The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
CHAPTER XIII: NOT AT HOME
Overview
Trapped behind the shattered secret door, the company follows Bilbo back into the halls and discovers Smaug is gone. Bilbo secretly claims the Arkenstone while the dwarves, inflamed by treasure-lust, arm themselves. They emerge by the Front Gate, withdraw to an old lookout post, and anxiously ponder Smaug’s whereabouts as ominous flocks gather.
Summary
After suffocating silence behind the sealed door, the dwarves despair until Bilbo, heartened by a sudden lightness, insists they descend. They discover the passage’s upper end is ruined, leaving the way down as their only choice. Bilbo leads, falls into the vast dark hall, and, hearing no dragon, demands light.
Reluctantly, the dwarves send a torch, and Bilbo explores the treasure-lit gloom. Drawn by a pale gleam, he discovers and secretly pockets the Arkenstone, uneasy about the choice. Startled by a bat, he loses his light, but soon rejoins the others, who, emboldened by gold, surge into the hall.
The dwarves forget caution, fondling treasures and sounding ancient harps, while Thorin restlessly seeks the Arkenstone without naming it. They arm themselves from the hoard; Thorin gifts Bilbo a mithril coat and helm. Bilbo urges prudence, and Thorin regains focus, leading them through familiar corridors toward the Front Gate.
They traverse ruined chambers to the Running River’s source and step into pale daylight at the Gate, shivering in the bitter wind. Wary of Smaug’s gaze and short on food, they quit the valley, ford the broken bridge site, climb old steps, and follow the road toward Ravenhill.
By late afternoon they reach an abandoned lookout with a guardroom and settle in. As some sleep, others confer, repeatedly circling the same question: where is Smaug? They see no sign of him in any direction, but many birds gather to the south, a troubling omen under the first cold stars.
Who Appears
- Bilbo BagginsLeads the descent, confirms Smaug’s absence, secretly takes the Arkenstone, urges caution, and receives mithril armor.
- Thorin OakenshieldDespairs, then leads exploration; seeks the Arkenstone unknowingly lost to Bilbo; arms the company; gifts Bilbo mithril.
- BalinAdvises aiding Bilbo and guides the route to the old lookout post.
- OinFetches and bears torches to light Bilbo’s exploration.
- GloinBrings additional torches; helps lead the group into the hall.
- FiliPlays ancient harps in the treasure hall; joins arming and withdrawal.
- KiliPlays harps with Fili; explores treasure; marches to the lookout.
- DoriUrges moving from the Gate, fearing Smaug’s gaze.
- BomburComplains of cold and lack of food; supports leaving the exposed Gate area.
- SmaugAbsent but looming threat; his unexplained absence and signs of birds unsettle the company.