The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug ends with Smaug the Magnificent, enraged at Bilbo Baggins and Thorin Oakenshield’s intrusion, unleashing his fiery wrath upon Lake-town. The movie concludes on a cliffhanger, leaving the fate of Bard the Bowman and the townspeople hanging in the balance as Smaug takes flight.
The Fury of Smaug and the Fall of Lake-town
The second film in The Hobbit trilogy reaches its dramatic climax after Bilbo and the Dwarves successfully infiltrate Erebor and locate the Arkenstone. Thorin, consumed by dragon-sickness (a form of avarice and paranoia induced by proximity to gold), attempts to use the Arkenstone as leverage to reclaim his kingdom. However, Bilbo, acting out of a growing sense of moral unease, hides the Arkenstone.
The true danger, however, lies in awakening Smaug. After a tense and perilous confrontation in the treasure halls of Erebor, Bilbo unwittingly reveals himself to the dragon, triggering Smaug’s legendary fury. Recognizing that his hoard has been targeted, and correctly surmising that the humans of Lake-town are involved, Smaug abandons Erebor and sets his sights on the unsuspecting lakeside settlement.
The film ends with a panoramic view of Lake-town engulfed in flames as Smaug rains down fire and destruction. Bard the Bowman, armed with only a black arrow and his knowledge of the dragon’s weak spot (revealed earlier in the film through Gandalf’s account of the Battle of Azanulbizar), prepares for a desperate stand against the devastating dragon. The final scene fades to black, leaving the audience in suspense until the release of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.
FAQs: Unpacking the Ending of The Desolation of Smaug
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the ending of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and its implications.
H3: Why does Smaug attack Lake-town?
Smaug attacks Lake-town because he believes the townspeople aided the Dwarves in their quest to reclaim Erebor. He identifies them as collaborators in the attempted theft of his treasure, fueled by his arrogance and paranoia. The line spoken by Smaug, “I know your smell! You come from the Laketown, from the long lake of the men!”, clearly depicts the cause of his fury. He sees Lake-town as having facilitated the break-in to his lair.
H3: What is the significance of the Arkenstone in the movie?
The Arkenstone is a magnificent, multifaceted gem, considered the heart of the mountain and a symbol of Thorin’s kingship. Finding it becomes Thorin’s primary objective. However, the obsession with the Arkenstone further fuels his dragon-sickness and ultimately contributes to his descent into greed and madness. It represents not only legitimate claim but also the potential for immense power and control.
H3: How does Bilbo Baggins betray Thorin in the end?
Bilbo doesn’t explicitly betray Thorin at the end of this film. He hides the Arkenstone from Thorin, but he doesn’t hand it over to anyone else. His motivation is to prevent Thorin from being corrupted by greed and power. This sets the stage for a future conflict in The Battle of the Five Armies, where Bilbo will ultimately use the Arkenstone as a bargaining chip to prevent war.
H3: What role does Bard the Bowman play in the ending?
Bard the Bowman, a descendant of Girion, the Lord of Dale, is the last line of defense against Smaug. He is the only one with the knowledge and courage to potentially defeat the dragon. The film emphasizes his connection to the dragon and his responsibility to protect Lake-town from its wrath. His preparedness with the black arrow, a weapon forged specifically for dragon slaying, signals the hope amidst the destruction.
H3: What is dragon-sickness, and how does it affect Thorin?
Dragon-sickness is a metaphorical disease affecting those who spend too much time around dragon-hoards. It manifests as greed, paranoia, possessiveness, and a general loss of moral compass. Thorin slowly succumbs to dragon-sickness as he gets closer to the treasure of Erebor, prioritizing wealth and power above all else, including the well-being of his companions.
H3: Where are Gandalf and Radagast during the attack on Lake-town?
Gandalf and Radagast are preoccupied with the rising power of the Necromancer (Sauron) in Dol Guldur. They are absent from the events at Lake-town because they are dealing with a different, arguably greater, threat to Middle-earth. The film intercuts scenes of their battle against Sauron with the events at Erebor and Lake-town, highlighting the simultaneous threats emerging in different parts of the world.
H3: What is the significance of the black arrow?
The black arrow is a legendary weapon passed down through Bard’s family, forged specifically for slaying dragons. It is the only weapon known to be capable of piercing Smaug’s impenetrable scales (save for the single weak spot). It represents hope and the potential for defeating an seemingly invincible enemy.
H3: What other dangers besides Smaug are present in Middle-earth at this time?
Besides Smaug, the most significant danger is the growing power of the Necromancer, who is revealed to be Sauron. His presence in Dol Guldur and his increasing influence are a constant threat. The rise of Sauron will set the stage for the events of The Lord of the Rings. Spiders of Mirkwood and packs of Wargs also threaten the party on their way to Erebor.
H3: How does the film differ from the book at the end?
The ending of the film differs significantly from the book. In the book, Smaug’s attack on Lake-town is not portrayed in as much detail, and the dragon is killed quite quickly by Bard. The film greatly expands the scene, creating a more dramatic and suspenseful cliffhanger. This was done to provide a compelling ending for the second film and set up the final installment. Also, the attack in the film is caused because Smaug hears of the burglar who helped the dwarves get in, which is a change.
H3: Does the film show any signs of what’s to come in The Battle of the Five Armies?
Yes, the film foreshadows The Battle of the Five Armies in several ways. Thorin’s growing dragon-sickness hints at the internal conflict that will drive his actions. The tensions between the Elves, Men, and Dwarves over the treasure of Erebor are established. Finally, the mention of Dain Ironfoot and his impending arrival with a Dwarf army sets the stage for the massive battle to come.
H3: What is the thematic significance of the ending?
The ending highlights the themes of greed, corruption, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. Thorin’s descent into dragon-sickness, coupled with Smaug’s destructive rage, illustrates the devastating consequences of these vices. The attack on Lake-town symbolizes the innocent suffering caused by the actions of the powerful and the corrupt. It also shows the consequence of meddling with forces much larger than oneself.
H3: What makes The Desolation of Smaug a compelling middle chapter in the trilogy?
The Desolation of Smaug serves as a compelling middle chapter by raising the stakes and increasing the tension. It features a more complex and dangerous journey than the first film, with the introduction of new threats and characters. The cliffhanger ending leaves the audience in a state of anticipation and uncertainty, ensuring they are eager to see the resolution in the final installment. By focusing on the darkness creeping across Middle Earth and the price of greed, it is a solid foundation for the epic conclusion.