The 2014 film "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies," directed by Peter Jackson, presents a climactic confrontation at the majestic gates of Erebor, the fabled Dwarven kingdom. However, many viewers find themselves perplexed about exactly which five armies are engaged in this monumental battle. In this article, we will delve into the origins of this conflict from J.R.R. Tolkien's literature, exploring the motivations and outcomes of each army involved.
The events of the Battle of the Five Armies take place in the year 2941 of the Third Age. Thorin Oakenshield and his band of Dwarves, including the clever Burglar Bilbo Baggins, embark on a quest to reclaim their homeland of Erebor from the fearsome dragon, Smaug. Their mission is not solely about regaining their kingdom but also centered around retrieving the highly coveted Arkenstone, a symbol of Dwarven royalty.
After camping near Erebor for several weeks, Bilbo ingeniously sneaks into the treasure hoard and steals a golden cup. This act ignites Smaug's fury, leading him to attack the nearby human settlement of Esgaroth, or Lake-town. It is Bard the Bowman, descendant of the legendary Girion, who ultimately slays the dragon with a well-aimed arrow.
With Smaug defeated, several factions lay claim to the treasure of Erebor. The Elves of Mirkwood, led by Thranduil, learn of the dragon’s demise and rush to claim a portion of the treasure, believing it rightfully belongs to them. Meanwhile, the Men of Esgaroth, suffering in the wake of Smaug's assault, seek compensation for their losses.
Bard, representing the men, argues that part of the treasure should be returned to them, as they believe the dragon descended upon them partly because of the Dwarves’ actions. Bard's claim is legitimate, as a portion of the treasure indeed belonged to his ancestors. However, Thorin, now reclusive and stubborn due to his newfound wealth, accuses the approaching Elves and Men of conspiracy.
Negotiations between the Dwarves and the united forces of Men and Elves prove tense and unyielding. Thorin refuses to share a single piece of gold, believing the treasure is his rightful inheritance. Even as the armies camp at his gates, Thorin chooses isolation over collaboration.
Realizing Thorin's unwavering stance is driven by greed, Bilbo Baggins discreetly gives the Arkenstone to Bard and Thranduil, aiming to use it as leverage against Thorin. The Dwarven king is coerced into a final negotiation, where he reluctantly agrees to part with a fourteenth of Erebor’s wealth.
Just as tempers flare and prospects of a battle loom with the approaching host of Men and Elves, a more pressing threat emerges. Goblins and Wargs, led by the vengeful Azog the Defiler, march toward Erebor, eager for revenge after the death of their leader, the Great Goblin. Their arrival prompts Gandalf the Grey to rally the armies of Men, Elves, and Dwarves against this unforeseen threat.
The Battle Commences
The ensuing battle showcases the five armies involved: on one side, the Goblins and Wargs, and on the other, the combined forces of Elves, Men, and Dwarves. The fierce combat ensues with ferocity, overlooking prior grievances. Thorin, alongside his fellow Dwarves, joins the fray, fighting valiantly against the Goblins.
As the battle rages on, unexpected allies emerge, including the Eagles and Beorn, in his bear form, who help to turn the tide. In the end, the Goblins falter, filled with panic and despair as they flee the battlefield.
Conclusion: Victory and Loss
The outcome of the Battle of the Five Armies is bittersweet. The allied forces defeat the Goblins, but at a cost: Thorin is mortally wounded, leading to moments of reflection on his legacy and the consequences of his greed. Ultimately, the battle illustrates the complexity of alliances and the dire repercussions of avarice.
The narrative set forth in "The Hobbit" captures more than just an epic struggle; it reveals the diverse motivations that drive each faction and the consequences of prior decisions. The battle marks a pivotal moment in Middle-earth, hinting at the turbulent events that will follow in Tolkien’s larger lore.
In summary, the Battle of the Five Armies is not just a war fought for gold; it symbolizes the quests for honor, revenge, and the inevitable union against a common foe. Whether viewed through the lens of film adaptations or the original literature, the depth of characters and their conflicts remains a testament to Tolkien's masterful storytelling.
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The Battle of the Five Armies: An Epic Conflict
The 2014 film "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies," directed by Peter Jackson, presents a climactic confrontation at the majestic gates of Erebor, the fabled Dwarven kingdom. However, many viewers find themselves perplexed about exactly which five armies are engaged in this monumental battle. In this article, we will delve into the origins of this conflict from J.R.R. Tolkien's literature, exploring the motivations and outcomes of each army involved.
The Prelude: A Quest for Erebor
Part 2/7:
The events of the Battle of the Five Armies take place in the year 2941 of the Third Age. Thorin Oakenshield and his band of Dwarves, including the clever Burglar Bilbo Baggins, embark on a quest to reclaim their homeland of Erebor from the fearsome dragon, Smaug. Their mission is not solely about regaining their kingdom but also centered around retrieving the highly coveted Arkenstone, a symbol of Dwarven royalty.
After camping near Erebor for several weeks, Bilbo ingeniously sneaks into the treasure hoard and steals a golden cup. This act ignites Smaug's fury, leading him to attack the nearby human settlement of Esgaroth, or Lake-town. It is Bard the Bowman, descendant of the legendary Girion, who ultimately slays the dragon with a well-aimed arrow.
The Selection of Armies
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With Smaug defeated, several factions lay claim to the treasure of Erebor. The Elves of Mirkwood, led by Thranduil, learn of the dragon’s demise and rush to claim a portion of the treasure, believing it rightfully belongs to them. Meanwhile, the Men of Esgaroth, suffering in the wake of Smaug's assault, seek compensation for their losses.
Bard, representing the men, argues that part of the treasure should be returned to them, as they believe the dragon descended upon them partly because of the Dwarves’ actions. Bard's claim is legitimate, as a portion of the treasure indeed belonged to his ancestors. However, Thorin, now reclusive and stubborn due to his newfound wealth, accuses the approaching Elves and Men of conspiracy.
The Standoff at Erebor
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Negotiations between the Dwarves and the united forces of Men and Elves prove tense and unyielding. Thorin refuses to share a single piece of gold, believing the treasure is his rightful inheritance. Even as the armies camp at his gates, Thorin chooses isolation over collaboration.
Realizing Thorin's unwavering stance is driven by greed, Bilbo Baggins discreetly gives the Arkenstone to Bard and Thranduil, aiming to use it as leverage against Thorin. The Dwarven king is coerced into a final negotiation, where he reluctantly agrees to part with a fourteenth of Erebor’s wealth.
The Coming of Darkness
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Just as tempers flare and prospects of a battle loom with the approaching host of Men and Elves, a more pressing threat emerges. Goblins and Wargs, led by the vengeful Azog the Defiler, march toward Erebor, eager for revenge after the death of their leader, the Great Goblin. Their arrival prompts Gandalf the Grey to rally the armies of Men, Elves, and Dwarves against this unforeseen threat.
The Battle Commences
The ensuing battle showcases the five armies involved: on one side, the Goblins and Wargs, and on the other, the combined forces of Elves, Men, and Dwarves. The fierce combat ensues with ferocity, overlooking prior grievances. Thorin, alongside his fellow Dwarves, joins the fray, fighting valiantly against the Goblins.
Part 6/7:
As the battle rages on, unexpected allies emerge, including the Eagles and Beorn, in his bear form, who help to turn the tide. In the end, the Goblins falter, filled with panic and despair as they flee the battlefield.
Conclusion: Victory and Loss
The outcome of the Battle of the Five Armies is bittersweet. The allied forces defeat the Goblins, but at a cost: Thorin is mortally wounded, leading to moments of reflection on his legacy and the consequences of his greed. Ultimately, the battle illustrates the complexity of alliances and the dire repercussions of avarice.
Part 7/7:
The narrative set forth in "The Hobbit" captures more than just an epic struggle; it reveals the diverse motivations that drive each faction and the consequences of prior decisions. The battle marks a pivotal moment in Middle-earth, hinting at the turbulent events that will follow in Tolkien’s larger lore.
In summary, the Battle of the Five Armies is not just a war fought for gold; it symbolizes the quests for honor, revenge, and the inevitable union against a common foe. Whether viewed through the lens of film adaptations or the original literature, the depth of characters and their conflicts remains a testament to Tolkien's masterful storytelling.