 |
| The Arkenstone by Ted Nasmith |
"The treasure is likely to be your death, though the dragon is no more."
A nice bit of foreshadowing there, and perhaps it would be the theme of The Hobbit if it were called The Dwarves instead. But this is Bilbo's story and he once again shows his quality. He steal away in the middle of the night to sell out his friends... er... to play peace broker. Seriously, Bilbo demonstrates all the qualities that he has acquired during his long journey and then some. Cunning, boldness, and the courage to face up to the consequences of his decision when he does return to the dwarves even after the elf king offers him safe haven.
Bilbo's bold action is rewarded when Gandalf returns from business in the south (I wonder if the Peter Jackson movie will show that business). He brings with him tidings the he keeps to himself (other than a few coy words). More on that in the next chapter. Indeed, this chapter is really short and serves as yet another transition to the momentus scenes coming up.
3 comments:
There have been strong rumours that the 'business in the south' is the reason the Hobbit is being split into two movies...
I... always read the theft of the Stone as naive on Bilbo's part. Well meaning certainly, but the war was more about ego than actual treasure - the participants wanted to fight and removing the titular reason for the battle would not prevent it because it was never actually about the Stone, it was about the sharp edge of ego and vanity of the leaders of those involved.
@Jason: I suspect that you are right.
@Grumpy: oh sure, definitey naive. But even if it wasn't the smart thing t do, it seemed t be the right thing to do, if you know what I mean.
Post a Comment