Guide to The Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit/Chapter 10

The Hobbit - Chapter 10 - A Warm Welcome

Plot
The barrels, with one hobbit riding and 13 dwarves inside, flow down the river and out of Mirkwood forest. Looking foward, Bilbo sees the Lonely Mountain - the ultimate destination of the group. For now, they arrive in Lake Town. It is a Human settlement located on the banks of the Long Lake, south of the Lonely Mountain. Safe, they arrive in the town, cramped, wet, and hungry. Thorin, energized with a new sense of purpose and along with Fili, Kili, and Bilbo, strides up proudly up to the town hall, and declared to The Master of Lake Town, that he is a descendant of the King under the Mountain, has returned and wishes to claim his inheritance. This brings joy to the people of the town.

The townsfolk reveal during the reign of King under the Mountain, gold flowed from the river, before Smaug arrived. They even treat Bilbo and the dwarves like kings. The company finds out that the Master feasts on good terms with elves, who recognize their former prisoners. The Master of Lake-town does not want to oppose the elves, but the townspeople insist that Thorin be welcomed. After a fortnight, the company is strong and eager again. Though they still have no idea how to deal with the dragon, Thorin feels that they cannot wait any longer. The expedition departs.

Analysis
Having displayed bravery, cleverness, as well as skill, Bilbo reverts to his milder hoobit nature. His journey toward leadership and real personal development is not a straight line but in turns and waves.

The reaction of the people in Lake Town highlights the importance of ancestry. We see the importance of lineage in defining a person's character and prospects, first seen through Bilbo's oscillation between his Took side and his Baggins side. We also see it through Thorin's obsession with hhis birthright., the treasure under the mountain.

Main Characters

 * Bilbo
 * Thorin
 * Fili
 * Kili

Mentioned Characters

 * Smaug
 * Durin
 * The Master of Lake Town
 * King under the Mountain

Locations

 * Long Lake
 * Lonely Mountain

Glossary

 * promontory a high point of land or rock projecting into water or over lowland.
 * graybeards old men.
 * gammers old women.
 * quays docks or landing places on a waterway.
 * fortnight a period of two weeks.

Songs and Verses

 * 1) Guide to The Lord of the Rings/Music/The King Beneath the Mountains