too

[@scottkuppers]

gives me shivers every time!

[@sunilpermaul7876]

The other ones seemed too quick and almost lighter hearted. It's a sad telling and a lower tempo and legatos used makes more sense. That lower register and "from the core" as Richard said makes so much more sense. Love what they landed on.

[@Isabella-nh5dm]

You know, you can have the words and have various tunes to try but there is no mistaking the one that is 'right' once you hit it.

[@melaniesmith3954]

The version has a wonderful Gregorian chant quality. So much sacredness and history in the song

[@SergioGonzalez-ex8kf]

Beautiful! I pray they continue to make many more movies from this movie in my lifetime.

[@jewel65]

It gives me chills every time I hear it!

[@thedarkmage9181]

they did so well picking the tune and tempo of the song. for me i got goosebumps every time I could hear their pain and longing to just go home

[@johnglielmi6428]

The two dwarven songs in the Hobbit movie are a nod to the Rankin/Bass 1977 made for TV Cartoon The Hobbit. Both are directly taken from this TV Masterpiece. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hobbit_(1977_film) kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4a7gWuMer2Kg9U kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4a7gWuMer2Kg9U

[@alexanderren1097]

I watched this in the theater and while I was enjoying the movie up till that point, I remember thinking it wasn’t very impressive compared to the LOTR trilogy… until they got the this song and the hair on the back of my neck stood up. It was really magical. I absolutely love the extended versions. Also Geoff Casteluchi’s (spelling) version is fantastic too

[@montanalilac]

He’s great, but have you heard the Tim Foust & Peter Hollens version? Puts Geoff’s to shame, imo.

[@dagman85]

I remember listening to this song while watching the movie in 48fps 3D (with a lovely sound system). One of those moments that completely sold me on the potential superiority of the movie theater experience over a home theater... if the theater has the good equipment

[@rictusmetallicus]

After all those years the film is around ... GOOSBUMPS, GOOSEBUMPS, GOOSEBUMPS!

[@FriggSaga]

It's Poetic Edda, for those wondering, not Eta.

[@padawanviolinist]

This tune was already discovered in 1977

[@soulcornflake1]

This was a very elemental song for the Dwarves. Dwarves came from Aule, who created them seemingly from the earth as a tribute to Eru (unlike Morgoth, who created Orcs as a mockery of Elves). And the song seems to come from the roots of the mountains themselves.

[@ILoveAnime1121]

Fun fact: Richard Armitage was in the original West End run of CATS. He played Admetus and Macavity.

[@evelyngeremia1678]

I get chills every single time!!

[@ElioDeAngelis-76-]

i've always loved the behind the scenes from my favourite films

[@Dimthar]

There is no question that watching the appendices elevates your respect for the work that was put into making the Lord of the rings saga.

[@sunflowerkim633]

Imagine the dwarves popping out magic electric guitars and drumkits and just started rocking out like they do at the end .. would have made a great blooper reel

[@andrewthomas891]

While the Hobbit adaption was no LOTR I found it extremely entertaining and heartfelt performances!

[@jeremystrand7095]

Whats neat is that the Misty Mountains song has a Gregorian Chant feel and the song "Lamentations of Jeremiah 1:1-5" by Clamavi De Profundis has a similar cadence. Honestly, so much of what we love about LOTR and Medieval Fantasy in general is inspired by Christendom that was.

[@TheDeadAwsome]

Back when directors, actors, musicians, and everyone else actually respected the authors work. And didn't see it as a project they could shoehorn in whatever they wanted with disregard to the lore and respect to the story the original author was trying to convey.

[@Bumbaskida]

I think it was a good choice, hearing the others i was just feeling like it was a nice song, then going back to the original, i just get chills.

[@natashachipangulakangwa1649]

This is simply incredible 😍

[@lachazaroony]

That was the best moment in The Hobbit for sure.

[@AlbertoGarcia-wd7sc]

Two movies instead of three would've been perfect. One movie for the journey + Sauron and another for the city+dragon+battle

[@DuncanJimmy]

Reminds me of Pippin's incredibly haunting Edge of the Night song in LOTR.

[@27maripau]

god, I love this movie, there is so much art in every detail

[@CrystalisQ]

"we must away a break of day"? Come on caption writers. Do better.

[@Erikjust]

Personally what i would love is if someone could get plan 9 back plus the crew and have them perform ALL the songs from the book. Then do the same with LotR. Because the movie just did one verse of the song.

[@anaclararodas4833]

One of the few good things about this movie