Hobbits smell of cozy fires, hay fields, and baking; Dwarves just smell…well, hairy and unwashed; Elves of course smell of strawberry bubble bath. But what does a wizard smell like?
I think (??) we mused on this before somewhere, and I believe the consensus was a predomination of a smoky smell.
Especially Gandalf!
Old Bilbo tells Frodo he came home with only one chest of treasure – “and it still smells of troll.” So he doesn’t end up with any Dwarven treasure at all when he departs for home after the Bo5A? Interesting. Why not?
Good question! In the book, Dain gives him a couple chests, one of gold and one of silver, and then he brings home the troll hoard gold as well--in bags, not a chest--at Gandalf's insistence. So perhaps Dain doesn't give him any treasure in the movie, and his only treasure is the movie troll chest? He does end up with the mithril shirt, though, apparently. That is a kingly gift in itself, I believe.
Thorin’s got his hand on the hilt of Orcrist when he enters Bag End. Just in case he finds foes not friends on the other side of the door? A good warrior is always prepared.
It must be his own sword rather than Orcrist, since he doesn't get that until later.
He and Dwalin both have a wariness about them as they meet Bilbo that speaks of seasoned warriors.
Who else thinks Thorin had been repeatedly ringing the doorbell while “Blunt the Knives” was going on, and was so teed off that no one had heard him that he resorted to that thundering knock?
I never thought of that! Quite possible! But I prefer to believe Thorin thinks himself above ringing that tingly little bell. A thundering knock is much more majestic.
Bifur’s line in Bag End has always sounded to me like “I’m a -- good carry bum!”
I won't comment on Bifur's bum.
Smoke and sparks up the chimney trailing into a night sky: full of mystery and potential adventures. Smoke from a candle by morning light: the sparks have fizzled, the flame is out. The potential is extinguished.
Not the potential, I hope...perhaps just the enthusiasm!
What do Dwarves normally blow their noses on?
I don't think I want to go there.
Giant Eagles have a wing-span of something like 30 feet. Eagles normally capture and eat prey that’s fairly large relative to their body size. So what in Middle-earth do Giant Eagles eat? Historically, I mean. Before the introduction of domestic livestock. They must have co-evolved with some giant prey.
They ate megaloceroses, of course! (Elf not included.)
The quickest way to kill a spider (short of squashing it, of course) is to get it wet.
Someone tell the dwarves before they get to Mirkwood!!
After the Company slides down the rock into the cave, escaping the orcs and wargs, who else wants to hear Thorin sneer at Gandalf: “What a wonderful smell you’ve discovered!”? Or maybe that’s a better line for the troll cave.
Me, me! Actually I keep wondering if they leave that dead orc there in the secret entrance to rot...
Balin must send letters in GIANT envelopes. The-sword-not-yet-named-Sting is a bit overkill as a letter opener for a normal-sized letter.
Maybe to Balin the elves seem enormous. And perhaps he's never seen an elven letter! I personally don't imagine them using envelopes: just folded and sealed-with-wax documents.
Thanks, Ro! I always enjoy reading your thoughts!