It was many moons ago when Mithrandir last visited Thranduil, King of Mirkwood. Mithrandir had been quite busy, for the fate of the world was not a light task and Thranduil had had many demons of his own to fight when the shadow of the East touched his beautiful home.
So it was not surprising that Thranduil was filled with delight when Iorkann, the leader of the guards of Galadhnass in southern Mirkwood, arrived at his palace and told him that a strange Man arrived bearing news from the grey wizard. The man was taken to Thranduil and introduced himself as Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Tall he was, and broad-shouldered, with dark hair and grey eyes. His face was grim, as if the years of the world had not been too kind to him and his clothes were dirty and travel-worn. Moments after he was greeted by Thranduil, several Elves arrived with a very strange looking creature. The creature resembled a halfling in size and physique, yet his features were distorted, his hair limp and his skin slimy. Thranduil looked at the creature with surprise and loathing.
"What is this creature that you bring to me, Aragorn son of Arathorn?" he asked.
Aragorn bowed before responding. "His name is Gollum and I searched long and hard, across many lands before finally capturing him in the wastelands beyond this fair forest. I was told that if he could be found, he should be taken to the Woodland Elves of Mirkwood, for their prisons are strong and their guards ever watchful."
Thranduil was startled. "Who told you this?" he inquired.
"None other than Gandalf the grey, Mithrandir in your tongue."
A collective gasp went through the chamber, for this was a most unusual request of Gandalf. Still, Thranduil saw no sign of deceit or trickery in the stranger's eyes. "Very well," he said, "I will hold this prisoner for a while, though I know not the reason why. It is long since we have had any use for our dungeons below, but I promise to take good care of this creature if that is your wish."
"Not mine," replied Aragorn, "But that of Gandalf's. For you know well, wise Thranduil, of the war that is slowly brewing from the East. A dark power is stirring and much of Middle-Earth will change forever."
"Yes," said Thranduil and his fair face was troubled. "The shadow of the East long ago touched our woods, turning much of our beloved trees into ashes. My people fear to journey south, and the world now looks upon my kingdom as a dark and terrible place. But it was not always like this."
Sympathetic was Aragorn. "No, it was not," he agreed. "I remember how fair this land once was. A joy to my heart and to the hearts of many who strolled through these beautiful forests. How pleasant was the laughter of the elf children and the stars shone bright with the songs of the Elves. But I must make haste and tell you all that I can. You must keep Gollum here until Gandalf arrives. He desires to question this creature, for he suspects that there is much that Gollum knows. But until Gandalf arrives, take good care of him and neither treat him too kindly, nor too unkindly, for you will find that he is a most pitiable creature."
"I shall do as you request though there is much that I do not understand," said Thranduil.
"All will be answered when Gandalf arrives. Now, I must leave, for though I should have liked to have stayed a bit in your kingdom, there is much work elsewhere to be done." And with that, Aragorn left and Thranduil took Gollum and treated him as kindly as pity allowed. Mithrandir arrived as promised many weeks later and many days he spent with Gollum alone, questioning and probing him. The Elves wondered at this, but Thranduil did not, for Mithrandir told him much. On the last day of his stay in Mirkwood, Mithrandir took Thranduil aside to speak with him.
"I must return to the home of the halflings, for I have learnt more from this creature than I desired. Yet, I need him still, so I ask of you one more favor: Keep Gollum a while longer. My heart tells me that he will play a pivotal part in the time to come. I shall return as soon as I can and perhaps then, my words will not be so mysterious." It was quite possibly the closest Gandalf had ever come to apologizing for his riddles.