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.

      • 🔗 Episode Links

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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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