This is a (very long) post about the massive cock-up leading to the Battle of the Five Armies. A cock-up in which everyone one (dwarves, elves, and men) played a huge role. Mostly because I’m sick of the gross simplification of the politics and economics surrounding the cock-up; also, Hobbit Fandom (esp. fanfics) has this huge thing for Thorin being ill with gold sickness, which is really arguable, but also totally not the reason for the cock-up.
This post is going to be divided into four parts. First, the characterization of Thranduil, Bard, Thorin, and Bilbo in relationship to treasure and specifically Smaug’s hoard. Second, the history of the dwarves and their surrounding allies in the Erebor region, and the effects of the loss of Erebor. Third, the interaction of Thorin’s dwarves with the elves and men. Fourth, the numerous confrontations at the front gate of Erebor. If this looks like it’s going to be pseudo-academic, that’s because, well, it is. I’m bored, and also I was rereading parts of The Hobbit today, while at the dentist. There’s even going to be quotations and potentially endnotes. Fuck yeah.
[Note: there’s cursing, as there always is when I talk; also, this is over 7,600 words long, so it’s—very long.]
[Also, I really fucking hate tumblr’s shitty excuse for formatting. Jesus fuck.]