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dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Nov 12 2012, 1:26am
Views: 155
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I think I've never considered Bilbo's falling into the stream to be comedic - probably from nearly losing my footing myself at times, when walking over slick planks laid across small streams! But notice how this is an echo of his barrel-riding episode, with a soaking, invisible Bilbo sneezing from his chill. Here, however, he wants to be - in fact, needs to be - "caught".
You're right that, now that our hobbit has faced Smaug, he has the courage to face nearly everything. And Tolkien did state, of his heading down the tunnel the first time: "Going on from there was the bravest thing he ever did." Bilbo no longer has timidity.
Now that's a point, how is it that this rustic Elven-king was "used to things of wonder and beauty", living in his cave! But considering his age, I'd say that he's done considerable trade in the past with the Dwarves of Erebor, and of Moria, as well as the craftsmen of Men, and has a nice little collection of bling. Note that Bilbo's mithril-coat was "wrought for some young elf-prince long ago": perhaps even for Legolas? But it does serve as proof of Elf-Dwarf trade.
I like your notion that Gandalf's sudden reappearance at this point serves to reassure Bilbo!
(And my condolences also to titanium hobbit!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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