What happens in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug?
What happens in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug?
The thirteen dwarves commanded by Thorin, the burglar Bilbo Baggins and the wizard Gandalf travel to Lonely Mountain to steal the Arkenstone from the dragon Smaug to join the dwarves. During their dangerous journey, they need to fight against giant spiders and Orcs and they are captured but flee from the Elves.
Is Smaug based on Beowulf?
Tolkien’s Riders of Rohan are distinctively Old English, and he has made use of multiple elements of Beowulf in creating them, including their language, culture, and poetry….Smaug.
| Plot element | Beowulf | The Hobbit |
|---|---|---|
| Gold-greedy dragon | hordweard “treasure-guardian” | Smaug watchfully sleeps on a pile of treasure |
Why is it called the Desolation of Smaug?
The Desolation of Smaug isn’t referring to an event at all: It’s referring to a place. This is desolation referring not to an action, but to the thing resulting from that action — “a desolate place; a dreary waste or ruin,” in the words of the OED.
How is The Hobbit similar to Beowulf?
Beowulf, much the same as Bilbo, leads his crew through dangerous conditions and ultimately uses his mind and strength to outwit and defeat the enemy. Confidence in their abilities is a trait that both possess, an example being when Bilbo is talking to Smaug, a fearsome dragon.
How is Smaug described?
Smaug is described as a red-golden dragon, with bat-like wings and a huge tail. His jaws and nostrils were always emitting smoke, but the fires inside him burned low when he was at rest. His red-golden scales were tough enough to deflect most blades, but these only covered his upper hide.
How does The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug begin?
In the opening scene of Peter Jackson’s The Desolation of Smaug, Thorin Oakenshield walks down the streets of Bree, turning slightly before entering the familiar Prancing Pony.
Who kills Smaug in the book?
Bard
The thrush told Bard the Bowman of Smaug’s one weak spot, a bare patch on the dragon’s belly. With his last arrow, Bard killed Smaug by shooting into this place.
What character is similar to Beowulf?
There are modern versions of these two types of heroes. Superman is like Beowulf and fights with superhuman strength, while Batman is a superhero without any special powers who must rely on his wits and determination. There are a whole host of superheroes who follow in Beowulf’s footsteps, including the Hulk and Thor.
