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My $0.02: I think he was just on his way to do a state visit, though the huge number of armoured Elves with him might mean he intended to persuade the Dwarves to hand over the White Gems by show of might. I don't think he intended any aggression. Definitely he didn't plan to be there when Smaug arrived, and therefore was not prepared for battle anyway. Even if he had intended on some military action (really not likely, given his propensity to not get involved anyway, and frankly, any Elven military action under Thranduil's command would prolly be a cakewalk victory, it's the aftermath that's the messy bit) he would have withdrawn his troops anyway upon knowing Smaug's already there, because he would not risk his people's lives unnecessarily for the forgone conclusion of Smaug's desolation. Especially not after the Dwarves' treachery of not handing over the White Gems. In a nutshell, no he didn't plan anything. Just a matter of coincidence, really just movie-maker (lazy?) shorthand for setting up the T&T scene.

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That is an interesting theory, although Thranduil doesn't come over as a grabby, greedy, wanting the white gems back asap- kind of Elf to me. Do you think he would rally up his army just to put terror and fright into the hearts of the Stubborn Little Folk? That would be silly, everyone knows when Thranduil gets angry, he doesn't need an army to do the fighting for him . Just one look upon the fair but upset and ridiculously gorgeous being would be enough cause for even the bravest of warrior to drop down their sword and run away as fast as their (short) legs can carry them. Thranduil is just fearsome like that But lol re you stating the aftermath would be messy. Indeed it would, terrible cleanup. I don't think he really intended on being at Erebor at the moment of attack either. That would mean he had some sort of precognition that Smaug would attack Erebor, otherwise it would be quite a coincidence for him arriving at the exact moment Smaug does. I think the film makes messed up the timeline a bit. But still, wouldn't he wear SOME form of armour when travelling behind the safe borders of his Kingdom?

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Whoa! That's incredible how much those two pic look alike. Same pose and everything! It's like, if LP himself was an elf in real life that's totally what he'd look like!

First, I believe we need to keep in mind Thranduil's philosophy mindset about treasure-lust: "Long will I tarry ere I begin this war for gold." I think the movie-makers are keeping true to this as well. And that's why he turned and left when the feckless Dwarves shut the treasure box on him. Given his badass fighting abilities he could have just made a grab for it if he was treasure-sick, nevermind the resulting problems. But nope, he displayed grace and remarkable self-restraint in turning around and leaving. That tells me, he has the big picture in mind, is not trigger-happy, and definitely considers stuff and consequence before doing anything. Hallmarks of a great and wise leader

So with this, I do have a problem with how he shows up overlooking Erebor with that heavily armed and excessively large escort. But the key is in his own attire. He's just not togged out for aggression there. So is that entourage the usual when the Elvenking travels outside the realm? I just think it's a bit too militarily ostentatious for a state visit, especially to Erebor, given the long-standing sensitivities between the two races. And yes, even if he did toy with the idea of military aggression, I think the aftermath would just put him off any such notion quite quickly, just based on his own experience in the LA. Plus bloodshed just for some gems? Surely, he would not risk his people for so petty a cause. Even if he did, could he live it down and still be able to command and rule? All these just points to nah, Thranduil was just out for a neighbourly visit. So that's why I'm thinking if the extra large armed escort was deliberate, it was probably a show of force to persuade Thror to hand 'em over. But... going back again to "Long will I tarry ere I begin this war for gold", this just seems too out of character (ooc). Could he have known Smaug was going to be there and decided he might want to check out the ring-side seats? Nope, I don't think so. Unless they have an accord like that hotline between the US and USSR during the Cold War years, I don't think Smaug would bother to give Thranduil a headsup, nor would Thranduil care to establish relations with any flying lizard So, I still cannot understand the heavily armed and excessively large escort with Thranduil himself in state visit garb, except as a shorthand from the movie-makers to the general audience that Thranduil has the might to help but doesn't, which to me is lazy story-telling.

Bottomline: Thranduil simply showed up for a neighbourly call at the wrongest time possible, and decided wisely not to risk his people in a foregone conclusion. Makes sense?

And, thrall or no, I doubt LP would appreciate being the ladder support.....plus it might wreck the shot lol...

Maybe some of those three step step stools that kids use to reach the bathroom sink?