"And I name you elf-friend and blessed. He was in fact held by all the hobbits of the neighbourhood to be 'queer'" (301-2). A cloudless day, but cold, was broad above him. Bilbo's moral code is incredibly rigid when it comes to payment: if he has received a service or profited off somebody, he has to pay for it. The Silvan Elves did not only fight during the long years of the Third Age, but also knew how to celebrate. Especially because Tolkien obviously chooses every word so carefully. He meets a man who takes him to the Dale, where Gandalf, his arm in a sling, is standing beside Thorin, who has been fatally wounded. Appropriation is defined as Any assumption by a person of the rights of an owner (s. 3(1) TA 1968). It can be assumed that he was born sometime during the First Age or before, possibly in Doriath, the Sindarin kingdom in Beleriand, which was ruled by Elu Thingol and his Maian queen, Melian. At the same time, in other parts of Middle-earth, Frodo was struggling to reach Mount Doom, Minas Tirith was fighting for its survival against Saurons forces. I am sure it is better in your hands.". The elation felt by the hobbit afterwards is one of great significance. He goes from caring about nothing besides his cakes and tea, to opening up to a whole different world outside of the Shire. . He had decided that he was not quite his sort, and wanted him to go away. They all venture far away to a mountain, in hope of reclaiming their treasure that has been taken over by a mischievous dragon. Because he lives a hero, one will not fail to recognize him. good attitude. Im applying English law because its the one Tolkien would have been most influenced by. The Dwarves commissioned by the Elvenking of Doriath to set a Silmaril in the necklace Nauglamr and slayed him in an argument over possession of the jewel. He looked up as Bilbo came beside him. He fought the real battle in the tunnel alone, before he ever saw the vast danger that lay in wait" (212-3). Tea is at four; but any of you are welcome at any time!, Roads go ever ever on, Too many . A Little Hobbit living in a comfortable hole, in The Shire. The Eagles are coming!, I came from the end of bag, but no bag went over me. So began a battle that none had expected; and it was called the Battle of the Five Armies, and it was very terrible. Well, well hear no more of that., What have I got in my pocket? he said aloud. Explain please. And I don't know what I should have done with it when I got home. The dragon would naturally disagree, wouldnt he? Twice Bilbo and Thranduil have meaningful encounters, each one revealing a new side of the king's personality. He picks the trolls pocket, he takes Gollum's ring (though originally Gollum freely gave it to him), he steals food from the Elvenking's halls, and he appropriates for himself (though with noble intent, I'm pretty sure there is a saying about hell and good intentions) the Arkenstone. When Bilbo regains consciousness, he is alone. He was a kindly little soul. pest and disease control in agriculture; property management companies concord, nc; lean cuisine cook time microwave. When Bilbo was giving gifts to Frodo he gave him a shirt. Good morning! Thranduil's last recorded valiant stand was part of the War of the Ring. survive. He pick pocketed the Troll and he skulked in the wood elves domain for weeks stealing food and information. Go forward? Descriptions: The Hobbit : "Not at Home". And then quite suddenly in another flash, as if lifted by a new strength and resolve, he leaped. From that treasure Bard sent much gold to the Master of Lake-town; and he rewarded his followers and friends freely. Good bye!, Bother burgling and everything to do with it! For Mr. Bilbo Baggins visited various notable persons; conversed with the dragon, Smaug the Magnificent; and was present, rather unwillingly, at the Battle of the Five Armies. When Frodo unbuttoned his shirt the ring was there on a chain wrapped around his neck. The Sackville-Baggins seem to be the only . The Theft Act 1968: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/60/data.pdf. I may be a burglar or so they say: personally I never really felt like one but I am an honest one, I hope, more or less. Yet I am glad that I have shared in your perils that has been more than any Baggins deserves., So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their ending!, Then Bilbo fled [with the cup]. Oropher, Thranduil's father is mentioned only in the Unfinished Tales. Thranduil was awed by the jewel, but he also worried about Bilbo's fate when Thorin discovered what Bilbo had done. Blog Uncategorized i will take your gift to bilbo the magnificent Uncategorized i will take your gift to bilbo the magnificent Bilbo shows courage and intelligence when he created a plan to escape, In the story The Hobbit Bilbo can be seen as the hero when he sacrifices his familys name to be a part of the quest to get Thorin's gold back Bilbo's first approach is his attempt on stealing the trolls treasure. Therefore, it is best to leave the end obscure, and allow each reader to imagine his or her own image of happy ending. Thanks to IgnobleBard for editing this article, and for his support. The West is considered Elven home, but it is a foreign land to the natives of Middle-earth, and there's no guarantee that those who passed west are happy in their new dwelling. When you start grouping these characters into good and bad races, their loyalties are much easier to identify. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. What are your favorite parts from The Hobbit? Suddenly without a signal [the dwarves] sprang silently forward to attack. The owner thereof is Thorin (through inheritance). Anyway by mid-winter Gandalf and Bilbo had come all the way back, along both edges of the Forest, to the doors of Beorn's house; and there for a while they both stayed. Well-preserved indeed! he snorted. Well, er, I thought, dont you know, said Bilbo rather confused, that, er, some little return should be made for your, er, hospitality. said the king. Even if his friends are fighting on the right side, that's not much comfort when he begins to think of the cost in lives. He looks more like a grocer than a burglar! (17) The dwarves had little faith in him, but throughout their journey they learn more about Bilbo. It was spring, and a fair one with mild weathers and a bright sun, before Bilbo and Gandalf took their leave at last of Beorn, and though he longed for home. The Index of Names in The Silmarillion states about Thranduil1: Thranduil, who is referred to as "the Elvenking" in The Hobbit, appears throughout various texts in Tolkien's writings and yet is not well known. I beg of you, said Bilbo stammering and standing on one foot, to accept this gift! and he brought out a necklace of silver and pearls that Dain had given him at their parting. There now Dain son of Nain took up his abode, and he became King under the Mountain, and in time many other dwarves gathered to his throne in the ancient halls. Bows twanged and arrows whistled; battle was about to be joined. Id classify him as much as a spy as a thief. There far away was the Lonely Mountain on the edge of eyesight. Further in his last battle Smaug destroyed the dwellings of the men of Esgaroth, and I am yet the servant of their Master. guard for nearly 500 years (the number of years that had passed between the end of the Watchful Peace and the time the Dwarves were captured) certainly was reason for such questioning. After a while as his head cleared a little, he thought he could see elves moving in the rocks below. He had golden hair, which was the most distinguishing trait of the Vanyar, but not a common trait among the Sindar: In The Hobbit, it is said about Thranduil (although he is never mentioned by his name, only referred to as the Elvenking), that he was "their greatest king." I would reward you most richly of all. He refused to fight for gold and showed his concern to the safety of Bilbo, a messenger of his enemy, when the latter offered some leverage in the shape of a treasure he did not own. It was Gandalf and a dwarf; and the dwarf was actually Balin" (302). "May you ever appear where you are most needed and least expected! At last the time came for him to say good-bye to his friends. The Hobbit, Chapter-By-Chapter: The Return Journey More on The Hobbit, or, There and Back Again. It was not long before Bilbo was set down before a tent in Dale; and there stood Gandalf, with his arm in a sling. Sure, the enemy is an evil, murdering dragon. Then, somewhere in the pitch-dark night, Bilbo strikes dead a most nefarious enemy. I name you Elf-Friend and Blessed! (18.46-9) Bilbo's moral code is incredibly rigid when it comes to payment: if he has received a service or profited off somebody, he has to pay for it. Bilbo's helplessness is demonstrated when the dwarves see the light in the distance where the trolls are and instead of Bilbo going back to tell the dwarves what he sees, he decides to try and pick-pocket the trolls. is pepperoni processed meat; pictures of yin yang tattoos. But even with the Eagles they were still outnumbered. But you make a good argument. People with super strength, or speed, or both are often what come to mind. Indeed it was long before he had the heart to make a joke again. Wargs) are so evil that the good and basically decent peoples men, elves, and dwarves agree without hesitation to band together. But the [Elvenking] reckoned without the dwarves. I mean even a burglar has his feelings. "As soon as you like," said the wizard. "I wish now only to be in my own arm-chair!" He risks his life on more than one occasion to save his friends and bring peace between the different races. . Explore books by genre, topic, reading level, or series to find your next read. Bilbo slips on the Ring and disappears. No none at all, not one, he said immediately afterwards. Frodo being named elf-friend is a wonderful echo: AP Simester, JR Spencer, GR Sullivan and GJ Virgo in Simester and Sullivans Criminal Law, Theory and Doctrine, Hart Publishing, Fifth Edition 2013 [cited as: Simester and Sullivans]. (Dain does, in fact, honor this deal, so that one-fourteenth of Thorin's treasure goes to Bard after his death.) I began to wonder if even your luck would see you through! said the king. Throughout Bilbos long journey the dwarves gain respect for him and Bilbo earns a good reputation. said Gandalf. The goblins of the Misty Mountains were now few and terrified, and hidden in the deepest holes they could find; and the Wargs had vanished from the woods, so that men went abroad without fear. Then the elves turned towards the Forest, and Bilbo started on his long road home. The group comes across some of the treasure and use it to armor and arm themselves. "Short cuts make delays, but inns make longer ones.". Property belonging to another is defined as such: Property shall be regarded as belonging to any person having possession or control of it, or having in it any proprietary right or interest (not being an equitable interest arising only from an agreement to transfer or grant an interest). ", "No!" Could there be a draught from that little hole? he said more gravely. I have heard songs of many battles, and I have always understood that defeat may be glorious. The Hobbit - The Hero's Journey "There let it lie till the Mountain falls!" Would love to hear what people think, anything about favorite passages or what parts resonate most deeply. The 66 Best Quotes about morals - bookroo.com In a book where there are good races and bad races the elves and the goblins, respectively, the dwarves are probably the closest things we have to a moral grey area. I have drunk much of your wine and eaten much of your bread." "I will take your gift, O Bilbo the Magnificent," said the king gravely. Oh we guess, we guess, my precious. he said. He was lying on the flat stones of Ravenhill, and no one was near. The book The Hobbit, written by J. R. R. Tolkein, has many universal themes connected to finding out who someone really is. ", He sat up painfully. When Bilbo came to himself, he was literally by himself. Thranduils father, Oropher, was an Elf of Sindarin origin, but nothing is known of his mother. said the man halting and peering about him not far from where Bilbo sat. He then decides to venture of into a land full of trolls,climb over the misty mountains,and even sleep in a creepy cave. Another reason is explained by looking at Thranduil's questions to the Dwarves. Evidence shown above represents how Gandalf opened the border that guarded the threshold. "I have brought him.". This last act of collaboration might be viewed as an expression of the desire for peace. He was willing to accept the responsibility for Gollum, the odd creature that was brought to him, under Gandalf's advise. "That will be quite as much as I can manage," said he. Overcoming these problems and learning more about himself helped Bilbo change from an ordinary, self-doubting hobbit into a clever, courage-filled, loyal hero. 2023 St. Patrick's Day Gift Guide | West Coast Gifts "Hullo there! "I beg of you," said Bilbo stammering and standing on one foot, "to accept this gift!" Bilbo sat down with a sigh. "It's me, Bilbo Baggins, companion of Thorin!" Thranduil, a Sindarin Elf, remembered this detail from the history of Doriath. Then they halted, for the wizard and Bilbo would not enter the wood, even though the king bade them stay a while in his halls. But during the Second Age there were other kings who ruled the Silvan to compare with: Oropher his own father, and Amdir and Amroth from Lothlrien. Earn weekly rewards. said Thorin. (PDF) THE DEVELOPMENT OF BILBO BAGGINS' CHARACTER - ResearchGate That cant be right. The tremendous things that happened afterwards were as nothing compared to it. After leaving food, medicines, and some of his Elves to help the people of Esgaroth, Thranduil and the rest of his army, together with Bard and his men went on towards the mountain. He was lying on the flat stones of Ravenhill, and no one was near. And I name you elf-friend and blessed. The man was swift and sure-footed. Thus, the morality of Tolkien's novels seems difficult to apply in the real world. The character changes from beginning to end, evolving into a heroic leader. Now at journey's end, examine why the Elvenking would call Bilbo the magnificent as well as burglar. Thranduil's birthdate is unknown. Just make sure . The Hobbit Chapters 12 & 13 Summary & Analysis | SparkNotes It was only in 2941 that the White Council (a council of the Wise, of which Thranduil is not mentioned as one of its members) drove Sauron away from Mirkwood to Mordor.12. May your shadow never grow less (or stealing would be too easy)! Moreover, and I know this will hurt, Beren and Lthien definitely steal the Silmaril in every legal sense of the word. i will take your gift to bilbo the magnificent 2022-06-30 the dangers of tradition commonlit And I name you elf-friend and blessed. The Limitation Act 1980: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1980/58. "One autumn evening some years afterwards there was a ring at the door. and if it was sadly lessened, yet many were glad, for now the northern world would be merrier for many a long day. he called with a shaky voice. But it wasnt (Tolkien, The Hobbit, 45). I mean even a burglar has his feelings. he said; "and farewell, Dwalin; and farewell Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur! Tolkiens writings do not recount the fate of Thranduil. Yet I am glad that I have shared in your perils that has been more than any Baggins deserves. "If ever you visit us again, when our halls are made fair once more, then the feast shall indeed be splendid! It turned out that the Council of Elrond was being held in Imladris at the same time, and Legolas was chosen to be one of the Fellowship of the Ring.20. Ill base my analysis on the modern English law on theft (Theft Act 1968), adverse possession etc, because even though The Hobbit is from before 1968 and the Limitation Act 1980, the old Larceny Act 1916 was even more of a mess than the current law (just have a look at the table of contents, or section 1, really) and still contained bits about whipping male offenders under 16 years of age (s. 2) (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1916/50/section/2/enacted), so I wont inflict that on anyone here. I mean even a burglar has his feelings. The Hobbit tells us that, "If the elf-king had a weakness it was for treasure, especially for silver and white gems." Because he lives a hero, one will not fail to recognize him. "I will take your gift, O Bilbo the Magnificent!" said the king gravely. He was hired on specifically to be a thief. Moreover I am by right descent the heir of Girion of Dale, and in your hoard is mingled much of the wealth of his halls and towns, which old Smaug stole. i will take your gift to bilbo the magnificent What sense do we get of Smaug's motivations in The Hobbit? But the dragon did not wake not yet but shifted into other dreams of greed and violence, lying there in his stolen hall while the little hobbit toiled back up the long tunnel. No, not a fair fight. I would speak for him and ask whether you have no thought for the sorrow and misery of his people. There was no lie in Bilbos eyes. And I name you elf-friend and blessed" (293). (17.39). He was the only son of Bungo Baggins and Belladonna Took. And Fili and Kili! Bilbo is a hobbit that is joining them on their journey of riches. "Good-bye and good luck, wherever you fare!" But even though there was peace (which lasted for about a thousand years, until 1050), the Silvan Elves were restless, sensing the changes that would come with the new age. He was said to be a burglar but Gandalf said As soon as I clapped eyes on the little fellow bobbing and puffing on the mat, I had my doubts. It adds that the king always wanted to increase his treasure, because although he had plenty, it was not yet as much as the elf-lords of old used to have. Ethos Pathos And Logos In The Hobbit | ipl.org We have discussed that the dwarves seem to operate in a moral grey area that the elves do not seem to share would Tolkien's elves be capable of this kind of treachery? Farewell! No good at all! "You are needed and we have looked for you long. How does Thorin try and make his case for the morality of hoarding his treasure? Why might the novel spend so much time on Smaug's perspective (and even his feelings like Bilbo, he has anxious dreams!)? This clearly shows that Bilbo's change from being ridiculed and doubted by the dwarves to being very highly respected is a dramatic one and deserves recognition. Then Beorn stooped and lifted Thorin, who had fallen pierced with spears, and bore him out of the fray. They promptly moved in and it is here that Bilbo would spend the majority of his lifetime. This argument kind of rests on the assumption that the treasure of Erebor belongs to Thorin, not Smaug, which Smaug obviously disagrees with. their wounded and starving people. "Well, er, I thought, don't you know," said Bilbo rather confused, "that, er, some little return should be made for your, er, hospitality. Their bearers became weary from the long years of using the Rings and sailed west. Stealing from a thief is still theft. At any rate I am not yet one of the fallen heroes; but I suppose there is still enough time for that (Tolkien, The Hobbit, 310)! To illustrate, Bilbo says "As soon as I saw your funny faces on the door-step, I had my doubts" (Tolkien 19). I wish I was well out of it.. Gandalf was able to remind the rivals that they had a common enemy, and so the Battle of the Five Armies was fought and won with the Men, Elves, and Dwarves as allies. In what way have I earned such a gift, O hobbit? said the king. Dain has crowned their chief with gold, and sworn friendship with them for ever. Get personalized recommendations. So they went on until they drew near to the borders of Mirkwood, to the north of the place where the Forest River ran out. Other texts lead the reader to conclude that it was Thranduil setting out of Lindon eastward, who led such group. Oropher, who became the king of the Silvan Elves of Greenwood, made his first home in Amon Lanc (The Naked Hill), near Lrien, but moved northward twice to get some distance from the Noldorin influence of Galadriel in Lrien and the increase of power and influence of the Dwarves from Moria. ", Then the dwarves bowed low before their Gate, but words stuck in their throats. Whatever Bilbo was supposed to take out of Erebor, it would have been a chattel and thus personal property. Farewell!" -The Return Journey . S. 1(1) Theft Act 1968 provides this definition: A person is guilty of theft if he dishonestly appropriates property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it*; and thief and steal shall be construed accordingly. According to some of the texts, Oropher, Thranduil's father, led one of these groups, and Thranduil was among them. I have drunk much of your wine and eaten much of your bread." "I will take your gift, O Bilbo the Magnificent!" said the king gravely. Over time the dwarves and Bilbo start to trust and respect each other more. Then Bilbo fled [with the cup]. Bilbo encounters many tests and trials throughout the story which reveal character. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The others remained with Dain; for Dain dealt his treasure well. Early in the Second Age groups of survivors from the ruin of Doriath, crossed the Blue Mountains (Ered Luin) eastwards. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1916/50/section/2/enacted, https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/60/data.pdf, https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1980/58. "Well I'm blessed!" "Now I wonder what has happened?" Throughout his long adventurous journey he adapts to a new way of life and his inner Tookishness comes out. Actually it was some days before Bilbo really set out. He was aching in his bones for the homeward journey. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. i will take your gift to bilbo the magnificent The hoard is nearly always conceptualized as "Smaug's", and afterwards Bard outright claims that as the killer of the dragon he has right to a portion of the hoard so liberated (as well as the dale-treasure). Bard lays out his case pretty clearly for why his people deserve some of Thorin's treasure. This will show them. Along with Bilbo Baggins becoming a braver and more respected hobbit, he also develops the most important change in the story; he changes from being incompetent to very resourceful. Yule-tide was warm and merry there; and men came from far and wide to feast at Beorn's bidding. May your beards never grow thin!" The Tookish part was getting very tired, and the Baggins was daily getting stronger. However, that is not the evidence reflected by the texts: Thranduil set out towards the Lonely Mountain, hoping to get some of the Dragon's gold, but deviated from his path in order to provide help to his hurt neighbors. "I will take your gift, O Bilbo the Magnificent!" said the king gravely. The Hobbit, or, There and Back Again Good vs. Evil | Shmoop (16.38-9). Not all those who wander are lost., Dont adventures ever have an end? Gandalf himself supports the view that Thorin is acting as a poor king by keeping the hoard and not dealing it out the those who assisted his travels (something here of hospitality tales and the ideas of xenia). "Well, it seems a very gloomy business.". Get personalized recommendations. "Hail! The Hobbit / Funny - TV Tropes (12.20). Bilbo learned how to support his friends and how to be self reliant. There behind lay Mirkwood, blue in the distance, and darkly green at the nearer edge even in the spring. I have heard songs of many battles, and I have always understood that defeat may be glorious. But the old man did not move., All the same, I should like it all plain and clear, said [Bilbo] obstinately, putting on his business manner (usually reserved for people who tried to borrow money off him), and doing his best to appear wise and prudent and professional and live up to Gandalfs recommendation. What has it got in its pocketses? Is not that a matter of which we may speak? He thinks that if this is victory, it's very disappointing. At the point where their path parted, Bilbo offered Thranduil a gift of a necklace made of silver and pearls. In fact, Gloin says, "As soon as I clapped my eyes on the little fellow bobbing and puffing on the mat, I had my doubts" (Tolkien 18). said the king. "I go now to the halls of waiting to sit beside my fathers, until the world is renewed. He's a burglar. Does Bilbo make the right ethical decision here? In order to count as theft, such property must have belonged to another. 'More like a grocer than a burglar' indeed! Really it is enough to make one weep, after all one has gone through. Despite his gruff exterior, Beorn had turned out to be a most gracious host, Bilbo thought to himself. Lets begin with property. Why not tomorrow? The oftener you appear in my halls the better shall I be pleased!". Record what books your kids are reading. The Hobbit: Chapter 18 Summary & Analysis - LitCharts On the other hand, Middle-earth had become the home of Men, and it is assumed that those Elves who remained, are fated to fade. "It will not be long now," thought Bilbo, "before the goblins win the Gate, and we are all slaughtered or driven down and captured. There was a breath of strange air in his cave. But in 2060 the Wise (a group which included Mithrandir, Curunr, Elrond, Galadriel, Crdan, and other lords of the Eldar) began to suspect that it might be Sauron taking shape again. It was not long before they had freed the Lonely Mountain, and elves and men on either side of the valley could come at last to the help of the battle below. "But really it is a relief to me. He also gives a lot instead of . Are you much hurt? Somehow, the killing of the giant spider, all alone by himself in the darkmade a great difference to Mr. Baggins. When reading such an emotionally moving book its difficult to not fall hard for the characters. Did I say that? Over rock and under tree, I have been sent to look here for the last time. I suppose I shall be going home soon?". Wiki User. The Dwarves get jumpy about the object of their quest (which may well not actually be a reclamation of the mountain but of the Arkenstone for Thorin's crown).