The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies: Characters, Battles, And Legacy

Viktoria Ivanova

6 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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H2: Key Characters in The Battle of Five Armies

The Battle of Five Armies wouldn't be the epic showdown it is without its compelling cast. Many key characters drive the conflict, each with their own motivations and arcs.

H3: Bilbo Baggins: Bilbo Baggins, the initially reluctant hobbit, undergoes a significant transformation throughout The Hobbit trilogy. His journey culminates in the Battle of Five Armies, where his unexpected bravery shines.

• His unexpected bravery: Despite his lack of combat experience, Bilbo displays surprising courage, actively participating in the battle, showing his loyalty to his companions.
• His role in the discovery of the Arkenstone: Bilbo's discovery of the Arkenstone, a pivotal moment in the narrative, unknowingly sets off the chain of events leading to the conflict.
• His influence on Thorin's choices: Bilbo's compassion and loyalty serve as a moral compass for Thorin, subtly influencing the king's final decisions.

H3: Thorin Oakenshield: Thorin Oakenshield, the proud King Under the Mountain, is a complex and tragic figure. His obsession with reclaiming Erebor and the gold within blinds him at times, but his character displays a capacity for both ruthless ambition and profound love.

• His leadership skills (or lack thereof): While a valiant warrior, Thorin's stubbornness and greed negatively impact his leadership, nearly jeopardizing his allies.
• His relationship with Bilbo: The evolving bond between Thorin and Bilbo is a heartwarming aspect of The Hobbit, demonstrating the unexpected friendships forged amidst conflict.
• His death and its impact: Thorin's death, though tragic, ultimately serves as a catalyst for reconciliation between the dwarves and their allies, solidifying his place as a conflicted yet ultimately redemptive leader.

H3: Other Key Players: Beyond Bilbo and Thorin, the battle features other integral characters who significantly influence the conflict's outcome.

• Gandalf: Gandalf's arrival is a game-changer, bringing much-needed strength and tactical prowess to the fray.
• Legolas: Legolas, the expert archer, brings his extraordinary skills and unwavering loyalty to the defense of the dwarves.
• Tauriel: Tauriel, the elven warrior, displays impressive combat skills and a deep concern for the well-being of others.
• Bard: Bard, the skilled archer of Lake-town, proves to be a decisive force, contributing significantly to the dwarves' survival.
• Smaug's impact (even in death): Even in death, Smaug’s influence is felt, his demise fueling the conflict between the five armies.

H2: The Battle Itself: A Detailed Analysis

The Battle of Five Armies is a multifaceted clash, a visually stunning spectacle with complex dynamics and strategic maneuvering.

H3: The Five Armies: The name says it all. Five distinct armies clash in this epic battle.

• Dwarves: Led by Thorin Oakenshield, the dwarves fiercely defend their reclaimed home, Erebor.
• Elves: Led by King Thranduil, the elves initially seek to reclaim the Arkenstone and prevent the dwarves from consolidating their power.
• Men: Led by Bard, the men of Lake-town initially seek retribution against the dwarves for the destruction of their town but later join the alliance against the goblins and wargs.
• Wargs: These vicious wolf-like creatures serve as brutal and effective shock troops for the goblins.
• Goblins: Led by Bolg, the goblins, spurred by a thirst for conquest and revenge, are the primary antagonists in this conflict.

H3: Key Moments and Tactical Decisions: Several crucial moments shape the battle's course.

• Gandalf's arrival: Gandalf's strategic intervention turns the tide of the battle, offering much-needed support and direction.
• The use of Lake Town's resources: Bard's utilization of Lake-town's resources proves critical in weakening the goblin and warg forces.
• Strategic positions taken by the armies: The strategic positioning of the armies, especially on the slopes of Erebor, dictates the flow of the battle.

H3: Visual Spectacle and CGI: The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies is a visual masterpiece. The impressive CGI brings the scale and intensity of the conflict to life, creating a breathtaking spectacle that keeps viewers engaged.

H2: The Legacy of The Battle of Five Armies

The Battle of Five Armies has lasting repercussions for Middle-earth and the characters involved.

H3: Impact on Middle-earth: The battle alters the political landscape significantly.

• The fate of Erebor: The dwarves reclaim Erebor but at a significant cost, leading to a period of rebuilding and reconciliation.
• The relationships between the races: The battle forces various races into uneasy alliances, shaping future interactions and power dynamics.
• The aftermath for Lake-town: Lake-town, though initially destroyed, begins to rebuild itself, benefiting from the dwarves' newly found wealth.

H3: Bilbo's Transformation and the Ring: Bilbo's experiences during the battle reinforce his decision to return to the Shire.

• His changed perspective: The battle solidifies Bilbo's understanding of the importance of friendship and the true value of life.
• His newfound understanding of himself and the world: The trials he faces strengthens his character and prepares him for the adventures to come in his life.

H3: Connection to The Lord of the Rings: The Battle of Five Armies foreshadows events in The Lord of the Rings.

• Characters: The alliances and rivalries forged in the Battle of Five Armies echo in the larger conflicts of The Lord of the Rings.
• Objects: The Arkenstone's role hints at the power dynamics and the allure of precious artifacts.
• Events: The overall conflict echoes the larger struggle against evil that defines The Lord of the Rings.

3. Conclusion:

The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies is far more than just a visually stunning battle; it's a critical turning point in the story of The Hobbit and a significant event in the broader Tolkien legendarium. The character arcs, strategic complexities, and far-reaching consequences of the battle create a powerful and enduring legacy. By re-examining The Hobbit Battle of Five Armies, we gain a deeper appreciation for the narrative's intricacies and the profound impact it has on Middle-earth's future. We urge you to rewatch The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies and delve deeper into Tolkien's world to fully grasp the battle's legacy, or further explore the intricacies of the Battle of Five Armies analysis to enhance your understanding of the film's complexities and its place within The Hobbit trilogy.