Why does bilbo keep the arkenstone

When Smaug came to the Lonely Mountain the Arkenstone became a part of his hoard. The gem was the object most prized by Thorin Oakenshield of all the treasures of the Lonely Mountain. When Bilbo Baggins found it on Smaug's golden bed deep inside the Lonely Mountain, he pocketed it, having learned how much Thorin valued it. While the Dwarves with Thorin sorted the treasure, Thorin sought only the Arkenstone, unaware that Bilbo was hiding it in his pillow.

Bard, Thranduil, and Gandalf then tried to trade it for Bilbo's fourteenth share of Smaug's hoard. Then an army of Orcs arriving from the Grey Mountains interrupted the dispute, the Battle of the Five Armies ensued, and Thorin was killed. The Arkenstone was placed upon Thorin's chest within his tomb deep under the Lonely Mountain, and so was returned to the earth at last. In the books this greed is partly caused by possessing one of the Seven Rings of Power , but in the films it is the Arkenstone itself that causes 'Dragon sickness'.

The great jewel shone before he feet of its own inner light, and yet, cut and fashioned by the dwarves, who had dug it from the heart of the mountain long ago, it took all light that fell upon it and-changes it into ten thousand sparks of white radiance shot with glints of the rainbow. Suddenly Bilbo's arm went towards it drawn by it enchantment.

His small hand would not close about it for it was a large and heavy gem; but he lifted it, shut his eyes, and put it in his deepest pocket. The did say I could pick and choose my own share; and I think I would choose this, if they took all the rest! Now he went on again. Down the other side of the great mound he climbed, and the spark of his torch vanished from the sight of the watching dwarves. But soon they saw it far away in the distance again.

Bilbo was crossing the floor of the hall. First, he realizes that the best way out of the conflict is a peaceful one. Second, despite his friendship with the dwarves, Bilbo feels more of a natural camaraderie with elves and, to a lesser extent, with men than with dwarves. SparkTeach Teacher's Handbook. Themes Motifs Symbols.

Suggestions for Further Reading J. Tolkien and The Hobbit Background. Summary Chapters 16— Page 1 Page 2. Summary: Chapter 16 As Thorin continues to search for the Arkenstone and as the rest of the dwarves worry about the armies camped on their doorstep, Bilbo decides that he must take matters into his own hands. Summary: Chapter 17 In the morning, Bard returns with two messengers to entreat Thorin to accept a peaceable agreement. Previous section Chapters 14—15 Next page Chapters 16—17 page 2.

Test your knowledge Take the Chapters Quick Quiz. Popular pages: The Hobbit.