Did Tolkien “earn” The Battle of the Five Armies, or is the surprise enough to justify its existence? In this episode, we look at Tolkien’s climactic battle from The Hobbit, comparing how it unfolds on the page to its chaotic portrayal in the extended film edition. How do armies materialize so suddenly, and does Tolkien set the stage well enough for the goblin onslaught?

Check out the Battle of the Five Armies Map!

We also explore:

• Tolkien’s battle tactics vs Peter Jackson’s video game tactics.


• Why did Bilbo chooses the Elven King’s side?


• Trying to make sense of Peter Jackson’s battle map vs Tolkien’s map.


• Tolkien’s knowledge of medieval warfare.


• Is Thorin’s charge from the gate truly enough to change the tide of battle?

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• Whether the goblin army’s sudden arrival is really “earned” in the story, or if Tolkien’s plotting gives us room to quibble.


• How small additions could have made the battle less sudden—should there have been hints via raven messenger?


• Where would a talking Raven fit into The Lord of the Rings.

🔗 Episode Links

The History of The Hobbit

The Annotated Hobbit

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🔍 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