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

7 min read Post on May 13, 2025

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

Key Characters in The Battle of Five Armies

The success of The Battle of the Five Armies hinges on its compelling cast of characters, each with their own motivations and contributions to the sprawling narrative.

Thorin Oakenshield: King Under the Mountain

Thorin Oakenshield, the rightful King Under the Mountain, is arguably the film's most complex character. His journey throughout The Hobbit trilogy is a compelling study of greed, redemption, and ultimately, self-sacrifice.

His Transformation: Initially obsessed with reclaiming Erebor and its gold, Thorin undergoes a significant transformation. His obsession nearly consumes him, leading to paranoia and a break from his companions. However, his love for his kin and a growing respect for Bilbo ultimately lead him to selfless acts of bravery.
His Relationship with Bilbo: The bond between Thorin and Bilbo is central to the narrative. Initially a transactional relationship, it evolves into a deep respect and even affection, shaping both characters profoundly.
His Final Moments: Thorin's death in battle, defending his people and the Lonely Mountain, cements his transformation from a greedy king to a noble, if flawed, leader. His final words to Bilbo are a testament to the unexpected friendship forged in the face of adversity. His legacy as King Under the Mountain is secured.

Bilbo Baggins: Hobbit and Ring-Bearer

Bilbo Baggins' role extends far beyond simply being a reluctant participant in the quest. He is the moral compass, the unexpected hero, whose bravery and resourcefulness contribute significantly to the outcome of the battle.

His Bravery: Despite his unassuming nature, Bilbo proves to be surprisingly courageous, showing bravery both in combat and in his dealings with the various factions involved.
His Relationship with Thorin: His relationship with Thorin serves as a poignant counterpoint to the dwarf king's journey. Their friendship, born of adversity and strengthened by shared experience, is one of the most moving aspects of the film.
His Crucial Contributions: Bilbo's actions, often understated, are critical to the success of the various alliances formed to combat the combined forces of the goblins, wargs, and other antagonists. His experience and insights prove invaluable.

Other Notable Characters

Beyond Thorin and Bilbo, many other significant characters shape the events of The Battle of Five Armies.

Gandalf the Grey: Gandalf's strategic guidance and magical prowess remain vital to the outcome of the battle. His wisdom and leadership unite the disparate forces against a common enemy.
Legolas: The skilled elf warrior provides both combat prowess and strategic insight. His archery is legendary, and his role in the battle is crucial.
Bard the Bowman: Bard, the skilled archer of Lake-town, plays a crucial role, demonstrating both courage and responsibility in his leadership and actions.
Tauriel: Tauriel, the elven warrior, adds depth to the narrative through her complex relationships and fierce fighting spirit.
Smaug's Impact (Even in Death): Even in death, Smaug's impact reverberates throughout the narrative. His demise is a catalyst that triggers the main conflict of the film.

The Plot of The Battle of Five Armies

The plot of The Battle of Five Armies is a complex tapestry of interwoven conflicts, alliances, and betrayals.

The Setup: Erebor and the Gathering Storm

The film opens with the aftermath of Smaug's defeat. The rediscovery of Erebor’s vast wealth triggers a chain of events that leads to the inevitable clash of armies.

The Conflict over Erebor's Treasure: The dwarves' reclaiming of Erebor's treasure sparks conflict not only with the goblins and wargs but also among the various factions vying for a share of the spoils.
The Alliance of Dwarves, Elves, and Men: Facing an overwhelming enemy, uneasy alliances form between the dwarves, elves, and men of Lake-town. This fragile partnership is tested throughout the film.
The Threat of the Wargs and Goblins: The combined forces of the goblins, wargs, and other creatures, led by Bolg, pose a significant threat to the combined armies fighting for Erebor.

The Battle Itself: Epic Scale and Tactical Decisions

The Battle of Five Armies is a visually stunning display of large-scale warfare. The film effectively employs special effects to showcase the epic scale of the conflict.

Different Battlefronts: The battle unfolds across multiple fronts, testing the strategic abilities of the leaders and the resilience of their armies.
Key Victories and Defeats: The film depicts both significant victories and crushing defeats, creating a sense of tension and uncertainty throughout the battle.
Impact of Special Effects: The use of CGI and practical effects is integral to the cinematic portrayal of the battle, rendering the sheer scale and intensity of the conflict.

Resolution and Aftermath: Peace and the Future of Erebor

The battle concludes with a resolution to the conflict, albeit with significant losses on both sides.

The Fate of Key Characters: The fates of several key characters are sealed during the battle, leading to significant changes in the political landscape.
Distribution of the Treasure: The distribution of Erebor's treasure is not without its disputes, which underscores the complexities of the post-battle situation.
Lasting Impact: The aftermath of the battle significantly alters the relationship between the dwarves, elves, and men, setting the stage for a fragile peace and a new era for Erebor.

The Legacy of The Battle of Five Armies

The film’s impact extends beyond the confines of its own narrative, shaping both the larger Tolkien universe and popular culture.

Impact on the Tolkien Universe: Middle-earth and Beyond

The Battle of Five Armies contributes significantly to the overall narrative of Middle-earth.

Links to The Lord of the Rings: The events of the film subtly foreshadow events in The Lord of the Rings, enhancing the interconnectedness of the narrative.
Continuity: The film strives for a degree of continuity with Tolkien's established lore, though some liberties are taken for cinematic purposes.
Unresolved Plot Points: While offering closure to the Hobbit storyline, the film leaves room for interpretation and further exploration of Tolkien's world.

Critical Reception and Popular Culture: A Lasting Impact

The Battle of Five Armies, despite mixed reviews from some critics, was a commercial success. Its impact on popular culture is notable.

Box Office Performance: The film performed well at the box office, demonstrating the continuing popularity of the Hobbit franchise and the enduring appeal of Tolkien's creations.
Critical Reviews: While some critics felt the film was less consistent than its predecessors, it received praise for its visual spectacle and action sequences.
Cultural Impact: The film's impact on the fantasy genre and popular culture is undeniable. The battle scenes, particularly, are still discussed and debated amongst fans.

Conclusion: A Lasting Impression of The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies

The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies offers a thrilling conclusion to the Hobbit trilogy, filled with memorable characters, intense action sequences, and a complex narrative reflecting the rich tapestry of Tolkien's world. The film’s lasting legacy lies in its contribution to the broader Tolkien universe and its influence on the fantasy film genre. We’ve explored the key characters, the epic battle, and the lasting impact of this cinematic event. Now it's your turn! Share your thoughts on The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies – which character resonated most with you? What was your favorite scene from the battle? Dive deeper into the world of The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies and explore related resources to further enrich your understanding of this epic tale.