Exploring Tolkien

140. Into the Mountain’s Throat – The Hobbit #27

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Erebor’s secret door: clever storytelling or a bit too convenient? In this episode, we discuss one of The Hobbit’s quieter chapters, where Bilbo and the dwarves finally reach Erebor’s hidden entrance. We break down why the dwarves seem at a loss, how Bilbo’s perspective has shifted on the journey, and whether this chapter signals Tolkien’s move from fairy tale logic toward a more realistic fantasy world.

We also look at:

  • Why the thrush and its “snail anvil” are more than just a quirky detail
  • What the dwarves’ lack of a plan says about their role in the story
  • The line between chance events and plot devices in Tolkien’s writing
  • Bilbo’s all-important homesick mindset

    • In our extended episode (available for members), we talk about:

    • How Tolkien’s view of dwarves changed over time—and what inspired it
    • The first mentions of dwarves in Tolkien’s legendarium
    • Warhammer armies, 3D printing, and tabletop gaming
    • Answering listener questions from YouTube and Discord

      • If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)!

      🔗 Episode Links

      The History of The Hobbit
      The Annotated Hobbit
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      🔍 If You Like Tolkien

      The History of The Hobbit
      The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
      The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)
      The Silmarillion
      The Children of Hurin
      The Atlas of Middle-earth
      Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

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