Unfinished Tales - Part Three - III - The Quest of Erebor

[Estelyn Telcontar]

This wonderful chapter is fun to read, very lively writing! It is a retelling of the story of The Hobbit, in Gandalf's own words and from his point of view. It is therefore a bridge to the Hobbit ( = Bilbo's point-of-view) rereading we will be doing when we finish the UT discussions.

The chapter includes two different accounts of the same events. Each one has details that round off the picture. We find out a lot of background information - how Gandalf wove his web to accomplish a greater purpose than just helping to re-establish the Dwarven kingdom under the mountain. We also come to realise that the War of the Ring turned out well because of the preparation done by the quest of Erebor.

There are some really remarkable lines in this narrative - or rather, these two narratives. One of my particular favourites is this one about Bilbo:

...his old desires had dwindled down to a sort of private dream. Nothing could have been more dismaying than to find it actually in danger of coming true!

Another interesting element of the story is the role played by "chance", and Gandalf's foresight in coercing Thorin to change his plans for conquering the Lonely Mountain and to take Bilbo along.

What do you think of the brief passage in which Gandalf explains Bilbo's probable reasons for not marrying? Convincing? How do you like the conversation that precedes the impression he gave the Dwarves that Bilbo was a professional thief? What do you think of Thorin's role in the background story? Do you think he displays the sort of pride that precedes the proverbial fall?

One of the most interesting details I found here is that of "scent". A Hobbit was chosen because he would smell unfamiliar to the Dragon. How important does that seem to you?

Do you have any favourite lines in this chapter?