The Hobbit Chapter 17 Study Questions

Questions and Answers

How did Thorin discover how Bard acquired the Arkenstone?

Bilbo confessed

How does Bilbo justify giving the Arkenstone to Bard?

He was promised first choice of treasure, and he disposed of his share as he saw fit

What is Thorin's response to Bilbo's actions?

He has no choice but to agree, and offers to give 1/14 share of treasure in exchange for the Arkenstone

What does Thorin secretly ponder and hope for?

That Dain and his troops will reacquire the Arkenstone for him Signup and view all the answers

What does Bilbo leave with?

A coat of mail, or armor Signup and view all the answers

Describe Dain's dwarf troop

Strong for their height, yielded heavy two-handed mattocks, beards forked, plaited, tucked into belts, caps of iron, grim faces, legs covered with hose of fine, flexible metal mesh, bore large backpacks and weapons, would stand a siege for weeks Signup and view all the answers

As the dwarves mount an attack, what do the dwarves witness?

Vast clouds of birds eliminating the sky's light Signup and view all the answers

Besides the elves and lake-men, who is advancing toward the mountain according to Gandalf?

The goblins Signup and view all the answers

Who is involved in the Battle of Five Armies?

Goblins and Wargs vs. elves, men, and dwarves Signup and view all the answers

What unites the dwarves, men, and elves?

Their shared hatred of the goblins Signup and view all the answers

What completely shuts out light and fills the dwarves with dread?

A large bat cloud Signup and view all the answers

Why is the ring only a minimal advantage during battle?

It won't stop arrows and spears from striking Signup and view all the answers

Who first charged at the goblins?

The elves Signup and view all the answers

Why did Bilbo stake out on Ravenhill among the wood elves?

Better chance for escape, and if he were to perish, he would prefer to do so while defending the Elvenking Signup and view all the answers

Why would Bilbo prefer Smaug had been left with all the treasure?

Then the adventurers, men, and elves would not meet such an awful demise Signup and view all the answers

Who returns at the end of the chapter?

The eagles Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Arkenstone and Thorin's Response

Bilbo confesses to Thorin about giving the Arkenstone to Bard.
Bilbo justifies his action by saying he had a right to first choice of treasure and disposed of his share as he saw fit.
Thorin has no choice but to agree to Bilbo's action and offers to give 1/14 share of treasure in exchange for the Arkenstone.

Thorin's Secret Hope

Thorin secretly hopes that Dain and his troops will reacquire the Arkenstone for him.

Bilbo's Departure

Bilbo leaves with nothing but a coat of mail, or armor.

Dain's Dwarf Troop

Dain's troop is described as strong for their height, yielding heavy two-handed mattocks.
They wear beards forked, plaited, and tucked into belts, and have caps of iron and grim faces.
Their legs are covered with hose of fine, flexible metal mesh, and they bear large backpacks and weapons.
They would stand a siege for weeks.

The Battle of Five Armies

The dwarves witness vast clouds of birds eliminating the sky's light as they mount an attack.
Gandalf reveals that besides the elves and lake-men, the goblins are advancing toward the mountain.
The Battle of Five Armies involves goblins and Wargs (wild wolves) vs. elves, men, and dwarves.
The dwarves, men, and elves are united by their shared hatred of the goblins.

The Bat Cloud and Ring's Limitation

A large bat cloud completely shuts out light and fills the dwarves with dread.
The ring is only a minimal advantage during battle because it won't stop arrows and spears from striking.

The Battle Progresses

The elves are the first to charge at the goblins.
Bilbo stakes out on Ravenhill among the wood elves for a better chance of escape and to defend the Elvenking if needed.
Bilbo would prefer Smaug had been left with all the treasure, so the adventurers, men, and elves would not meet such an awful demise.
The eagles return at the end of the chapter.