Chapters 13-15

In Chapter 13, Bilbo and the dwarves are trapped beneath the mountain- and I mean trapped. The door will not open  at all, and they risk aphyxiation. Bilbo decides to lead them out, and the dwarves follow him. Later in the chapter, Bilbo finds the Arkenstone (a rock that is very much valuable to the dwarves) and grabs it. Smaug is nowhere to be found. At the end of the chapter, the expedition finds the Hall under the Mountain, and there is much rejoicing.

Anyways, the dwarves' expedition is over. They've found the Hall under the Mountain (and the treasure), Thorin now has what he thinks is his, and Bilbo is finally finished being a burglar. I can sympathize with their stopping: after all these miles, they've found the treasure, and now it's time to celebrate. However, Bilbo reminds them that they have to leave at the very end of the chapter.


In Chapter 14, we learn that Smaug was terrorizing the townsfolk. Smaug manages to destroy Lake-town, but an archer named Bard shoots Smaug in the dragon's weak spot: an exposed area in the monster's underside. Smaug dies, falls into the lake, and the people decide to get revenge on the dwarves after celebrating Smaug's demise.

The townsfolk are very excited to say the least. The dragon that has terrorized their (now destroyed) town is dead. Naturally, they celebrate the dragon's death. However, they soon jump to the conclusion that the dwarves brought the dragon out on them. I can see why they're mad at the dwarves!


In Chapter 15, Thorin and company learn from a raven that Smaug is dead, and they also find out that soldiers are heading in their general direction. Thorin wastes no time and makes sure no one can get in. The disgruntled men arrive, Bard asks very politely  for some of the gold, and Thorin refuses. Some time later, a messenger from Bard arrives, and Thorin shoots an arrow into the man's shield. Bard and his men declare the mountain under seige, and no one can get out.


Poor Bilbo. He thought he was home free. But he isn't. He's stuck in a cave with a rapidly declining food stock, and the only food is something along the lines of hardtack. I bet he really wishes he was back home!