Exploring Tolkien

148. Bilbo Doubles Down on Burglary – The Hobbit #33

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We look at Chapter 16 of The Hobbit, where Bilbo makes his most controversial choice-—handing the Arkenstone over to Bard and the Elvenking. Is Bilbo a traitor to the dwarves, or the only one thinking clearly as war looms? Or maybe he just wants to get home!

We also explore:

  • Did you know this chapter originally had a different title?
  • Why EXACTLY did Bilbo give up the Arkenstone (and his part of the Treasure)?
  • The morality of giving away the Arkenstone: is it just, betrayl, or is there a greater good?
  • Gandalf’s ability to say enough to encourage and hope, but not let them off the hook for their involvement.

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

    • The most satisfying way to read The Hobbit: as it’s own non-Middle-earth story, as a LOTR prequel, or somewhere in the middle?
    • How annoyed Jonathan is when fans force The Hobbit into precise MIddle-earth lore.

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      🔍 If You Like Tolkien

      The History of The Hobbit
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      The Silmarillion
      The Children of Hurin
      The Atlas of Middle-earth
      Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

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