The Hobbit: The Arkenstone and Dwarves

The Arkenstone

• The Arkenstone is a large, white gem discovered by the dwarves beneath the Mountain.
• It is described as shining like silver in the firelight, water in the sun, snow under the stars, and rain upon the Moon.
• Bilbo finds the Arkenstone and puts it in his pocket, feeling uncomfortable about its possession.

Dwarves and Treasure

• The dwarves are captivated by the treasure they find in the mountain.
• Fili and Kili are in a merry mood and play on golden harps.
• Most dwarves are practical and gather gems, while Thorin searches for the Arkenstone.

The Mithril Vest

• Thorin rewards Bilbo with a mithril vest, a belt of pearls and crystals, and a light helm of figured leather.
• The vest is made of silver-steel, a material known as mithril by the elves.

Bard and the Dragon

• Bard is a skilled archer who is a descendant of Girion, Lord of Dale.
• He uses his last arrow to defeat Smaug.
• The arrow is described as having a history and being from the forges of the true king under the Mountain.

The Master of Laketown

• The Master of Laketown is criticized by the people for leaving the town early after the dragon attack.
• He blames Thorin and his company for attracting the dragon and causing the destruction.
• His words shift the blame away from himself and toward the dwarves.

Road the Raven

• Roäc is a raven who is the chief of the great ravens of the Mountain.
• He brings news of Smaug's death to the dwarves.
• He mentions tidings of both joy and bad news for the dwarves from the South.

The Parley with Bard and Thorin

• A parley takes place between Bard and Thorin.
• Bard claims a portion of the treasure as the dragon-slayer and heir of Girion.
• He also speaks on behalf of the people of Laketown, demanding compensation for their losses.
• Thorin refuses to give up any treasure under threat of force.
• He declares the Mountain besieged and leaves the dwarves to their gold.

The Arkenstone

• The Arkenstone is a precious gem found beneath the roots of the Mountain, also known as the Heart of the Mountain.
• Described as a globe with a thousand facets, it shines with an inner light, reflecting all light into ten thousand sparks.
• Bilbo finds the Arkenstone and secretly pockets it, feeling conflicted about taking it.

Dwarves and Treasure

• The dwarves are consumed by their desire for treasure, rekindled by their glimpses of it along their journey.
• Fili and Kili, in a lighthearted mood, play on golden harps discovered in the treasure chamber.
• Most dwarves prioritize gathering gems, but Thorin is constantly searching for the Arkenstone, which he keeps hidden.

Mithril Vest

• Thorin gifts Bilbo a coat of mail made of mithril, a silver-steel valued by elves.
• The vest is a reward for Bilbo's service and is accompanied by a belt of pearls and crystals and a leather helm adorned with gems.

Bard and the Dragon

• Bard, a skilled archer, stands against the dragon and defends the burning town.
• He uses a special black arrow, handed down from his ancestors, to slay the dragon.

The Master of Laketown

• The Master of Laketown is criticized for fleeing the town during the dragon attack.
• He blames Thorin and his company for the dragon's awakening and the subsequent destruction, seeking recompense.

Road the Raven

• Roäc, a raven who remembers the old king, brings news that Smaug is dead.
• He speaks of great tidings in the South, some joyful and some less fortunate.

The Parley with Bard and Thorin

• Bard, as the dragon slayer and heir of Girion, demands a share of the treasure.
• He also advocates for the men of Laketown, who aided the dwarves and suffered from the dragon's attack.
• Thorin refuses to cede any treasure, seeing Bard and the men of Laketown as foes and thieves.
• Bard demands a twelfth portion of the treasure for Bard and aid for Laketown.
• Thorin ultimately declares the Mountain besieged, refusing to engage in combat until a truce is declared.