The Battle of the Five Armies

The Battle of the Five Armies is a significant event in J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novel, "The Hobbit." It serves as the climax of the story, where various armies clash in an epic confrontation. This battle not only marks the end of Bilbo Baggins' journey but also determines the fate of the Lonely Mountain and its treasure.

Background

The battle takes place after the dragon Smaug is killed by Bard the Bowman. The dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, reclaim their ancestral home, Erebor, within the Lonely Mountain. However, news of Smaug's defeat and the mountain's regained treasure attracts the attention of different factions, resulting in conflict.

The Armies

The Battle of the Five Armies involves, as the name suggests, five main groups:

Dwarves - Led by Thorin Oakenshield, the dwarves defend Erebor, determined to keep the treasure for themselves.
Men of Lake-town - Bard the Bowman rallies the people of Lake-town to obtain a fair share of the treasure and protect them from the potential threat of the dragon's wrath.
Wood-elves - King Thranduil leads his army to claim what he believes is his share of the treasure.
Orcs and Goblins - The dark forces, led by Bolg, seek to take control of Erebor and its wealth for themselves.
Eagles - Giant eagles, including their leader, Gwaihir, join the battle in support of the other armies fighting against the orcs and goblins.

The Battle

The battle begins with a confrontation between the goblins and the alliance of dwarves, elves, and men. Despite initial setbacks, the allied forces manage to hold their ground against the relentless onslaught. Bilbo Baggins, the protagonist of the story, plays a crucial role in the conflict, using his wits to save the day multiple times.

As the battle escalates, Thorin succumbs to the Dragon Sickness, becoming consumed by his greed for the treasure. This leads to a rift between the dwarves and their allies, as Thorin refuses to share the wealth. However, when the orcs attempt to attack, Thorin realizes the importance of unity and reconciliation.

The tides turn when the Great Eagles arrive, turning the battle in favor of the allied armies. Their arrival becomes a turning point, overwhelming the orcs and goblins. Many lives are lost in the process, but ultimately the dwarves, elves, men, and eagles succeed in defeating the enemy forces.

Aftermath

While victory is achieved, the Battle of the Five Armies comes at a great cost. Many lives are lost, and the alliance between the dwarves, elves, and men is strained. However, the battle also brings about redemption, as Thorin Oakenshield reconciles with his allies before his death.

The surviving characters, including Bilbo Baggins, reflect on the consequences of greed and the value of friendship. The Battle of the Five Armies serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, setting the stage for the events that unfold in Tolkien's later masterpiece, "The Lord of the Rings."

In conclusion, the Battle of the Five Armies is a thrilling and significant event in "The Hobbit," showcasing the power of unity, the consequences of greed, and the triumph of good over evil. It is an action-packed climax that leaves readers on the edge of their seats while imparting valuable moral lessons.