The Quest of Erebor was an event that occurred prior to and had a strong impact on the War of the Ring at the end of the Third Age. It was begun by Thorin and Gandalf's decision to retake the Lonely Mountain, and was recounted from the perspective of Bilbo Baggins.
History[]
Background[]
Gandalf worried that Smaug may join with the Dark Lord
Gandalf and Thorin plan the Quest of Erebor in Bree
Gandalf knew that Smaug would pose a serious threat if used by Sauron in war, then dwelling in Dol Guldur in Mirkwood. He was thinking about the matter when he met Thorin Oakenshield at Bree. Thorin also was concerned about Smaug, but had the different motive of vengeance and the reclaiming of the Dwarves' treasure in the Lonely Mountain. Gandalf agreed to help Thorin.
Gandalf decided to recruit Bilbo for stealing the Arkenstone
Gandalf thought Bilbo, an unlikely choice, to be a suitable companion of Thorin and his Dwarves for a number of reasons. First, he had observed that Bilbo took an interest in the world at large, and was thus adventurous. Another reason is that Smaug would not recognize the scent of a hobbit, advantageous to a stealthy operation. Thorin also did not think highly of hobbits, and putting Bilbo in the expedition might prevent the proud Thorin from rash actions, such as openly challenging Smaug.
It was Thorin's objections to Bilbo that Gandalf found most difficult to overcome. Thorin believed that Bilbo was incapable of helping their adventure and that Gandalf might be simply meddling in his affairs for his own reasons. After much debate, Gandalf convinced Thorin that Bilbo would be a worthy member.
The Quest[]
Thorin and Company encountered and fought three Trolls
The Company took a stop in Rivendell
Thorin and Company were captured by Goblins
Thorin and Company fought with the Hunter Orcs throughout the quest
The Eagles rescued Thorin and the others from the Orcs
The Company started from the Shire to the Trollshaws. Three Stone-trolls, Tom, William and Bert caught them. Luckily, they were saved when Gandalf tricked the trolls into arguing all-night until sunrise, thus turning them to stone.
The Company took a stop in Beorn's house
The Elves of Mirkwood captured Thorin and the Dwarves
The Company heads for Lake-town
Then they passed the Hidden Valley and arrived in Rivendell; eventually leaving to venture over the High Pass. After being captured by goblins, Gandalf saved saved them again in Goblin-town, they were hunted by Wargs. They were saved by Gwaihir and the other Great Eagles. After having a night in Beorn's house, they went to Mirkwood. Thranduil caught them and locked them in the cells. Bilbo, who was wearing the Ring, saved the Company by Barrels. And they found Bard who brought them to Lake-town. They encountered the Master of Lake-town and afterwards successfully reached the Lonely Mountain.
Aftermath[]
Erebor would soon be restored to it's full might
The Battle of the Five Armies occurred after the Quest was complete
The Quest achieved its purpose, as Durin's Folk could consequently repopulate Erebor, and reclaim their gold. The company's arrival at the mountain, however, set in motion the events that led to the Battle of Five Armies. Additionally, by virtue of Bilbo's finding of the Ring, the quest indirectly caused the War of the Ring nearly eighty years later.
Contenders[]
Thorin's Factions[]
- Bilbo Baggins
- Thorin Oakenshield
- Fili
- Kili
- Balin
- Dwalin
- Gandalf
- Oin
- Gloin
- Bifur
- Bofur
- Bombur
- Dori
- Nori
- Ori
- Gandalf
Sauron's Factions[]
- Sauron
- Azog
- Smaug