Pareidolia: a psychological perception of seeing or hearing images and sounds that are non-existent.
Think of photographs of the man in the moon or the face on Mars. Shadows and light can play interesting tricks on the mind and create something that is not actually there. Our brains are hardwired to look for patterns and make out things which we cannot fully explain.
In a weirder post than usual, can we associate the concept of Pareidolia in scenes from The Hobbit trilogy?
Here are some examples I’ve often pondered on …
Here’s an intentional effect at Pareidolia where Bilbo (and, for a second, the audience) confuses the blue cushions with Gandalf’s hat.
But I’ve also often wondered about the following …
This dwarf escaping from Erebor looks suspiciously like Gloin.
Not to mention his next appearance at the Battle of Azanulbizar …
It also looks like there’s pre-axe-in-the-head Bifur too after the battle …
Oh, and another thing. Is this Arwen witnessing Bofur’s song during the Dwarves’ stay in Rivendell?
I’m sure there are more examples and I’ve just forgotten about them. Please let me know in the comments section below.
Also, kindly take the above with a pinch of salt. It’s all in the mind remember? But I can’t help questioning these everything I re-watch the scenes.
See ya!
A Tolkienist's Perspective 
You know, I honestly wouldn’t be overly surprised if some of these were true. The Arwen one I’m a little dubious if, but the others I’ve often considered myself.
Hah, thanks for making me look not completely crazy! 😀
I swear, every time I think I’ve read all there is about these films here comes James talking about pareidolia. Wow. Great post and no, you’re not crazy. My mind goes berserk when I watch the movies too 🙂
Hah thanks Shellie … and apologies 😉