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

Omar Yusuf

6 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Key Characters in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Thorin Oakenshield: A Tragic Hero's Journey

Thorin Oakenshield, the proud King Under the Mountain, undergoes a profound transformation in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. His character arc is a masterclass in portraying a tragic hero. Consumed by dragon sickness – a debilitating greed born from his obsession with reclaiming Erebor – Thorin struggles to reconcile his duty to his people with his growing paranoia and lust for gold.

• Struggle with Dragon Sickness: This internal conflict manifests in his increasingly erratic behavior, pushing him away from his companions and clouding his judgment. The film masterfully portrays this internal battle through his strained relationship with Bilbo Baggins, a contrast to their earlier camaraderie.
• Relationship with Bilbo: His initially warm bond with Bilbo becomes fractured as the dragon sickness takes hold. This highlights the moral ambiguity of his character, making his ultimate sacrifice all the more impactful.
• Key Scenes: Thorin's confrontation with Smaug, his final stand against the overwhelming forces in the Battle of Five Armies, and his reconciliation with Bilbo before his death are pivotal moments in illustrating his complex character development. These scenes showcase the themes of heroism, sacrifice, and redemption found within his "hero's journey." Thorin Oakenshield remains one of the most memorable characters in The Hobbit character analysis.

Other Notable Characters and Their Roles

Beyond Thorin, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies boasts a rich ensemble cast, each contributing significantly to the narrative.

• Bilbo Baggins: Bilbo's journey continues, witnessing the unfolding consequences of his involvement in the quest for Erebor. He plays a crucial role in mediating conflicts and ultimately saves the day.
• Gandalf the Grey: Gandalf's wisdom and guidance are indispensable in navigating the complex political landscape and organizing the defense against the encroaching forces. His strategic planning is vital for the outcome of the battle.
• Bard the Bowman: The skilled archer of Lake-town, Bard emerges as a key player in defeating Smaug and plays a crucial part in the Battle of Five Armies.
• Legolas Greenleaf: The elf prince provides his archery expertise and unwavering loyalty to the cause.
• Tauriel: The addition of Tauriel, a female elf warrior, sparked considerable debate among Tolkien fans. While controversial, her role adds a layer of romance and action to the narrative.
• The Dwarves: The company of dwarves, beyond Thorin, demonstrates a range of personalities and skills, showcasing the diverse strengths within their community. The film showcases the importance of dwarf characters in the overall story arc. The Hobbit cast provides compelling portrayals of these characters.

Unraveling the Plot of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

The Battle of Five Armies: A Detailed Breakdown

The climactic Battle of Five Armies is a spectacular display of visual effects and tactical warfare. The conflict erupts from a confluence of competing interests, with the dwarves, elves, men, goblins, and wargs clashing for control of Erebor and its riches.

• The Pre-Battle Setup: The film meticulously builds tension leading to the battle. The uneasy alliances formed between the different factions are tested as betrayals and unexpected conflicts emerge.
• Key Moments: The film highlights dramatic scenes – the initial goblin attack, the arrival of the wargs, the heroic stands of various characters – offering the audience a front-row seat to the chaos and strategy of this epic confrontation.
• Strategic Decisions: The leadership and decisions made by Gandalf, Thorin, Bard, and other key characters are highlighted, emphasizing how each contributes to the unpredictable tide of the battle. The film shows the impact of tactical choices and the high stakes for each army involved in the five-army conflict.

Resolutions and Consequences

The Battle of Five Armies ultimately leads to a costly victory, with significant losses on all sides. The film shows the consequences of war, underscoring the high price paid for reclaiming Erebor.

• Aftermath: The aftermath of the battle reshapes the political landscape of Middle-earth. Erebor is rebuilt, but the scars of war remain both physical and emotional.
• Changes to Erebor and Surrounding Lands: The once-isolated kingdom of Erebor is now integrated into the broader political reality of Middle-earth, initiating a period of rebuilding and readjustment for all involved factions. The impact of the battle extends far beyond the immediate conflict itself.

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

Critical Reception and Box Office Success

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies achieved considerable box office success, cementing its place as a major player in the fantasy film genre. Despite mixed critical reviews – some praising its visual spectacle, others criticizing its narrative pacing – the film's impact on the fantasy genre is undeniable.

• Box Office Performance: The film generated significant revenue globally, demonstrating its appeal to a wide audience.
• Critical Analysis: Reviews varied, with praise for its visual effects and action sequences contrasting with criticism regarding the complexity of the plot and its deviation from the source material. These Hobbit reviews are a testament to the film’s divisive nature.

Impact on Tolkien Fandom and Popular Culture

The film continues to resonate with the Tolkien fandom, sparking ongoing discussions and interpretations of its narrative and characters. The popularity of the film has also contributed to the resurgence in interest in Tolkien's works and broader fantasy literature.

• Tolkien Fandom: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies remains a significant entry point for many into the world of Tolkien and Middle-earth, prompting explorations of his books and further discussion.
• Popular Culture Influence: The film’s impact is felt not only in literary circles but also in broader popular culture, contributing to the ongoing legacy of Tolkien’s stories through merchandise, fan communities, and references in other media.

Conclusion

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies offers a visually stunning and narratively complex conclusion to the Hobbit trilogy. From the compelling character arc of Thorin Oakenshield to the epic scope of the Battle of Five Armies, the film leaves a lasting impression. Its impact extends beyond the screen, influencing Tolkien fandom and popular culture. The film successfully explored themes of greed, war, and redemption, cementing its place in cinematic history.

Share your thoughts! What were your favorite moments in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies? Which characters resonated most with you? Let's discuss your overall impressions of this epic conclusion to the Hobbit trilogy in the comments below. And for further explorations into the world of Tolkien, consider diving into the original books or exploring other adaptations of his iconic stories.