Characters:
Gandalf
Thorin Oakenshield, grandson of Thrór
Thrór
Bard of Esgaroth
Dáin Ironfoot [King Dáin II] [Thorin’s cousin}
Fili and Kili [Thorin’s sister-sons]
Bolg, son of Azog
Text:
Gandalf: "… and though I am on my way to the Shire, it was in my mind that is
the way also to your halls.’
‘Call them so, if you will,’ said Thorin; ‘they are only poor lodgings in
exile. But you would be welcome there if you would come. For they say that you
are wise and know more than any other of what goes on in the world; and I have
much on my mind and would be glad of your counsel.1’
I will come,’ said Gandalf; ‘for I guess that we share one trouble at least.
The Dragon of Erebor is on my mind, and I do not think that he will be
forgotten by the grandson of Thrór.’
The story is told elsewhere of what came of that meeting: of the strange plan
that Gandalf made for the help of Thorin, and how Thorin and his companions set
out from the Shire on the Quest of the Lonely Mountain that came to great ends
unforeseen. Here only those things are recalled that directly concern Durin’s
Folk.
The dragon was slain by Bard of Esgaroth, but there was Battle in Dale. For the
Orcs came down upon Erebor as soon as they heard of the return of the Dwarves;
and they were led by Bolg, son of that Azog whom Dáin slew in his youth. In
that first Battle of Dale (Battle of the Five Armies), Thorin Oakenshield was
mortally wounded; and he died and was laid in a tomb under the Mountain with
the Arkenstone upon his breast. There fell also Fili and Kili, his sister-sons.
But Dáin Ironfoot, his cousin, who came from the Iron Hills to his aid and was
also his rightful heir, became then King Dáin II, and the Kingdom under the
Mountain was restored, even as Gandalf had desired. Dáin proved a great and
wise king, and the Dwarves prospered and grew strong again in his day."
Questions:
1. Poor Lodgings in Exile: Why does Thorin Oakenshield consider his halls
in the Blue Mountains ‘poor lodgings’ and not even his own? Why does he still
think he is in exile? What is his state of mind here?
2. What Help: What does Gandalf want with Thorin? What help could Thorin be to
his plans and schemes and hopes? What part do you think Dwarves play in
Gandalf’s plans as ‘Steward’ of Middle-earth?
3. Heart of Gandalf: What does Gandalf think about Dwarves? Does he think they
are wrath-mongers or duty-bound? Does he understand their weaknesses and
strengths, accepting them as they are? Does he have an affection for them? Does
he find their pride and stubbornness annoying? Does he see under the surface
into their hearts?
4. What do you know about Bard of Dale? Is he as much a hero as he sounds? Is
he honorable? Is he fierce-some?
5. Folk of the Iron Hills: came to Thorin’s aid. The second rescuing by the
Folk of the Iron Hills, both times in the two great battles in the history of
Dwarves. Dáin was there both times. What is the significance of the Dwarves of
the Iron Hills always coming to the rescue, and in the nick of time? Why that
particular branch of the house of Durin as the rescuers?
6. Dáin Ironfoot: great and wise king! What do you think of Dáin Ironfoot? Do
you think he is worthy leader and guardian of his people? Or what else do you
think?
7. Quest of the Lonely Mountain: This of course it is the story of Bilbo in the
Hobbit, which we will start here in the RR very shortly. Any comments on this
Quest, as you know it?
Reference:
Links:
1. Quest of
Erebor (EoA)
2. The Hobbit
WikipediA.org
3. Thorin
Oakenshield’s Company (Freepages Pavilion .net)
4. Battle of
the Five Armies (Encyclopedia of Arda)
5. Battle
of the Five Armies (The Tolkien Wiki Community)
6. Thorin
Oakenshield (EoA)
7. Thorin II
Oakenshield (The Tolkien Wiki Community)
8. Gandalf (EoA)
9. Smaug (EoA)
10. Dáin II Ironfoot
(EoA)
11.
Gandalf chance meeting with Thorin (Google Search)
12. Ba rd (EoA)
13. Bolg (EoA)
14. Directory of
Dwarves (EoA)
15. Resurrecting
Dale, City of A Thousand Untold Stories article on the relationship of Dale
and Erebor. (Daily Tolkien articles)
Places:
Iron Hills [hills]
[CG to ME] Hills east of Erebor [Lonely Mtn] settled about TA 2590 by Grór and
the Dwarves of Durin’s Folk after the desertion of the Ered Mithrin [Grey
Mtns]. Náin led his people to the Battle of Azanulbizar in 2799, turning the
tide. Five hundred Dwarves of the Iron Hills under Dáin, fought valiantly with
Thorin II in the Battle of the Five Armies [first Battle of Dale]. Dáin became
King of Erebor; the Iron Hills passed out of record. Iron was mined there, not
gold, Dwarves were prosperous, not
wealthy.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Mightier than Estë is Nienna, sister of Fëanturi; she dwells alone. She is acquainted with grief, and mourns for every wound that Arda suffered in the marring of Melkor. So great was her sorrow, as the Music unfolded that her song turned to lamentation long before its end, and the sound of mourning was woven into the themes of the World before it began. But she does not weep for herself; and those who hearken to her learn pity, and endurance in hope. . . . All those who wait in Mandos cry to her, for she brings strength to the spirit and turns sorrow to wisdom.
Valaquenta
