The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
CHAPTER VII: QUEER LODGINGS
Overview
Eagles bear the company to the Carrock, where Gandalf reveals he will soon leave. Gandalf cleverly secures Beorn’s hospitality and aid by staging the dwarves’ introductions and recounting their peril.
Beorn verifies the tale, becomes their ally, equips them, and warns of Mirkwood’s dangers. After a swift ride north, the ponies are returned, Gandalf departs, and the company enters Mirkwood under strict warnings not to leave the path.
Summary
At dawn the eagles carry Bilbo, Gandalf, and the dwarves east to a great rock called the Carrock and depart with formal farewells. Gandalf announces he can guide them briefly but must soon leave, and leads them toward a wary ally he knows nearby.
Approaching Beorn’s bee-pastures and stockaded homestead, Gandalf warns of Beorn’s temper and nature as a skin-changer. Before the huge, brusque Beorn, Gandalf narrates their adventures, summoning the dwarves in timed pairs to keep Beorn intrigued and disarmed. By tale’s end, Beorn, amused and interested, grants them supper and lodging.
That night Beorn vanishes; strange growls circle the hall. Gandalf spends the next day tracking numerous bear-prints. In the morning Beorn returns genial, reveals he has confirmed their story in bear-shape, and shows a slain goblin and a flayed Warg. Convinced and hostile to their enemies, he becomes a firm ally.
Beorn equips the company with food, water-skins, bows, and ponies (and a horse for Gandalf), and warns sternly about Mirkwood: keep the path, avoid a black enchanted stream, and expect little food or light. On his advice they ride north instead of taking the overgrown southern road, pushing hard while a great bear seems to shadow them by night.
They reach the eaves of Mirkwood, send Beorn’s ponies home, and learn that Gandalf will part from them here. After filling water-skins and receiving final cautions—especially not to leave the path—Gandalf rides away. Weighed by grim warnings and heavy packs, the company turns from the sunlight and enters the dark forest of Mirkwood.
Who Appears
- BeornSkin-changer host; skeptical but convinced by proof; feeds, equips, and warns the company; sends ponies and vital advice for Mirkwood.
- GandalfSecures Beorn’s aid through staged introductions; tracks bear-prints; delivers warnings; then departs at Mirkwood’s edge.
- Bilbo BagginsObservant and anxious; witnesses Beorn’s power and hospitality; dreads Mirkwood but proceeds after Gandalf’s departure.
- Thorin OakenshieldLeader of the dwarves; formally presented to Beorn; accepts Beorn’s provisions and guidance toward the northern forest path.
- BomburFattest dwarf; arrives last to Beorn’s porch against instructions; later jokes and eats heartily during Beorn’s hospitality.
- Fili and KiliYoung dwarves; appear mid-introduction sequence, helping win Beorn’s interest and tolerance.
- Balin and DwalinDwarven brothers; their exaggerated politeness amuses Beorn, easing tensions.
- Dori, Nori, and OriDwarves who arrive in timed pairs, contributing to Gandalf’s careful presentation.
- Bifur and BofurDwarves introduced late; help complete the full count that satisfies Beorn.
- Oin and GloinDwarves added to the tally, reinforcing the truth of Gandalf’s narrative.