The Hobbit - Chapter 15 - The Gathering of the Clouds

[Estelyn Telcontar]

With this chapter, we return to Bilbo and the dwarves - - obvious, of course, as Tolkien's first sentence tells us precisely that!

Interestingly, the birds and their activity are an important clue (and later on help) to finding out what's going on elsewhere. Quite a few different birds are named, especially crows, thrushes, and ravens. Do you think there is a special reason why those birds were chosen? We find out that the ravens and the dwarves had a cordial relationship in the past, and the renewal of that cooperation is of great help to the dwarves now. I enjoy the story of Roäc as one of my favorite parts of this chapter. The raven brings news both good and ominous, and though he does not directly give advice, it is plain to see what he would have the dwarves do.

Your own wisdom must decide your course

...he says, but is Thorin wise? I find myself cringing when I read his and his fellow dwarves' decisions. How would the story have ended differently if they had been more reasonable and willing to part with some of the wealth? Do you understand their point of view or agree entirely with Bilbo?

We have fairly detailed descriptions of the fortifications the dwarves undertook to strengthen their defenses. Then comes the first confrontation, brief and without more than Thorin's words.

Bilbo finds himself more drawn to the elves and their music, though the dwarves sing as well. What do you think when you read their rather militant song? The poem is closely related to the one they sang in Bag End at the beginning of the book, Far under the misty mountains cold. What's similar, and what's different?

How do you think the Elves and Men conducted themselves? Did their words and actions contribute to the conflict, or were they justified? Could they have prevented the following war? Is the dwarves' resentment of the elves due to their captivity in the Elven-king's halls, or is there more to it?

Thorin shoots an arrow at the messenger who comes to parley; though it only hits his shield, it is an unfairly aggressive act, don't you think?

The chapter ends with Bilbo's thoughts on their situation - not surprisingly, very practical, down-to-earth thoughts of smell and taste. What are your feelings when you read it? Which parts are your favorites, which do you like less?