The Hobbit Chapter 15 Study Guide

Questions and Answers

Who returns with a message?

the thrush

Describe the relationship between Thror's people and ravens.

Friendly; ravens brought dwarves secret news and were given bright objects to hide in their dwellings.

Who is Roac, and what news does he share?

An aged, stiff raven. Son of Carc. Chief of the great ravens of the Mountain. 'Word has gone out that Smaug is dead.'

In whom does the raven suggest the adventurers trust?

Bard Signup and view all the answers

What request does Thorin make of Roac?

'Send messengers to our kin in the Mountains of the North and tell them of our plight--especially his cousin Dain, whose people are well armed.' Signup and view all the answers

What do the adventurers do upon returning to the mountain?

Strengthen/defend the main entrance and make a new path leading from it. Signup and view all the answers

What were Kili and Fili sent to find?

To find ponies and other resources Signup and view all the answers

How did the adventurers block the gate?

With a wall of squared stones laid dry, but very thick and high. Signup and view all the answers

Why had Bilbo longed to escape from the dark fortress?

He heard the mirth and music of Elven folk advancing toward the mountain and wanted to join the festivities. Signup and view all the answers

How does Bard attempt to rationalize with Thorin?

Paraphrase: Lake-people helped you in your time of need Signup and view all the answers

According to Thorin, why are Bard and the Lake-people not entitled to treasure?

Smaug caused the damage, and the treasure was not Smaug's. He will not share treasure to make up for Smaug's actions. Signup and view all the answers

What assurance does Thorin make?

Dwarves will pay back goods and assistance provided by the Lake-men. However, nothing will be given by force. Signup and view all the answers

How does Bard end the conversation?

By telling Thorin to rethink his stance and gather wisdom. He will return later. Signup and view all the answers

Who speaks the quote: 'It is a hundred years and three and fifty since I came out of the egg, but I do not forget what my father told me'?

Roac is speaking. This is his introduction to Thorin. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Important Characters and Entities

Thrush: A bird that returns with a crucial message about recent events.
Roac: An old raven, son of Carc, chief of the great ravens of the Mountain. He delivers the news of Smaug’s death.

Dwarven and Raven Relations

The relationship between Thror's people and ravens is friendly; ravens were used to relay secret messages and were rewarded with shiny objects.

News from Roac

Roac informs the adventurers that "word has gone out that Smaug is dead," signaling potential changes in power dynamics.

Trust and Alliances

Roac advises the adventurers to trust Bard, implying he could be a crucial ally in the current situation.

Thorin's Request

Thorin asks Roac to send messengers, especially to his cousin Dain, to inform the dwarves in the North about their predicament.

Adventurers' Actions

Upon returning to the mountain, the adventurers fortify the main entrance and construct a new path for access.

Search for Resources

Kili and Fili are tasked with finding ponies and other necessary resources to support the group.

Fortifications

The adventurers block the gate using a wall made of squared stones, designed to be both thick and high for defense.

Bilbo's Perspective

Bilbo yearns to leave the dark fortress after hearing the joyous sounds of Elven music, wishing to join their celebrations.

Bard's Rationalization

Bard tries to reason with Thorin by reminding him that the Lake-people extended help in their time of need.

Thorin's Justification

Thorin argues that Bard and the Lake-people have no claim to the treasure as Smaug caused the damage, and the treasure itself isn’t Smaug's to share.

Thorin's Assurance

Thorin assures that the dwarves will repay any goods and assistance given by the Lake-men, but he firmly states that nothing will be given under duress.

Bard's Closing Statement

Bard concludes the discussion by urging Thorin to reconsider his position and promising to return for further talks.

Notable Quote

Roac expresses his age and wisdom, stating, "It is a hundred years and three and fifty since I came out of the egg," highlighting his experience and the importance of his role in the narrative.

Description

This set of flashcards covers important concepts and characters from Chapter 15 of 'The Hobbit'. Dive into the key messages, relationships, and notable figures like Roac, the raven. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of this chapter.