Professional Treasure-seekers?

[Raynor]

Suppose that these "treasure-seekers", as the Dwarves call them, are actually the Rangers, the remnants of the Dunadain---of course their true nature remaining secret and skewed by the Dwarves' own penchant for seeing only the greed in others?

Hm, that would have to mean that their information about these seekers was very distorted, seeing the difference in height (the hobbits were half the size of the original numenoreans, and even if the dunedain dimminnished in that respect, they still were taller than normal) and in life style (hobbits being a sedentary race at that time).

[Sardy]

Originally Posted by Raynor

Hm, that would have to mean that their information about these seekers was very distorted, seeing the difference in height (the hobbits were half the size of the original numenoreans, and even if the dunedain dimminnished in that respect, they still were taller than normal) and in life style (hobbits being a sedentary race at that time).

Well, during their conversation, Thorin wasn't immediately aware that it was a Hobbit that Gandalf was referring to...

[Raynor]

Originally Posted by Sardy

Well, during their conversation, Thorin wasn't immediately aware that it was a Hobbit that Gandalf was referring to...

The way I interpret the different versions from the Quest of Erebor is that Gandalf told the dwarves about the hobbit before they actually met with him (although the story is detailed only in the earlier version, while the later one only mentions the discussion in which he convinced Thorin "to put aside his lofty designs and go secretly - and take Bilbo with him"). Thorin & co's behaviour from the Hobbit, at the unexpected party, is also consistent with this interpretation.

[Sardy]

Originally Posted by Raynor

The way I interpret the different versions from the Quest of Erebor is that Gandalf told the dwarves about the hobbit before they actually met with him (although the story is detailed only in the earlier version, while the later one only mentions the discussion in which he convinced Thorin "to put aside his lofty designs and go secretly - and take Bilbo with him"). Thorin & co's behaviour from the Hobbit, at the unexpected party, is also consistent with this interpretation.

Yes, I agree with the above.

I am only speaking of Gandalf's initial conversation with the Dwarves, when, yes, he is trying to convince them to go secretly and take Bilbo. It's quite obvious in the text that the Dwarves are remaining (intentionally?) stubbornly ignorant of the Gandalf's advice (to the wizard's growing frustration) and are at least momentarily unsure whether Gandalf's "Hobbit", "Thief", "treasure-seeker", and "unfamiliar (to Smaug) scent" are indeed one entity...

My only point was that, in their initial confusion regarding Gandalf's plans and intent, at the mention of a "treasure-seeker" they may have (erringly?) called to mind their own prejudiced memories and legends surrounding the rangers and Dunadain... and not necessarily need to have had those legends tied to the stature of a Hobbit...

Just an amusing thought. Speculation with little else to go on...

[goldfinger]

It seemed to me that it was just another name for heroes like Fram or Aragorn, those who were very skilled in warfare, but also were wise and knew many things that others didn't. I say this because Gandalf talked about them and said that they were off in distant lands doing heroic things or fighting other heroes. So I would think there talking about the same people.