[Bêthberry]

This appearance of the birds strengthens the fairie aspects of The Hobbit, which I like. I can't help but wonder on what basis Tolkien chose to have various species represent positive or negative traits, though.

At the same time, does the warning from the thrush and raven have a serious aspect and terrible consequence? True, the news helps the dwarves prepare their defenses, but does this information about the advancing men and elves work to harden Thorin's heart? Would he have met the advance differently had he not had time to stew in his possessiveness?

Could Bilbo have changed things if he had given up the Arkenstone?Why does Bilbo remain silent about it? Was the failure to find this relic a poignant instigator in Thorin's feeling that his heritage was being denied? Is Bilbo culpable for the war even with his sense of favouring the elves?

~~a few quick thoughts~~