The Hobbit Chapter 8 Study Guide

Mirkwood Adventure Summary

• Lighting watch-fires attracted hundreds of creepy eyes, creating an unsettling atmosphere for the adventurers.
• Bilbo discovers a boat on the far bank of the enchanted stream, providing potential for crossing.
• A soaring deer charges at the adventurers as they attempt to navigate the enchanted stream, adding to their challenges.
• Bombur falls into the enchanted stream, resulting in him slipping into a deep sleep that hinders the group's progress.
• The dwarves mistakenly shoot at the white deer, wasting their last arrows and limiting their resources.
• Bilbo climbs a tall tree in Mirkwood to survey their surroundings but is unable to see the forest's edge due to the valley's shape.
• The dwarves express frustration over Bilbo's report, implying that any shortcomings are his fault.
• Bombur dreams of a great feast in a similar forest, highlighting the longing for sustenance and joy.
• Driven by starvation, the group disregards warnings from Beorn and Gandalf, mistaking distant lights for potential food sources.
• They encounter elvish-looking folk enjoying themselves in a clearing, but the atmosphere quickly turns dark as the lights go out.
• Dori later notices more distant lights, signaling continued hope or danger in their journey.
• Kili observes even more lights accompanied by singing and harps, indicating the presence of magical beings.
• Bilbo confronts a great spider that wraps his limbs, marking a significant moment in his growth as he instinctively fights back.
• After the encounter, Bilbo feels proud, fiercer, and bolder, indicating a transformation in his character.
• Bilbo names his sword Sting, symbolizing his emerging identity as a hero and his growing pride.
• He uses the ring's invisibility to elude other spiders while exploring their territory.
• Bilbo overhears the spiders discussing the dwarves as potential meals, raising the stakes for his companions.
• To protect the dwarves, Bilbo distracts the spiders by throwing stones and singing, showcasing his cleverness and bravery.
• During the spider battle, Bilbo reveals the secret of the ring to the dwarves to draw attention away from them by calling out spider names.
• The dwarves' gratitude toward Bilbo signifies a positive shift in their view of him, as they begin to rely on his resourcefulness.
• Thorin goes missing after stepping into a circle of light, subsequently captured by wood elves who bound and carried him away.
• Wood-elves, while not trusting strangers, are portrayed as magical and somewhat dangerous, differing from the wisdom of the High Elves.
• Historical tension between dwarves and wood-elves stems from accusations of treasure theft and grievances over unacknowledged contributions to the elves' wealth.
• The Elf-King's weakness lies in his obsession with treasure, particularly silver and precious gems.
• Thorin steadfastly refuses to discuss treasures, wealth, or related topics, indicating his focus on their quest and sense of purpose.