Welcome back!
Since my last post, our lovable band of dwarves and Bilbo have traveled to the far east. After traveling through the enchanted forest (yes, really) and escaping the prison of the elf kingdom, they finally arrive at the lonely mountain. This is where Tolkien finally reminds us what this story is actually about. The dwarves are elated to regain their homeland, but Tolkien makes it very apparent that their journey isn't anywhere close to finished. They first must defeat Smaug, the enormous dragon that lives within the mountain.
Now, everyone thinks dragons are theres fabulous and mysterious creatures that are infinitely wise. I don't know if dragons are meant to be this way in Tolkien's universe as well, but Smaug is an asshole. He just is. He sits on this enormous mountain of treasure, he literally has the entire wealth of the dwarves in his possession. BUT Bilbo sneaks in and steals a tiny cup to prove that the treasure is still in fact there, and Smaug throws a hissy fit! He torches the countryside and eats all the dwarves' ponies. As if he's going to be using that cup anytime soon anyways, he has a MOUNTAIN of treasure and throws a tantrum over a freaking CUP.
However, I must admit that the language in these next few scenes is gorgeous. Although Smaug is not your stereotypical dragon, he speaks in riddles. This is where Bilbo's scene with Gollum becomes very important, because he is again riddling his way out of certain death. The one catch is that dragons are much more powerful than Gollum, and as Smaug speaks to Bilbo he plants thoughts in his mind that are meant to confuse and trick him. He tries to turn him against the dwarves, claiming that they won't pay him well if they succeed. But Bilbo is quick on his feet and only relays information in riddles which Smaug is transfixed by. "I come from under the hill, and under the hills and over the hills my paths led. And through the air. I am he that walks unseen" I mean, who wouldn't be? Bilbo has become so clever and brave over the course of this story, I can't wait to see where he takes us!
Until next time, thanks for reading!
Ok, gotta say this summary is amazing! I really enjoyed starting with the welcoming feeling as if I had read the story to myself before. I also like the fact that you include your opinion of the authors main purpose being re lived within the section you are summarizing. It makes the reader feel as if the author has gotten you hooked to the book and keep reading to the next place. For some reason it makes me think of it as “Enchanting”. And the way you speak about “The enormous Smaug the dragon that lives in the mountain” had me picture this incredible valley of fantasy mixed with old fashioned movies. In my mind the way you described this scene made me think of mountains from the sound of music. Anyway, I also like the way you expressed your frustration with Smaugs “hissy fit” you really must not like this character. Is it because the author made him too selfish? You also say that Bilbo’s character has become very clever throughout the story, how so? I think i’d like to know more about the transformation of Bilbo’s character change and how you seemed to notice. Kind of like my character in the story i’m reading except my character “Butch” became frightened over being a father yet still had the guts to want to rob a bank, I mean what author does that?
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