Questions from 'The Hobbit'

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by Huinesoron

Why did Thranduil have a dozen prison cells scattered around his palace? Why did he have prison cells at all; is there a lot of petty crime among the Nandor? My best guess: he didn't, and the 'cells' are just random rooms which happened to have locks and could be repurposed. The keys are a 'great bunch', which suggests every cell has a different key, supporting this idea.

I like the idea that the Dwarves are just stuffed in a bunch of utility closets. I suppose it makes sense that the guy with all the keys is the butler--i.e. the chief of the servant staff.