rocky41_7

Truly my favorite take is that Thranduil is actually so gentle at heart and cares so deeply for all living things, especially the ones within his realm. He isn’t the most warm and fuzzy person, and of course when push comes to shove he will do what he feels is necessary for the safety and well-being of the Elves of his kingdom, but he takes no pleasure in death even of small things, and he can’t abide cruelty to plants or animals, whose ability to defend themselves is so much lesser. Death is one thing, and bad enough–unnecessary pain and suffering is entirely another. He sees the value in every part of the forest, and how it all works together, and he never ceases to wonder at it.

I would say "I'm having Thranduil feelings today" but that's every day these days. I think he was always this way but I think the end of the First Age turbocharged his aversion to death and violence. He'll DO it if he has to, but he won't like it and he will angst a lot about it. Unfortunately as prince/king you are obliged to do the difficult things and make the hard choices.