1.
Heroism
Bilbo vs. Gollum: Bilbo shows cleverness and bravery by outwitting Gollum in the
riddle contest (Chapter 5).
Bilbo and the Spiders: Bilbo rescues the dwarves from the giant spiders of
Mirkwood, displaying unexpected courage (Chapter 8).
Bilbo vs. Smaug: Bilbo faces the fearsome dragon Smaug alone to investigate the
treasure and learn the dragon’s weaknesses (Chapter 12).
2. Loyalty
Thorin’s Dedication to His People: Thorin is committed to reclaiming the Lonely
Mountain and its treasure for his people, the dwarves (Chapter 1 onwards).
Bilbo’s Loyalty to the Dwarves: Despite his doubts, Bilbo stays with the company
through various dangers, including their imprisonment by the elves (Chapter 9).
The Dwarves’ Respect for Thorin: The dwarves continue to follow Thorin, even when
his judgment is clouded by greed and pride (Chapters 14-17).
3. Good vs. Evil
The Battle of Five Armies: The clash between the combined forces of men, dwarves,
and elves against the evil goblins and Wargs (Chapter 17).
Gollum’s Darkness: Gollum’s sinister nature contrasts with Bilbo’s goodness and
mercy when Bilbo spares his life (Chapter 5).
Smaug’s Destruction: Smaug, the dragon, represents evil through his greed and
devastation of Lake-town and the Lonely Mountain (Chapter 12).
4. Leadership
Thorin’s Leadership: Thorin leads the dwarves on their quest to reclaim Erebor, but
his leadership falters due to his obsession with the Arkenstone (Chapters 1-17).
Bilbo as a Leader: Bilbo steps up as a leader when he uses the Arkenstone to
negotiate peace between the men, elves, and dwarves (Chapter 16).
Bard’s Leadership: Bard takes charge after Smaug’s attack on Lake-town and becomes
the leader of men, guiding them through difficult times (Chapters 14-17).
5. Courage and Perseverance
Bilbo’s Decision to Join the Adventure: Bilbo leaves his comfortable life to join
the dwarves on a perilous quest (Chapter 2).
Facing the Trolls: Despite being scared, Bilbo attempts to pickpocket the trolls,
showing courage (Chapter 2).
Marching Through Mirkwood: The group presses on through the dark and dangerous
forest of Mirkwood despite hunger, fear, and confusion (Chapter 8).
6. Moral Values
Bilbo’s Mercy Toward Gollum: Bilbo chooses not to kill Gollum, an act of compassion
and mercy (Chapter 5).
Bilbo’s Honesty with the Arkenstone: Bilbo gives the Arkenstone to Bard and the
elves to prevent war, knowing it may cost him his friendship with Thorin (Chapter
16).
Thorin’s Redemption: Thorin admits his mistakes and asks for forgiveness before his
death, showing moral growth (Chapter 18).
7. Sacrifice
Bilbo’s Sacrifice of Comfort: Bilbo leaves the safety of his home to embark on a
dangerous journey (Chapter 2).
Bilbo’s Sacrifice of the Arkenstone: Bilbo risks his friendship with the dwarves by
giving the Arkenstone to Bard and the elves to broker peace (Chapter 16).
Thorin’s Death: Thorin sacrifices his life fighting for his people and his treasure
during the Battle of the Five Armies (Chapter 18).
8. Free Will
Bilbo’s Choice to Join the Adventure: Bilbo ultimately decides to join the dwarves
on the quest, an act of free will that changes the course of his life (Chapter 2).
Bilbo Spares Gollum: Bilbo chooses not to kill Gollum, exercising his free will to
act with mercy (Chapter 5).
Thorin’s Decision to Go to War: Despite the opportunity to share the treasure
peacefully, Thorin’s free will leads him to choose conflict over negotiation
(Chapter 16).
9. Destiny and Fate
Bilbo’s Discovery of the One Ring: Bilbo’s accidental discovery of the Ring in
Gollum’s cave seems fated, impacting the entire history of Middle-earth (Chapter
5).
Bard’s Fate as Dragonslayer: Bard is destined to slay Smaug with a black arrow
passed down through his family (Chapter 14).
The Prophecy of Durin’s Folk: The prophecy foretells the return of the King under
the Mountain, which comes true when Thorin reclaims Erebor (Chapter 11).
10. Greed
Thorin’s Obsession with the Treasure: Thorin’s desire for the treasure,
particularly the Arkenstone, clouds his judgment and leads to conflict (Chapters
13-17).
Smaug’s Hoarding of Wealth: Smaug’s greed is evident in his massive hoard of
treasure, which he guards jealously (Chapter 12).
Dwarves’ Greed in the Battle: The dwarves initially refuse to share the treasure
with the men and elves, almost causing a war (Chapter 15-17).
11. Friendship and Cooperation
Bilbo and the Dwarves: Despite initial tensions, Bilbo and the dwarves form a bond
of friendship over the course of their journey (Chapters 3-17).
Alliance in the Battle of Five Armies: The elves, men, and dwarves put aside their
differences and unite against the goblins and Wargs in the Battle of Five Armies
(Chapter 17).
Elrond’s Assistance: Elrond helps Thorin and company by reading the map and
providing shelter in Rivendell (Chapter 3).
12. Power of Luck and Destiny
Bilbo’s Finding of the Ring: Bilbo’s luck leads him to find the One Ring, a pivotal
moment in the novel and beyond (Chapter 5).
Bilbo’s Rescue by Eagles: Just when the group is about to be killed by Wargs and
goblins, the Eagles arrive unexpectedly to save them (Chapter 6).
The Black Arrow’s Strike: Bard’s shot with the black arrow to kill Smaug is a mix
of skill, fate, and luck (Chapter 14).
13. Home and Belonging
Bilbo’s Yearning for Bag End: Throughout the journey, Bilbo often longs for the
comfort of his home, Bag End, and the peaceful Shire (Chapters 2-8).
Bilbo’s Return to the Shire: Although Bilbo returns to Bag End, he finds that he no
longer fully belongs in the Shire due to his adventures (Chapter 19).
The Dwarves’ Quest for Erebor: The dwarves' journey is driven by their desire to
reclaim their homeland, the Lonely Mountain, from Smaug (Chapter 1 onwards).
14. Journey as a Path to Self-Discovery
Bilbo’s Growth as a Hero: Bilbo’s adventure transforms him from a timid hobbit into
a courageous and clever hero (Chapters 1-19).
Thorin’s Redemption: Thorin’s journey leads him to recognize his flaws and seek
redemption before his death (Chapter 18).
The Dwarves’ Journey to Erebor: The dwarves discover their true strength and unity
as they overcome various challenges on their quest (Chapters 1-17).
15. Race
Elves and Dwarves: There is historical tension between the elves and dwarves, but
they ultimately unite during the Battle of Five Armies (Chapter 17).
The Goblins’ Cruelty: The goblins represent an evil race in the novel, terrorizing
both the dwarves and the region around them (Chapters 4-6).
Dwarves’ Characteristics: The dwarves are portrayed as a proud, resilient, and
treasure-loving race, each with distinct personalities (Chapters 1-17).
16. Power of Language
Bilbo’s Riddles with Gollum: Bilbo uses language and wit to outsmart Gollum in the
riddle contest, saving his life (Chapter 5).
Smaug’s Conversation with Bilbo: Bilbo uses flattery and cunning language to engage
Smaug in conversation and gather information (Chapter 12).
Thorin’s Declaration of War: Thorin’s proud and defiant words during the
negotiation with Bard and Thranduil escalate tensions and nearly lead to war
(Chapter 16).
