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?
Compared to Erebor and Khazad-dum, the Blue Mountains are a roadside motel. His
true home, as with most Dwarves is where the King lives-this is in Erebor,
despite Smaug. The Dwarves follow their lord, and he has led his folk into
these small coal mines. All this, from the wonder of Dale's fountains and the
stone pillars of Erebor. What a fall.
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?
Thorin is leader of Durin's Folk, as I have said. He is a leader by right and
the rightful heir to Erebor. Gandalf has this tendency to restore rightful
rulers (Theoden,Aragorn,Thorin, Treebeard etc). He knows that Smaug is a
dangerous wild card, and the Dwarves ' anger is legendary. Thorin also took the
unusual step in asking for Gandalf's advice-a proud Dwarf, the King no less!
This must have been a sign to Gandalf.
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?
Never once does he mock them, and he has a name among them, which means he has
spent some time among them. He can also read Dwarvish ,it seems and that takes
a lot of respect (Book of Mazarbul). He is easily annoyed with Thorin's pride
in calling Hobbits thieves, but Elves have also been scolded by Gandalf, as
have Men. He can see the hearts of all, good and evil and the Dwarves are
certainly not innately evil. Gandalf even has a 'beard rapport' with Gimli,
especially when he asks to see Saruman and Gandalf in the same spot.
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?
From what we know in the Hobbit, he is noble and well loved by his people, as
well as those in the Lake. He or his family seems to have been honoured by the
Dwarves, since his arrowhead was forged under Erebor.
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?
They are not a mansion, but a working ore depot. They are the best-mailed
Dwarves (clear difference in Dimrill Dale) and will always help Erebor. These
Dwarves have been maintaining their colony almost as long as Moria existed,so
there is a rich tradition there.
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?
He's cool. Famous in youth for killing an Orc-lord and famous in age for
wielding his red axe at 250. Any Dwarf-leader that can sit on his throne
without being deposed must have relative peace indeed.
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?
I particularly like how Bilbo never really steps up to the plate to be the
Hero. He doesn't kill the Dragon, he sneaks out of Erebor, he can't ge them out
of Mirkwood etc. To top it off, he spends the Five Armies Battle unconcsious!
Bilbo is not a hero here, but his courage in simply going is magnificent. A
flabby ,bachelor Hobbit manages to save the North East of Middle Earth. He is
as Everyman as Samwise, the poor embedded journalist in the Dwarf Berets 121st
brigade.
Gandalf's participation (or lack thereof) is a good example of his chess
skills- he lets Thorin and Co take out the looming threat while concentrating
his wizardry on KO ing the
Necromancer.
There is but one task remaining in Arda-we,the Dragons of Valinor will make it happen.
Lone resident of the Republic of Gondor
PO-TA-TOE-S not PO -TAH-TOE-S!
