The Hobbit - Chapter 14 - Fire and Water

[Estelyn Telcontar]

This short chapter takes us away from Bilbo and the dwarves and is written from the point-of-view of Esgaroth. In a "normal" fairy tale adventure story, this would be the climax - the hero meets the foe and vanquishes him/her/it. Happy end, everyone goes home.

But what's this? The main characters, who ought to be our heroes, are completely out of the picture, waiting more or less passively without knowing what's going on. The people of Laketown are also ignorant of the developments at the Lonely Mountain and initially let themselves be deceived. A stranger, nameless at first, and remarkable only for his pessimism and grim voice, becomes pivotal for the story.

The light has a part in the deception; it appears in the hills, colours the lake golden, and appears to foretell the fulfillment of the prophecies. But thanks to the man, its real significance is recognized, giving the town time to prepare at least minimally. The lake turns red as the dragon approaches - the colour of danger, not of wealth.

I am a bit mystified upon rereading this chapter - why would Smaug need the bridge? Is the town too far away for his wings? (Are they only shadow wings, perhaps? ) But he does fly over the town after all.

Bard shows true leadership, as the Master shows cowardice. Does that seem to echo the King/Steward theme we later see in Gondor? The true (hereditary) ruler becomes the saviour and hero of his people.

The thrush has a vital part in the destruction of Smaug. Interestingly, we read that Bard's ancestry allows him to understand it. Like an inherited sword for other heroes is his arrow, passed on down from his forefathers to him.

The victory is not to be had without sacrifice - the town is burned down, some of its inhabitants dead, and the fall of Smaug ends Esgaroth's existence.

The people recognize the true worth of their leaders - Bard is their hero and they want him as King; the Master did nothing for them in their peril. But like Saruman, his power is in his speech, and he manages to push the blame for their troubles onto the Dwarves.

The dragon hoard stirs up trouble again by making them all eager for its possession. Understandable, since they needed financial means to rebuild their city. But the Elves too desire it, though they are willing to help the Men in their need. The chapter ends with their march toward the Mountain, and the readers begin to suspect that the problems did not end with the Dragon's death.