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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 18 2012, 2:29pm
Post #1 of 10
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TIME - November 18
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Today in Middle-earth.
November 18, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Claims are made for Smaug's treasure.
(determined from text - referencing Karen Wynn Fonstad, The Atlas of Middle-earth)
..."Again Thorin hailed them in a loud voice: "Who are you that come armed for war to the gates of Thorin son of Thráin, King under the Mountain?" This time he was answered.
...A tall man stood forward, dark of hair and grim of face... "...Hail Thorin! Why do you fence yourself like a robber in this hold? We are not yet foes, and we rejoice that you are alive beyond our hope. We came expecting to find none living here; yet now that we are met there is matter for a parley and a council."
..."Who are you, and of what would you parley?"
..."I am Bard, and by my hand was the dragon slain and your treasure delivered... ...Moreover I am by right descent the heir of Girion of Dale, and in your hoard is mingled much of the wealth of his halls and town, which of old Smaug stole... ...Further in his last battle Smaug destroyed the dwellings of the men of Esgaroth, and I am yet the servant of their Master. I would speak for him and ask whether you have no thought for the sorrow and misery of his people. They aided you in your distress, and in recompense you have thus far brought ruin only, though doubtless undesigned."
...Now these were fair words and true... ...and Bilbo thought that Thorin would at once admit what justice was in them... ...he did not reckon with the power that gold has upon which a dragon has long brooded, nor with dwarvish hearts. Long hours in the past days Thorin had spent in the treasury, and the lust of it was heavy on him. Though he had hunted chiefly for the Arkenstone...
..."...You put your worst cause last and in the chief place," Thorin answered. "To the treasure of my people no man has a claim, because Smaug who stole it from us also robbed him of life or home... ...The price of the goods and the assistance that we received of the Lake-men we will fairly pay—in due time. But nothing will we give, not even a loaf's worth, under threat of force. While an armed host lies before our doors, we look on you as foes and thieves...."
..."...we are not robbers. Moreover the wealthy may have pity beyond right on the needy that befriended them when they were in want. And still my other claims remain unanswered."
..."I will not parley... ...with armed men at my gate. Nor at all with the people of the Elvenking, whom I remember with small kindness. In this debate they have no place. Begone now ere our arrows fly! And if you would speak with me again, first dismiss the elvish host to the woods where it belongs, and then return laying down your arms before you approach the threshold."
..."The Elvenking is my friend, and he has succoured the people of the Lake in their need, though they had no claim but friendship on him... ...We will give you time to repent your words. Gather your wisdom ere we return!" Then he departed and went back to the camp.
...Ere many hours were past, the banner-bearers returned, and trumpeters stood forth and blew a blast:
..."In the name of Esgaroth and the Forest... ...we speak unto Thorin Thráin 's son Oakenshield, calling himself the King under the Mountains, and we bid him consider well the claims that have been urged, or be declared our foe. At the least he shall deliver one twelfth portion of the treasure unto Bard, as the dragon-slayer, and as the heir of Girion. From that portion Bard will himself contribute to the aid of Esgaroth; but if Thorin would have the friendship and honour of the lands about, as his sires had of old, then he will give also somewhat of his own for the comfort of the men of the Lake."
...Then Thorin seized a bow of horn and shot an arrow at the speaker. It smote into his shield and struck there quivering.
..."Since this is your answer... ...I declare the Mountain besieged. You shall not depart from it, until you call on your side for a truce and a parley. We will bear no weapons against you, but we leave you to your gold. You may eat that, if you will."
...With that the messengers departed swiftly, and the dwarves were left to consider their case. So grim had Thorin become, that even if they had wished, the others would not have dared to find fault with him; but indeed most of them seemed to share his mind—except perhaps old fat Bombur and Fili and Kili. Bilbo... ...disapproved of the whole turn of affairs. He had by now had more than enough of the Mountain, and being besieged inside it was not at all to his taste.
..."The whole place still stinks of dragon," he grumbled to himself, "and it makes me sick. And cram is beginning simply to stick in my throat."
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Nov 19 2012, 11:05am
Post #2 of 10
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should not have mentioned "the Forest". Thorin is riled up enough as is at the Elves and their treatment of him! That word alone would have started him fuming again. And then to dare suggest that the dwarf relinquish a portion of his own "share", when he has come under the gold-spell! It is easy to see why Thorin, in his current state of mind, replied with an arrow.
And can you imagine Bilbo's horrified reaction to this moment!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 19 2012, 11:33am
Post #3 of 10
(528 views)
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Today in Middle-earth.
November 19, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Thorin becomes obsessed.
(determined from text - referencing Karen Wynn Fonstad, The Atlas of Middle-earth)
..."Now the days passed slowly and warily. Many of the dwarves spent their time piling and ordering the treasure; and now Thorin spoke of the Arkenstone of Thráin, and bade them eagerly to look for it in every corner.
..."For the Arkenstone of my father... ...is worth more than a river of gold in itself, and to me it is beyond price. That stone of all the treasure I name unto myself, and I will be avenged on anyone who finds it and withholds it."
...Bilbo heard these words and he grew afraid, wondering what would happen, if the stone was found—wrapped in an old bundle of tattered oddments that he used as a pillow. All the same he did not speak of it, for as the weariness of the days grew heavier, the beginnings of a plan had come into his little head."
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
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(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Nov 19 2012, 11:34am)
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 19 2012, 10:51pm
Post #4 of 10
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Bilbo didn't sign up for a war.
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I'm sure when he saw the others, he thought, "Food! Warmth! I can go home!" But here was Thorin's stubborn challenge AND the men from Lake-town who were so kind and generous just a few weeks before declaring war... everything was falling apart for the hobbit. He fulfilled his part of the contract. It was time for peace and a trip back to the Shire.
The funny thing is... I think Thorin would have liked Bard had he gotten to know him while at town. Bard is grim like Thorin; proud like Thorin; has a strong sense of what's right like Thorin (though different sensibilities); and the ability to fight would score big points with Thorin. But Bard's focus was to do what was urgently necessary to help the homeless and injured townfolk. His patience to work with the Dwarf's paranoia and stubbornness is not something this man cares to deal with.
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
TORn's Observations Lists
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 20 2012, 10:03am
Post #5 of 10
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Today in Middle-earth.
November 20, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. The Dwarves of Dain hasten to Erebor.
(determined from text)
..."Each one of his folk was clad in a hauberk of steel mail that hung to his knees, and his legs were covered with hose of a fine and flexible metal mesh, the secret of whose making was possessed by Dain's people. The dwarves are exceedingly strong for their height, but most of these were strong even for dwarves... ...they wielded heavy two-handed mattocks; but each of them had also a short broad sword at his side and a roundshield slung at his back. Their beards were forked and plaited and thrust into their belts. Their caps were of iron and they were shod with iron, and their faces were grim."
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
TORn's Observations Lists
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Nov 20 2012, 11:13am
Post #6 of 10
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...but did they have silver spoons? 
Seriously, though, these guys are walking armored tanks!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 21 2012, 12:44am
Post #7 of 10
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I just pictured them running downhill and not be able to stop because of the weight of their gear!
RUN FASTER! OMG!
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
TORn's Observations Lists
Unused Scenes
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 21 2012, 9:57am
Post #8 of 10
(483 views)
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Today in Middle-earth.
November 21, 2941 (S.R. 1341)
1. Roäc brings news to Thorin.
(determined from text - referencing Karen Wynn Fonstad, The Atlas of Middle-earth)
..."...the ravens brought news that Dain and more than five hundred dwarves, hurrying from the Iron Hills, were now within about two days' march of Dale....
..."But they cannot reach the Mountain unmarked," said Roäc, "and I fear lest there be battle in the valley. I do not call this counsel good. Though they are a grim folk, they are not likely to overcome the host that besets you; and even if they did so, what will you gain? Winter and snow is hastening behind them. How shall you be fed without the friendship and goodwill of the lands about you? The treasure is likely to be your death, though the dragon is no more!"
...But Thorin was not moved. "Winter and snow will bite both men and elves... ...and they may find their dwelling in the waste grievous to bear. With my friends behind them and winter upon them, they will perhaps be in softer mood to parley with.""
2. Bilbo puts his plan into action.
(determined from text - referencing Karen Wynn Fonstad, The Atlas of Middle-earth)
..."As soon as Bombur had gone, Bilbo put on his ring, fastened his rope, slipped down over the wall, and was gone. He had about five hours before him...
......He had barely scrambled out on the far bank, shivering and spluttering, when up came elves in the gloom with bright lanterns and searched for the cause of the noise.
..."That was no fish!... ...There is a spy about. Hide your lights! They will help him more than us, if it is that queer little creature that is said to be their servant."
..."Servant, indeed!" snorted Bilbo; and in the middle of his snort he sneezed loudly, and the elves immediately gathered towards the sound.
..."Let's have a light!" he said. "I am here, if you want me!" and he slipped off his ring, and popped from behind a rock.
...They seized him quickly, in spite of their surprise. "Who are you? Are you the dwarves' hobbit? What are you doing? How did you get so far past our sentinels?" they asked one after another.
..."I am Mr. Bilbo Baggins... ...companion of Thorin, if you want to know. I know your king well by sight, though perhaps he doesn't know me to look at. But Bard will remember me, and it is Bard I particularly want to see."
..."Indeed!... ...and what may be your business?"
..."Whatever it is, it's my own, my good elves. But if you wish ever to get back to your own woods from this cold cheerless place," he answered shivering, "you will take me along quick to a fire, where I can dry..." ... some two hours after his escape from the Gate, Bilbo was sitting beside a warm fire in front of a large tent, and there sat too, gazing curiously at him, both the Elvenking and Bard. A hobbit in elvish armour, partly wrapped in an old blanket, was something new to them.
..."Really you know," Bilbo was saying in his best business manner, "things are impossible. Personally I am tired of the whole affair. I wish I was back in the West in my own home, where folk are more reasonable...." ..."My dear Bard!" squeaked Bilbo. "Don't be so hasty! I never met such suspicious folk! I am merely trying to avoid trouble for all concerned. Now I will make you an offer!!"
..."Let us hear it!" they said.
..."You may see it!" said he. "It is this!" and he drew forth the Arkenstone...
......The Elvenking himself, whose eyes were used to things of wonder and beauty, stood up in amazement. Even Bard gazed marvelling at it in silence. It was as if a globe had been filled with moonlight and hung before them in a net woven of the glint of frosty stars.
..."This is the Arkenstone of Thráin... ...the Heart of the Mountain; and it is also the heart of Thorin. He values it above a river of gold. I give it to you. It will aid you in your bargaining." Then Bilbo, not without a shudder, not without a glance of longing, handed the marvellous stone to Bard, and he held it in his hand, as though dazed.
..."But how is it yours to give?" he asked at last with an effort.
..."O well!" said the hobbit uncomfortably. "It isn't exactly; but, well, I am willing to let it stand against all my claim... ...I may be a burglar—or so they say: personally I never really felt like one—but I am an honest one... ...Anyway I am going back now, and the dwarves can do what they like to me. I hope you will find it useful."
...The Elvenking looked at Bilbo with a new wonder. "Bilbo Baggins... ...You are more worthy to wear the armour of elf-princes than many that have looked more comely in it. But I wonder if Thorin Oakenshield will see it so. I have more knowledge of dwarves in general than you have perhaps. I advise you to remain with us, and here you shall be honoured and thrice welcome."
..."Thank you very much I am sure... ...But I don't think I ought to leave my friends like this, after all we have gone through together. And I promised to wake old Bombur at midnight, too! Really I must be going, and quickly."
...Nothing they could say would stop him; so an escort was provided for him, and as he went both the king and Bard saluted him with honour. As they passed through the camp an old man wrapped in a dark cloak, rose from a tent door where he was sitting and came towards them.
..."Well done! Mr. Baggins!" he said, clapping Bilbo on the back. "There is always more about you than anyone expects!" It was Gandalf.
...For the first time for many a day Bilbo was really delighted."
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
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Defender of Nogrod
Registered User
Nov 21 2012, 10:20am
Post #9 of 10
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Yeah I get fed up with Thorin every time I read this part. But yeah, Bilbo is pretty fed up with the whole thing, seemingly. As Gandalf says, "There is always more about you than anyone expects!"
Yavanna: "Eru is bountiful, now let thy children beware! For there shall walk a power in the forests whose wrath they will arouse at their peril."
Aule: "Nonetheless they will have need of wood."
BOOM
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Nov 21 2012, 7:30pm
Post #10 of 10
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Gandalf like Bilbo, and hobbits in general, so much. They take it for just so long... then they take CARE of it ;)
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
TORn's Observations Lists
Unused Scenes
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