Thranduil himself, who was never able to forget the horrors of the last war, lived in constant fear from the moment when the enemy will return and gain power once again. It must be nice having such an easily defined, obviously wicked enemy to fight against. Now these were fair words and true, if proudly and grimly spoken; and Bilbo thought that Thorin would at once admit what justice was in them. guard for nearly 500 years (the number of years that had passed between the end of the Watchful Peace and the time the Dwarves were captured) certainly was reason for such questioning. I would rather old Smaug had been left with all the wretched treasure, than that these vile creatures should get it, and poor old Bombur, and Balin and Fili and Kili and all the rest come to a bad end; and Bard too, and the Lake-men and the merry elves. He thinks that if this is victory, it's very disappointing. (Dain does, in fact, honor this deal, so that one-fourteenth of Thorin's treasure goes to Bard after his death.) He was talking to himself, but Gollum thought it was a riddle, and he was frightfully upset., The Eagles! "Farewell, King under the Mountain!" 'More like a grocer than a burglar' indeed! Last, but not least, Bilbo is willing to sacrifice his life for a cause bigger than himself. Thranduil, now the king, returned home to a forest full of life and light, a home where he and his surviving warriors could heal from the horrors of the war and the massive loss of their kin. Even though Smaug is evil through and through, we get more narrative from his perspective than we do from any of the goblins. I have drunk much of your wine and eaten much of your bread." "I will take your gift, O Bilbo the Magnificent," said the king gravely. Tools to track, assess, and motivate classroom reading. Throughout The Hobbit, Bilbo displays the universal message that anyone can develop into a hero. Its gone! Well, er, I thought, dont you know, said Bilbo rather confused, that, er, some little return should be made for your, er, hospitality. Edit: Im not trying to start an argument on the nature of the Arkenstone. When Thranduil questioned why Bilbo offered this gift, Bilbo confessed to have been an uninvited guest at the king's halls, using his food and wine. In Dale, Men and Dwarves stood together against the Easterlings. He came alone, and in bear's shape; and he seemed to have grown almost to giant-size in his wrath. Farewell!" -The Return Journey . If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. Validate reading with our Dynamic Quiz System. $58.96. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Property belonging to another is defined as such: Property shall be regarded as belonging to any person having possession or control of it, or having in it any proprietary right or interest (not being an equitable interest arising only from an agreement to transfer or grant an interest). O Elvenking!" Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! "In what way have I earned such a gift, O hobbit?" said the king. Did I say that? In fact, Gloin says, "As soon as I clapped my eyes on the little fellow bobbing and puffing on the mat, I had my doubts" (Tolkien 18). Because he lives a hero, one will not fail to recognize him. In this book, Bilbo Baggins goes on a journey that would change his life forever. May your memory never fade! Along the way, they overcome many obstacles that threaten their lives and put their trust for one another to the test. Why not tomorrow? And turning towards the Mountain he added: "Farewell Thorin Oakenshield! Another reason is explained by looking at Thranduil's questions to the Dwarves. He was shaking, and as. In this post Ill examine if Bilbo steals the cup he takes in Inside Information. . He fights in many battles, verbal and physical, to fight for the greater good. ", "I am sorry. More on The Hobbit, or, There and Back Again. Bilbo must further have appropriated such property. I have drunk much of your wine and eaten much of your bread." Well, er, I thought, dont you know, said Bilbo rather confused, that, er, some little return should be made for your, er, hospitality. The forest became dark and men began to call it Taur-nu-Fuin (translated Mirkwood): forest under night.11, 12. "And I name you elf-friend and blessed. With the threshold guardians now gone, the company, plus Bilbo, may now begin their long, treacherous, Bilbo Baggins. Gandalf himself supports the view that Thorin is acting as a poor king by keeping the hoard and not dealing it out the those who assisted his travels (something here of hospitality tales and the ideas of xenia). It is said in songs that it gleamed ever in the dark if foes approached, and the fortress of the dwarves could not be taken by surprise. . Sure, the enemy is an evil, murdering dragon. The Arkenstone sounds like a Simaril because it was meant to be one at one point. ", "A nasty knock on the head, I think," said Bilbo. The Dwarves commissioned by the Elvenking of Doriath to set a Silmaril in the necklace Nauglamr and slayed him in an argument over possession of the jewel. The Theft Act 1968: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/60/data.pdf. By caves where never sun has shone, If Thorin plans to keep his treasure anyway, why does he make a show of listening to Bard at all? For example, in chapter nine the book says that Thorin "began to have a very high. I have been sent to look here for the last time. To the Elvenking he gave the emeralds of Girion, such jewels as he most loved, which Dain had restored to him. Also I should like to know about risks, out-of-pocket expenses, time required and remuneration, and so forth by which he meant: What am I going to get out of it? Bilbo's Gifts is the twenty-fourth scene of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and the twenty-eighth of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (extended edition).. Synopsis []. What rational arguments does Thorin use to try and rebut Bard's points? Oropher, Thranduil's father is mentioned only in the Unfinished Tales. What news?" (5.119). And I name you elf-friend and blessed. Moreover Beorn was going that way too. "I beg of you," said Bilbo stammering and standing on one foot, "to accept this gift!" . and he brought out a necklace of silver and pearls that Dain had given him at their parting. The character changes from beginning to end, evolving into a heroic leader. Throughout Bilbos long journey the dwarves gain respect for him and Bilbo earns a good reputation. Tolkiens writings do not recount the fate of Thranduil. [Elrond] took [the map] and gazed long at it, and he shook his head; for if he did not altogether approve of dwarves and their love of gold, he hated dragons and their cruel wickedness, and he grieved to remember the ruin of the town of Dale and its merry bells, and the burned banks of the bright River Running. At last the time came for him to say good-bye to his friends. "You are called for;" and leading the hobbit he took him within the tent. ", He sat up painfully. Since I leave now all gold and silver, and go where it is of little worth, I wish to part in friendship from you, and I would take back my words and deeds at the Gate. It is hinted in The Hobbit that the slow degradation of resources over the long years, combined with the spreading of Men's power and influence, and the fight for their survival against growing evil affected them deeply, and they became suspicious and hard. "Where are the Eagles?" i will take your gift to bilbo the magnificent. Descriptions: The Hobbit : "Not at Home". The Eagles are coming!, I came from the end of bag, but no bag went over me. The Eagles! he shouted. Thranduils father, Oropher, was an Elf of Sindarin origin, but nothing is known of his mother. I didnt intend to open that can of worms! Further in his last battle Smaug destroyed the dwellings of the men of Esgaroth, and I am yet the servant of their Master. I am Ring-winner and Luckwearer; and I am Barrel-rider., I will give you a name, he said to it, and I shall call you Sting., Very well! said Bilbo very downcast, and also rather annoyed. I like his moment with Thranduil, making return for his stay in Mirkwood. Most define their hero as the knight in shining armor, but Mr. Baggins prevails as much more than that. "Short cuts make delays, but inns make longer ones.". The dwarves specifically hire Bilbo in the capacity of a thief and he does commit acts of larceny at several other points in the narrative. When Thranduil heard that the dragon Smaug was slain, he started to march with an army towards the Lonely Mountain, as he knew of the wealth of Thror, the last Dwarven king under the mountain, which the Dragon took. he said; "and farewell, Dwalin; and farewell Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur! "And I name you elf-friend and . "Hail! Having to be on Given that this quest doesn't seem to be about good vs. evil exactly, why do you think Gandalf has chosen to get involved? But I would categorize him as an honest thief. Go sideways? "But really it is a relief to me. said Gandalf. (73). In what way have I earned such a gift, O hobbit? said the king. Wargs) are so evil that the good and basically decent peoples men, elves, and dwarves agree without hesitation to band together. I wish I was at home in my nice hole by the fire, with the kettle just beginning to sing!, We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. "It was a terrible battle. I wish I was well out of it." (17.39). On we go! So up he got, and trotted along with his little sword held in front of him and one hand feeling the wall, and his heart all of a patter and a pitter., Curse the Baggins! Personal Note: I'd like to offer a "happy ending" to this character that I admire. While an owner can steal their own property if a third party has any lesser proprietary right or a right to possession or control, if this is not the case, an owner cannot steal their own property (Simester and Sullivans, p. 501; see also p. 503). Only thing to do! Oh we guess, we guess, my precious. The "Tale of the Years" in The Lord of the Rings tells us of a desperate battle under the trees, in which the forces of Dol Guldur invaded Thranduil's realm. Create your own unique website with customizable templates. When reading such an emotionally moving book its difficult to not fall hard for the characters. Yet a fourteenth share of all the silver and gold, wrought and unwrought, was given up to Bard; for Dain said: "We will honour the agreement of the dead, and he has now the Arkenstone in his keeping.". Like the dwarves, Bilbo doesn't seem to be thinking of his quest in grand moral terms. But sad or merry, I must leave it now. The roar of his voice was like drums and guns; and he tossed wolves and goblins from his path like straws and feathers. To me this shows that sometimes just showing up is half the battle. May your shadow never grow less (or stealing would be too easy)!" The reason Gandalf wanted to add Bilbo to the party is because Thorin doesn't like Hobbits. When Bilbo came to himself, he was literally by himself. "I will take your gift, O Bilbo the . "There let it lie till the Mountain falls!" This new respect that Bilbo has acquires gives him plenty of confidence in himself to get the job done, whatever it may be. "At any rate I am not yet one of the fallen heroes; but I suppose there is still time enough for that! Early in the Second Age groups of survivors from the ruin of Doriath, crossed the Blue Mountains (Ered Luin) eastwards. The West is considered Elven home, but it is a foreign land to the natives of Middle-earth, and there's no guarantee that those who passed west are happy in their new dwelling. And then quite suddenly in another flash, as if lifted by a new strength and resolve, he leaped. However, there's no simple or easy solution to the question of "what is a happy end" in Tolkien's universe, which is full of philosophical and moral inner debates. The Wood Elves did not work the land, mined or worked metals or jewels, nor did they trade.7 It seems that they didn't have any income source, so it is safe to assume that all their needs were purchased with the king's treasure, namely the realm treasury. This clearly shows that Bilbo's change from being ridiculed and doubted by the dwarves to being very highly respected is a dramatic one and deserves recognition. Ill base my analysis on the modern English law on theft (Theft Act 1968), adverse possession etc, because even though The Hobbit is from before 1968 and the Limitation Act 1980, the old Larceny Act 1916 was even more of a mess than the current law (just have a look at the table of contents, or section 1, really) and still contained bits about whipping male offenders under 16 years of age (s. 2) (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1916/50/section/2/enacted), so I wont inflict that on anyone here. survive. Frodo being named elf-friend is a wonderful echo: And it explicitly says that most of his gifts didn't have a barb/joke attached and that the poorer hobbits in his neighbourhood got particularly nice gifts. Even the wizard had not escaped without a wound; and there were few unharmed in all the host. The Silmarillion tells us about the origin of the ancient grudge against the Dwarves. The events of the Third Age, when Thranduil was the ruling king of his people, reveal a strong charismatic, wise leader, who despite his own fears and worries, was able to guide his people, survive hard trials, and emerge in one piece at the end of the age, providing his people with a renewed realm at peace with its neighbors. The shadow that crept into the forest was first thought to be a Nazgl. This also excludes dishonesty: if dishonesty is already excluded if [the person] appropriates the property in the belief that he would have the other's consent if the other knew of the appropriation and the circumstances of it (s. 2(1)(b) TA 1968), then this must also apply if the legal owner of the property actually told the supposed thief to take it. "I will carry you down to the camp in the valley," said the man, and picked him lightly up. What do you think would have happened at this stage if Gandalf hadn't suddenly called a halt because the goblins are coming? Taking property falls under the assumption of the rights of an owner, so he does appropriate the chattel. The imagery evoked by Trees too old and strangled with ivy to bear more than a few blackened leaves (153) places the reader in the foreboding atmosphere in which the company is presently ensnarled, and effectively forewarns of sorcery, monsters and misery at play. And he was miserable, alone, lost. Record what books your kids are reading. "And I name you elf-friend and blessed. The following five sections further define the terms used in s. 1(1) TA 1968. Gollum had no sword. May your shadow never grow less (or stealing would be too easy)! Alive after all I am glad! There, he sees the magnificent, terrible dragon asleep on piles of treasure. It adds that the king always wanted to increase his treasure, because although he had plenty, it was not yet as much as the elf-lords of old used to have. So began a battle that none had expected; and it was called the Battle of the Five Armies, and it was very terrible. See "Mithril" for a good telling by Daeron- (V) of the ancient history of Bilbo's and Frodo's mithril shirt. "Hullo there! The Index of Names in The Silmarillion states about Thranduil1: Thranduil, who is referred to as "the Elvenking" in The Hobbit, appears throughout various texts in Tolkien's writings and yet is not well known. It was spring, and a fair one with mild weathers and a bright sun, before Bilbo and Gandalf took their leave at last of Beorn, and though he longed for home. Thranduil accepted the gift, but before they parted he added humorously: "I will take your gift, O Bilbo the Magnificent!" said the king gravely. [Bilbo] must stab the foul thing, put its eyes out, kill it. ", "Very kind of you," said Bilbo. Smaug is red and gold, with fiery breath, sharp claws, and a hide as strong as a diamond. That, however, was a little delayed, so in the meantime I will tell something of events. After leaving food, medicines, and some of his Elves to help the people of Esgaroth, Thranduil and the rest of his army, together with Bard and his men went on towards the mountain. Really it is enough to make one weep, after all one has gone through. He was hired specifically to burgle. There was no call and no echo of a song. Bilbo Baggins is quite a boring character yet he has some moments in which he is adventurous. May your shadow never grow less (or stealing would be too easy)! Correction: Bilbo seizes the Arkenstone and not a Silmaril. No none at all, not one, he said immediately afterwards. As Bilbo grew Older, his father, Bunbo, constructed the family a house in Hobbiton. "I wish now only to be in my own arm-chair!" Some may consider he or shes mentor as old and wise, however they would be incorrect in this instance, for Gandalf remains much more than just old and wise. Bilbo's helplessness is demonstrated when the dwarves see the light in the distance where the trolls are and instead of Bilbo going back to tell the dwarves what he sees, he decides to try and pick-pocket the trolls. There was a breath of strange air in his cave. Hes found it, yes he must have., All that is gold does not glitter, "May you ever appear where you are most needed and least expected! Bard lays out his case pretty clearly for why his people deserve some of Thorin's treasure. He was lying on the flat stones of Ravenhill, and no one was near. I would rather old Smaug had been left with all the wretched treasure, than that these vile creatures should get it, and poor old Bombur, and Balin and Fili and Kili and all the rest come to a bad end; and Bard too, and the Lake-men and the merry elves. So, when Thorin Oakenshield and the Dwarves of his company were captured during one of the Elves' feasts, they were not welcomed. Wiki User. We have discussed that the dwarves seem to operate in a moral grey area that the elves do not seem to share would Tolkien's elves be capable of this kind of treachery? Bilbo told Frodo he wanted to hold it again one last time, and while Frodo was rebuttoning his shirt Bilbo kind of turned into a monster and tried to get the ring back from Frodo. chris mcdonough son passed away, st peter's school poughkeepsie, lee nails panama city beach,