(Source and context below poll)
Is Legolas a Prince of the Woodland Realm?
Yes, the Realm is a hereditary monarchy and Thranduil is his biological father
Yes, the Realm is an elective monarchy and it's a courtesy title
Yes, it's an elective monarchy and he was duly elected as (a) Prince
Yes, but he's got dozens of older siblings so no one really remembers or cares
Yes, he wrote such popular songs as "When Trees Cry" and "Tawarwaith Beret"
Yes, in the same way *every* elf is a prince/ss of their homeland
No, it's a hereditary monarchy and Legolas was adopted
No, it's a hereditary monarchy and Legolas was disinherited
No, it's an elective monarchy and the King's children have no special status
No, Thranduil isn't actually King for reasons*
No, "son of Thranduil" can refer to any male elf of the Woodland Realm
No, Legolas is a dumbass
* The reasons why Thranduil might not be King of the Woodland Realm can be whatever you like, from an Amidala and her handmaidens system to Thranduil being a compulsive liar to Thranduil quitting in disgust after the Battle of the Five Armies.
Poll question and several answers based on this post by @celebbun:
I have come to the conclusion that, despite what much of the fandom would like to think, Legolas is, in fact, not a prince. My reasoning to back this up is based on two main pillars: the Woodland Realm’s monarchy system and Legolas’ lack of royal title throughout the books.
Celebbun then details the relevant history of Oropher (Legolas' (presumed) grandfather) and Thranduil; it's absolutely worth reading their whole post before voting (except you almost certainly already voted before getting this far).
Some additional context specifically regarding the use of the word "prince" in The Lord of the Rings is below, but honestly it's fairly trivial even by the standards of this blog.
He is, and he's gonna party like it's T.A. 3019!
(After all, everybody's got an Isengardian fire, and they could all die, any day. But before Legolas let's that happen, he'll dance all throughout the fight his life away!)


















