In Chapter 3, Bilbo and company enter the Misty Mountains. Before they cross the mountains, the expedition stops at an elf village in a valley. The expedition rests up, gets supplies for the trip, and after a few days, head on out. In Chapter 4, they run into a storm while crossing the mountains, and decide to shelter in a cave. They end up captured by Orcs (or goblins), who take their supplies and their ponies. Gandalf and Thorin fight the enemy using the elven swords, the expedition escapes, but Bilbo falls into the depths of the mountain.
Chapter 3 is a wonderful chapter in that it provides pastoral relief from the events of Chapter 2. It also introduces the dwarves' writing system and the elves. It also gives the sense of a race against time- will they reach their destination on time? The adventure is just starting for the dwarves and Bilbo, and they now have a deadline to meet.
Bilbo has just reached the "Tests, Allies, and Enemies" stage of the Hero's Journey. Although they're simply stopping for supplies in this chapter, the next one will present Bilbo with a major test and many powerful enemies. Even though Bilbo is just beginning his adventure, the tests will begin shortly. Now that they are in the mountains, the adventure will start to take off.
Chapter 4 yanks away from the pastoral relief of Chapter 3 very quickly. The chapter begins with a storm, causing our heroes to take shelter in a cave, which puts them in the hands of the goblins. Chapter 4 kept me on edge throughout. I feared for Bilbo's life when they were all captured. I was also depressed by the ponies' fates - thanks for ruining my life, Tolkien!
Bilbo is still starting with the "Tests, Allies, and Enemies" stage of the Hero's Journey. The goblins are a powerful enemy, and they hate visitors. I was shocked to hear of their interests, and I was saddened by their diet. Luckily, Gandalf and Thorin wiped most of them out, but I once again feared for Bilbo after he fell into the mountain.
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