Exploring Tolkien

145. Is the Arkenstone a Silmaril? – The Hobbit #30

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Smaug is gone, so the Bilbo and the dwarves… just sit there?!  For a couple of days they do–and eventually they reach the treasures.  Bilbo, though, makes a choice to REALLY become the burglar when he sees the Arkenstone.

We explore:

  • The deep lore connection between the Arkenstone and the Silmarils.
  • Bilbo’s big “burglar” moment—what are the moral implications of his decision to pocket the Arkenstone?
  • How getting a glimpse of treasure suddenly fills the dwarves with unexpected courage (or maybe just classic dwarvish greed).
  • Why Tolkien’s details about mithril, ancient armor, enchanted harps, and precious gems make Middle Earth feel so real.
  • All the little moments and missed opportunities in Peter Jackson’s movie adaptation—what did the films completely mess up in this part of the story?

    • In our extended episode (available for our members), we dive deeper into:

    • Was the Arkenstone ever meant to be a Silmaril? We look deeper into Tolkien’s drafts and unique connections between Fëanors gems and the Dwarves greatest gem.

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

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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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