Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why won't the men of Lake-town stay with the dwarves?
Why won't the men of Lake-town stay with the dwarves?
They are afraid to go near the lonely mountain because the dragon Smaug lives there.
Where does the expedition make each of their three camps?
Where does the expedition make each of their three camps?
First camp on the western side of the great southern spur; Second camp in a long narrow valley where the gates of the river stood; Third camp higher up on the mountain.
What causes the door to appear?
What causes the door to appear?
The sun and the moon were in the sky together, a red ray of sun escaped and a gleam of light fell on the smooth rock revealing the keyhole.
Who goes partway down the tunnel with Bilbo?
Who goes partway down the tunnel with Bilbo?
What does Bilbo take from the hoard?
What does Bilbo take from the hoard?
Bilbo quotes two of his father's sayings. What are they?
Bilbo quotes two of his father's sayings. What are they?
Who is the real leader of the expedition?
Who is the real leader of the expedition?
What about Bilbo puzzles Smaug?
What about Bilbo puzzles Smaug?
What is the most important thing Bilbo learns from Smaug?
What is the most important thing Bilbo learns from Smaug?
What proverb does Bilbo invent?
What proverb does Bilbo invent?
What is the Arkenstone?
What is the Arkenstone?
What does Thorin give Bilbo?
What does Thorin give Bilbo?
Which hall leads to the Front Gate?
Which hall leads to the Front Gate?
Why do the dwarves leave the underground halls?
Why do the dwarves leave the underground halls?
Why does Smaug decide to destroy Lake-town? Whose 'fault' is it that he decides to seek revenge?
Why does Smaug decide to destroy Lake-town? Whose 'fault' is it that he decides to seek revenge?
Who is the guard 'with a grim voice'?
Who is the guard 'with a grim voice'?
Why do the men of Esgaroth destroy the bridges?
Why do the men of Esgaroth destroy the bridges?
Why can Bard understand the thrush?
Why can Bard understand the thrush?
Why are the people of Esgaroth angry with Thorin? Do they have a right to be angry?
Why are the people of Esgaroth angry with Thorin? Do they have a right to be angry?
How did Ravenhill get its name?
How did Ravenhill get its name?
How old is Roac (Raven)?
How old is Roac (Raven)?
When does Thorin first name himself King under the Mountain?
When does Thorin first name himself King under the Mountain?
How does Bilbo leave the mountain without being caught?
How does Bilbo leave the mountain without being caught?
What is Bilbo's plan to avoid war?
What is Bilbo's plan to avoid war?
What old friend does Bilbo meet in the camp?
What old friend does Bilbo meet in the camp?
What terms do Thorin and Bard come to?
What terms do Thorin and Bard come to?
Study Notes
Lake-town and the Dwarves
- Men of Lake-town avoid joining the dwarves due to fear of Smaug, the dragon residing near the Lonely Mountain.
Expedition Camps
- The expedition sets up three camps:
- First camp on the western side of the great southern spur.
- Second camp in a narrow valley near the river gates.
- Third camp higher up the mountain.
The Door and the Moon Letters
- The door to the mountain appears when sunlight and moonlight align, revealing the keyhole.
- Dwarves, despite their lineage in creating moon letters, fail to predict this event due to impatience.
Bilbo's Journey and Discoveries
- Balin accompanies Bilbo down part of the tunnel.
- Bilbo takes a heavy two-handled cup from Smaug's hoard to prove he can be a burglar.
- Bilbo quotes two sayings from his father: “Third time pays for all” and “every worm has its weak spot.”
Leadership and Encounters
- Bilbo emerges as the true leader of the expedition.
- Smaug is perplexed by Bilbo’s scent, unfamiliar with hobbits.
- Bilbo discovers Smaug's weak spot, a missing scale, hinting at a potential vulnerability.
The Arkenstone
- The Arkenstone, a significant white gem, symbolizes the heart of the mountain and belongs to Thrain.
- Thorin gifts Bilbo a mithril coat of mail, adorned with pearls and crystals.
Dwarves and Smaug's Threat
- Dwarves abandon underground halls fearing Smaug's return.
- Smaug plans to destroy Lake-town, blaming the lake men for aiding the dwarves based on scents left on the ponies.
Bard and the Lake-men
- Bard is described as a grim-voiced guard.
- Lake-town's bridges are destroyed as a defensive measure against Smaug, limiting escape routes for the army.
Understanding the Thrush
- Bard can understand the thrush's language due to his descent from the race of Dale.
Tensions with Esgaroth
- Esgaroth's residents blame Thorin for awakening Smaug, believing he owes them for the destruction caused.
- Thorin is expected to share the treasure and assist in rebuilding the town.
Ravenhill and Roac
- Ravenhill is named after the famous ravens that once lived there.
- Roac, a significant raven character, is noted to be 153 years old.
Thorin's Declaration
- Thorin declares himself King under the Mountain during the standoff with Bard and the Elven archers.
Bilbo's Stealth and Diplomacy
- Bilbo escapes the mountain undetected by disguising his movements while on lookout duty.
- His plan to prevent war involves giving Bard the Arkenstone to use as leverage against Thorin.
Reunion and Negotiations
- Bilbo reunites with Gandalf in camp.
- Thorin and Bard negotiate terms, with Thorin agreeing to give up one fourteenth of the treasure in exchange for the Arkenstone, fulfilling his debt to Bilbo.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of 'The Hobbit' with these flashcards covering chapters 11 to 19. Each card features key questions and definitions related to the journey of Bilbo and the dwarves. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of this classic tale.
