Discussion of The Hobbit, Chapter Sixteen

Join Maggie and Cam as celebrate Gandalf's return and analyze Bilbo's parlay with the enemy. The hobbit's character growth seems to have come full circle in this chapter, but the idea of regression continues to dominate the narrative. This episode explores the magical hierarchy of Middle-earth and the loyalty / disloyalty of Bilbo's gamble with the Arkenstone. Maggie questions and explores the chapter's many Game of Thrones precursors and Cam continues to develop his theory about Tolkien's parentheticals. We also talk about birds.

During our Second Breakfast, Cam talks about the elements of Elizabethan drama that appear in this chapter and Maggie leads a discussion on retellings and adaptation.

Have an observation, comment, or theory on this episode? Email us at [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram @secondbreakfastpod