Bilbo woke up with a raging headache from the stone that fell on him. He was utterly alone. He looked around and found no living Goblins. He thought he saw some Elves moving about the Front Gate as well as Dwarves. But he heard no victory songs. Just then he noticed a man climbing in his direction and he called out. The man answered back but could not see Bilbo for he still wore the magic Ring. So he took off the Ring and identified himself as Bilbo Baggins of Thorin's company. The man was pleased for he had been sent one last time by Gandalf to find the hobbit for he was needed it seemed. Bilbo was still weak from his injury so the man carried him to the camp.
There Bilbo saw many wounded including Gandalf whose arm was in a sling. "When Gandalf saw Bilbo, he was delighted. 'Baggins!' he exclaimed. 'Well I never! Alive after all--I am glad! I began to wonder if even your luck would see you through!'" (p. 300, The Hobbit). But Gandalf turned grave bidding the hobbit to come with him quickly. He led Bilbo to a tent with Thorin inside who was wounded many times over. Bilbo was stunned to see Thorin in such a state.
"'Farewell, good thief,' he said. 'I go now to the halls of waiting to sit beside my fathers, until the world is renewed. Since I leave now all gold and silver, and go where it is of little worth, I wish to part in friendship from you, and I would take back my words and deeds at the Gate.' Bilbo knelt on one knee filled with sorrow. 'Farewell, King under the Mountain!' he said. 'This is a bitter adventure, if it must end so; and not a mountain of gold can amend it. Yet I am glad that I have shared in your perils--that has been more than any Baggins deserves.' 'No!' said Thorin. 'There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. But sad or merry, I must leave it now. Farewell!'" (p. 300-301, The Hobbit). What an exchange. Thorin's attitude toward Bilbo has done a complete 180. I love these parting words. Two men (well a Dwarf and Hobbit anyway) that respect and admire one another greatly. This was an emotional read.
Bilbo stole away and wept for a long time. He realized what a mercy he'd been given to wake up in time to have a last exchange with Thorin Oakenshield. Finally Bilbo inquired about the happenings of the battle. He had been right about the Eagles approaching as they had long tracked the Goblins movements and figured they were up to no good. The great birds were successful in clearing the Goblins from the high ground of the Mountain but the enemy still had a great numbers advantage in the battle and things still looked bleak.
It was then that Beorn came upon the battle. "He came alone, and in bear's shape; and he seemed to have grown almost to giant-size in his wrath" (p. 302, The Hobbit). Beorn could not be slowed by any weapon. The first thing he did was lift Thorin's broken body from the battlefield. Once this was done Beorn entered the fray with renewed wrath scattering Goblins every which way until he came upon Bolg and crushed him. Seeing Bolg killed renewed the strength of the Men, Dwarves, and Elves and they pursued the dismayed Goblins to their deaths. So many Goblins were killed that the mountains would have peace for many years to come.
Gandalf explained to Bilbo that most of the Eagles had left after receiving great reward from Dain who was now the rightful King under the Mountain. Several days after the battle Thorin was buried deep in the Mountain and Bard laid the Arkenstone on his chest while Thranduil laid Orcrist by his side. That sword had been taken from Thorin when captured by the Mirkwood Elves. "It is said in songs that it gleamed ever in the dark if foes approached, and the fortress of the dwarves could not be taken by surprise" (p. 303, The Hobbit). Fili and Kili were also buried as they died defending the fallen Thorin, who was their uncle.
The treasure was divided amongst the remaining company including Bilbo. Bard received a 1/14th share for returning the Arkenstone as he had been promised. Bard gave away his treasure (1/14th might not sound like a lot but it was a great hoard indeed!) freely: to the Master of Lake-town, his men who had fought bravely, and emerald jewels to Thranduil. Dain also sought to reward Bilbo the most richly of all but by now the hobbit had little interest in treasure agreeing to take only two small chests: one of silver and one of gold. With that Bilbo bid farewell to the remaining dwarves: Balin, Dwalin, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur--wishing their beards never to grow thin. And for Thorin, Kili, and Fili wishing their memories would never fade. The dwarves had no words, their love and respect for Bilbo now full-grown. Balin finally offered a goodbye and a feast in Bilbo's honor should he ever return. "'If ever you are passing my way,' said Bilbo, 'don't wait to knock! Tea is at four; but any of you are welcome at any time!'" (p. 305, The Hobbit).
Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2942 (winter)
Today's reading comes from: The Hobbit, pages 299-305
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