Dame Ioreth
Tol Eressea
Oct 25 2013, 9:23pm
Views: 901
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And since this just happens to be the place on my DVD that is almost worn through, if that is even possible...
And since I’ve been waiting for something special for my 100th post (thanks, Brethil!)
Yes, I love the way each of the dwarfs is allowed his moment in this scene. We’ve seen them fooling around, we’ve seen them singing even, but looking at that group chowing down around Bilbo’s table is not inspiring; they look like the most rag tag bunch of dwarfs.
They seem to know each other, but I wonder, is this the first time they’ve met since they “got the call?” They’re reaction to Thorin’s knock seems to say “yes” to me. And if so, that puts the song into an interesting light.
As Brethil mentions, there is an overtone of politics in that song; akin to singing a national anthem at a political rally. But, I believe it is more than that. If you read the lyrics, it is obviously a story song, but in the context of the dwarf culture, also a history lesson. Dwarf written language is, from what I’ve gathered, more utilitarian rather than artistic. Their art is in what they make with their hands and what they sing in their songs and therefore an a capella version is most fitting. Story songs are sung when no instruments are available - around a fire, to babies as lullabies, to children as bedtimes stories. So although the singing of that song at that particular moment did achieve political ends (rallying the troops so to speak), it also served as a history lesson for those who have never seen Erebor.
This rag tag group who may know each other in passing now becomes a united group with a common goal, a goal rooted deep in the history of their race. They are not only on a quest to reclaim Erebor, but they are following the last of Durin’s line on that quest. Other dwarf settlements exist - the people will not die out - but there is something to be said for reinstating Durin’s heirs to their rightful place.
The sparks up the chimney are a beautiful image, but to me also a very poignant one. I saw two images, the vestiges of dragon fire that they will face and then almost as shooting stars, winking on for a few seconds and then gone. The song was a wish on those “stars”, for success in the endeavor. Like incense, the sparks rise with a prayer to their god(s) for a good outcome. Despite the brave words, I don’t think any of the dwarfs in their secret mind was confident of success or confident in their own bravery in the face of that dragon fire.
It’s my view that the sleeping author/historian in Bilbo was being nudged by the dwarfs singing this song. His heart was touched by their plight but I think it was his mind that was awakened by their *story*. Lover of tales, he was primed, as Gandalf saw in the younger Bilbo, to be off on his own adventure. Sam and Frodo talk about being “in the story” instead of telling the story. That is what, I think, ultimately puts Bilbo’s foot over the threshold. This time, he will get to *write* the tale!
Where there's life there's hope, and need of vittles.
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
(This post was edited by Hengist on Oct 25 2013, 10:29pm)
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