Hobbit 4

With Smaug dead, Thorin reclaims Erebor, but begins to suffer from the so-called "dragon sickness," becoming increasingly obsessed with the treasure. Men and elves surround the mountain demanding a share of the riches to rebuild Lake-town and receive the promised reward. Thorin refuses any deal, increasing the tension between them all. Before the war between dwarves, elves, and men begins, a huge army of orcs arrives, led by Azog and Bolg. This conflict becomes known as the Battle of the Five Armies, involving dwarves, elves, men, orcs, and goblins, with the help of the Great Eagles and Beorn. During the battle, Thorin regains his sanity, fights alongside his companions, and defeats Azog, but is mortally wounded. His nephews Fili and Kili also die defending their king and those they loved. Before dying, Thorin makes peace with Bilbo and acknowledges how important the hobbit was to the journey. After the victory of the free peoples, Dáin II Ironfoot becomes the new King under the Mountain. Bilbo returns to the Shire carrying only a small part of the treasure and the One Ring, ending his adventure. The story ends by setting the stage for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, when Gandalf begins to suspect the true nature of the ring found by Bilbo.

In short, the rivalry between elves and dwarves stemmed from a combination of ancient wars, disputes over treasure and honor, cultural differences, and pride, and has been maintained for generations. Despite this, Tolkien shows that this enmity is not inevitable and can be overcome when individuals choose to cooperate instead of nurturing old resentments.

The Hobbit trilogy takes place approximately 60 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and tells how a simple adventure changed the fate of Middle-earth.

It all begins in the Shire, where Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, lives a peaceful life. One day, the wizard Gandalf appears at his home accompanied by thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. They want to reclaim Erebor, the ancient kingdom of the dwarves, which was taken by the dragon Smaug many years before. Bilbo agrees to travel as the company's "burglar".

During their journey, the group faces trolls, flees from orcs and goblins, escapes wargs, and giant eels save them. In the Misty Mountains, Bilbo gets lost and encounters Gollum. After a game of riddles, he accidentally finds the One Ring, without imagining that this object would change the history of Middle-earth.

The travelers arrive in Rivendell, where Elrond, Galadriel, and other wise men help interpret Thorin's secret map. Meanwhile, Gandalf begins to investigate the return of an ancient evil force known as the Necromancer, which is later revealed to be Sauron regaining his power.

The company journeys to Mirkwood, where they encounter enormous spiders and are captured by King Thranduil's elves. With Bilbo's help, the dwarves escape hidden in barrels that float down the river.

Then, they arrive at Lake-town (Esgaroth) and receive help from Bard to reach Erebor. Bilbo enters the mountain alone and speaks with Smaug, discovering a weak point in his scale armor. The dragon leaves Erebor enraged and attacks Lake-town, but Bard manages to defeat him using a Black Arrow.

This prejudice was passed down from generation to generation, causing many to grow up distrusting one another even without having lived through the events that gave rise to the conflict. The origin of the rivalry The rivalry began long before the events of The Hobbit. One of the most important episodes took place in the First Age, when a dispute arose involving the legendary necklace Nauglamír and one of the Silmarils. After disagreements over ownership and the work done on the jewel, the situation ended in violence. There were deaths on both sides, revenge killings, and wars. This conflict created a resentment that lasted for centuries. The conflict in The Hobbit In the time of The Hobbit, the rivalry still existed. The Elven king Thranduil and Thorin Oakenshield did not trust each other. When the dwarves crossed Mirkwood, they were captured by the elves. Thranduil wanted to know the reason for their journey, but Thorin refused to answer. This further increased the distrust between them. Later, after Smaug's death, another dispute arises. Elves and men both demand a share of Erebor's treasure to help rebuild the city destroyed by the dragon and to receive the promised reward. Thorin, consumed by pride and fear of losing the treasure, refuses any negotiation. The tension almost leads to a war between dwarves, elves, and men. Did they really hate each other? Not entirely. The rivalry was more between the peoples and their rulers than between the individuals themselves. Many elves and dwarves managed to respect each other when they lived together. The greatest example of this appears in The Lord of the Rings, when Legolas and Gimli start out distrustful but end up becoming great friends. Their friendship symbolizes that centuries of prejudice and rivalry can be overcome through respect, trust, and coexistence.

Beorn is a man of few words, reserved and extremely independent. At first glance, he may seem intimidating and grumpy, but he possesses a strong sense of justice and protects those who demonstrate honesty and respect. Beorn values ​​freedom and dislikes arrogant or treacherous people. When he earns their trust, he reveals a generous and hospitable side, offering shelter and help to those in need. In combat, he becomes fierce and ruthless against his enemies, especially orcs and wargs. Despite his solitary nature, his courage and loyalty make him an important ally of the free peoples of Middle-earth.

The rivalry between elves and dwarves in J.R.R. Tolkien's work did not arise because one people was "good" and the other "evil." It was built up over thousands of years due to wars, cultural differences, distrust, and pride.

Cultural differences

The two peoples see the world in very different ways.

Elves value nature, art, music, wisdom, and the preservation of the world's beauty. Because they are immortal, they tend to think long-term and act with considerable patience. They often appear reserved and even arrogant to those who don't know them.

Dwarves, on the other hand, value work, family, honor, mining, and the creation of weapons and jewelry. They are known for being determined, proud, and very attached to the traditions of their clans. When they make a promise, they take it very seriously.

These differences made it difficult for both of them to understand each other's way of life.

The pride of both peoples

Neither elves nor dwarves like to admit they are wrong.

Elves often considered dwarves greedy because of their love of precious metals and riches. Dwarves, in turn, viewed many elves as arrogant, aloof, and convinced of their superiority.

Galadriel is an extremely wise, serene, and powerful elf. She exudes calm and dignity, rarely letting her emotions dominate her decisions. Galadriel possesses great compassion for the free peoples of Middle-earth and seeks to guide them with counsel rather than impose her will. Her intelligence and ability to see beyond appearances make her an excellent leader. Despite her gentleness, she can be firm and imposing when facing the forces of evil. Her presence inspires respect, hope, and confidence in all around her.

Elladan is a brave, determined elf, deeply loyal to his family and allies. He is a skilled warrior who faces danger without hesitation when someone he loves is at risk. Elladan tends to be more impulsive and direct than many other elves, preferring to act quickly when faced with threats. Even so, he knows how to listen to advice and work as a team. His strong sense of justice leads him to protect the innocent and fight evil forces. His dedication and courage make him a reliable companion.

Elrohir is intelligent, patient, and very observant. Although he shares the courage of his twin brother Elladan, he tends to act more strategically and cautiously. Elrohir prefers to analyze a situation before making a decision, always seeking the best way to protect his companions. He is loyal, respectful, and shows great empathy for those who suffer. His balanced personality complements Elladan's, allowing the two to work in perfect harmony. His serenity and discipline make him an admirable warrior and advisor.

Orcs are aggressive, cruel, and violent creatures. They usually solve problems through force and rarely show compassion or mercy. Many orcs are arrogant and enjoy intimidating those they consider weaker. Although they frequently fight amongst themselves, they can unite when they have a strong leader to command them. They value power, domination, and survival above all else. Their brutal nature makes them feared by almost all the peoples of Middle-earth.

Goblins are similar to orcs, but are generally more treacherous and cunning. They enjoy deceiving, ambushing, and using traps to defeat their enemies. They are usually noisy, mocking, and cruel, delighting in the suffering of others. Goblins live in large groups and follow leaders who rule through fear. Although not known for their courage, they can become dangerous when outnumbered. Their intelligence is often used to create weapons, tunnels, and traps.

The Giant Spiders of Mirkwood are patient, silent, and extremely dangerous predators. They usually observe their prey before attacking, waiting for the perfect moment to capture them. Unlike orcs and goblins, they are not motivated by ambition or conquest, but mainly by hunger and the hunting instinct. The spiders are cunning and capable of cooperating with each other to surround and trap their victims. They demonstrate cruelty by toying with their prey before devouring them. Their presence transforms Mirkwood into an even more frightening and dangerous place.

In general, orcs represent brutality, goblins represent treachery and malicious cunning, while giant spiders represent the fear of hidden predators lurking in the shadows.

The Hobbit is a fantasy story based on the book by J.R.R. Tolkien. The plot follows Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who lives a peaceful life in the Shire until he is convinced by the wizard Gandalf to participate in an adventure alongside thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield.

The goal of the journey is to reclaim Erebor, the ancient kingdom of the dwarves, which was taken by the dragon Smaug many years before. During the trip, the group faces trolls, goblins, wargs, giant spiders, and orcs, as well as visiting legendary places like Rivendell and Mirkwood.

One of the most important moments in the story occurs when Bilbo finds the One Ring deep within the Misty Mountains after his encounter with Gollum. This ring will have enormous importance in the events of The Lord of the Rings.

The world of The Hobbit

The story takes place in Middle-earth, a continent inhabited by diverse peoples and creatures.

Hobbits: small beings who love comfort, food, and a peaceful life.

Dwarves: masters of mining, forging, and crafting, known for their courage and pride.

Elves: immortal beings connected to nature, art, and wisdom.

Men: ordinary humans, found in various kingdoms and cities.

Wizards: powerful beings sent to help free peoples.

Orcs and Goblins: evil creatures that serve the forces of darkness.

Throughout the story, Bilbo transforms from a shy and comfortable individual into a courageous and intelligent adventurer. The main theme of The Hobbit is that even the most ordinary person can achieve great things when they find the courage to face the unknown.

The film trilogy concludes with the Battle of the Five Armies, where dwarves, elves, men, eagles, and orcs clash for control of the Lonely Mountain. After many losses and sacrifices, peace returns to the region, setting the stage for the future events of The Lord of the Rings.

Legolas is a kind, loyal, and extremely observant elf. He possesses a calm nature and rarely loses control of his emotions. Legolas shows great respect for his friends and is always willing to help them, even in dangerous situations. His courage is accompanied by humility, something uncommon for someone so skilled. He appreciates the beauty of nature and seeks to act in a balanced and just manner. Despite his serene appearance, he is a determined warrior who protects those he cares about without hesitation.

Thranduil is a proud, elegant, and highly intelligent elven king. He usually maintains a cold and reserved demeanor, rarely revealing his true feelings. Thranduil values ​​the safety of his people above all else and makes decisions cautiously, even if they seem harsh to others. His long life has given him wisdom, but it has also made him distrustful due to the losses he has suffered throughout the centuries. Although he appears distant and arrogant, he cares deeply for his kingdom and those under his protection. Behind his imposing appearance lies someone marked by ancient pains and responsibilities.

Tauriel is a courageous, compassionate, and independent elf. Unlike many elves who rigidly follow traditions, she tends to act according to her own conscience and sense of justice. Tauriel genuinely cares about the suffering of others, regardless of their race or origin. She is determined and unafraid to defy orders when she believes she is doing what is right. Her personality combines gentleness and firmness, making her a strong yet empathetic warrior. Despite the difficulties she faces, she continues to fight to protect those she considers important.

The culture of the elves in J.R.R. Tolkien's work is one of the oldest and most refined in Middle-earth. The elves are known for their wisdom, connection to nature, love of art, and deep respect for history.

Elves have a strong connection to nature. They live in harmony with forests, rivers, and mountains, seeking to preserve the beauty of the world around them. Many of their kingdoms, such as Rivendell and Lothlórien, were built to integrate with the landscape rather than dominate it.

Art, music, and poetry occupy a very important place in their culture. Elves often sing about historical events, friendships, love, loss, and the beauty of creation. For them, music and art are not just entertainment, but ways to preserve memories and express wisdom.

Elves highly value knowledge and learning. Having lived for thousands of years, they accumulate vast experience and often study history, languages, astronomy, medicine, and other fields of knowledge. For this reason, they are often seen as wise by other peoples.

Immortality profoundly influences their culture. Elves do not age like humans and can live for entire ages. This leads them to have a more patient and careful view of life, considering consequences that may take centuries to unfold.

Family and friendships are also important, although elves generally express their feelings more reservedly than dwarves. They often form deep and lasting bonds, maintaining friendships for many centuries.

In war, elves are known for their agility, discipline, and skill with the bow and sword. Instead of brute force, they prefer speed, precision, and strategy. Many elven warriors are trained for centuries, becoming extremely skilled combatants.

Elves also possess a strong sense of preserving memory. They value stories from the past and seek to keep memories of events alive.

The culture of the dwarves in J.R.R. Tolkien's work is based on tradition, family, honor, and work. The dwarves are known for being a resilient, proud people, extremely dedicated to their roots.

Dwarves highly value family and ancestry. They keep detailed records of their lineage and feel great respect for the family members who came before them. Family honor is taken very seriously, and insults against a clan can be remembered for generations.

Metallurgy and mining are central parts of their culture. Dwarves are master blacksmiths, jewelers, and artisans. They create weapons, armor, and jewelry of the highest quality, and are especially famous for their work with rare metals such as mithril.

Dwarves typically live in large cities carved into mountains, such as Erebor and Khazad-dûm. These kingdoms boast enormous halls, stone pillars, mines, and forges, showcasing their architectural skill.

Loyalty is one of the most important characteristics for them. A dwarf generally remains loyal to friends, family, and their king, even in the face of great danger. Betrayal is considered one of the worst possible offenses.

Dwarves also enjoy festivals, music, and stories. Many of their songs speak of lost kingdoms, treasures, ancient heroes, and longing for their homelands. The famous song of the dwarves in The Hobbit about Erebor shows how much they value their history.

Another striking characteristic is pride. Dwarves rarely give up on their goals and tend to be very stubborn. This determination can be a great strength, but it sometimes also causes conflicts with other races.

In war, dwarves are known for their courage and discipline. They prefer heavy armor, axes, hammers, and shields, fighting with impressive resilience. Even when outnumbered, they often face their enemies without retreating.

In summary, dwarf culture is built on five main pillars: family, tradition, and arts.

The rivalry between elves and dwarves in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings has very ancient origins and involves cultural differences, pride, and past conflicts.

Elves tend to value art, nature, wisdom, and beauty. Dwarves, on the other hand, value hard work, mining, forging, wealth earned through effort, and loyalty to family. These differences have often led to misunderstandings between the two peoples.

One of the biggest reasons for the rivalry occurred during the dispute over the treasure of Nauglamír and the Silmarils, events narrated in the ancient history of Middle-earth. There were accusations of greed, betrayal, and even battles between elves and dwarves, creating resentments that lasted for generations.

Another important reason was mutual distrust. Many elves saw the dwarves as stubborn and excessively attached to gold, while many dwarves considered the elves arrogant and proud. These opinions ended up being passed down from generation to generation.

Despite this, the rivalry did not mean that all elves and dwarves hated each other. There are several friendships between the two peoples. The most famous example is the friendship between Legolas and Gimli, who learned to respect each other and proved that the ancient rivalry could be overcome.

In The Hobbit, this tension appears primarily in the relationship between Thorin's dwarves and the elves of Mirkwood, especially with the elven king Thranduil, who had long-standing disagreements with the dwarves. However, when faced with common enemies, both peoples end up cooperating when the situation demands it.

Elladan is a brave, determined elf, extremely loyal to his family. Son of Elrond, he possesses great skill in combat and is not afraid to face dangers to protect those he loves. Elladan tends to be more direct and impulsive than many other elves, especially when it comes to fighting evil forces. His dedication to his loved ones is one of the most striking characteristics of his personality. Despite his warrior nature, he also demonstrates wisdom and compassion when necessary. He values ​​honor and justice above all else.

Elrohir is intelligent, observant, and as courageous as his twin brother, Elladan. The two share a strong bond and often act in perfect harmony. Elrohir tends to be somewhat calmer and more strategic, preferring to analyze the situation before acting. He possesses a deep sense of duty and is always willing to help those in need of protection. His loyalty to family and allies is unwavering. Although a skilled warrior, he also demonstrates kindness and understanding towards others.

Thorin Oakenshield is a proud, determined leader, extremely devoted to his people. As heir to the kingdom of Erebor, he carries a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to restore the glory of the dwarves. Thorin is courageous and willing to face any danger to achieve his goals. His personality may seem rigid and stubborn, as he rarely abandons a decision he considers right. He deeply values ​​the honor, loyalty, and traditions of his people. Despite his flaws and moments of excessive pride, Thorin possesses a noble heart and is willing to sacrifice everything for those he loves and protects.

Dwalin is a serious, disciplined, and extremely protective dwarf. He is usually one of the first to enter combat and one of the last to retreat, demonstrating impressive courage. His loyalty to his friends, especially Thorin, is unwavering. Dwalin speaks little more than necessary and prefers to demonstrate his feelings through actions. Despite his intimidating appearance and rigid demeanor, he cares deeply for those he considers family. His strength, determination, and sense of duty make him one of the most reliable warriors in the company.

Balin is wise, patient, and one of the most respected dwarves in the company. He possesses great experience and frequently offers valuable advice to his companions. Unlike many more impulsive dwarves, Balin prefers to analyze the situation before acting. His gentle and understanding nature makes him a supportive figure to those around him. He believes in the importance of friendship, honor, and hope, even in the face of difficulties. His intelligence and maturity help keep the group united throughout their journey.

Bilbo Baggins is kind, polite, and far braver than he appears. Initially, he prefers the comfort and security of his home, but gradually discovers an inner strength he didn't know he possessed. Bilbo is intelligent, observant, and often finds creative solutions to complicated problems. He values ​​friendship and frequently shows compassion even to those others would consider enemies. His humility sets him apart from many traditional heroes. Throughout his adventure, he learns to balance his natural caution with growing courage.

Glóin is a proud, hardworking dwarf, extremely devoted to his family and his people. He possesses a strong personality and is not afraid to express his opinions when he believes he is right. Courageous and experienced, Glóin faces challenges with determination and perseverance. His loyalty to his companions is unwavering, especially when it comes to protecting those he loves. Although he may seem stern at times, he also demonstrates great affection and concern for his friends and family. His sense of honor and responsibility makes him a respected figure among the dwarves.

Gandalf is wise, mysterious, and extremely knowledgeable about the world around him. He often sees potential in people even before they realize it in themselves. Although powerful, he prefers to guide and advise rather than solve all problems alone. Gandalf values ​​courage, kindness, and the ability to do what is right, even when it is difficult. His manner may seem enigmatic, but his actions demonstrate a deep concern for the well-being of others. He is a guide, mentor, and protector to many of the heroes of Middle-earth. Elrond is a noble, serene, and incredibly wise elf. He possesses great knowledge of the history, peoples, and events of Middle-earth. Elrond usually acts with calm and balance, avoiding hasty decisions. His compassion and sense of responsibility lead him to help those who seek his guidance. Despite his gentle nature, he is also firm when necessary and does not hesitate to defend what he considers right. His wisdom, patience, and dignity make him one of the most respected figures in Middle-earth.

Bifur is a silent, reserved, and quite observant dwarf. Due to the axe embedded in his head, he rarely communicates in the same way as others, but this does not prevent him from expressing his emotions and intentions. Bifur demonstrates great courage in the face of danger and possesses a strong determination to protect his companions. He prefers to act rather than speak, showing his loyalty through his actions. Despite his serious demeanor, he is reliable and dedicated to the group. His calmness and resilience make him a steadfast presence during their journeys.

Bofur is one of the friendliest and most charismatic dwarves in the company. He has a great sense of humor and often tries to cheer up his companions even in the most difficult moments. Kind and understanding, Bofur treats everyone with respect and rarely judges anyone by their appearance or origin. His optimistic nature helps maintain the group's unity during the adventure. Although easygoing, he is also brave and willing to face dangers to protect his friends. His kind heart makes him one of the most beloved members of the company.

Bombur is known for his love of food, comfort, and quiet moments, but that doesn't mean he's a coward. Although he prefers to avoid trouble, he loyally and determinedly accompanies his companions when necessary. Bombur has a gentle temperament and often shows affection through small gestures of care. He appreciates the company of others and values ​​the bonds of friendship and family. His easygoing nature helps to ease tension in difficult situations. Behind his relaxed appearance lies a kind and loyal dwarf.

Nori is shrewd, creative, and a bit mischievous. He enjoys finding unusual solutions to problems and isn't afraid to break rules when he believes it will help his companions. His laid-back and good-humored nature makes him a fun presence within the group. Although he seems carefree, Nori is very loyal and always ready to support his friends. He possesses a quick and observant mind, capable of spotting opportunities that others don't see. His independent personality sets him apart among the dwarves in the company. Dori is polite, caring, and extremely protective of those he loves, especially his younger brother, Ori. He usually acts respectfully and values ​​good manners, even during difficult situations. Dori likes to keep everything organized and is often concerned about the safety and comfort of his companions. Although he may seem a little strict at times, his actions are motivated by his big heart and sense of responsibility. He is dedicated, hardworking, and very reliable. His protective nature makes him an almost brotherly figure to the whole group.

Glóin is a proud, hardworking dwarf, extremely devoted to his family and his people. He possesses a strong personality and is not afraid to express his opinions when he believes he is right. Courageous and experienced, Glóin faces challenges with determination and perseverance. His loyalty to his companions is unwavering, especially when it comes to protecting those he loves. Although he may seem stern at times, he also demonstrates great affection and concern for his friends and family. His sense of honor and responsibility makes him a respected figure among the dwarves.

Óin is an experienced, responsible dwarf who is very loyal to his companions. He tends to act practically and prefers to solve problems calmly and intelligently. As the group's healer, he cares deeply about the well-being of others and is always willing to help those in need. Despite his serious appearance, he has a kind and protective heart. Óin values ​​family, tradition, and duty above all else. His maturity makes him someone others can rely on in difficult times.

Kíli is one of the youngest dwarves in the company, known for his courage, energy, and adventurous spirit. He is outgoing, playful, and usually demonstrates confidence even in dangerous situations. Kíli enjoys exploring new places and rarely backs down from a challenge. His loyalty to his friends and family is extremely strong, and he would do anything to protect them. Furthermore, he possesses a gentle and charismatic side that makes him beloved by his companions. His enthusiasm often helps to lift the group's spirits.

Fili is responsible, determined, and possesses a strong sense of leadership. As Thorin's eldest nephew, he takes his duties very seriously and strives to set an example for others. He is courageous and always willing to face dangers to achieve his goals. Despite his firmness, he shows great affection for his brother Kili and the other members of the company. Fili values ​​honor, loyalty, and respect for the traditions of his people. His confident demeanor leads many to see him as a promising future leader.