When news of Smaug's death is made known to him during the events of "", Thranduil leads an army to confront Thorin's company and reclaim the White Gems of Lasgalen from Erebor. He allies himself with Bard the Bowman and refuses to heed Gandalf's warning regarding an approaching army of Orcs, which eventually arrive as Thranduil's army began fighting the Dwarven forces of Thorin's cousin Dáin II Ironfoot. Thranduil later considers withdrawing his forces from the defense of Dale as Elven casualties mount, which leads to a confrontation with Tauriel as well as a rift between him and Legolas. In the aftermath of the battle, Thranduil advises his estranged son to seek out a Ranger known as Strider among the Dúnedain. Thranduil also acknowledges Tauriel's love for Kili when he finds her mourning over the Dwarf's death.