Smaug is gone, so the Bilbo and the dwarves… just sit there?!  For a couple of days they do–and eventually they reach the treasures.  Bilbo, though, makes a choice to REALLY become the burglar when he sees the Arkenstone.

We explore:

• The deep lore connection between the Arkenstone and the Silmarils.


• Bilbo’s big “burglar” moment—what are the moral implications of his decision to pocket the Arkenstone?


• How getting a glimpse of treasure suddenly fills the dwarves with unexpected courage (or maybe just classic dwarvish greed).


• Why Tolkien’s details about mithril, ancient armor, enchanted harps, and precious gems make Middle Earth feel so real.


• All the little moments and missed opportunities in Peter Jackson’s movie adaptation—what did the films completely mess up in this part of the story?

In our extended episode (available for our members), we dive deeper into:

• Was the Arkenstone ever meant to be a Silmaril? We look deeper into Tolkien’s drafts and unique connections between Fëanors gems and the Dwarves greatest gem.

If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)!

🔗 Episode Links

The History of The Hobbit

The Annotated Hobbit

Join our Discord Community (for free)

Get the Extended Podcast

Become a Patreon Member

🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast

Get the Extended Podcast

Become a Patreon Member

Subscribe on Apple

Subscribe on Spotify

🔍 If You Like Tolkien

The History of The Hobbit

The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)

The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)

The Silmarillion

The Children of Hurin

The Atlas of Middle-earth

Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat