I think Thorin is quite aware of the depth of the oath he has taken and while I
don't think that had the battle gone differently he would have taken vengence
upon Bilbo of his own accord and heart. HOWEVER, Things are never that simple
in Tolkien. Depending on how the outcome of the battle was different, (had the
battle ended the same way, but with Thorin living) I think he would have
forgiven Bilbo, but then by some cruel twist have been forced to harm him.
Oaths have a way of taking care of themselves in ME no matter what the heart of
the oathbearer may desire.
Greed to the point of insanity brought on the oath. Remembering that, to
Thorin, the stone represented not just a beautiful stone, but also a means of
ascertaining his title, inheritance and the extent of his own vengence against
Smaug. So I think the depth of his need to seek vengence is every bit of that
of
Fëanor.
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With thanks to Takeo and the original post in the Reading Room:
By faith, Frodo, son of Drogo, went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith, he suffered knife, sting, thorn, lash, bite, and a long burden. By faith, he escaped the edge of the sword, braved the dens of great beasts, performed acts of mercy, quenched the power of fire, and conquered an evil kingdom. By faith beyond endurance, power was made perfect in his weakness.
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