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 Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

The film’s compelling narrative hinges on a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and arcs.

Thorin Oakenshield and His Company

Thorin Oakenshield, the proud and initially stubborn King Under the Mountain, undergoes a significant transformation throughout The Battle of the Five Armies. His struggle with dragon sickness, a debilitating greed fueled by the reclaimed treasure of Erebor, provides a compelling internal conflict.

Relationship with Bilbo: His initial distrust of Bilbo slowly evolves into a grudging respect and deep friendship, highlighted by their shared experiences and Thorin's eventual acknowledgment of Bilbo's bravery and loyalty.
Leadership and Internal Conflict: Thorin's leadership is tested by the conflict over the treasure and the approaching armies. His internal battle between his kingly duty and his growing obsession with gold drives much of the film's drama. The scene where he confronts Bilbo in the mountain passages exemplifies this perfectly.
Ultimate Sacrifice: Thorin's heroic sacrifice to protect his kin and his newfound friend, Bilbo, underscores his character's development and solidifies his place as a complex and ultimately tragic figure. His death scene is a powerful moment of redemption.

Bilbo Baggins's Crucial Role

Bilbo Baggins, the unlikely hero, continues his journey of self-discovery. The Battle of the Five Armies showcases his growth from a timid hobbit into a courageous and resourceful individual.

Use of the One Ring: Though not a central plot point as in The Lord of the Rings, Bilbo's possession of the One Ring continues to subtly influence his experiences, reminding us of its immense power.
Friendship with Thorin: Bilbo's loyalty and unwavering friendship with Thorin despite their differences prove crucial in navigating the conflict. Their final moments together are profoundly moving.
Contribution to the Battle's Outcome: While not a warrior, Bilbo's courage, quick thinking, and strategic interventions contribute to the overall outcome of the battle, proving that even a seemingly ordinary hobbit can make a difference.

The Antagonists: Smaug and the Other Forces

The antagonists in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies are numerous and multifaceted, contributing to the epic scale of the conflict.

Smaug's Reign of Terror: Smaug's initial attack on Lake-town and subsequent death at the hands of Bard are pivotal events that set the stage for the larger conflict. His power and ruthlessness establish him as a formidable foe.
Azog and Bolg's Orcish Horde: Azog the Defiler and his son Bolg, the relentless Orcish leaders, represent the brutal forces of evil, driving the narrative towards its climactic confrontation. Their motivations are purely driven by conquest and hatred.
The Armies of Elves, Dwarves, and Men: The battle involves multiple factions—elves led by Legolas and Thranduil, dwarves under Thorin, and men from Lake-town—each with their own interests and strategies. This creates a complex web of alliances and betrayals, significantly escalating the conflict.

Plot Synopsis and Key Events of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

The plot of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is a tightly woven tapestry of conflict, betrayal, and ultimately, hard-won victory.

The Aftermath of Erebor's Reclaiming

Following Smaug's demise, a new conflict arises—the dispute over the treasure of Erebor. This disagreement among the dwarves, men of Lake-town and the elves, sets the stage for the impending five-army conflict.

The Treaty and its Failure: Attempts to forge a peaceful agreement among the factions fall apart, driven by greed, mistrust, and misunderstandings.
Arrival of the Orcish Army: The arrival of the vast Orcish army under Bolg further destabilizes the already tense situation and forces the disparate groups into an uneasy alliance.
Strategic Maneuvering: Each faction employs various strategic maneuvers to gain an advantage, adding complexity to the ensuing battle.

The Epic Battle Itself

The Battle of Five Armies is a spectacle of epic proportions, showcasing impressive CGI and intense battle sequences.

Key Battle Scenes: The film features memorable scenes of close-quarters combat, siege warfare, and heroic displays of courage, such as Legolas’s gravity-defying feats and Gandalf’s masterful tactical maneuvers.
Character Interactions: The battle provides numerous opportunities for significant character interactions, further deepening relationships and exploring the evolving dynamics among the various races.
Strategic Decisions: The strategic decisions made by the leaders of each army, such as Gandalf's intervention and Thorin's final stand, shape the outcome of the conflict.

The Resolution and its Consequences

The battle concludes with a hard-fought victory, but the consequences are far-reaching.

Thorin's Death: Thorin's death, though a tragic loss, also serves as a moment of reconciliation and brings closure to his personal journey.
Changes in Erebor: Erebor undergoes significant changes following the battle, marking the start of a new era for the dwarves and the region.
Impact on Relationships: The battle reshapes relationships between the races of Middle-earth, leading to new alliances and lingering tensions. The reconciliation between the dwarves and elves is particularly notable.

The Legacy of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies has had a lasting impact on the Tolkien fanbase and broader popular culture.

Its Place in Tolkien's Larger Mythos

The film expands upon and, in some instances, deviates from Tolkien's original text, contributing to the broader narrative of Middle-earth.

Expansion of Existing Lore: The film enriches the existing lore with additional details and character developments, providing a more visual and cinematic interpretation of events.
Differences from the Book: While aiming for fidelity, some creative liberties were taken. Comparing and contrasting the film with Tolkien’s source material remains a popular pastime for fans.

Critical and Commercial Success

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies achieved significant commercial success and garnered mixed critical reviews.

Box Office Performance: The film was a major box office hit, solidifying the success of the Hobbit trilogy as a whole.
Critical Reception: While not universally praised, the film’s visual spectacle and action sequences received positive comments, but some criticized its deviations from Tolkien’s source material and its pacing.

Enduring Popularity and Fan Culture

The film has maintained significant popularity among fans, leading to a thriving fan community and widespread merchandise.

Fan Theories: Numerous fan theories and discussions abound online, particularly regarding character motivations and potential alternate interpretations of events.
Merchandise and Adaptations: The film spawned extensive merchandise and continues to inspire fan art, cosplay, and creative projects.
Online Communities: Online forums and social media platforms host vibrant communities dedicated to discussing The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies and the broader Tolkien universe.

Conclusion

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, despite its deviations from Tolkien's source material, remains a significant cinematic achievement, offering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant conclusion to Bilbo Baggins’s adventure. The film’s complex characters, epic battle sequences, and lasting impact on the legendarium of Middle-earth solidify its place in fantasy film history. Revisit the film, delve deeper into Tolkien’s works, and share your thoughts on The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies in the comments below! Let’s discuss your favorite moments and characters from this epic battle!