Analyzing The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies: Themes And Symbolism

Luna Greco

7 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Greed and its Consequences

This section explores the destructive nature of greed as a central theme in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, exemplified by Smaug's hoarding and the ensuing conflict. The film serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the corrupting influence of unchecked avarice.

Smaug as a Symbol of Greed

Smaug, the magnificent but malevolent dragon, is the embodiment of unchecked avarice in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. His obsession with gold consumes him, warping his personality and causing widespread devastation.

• Smaug's obsession with gold and its impact on his personality: Smaug's insatiable hunger for gold isolates him, fueling his paranoia and cruelty. He becomes a tyrannical ruler, terrorizing Erebor and the surrounding lands. His hoard represents not just wealth, but the destructive power of unchecked greed.
• The devastation caused by Smaug's reign of terror: Smaug's actions aren't merely selfish; they have far-reaching consequences. Lake-town is reduced to ruins, and the dwarves are forced into exile, their lives and livelihoods shattered by his greed. This showcases the tangible, destructive power of avarice.
• The parallel between Smaug's greed and the greed of other characters (e.g., the Master of Lake-town): While Smaug's greed is blatant, the Master of Lake-town displays a more subtle, yet equally destructive, form of greed. His prioritization of profit over the well-being of his people mirrors Smaug's self-serving actions, illustrating how greed manifests in various ways.

The Dangers of Materialism

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies extends beyond Smaug's character to explore the broader implications of greed and materialism. The film acts as a warning about the corrupting influence of wealth.

• The contrast between the simple life of the dwarves in exile and their obsession with reclaiming their treasure: The dwarves' experience in exile highlights the relative insignificance of material possessions compared to the value of companionship, loyalty, and home. Their return to Erebor, however, reveals the temptation and dangers of their reclaimed treasure.
• The moral ambiguity of Thorin's actions driven by his desire to regain Erebor: Thorin's initial noble intentions become corrupted by his obsession with reclaiming the Arkenstone, demonstrating the insidious nature of greed's influence even on seemingly virtuous characters.
• The consequences of prioritizing wealth over relationships and values: Thorin's descent into madness underscores the film's cautionary tale. His focus on the treasure leads to strained relationships, poor judgment, and ultimately, near-destruction for himself and his people.

The Power of Friendship and Loyalty

In contrast to the destructive force of greed, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies emphasizes the importance of loyalty and companionship. These bonds prove crucial in overcoming adversity and facing the challenges presented by the battle.

The Fellowship's Bond

The enduring friendship between Bilbo, Thorin, and the dwarves is central to the narrative of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Their bond endures despite trials and tribulations.

• Bilbo's crucial role in uniting the company: Bilbo acts as a unifying force, fostering understanding and encouraging cooperation amongst the often-fractious dwarves. His courage and loyalty prove invaluable to the fellowship.
• The development of Thorin's character and his eventual reconciliation with Bilbo: Thorin's transformation from a rigid, suspicious leader to a remorseful figure who acknowledges Bilbo's worth showcases the power of friendship to overcome prejudice and conflict.
• The sacrifices made by various characters to protect their friends: Numerous characters demonstrate their loyalty through acts of bravery and self-sacrifice. This underscores the themes of friendship and loyalty that are central to overcoming the challenges they face.

Unexpected Allies

The Battle of Five Armies showcases the importance of unlikely alliances in overcoming shared challenges. The film emphasizes unity and collaboration in the face of a common enemy.

• The unlikely alliance between the dwarves, elves, men, and even Beorn: The uniting of diverse races and creatures against a shared threat highlights the importance of putting aside differences for a common goal, which is crucial for survival.
• The importance of putting aside differences for a common goal: The cooperation between these normally disparate groups demonstrates that shared adversity can forge unexpected alliances, and that strength lies in unity.
• The symbolic representation of unity against a greater threat: The combined forces represent the potential for hope and strength when diverse groups work together to combat a larger threat. This represents a powerful message of cooperation and mutual benefit.

Sacrifice and Redemption

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies explores the theme of sacrifice and the possibility of redemption, even for deeply flawed characters. The film shows the cost of war and the potential for growth and change amidst conflict.

Thorin's Redemption Arc

Thorin Oakenshield undergoes a significant character development, showcasing a powerful arc of redemption. His journey from greed-driven obsession to self-sacrifice demonstrates the potential for even deeply flawed characters to find redemption.

• Thorin's initial obsession with the Arkenstone: Thorin's initial avarice leads him down a path of mistrust and paranoia. His obsession clouds his judgment and strains his relationships.
• His descent into madness and paranoia: Thorin's mental state deteriorates as his greed takes over. This showcases the destructive power of unchecked desires and the importance of self-awareness.
• His ultimate sacrifice to protect his people: Thorin's ultimate act of self-sacrifice demonstrates his transformation. He chooses to protect his kin, proving his redemption and the enduring power of familial love.

The Cost of War

The film doesn't shy away from depicting the devastating cost of war, both in terms of lives lost and the emotional toll on the survivors. This adds depth to the narrative.

• The lasting impact of the battle on the relationships and lives of the survivors: The battle leaves scars both physical and emotional. The film acknowledges the lasting trauma of conflict and its effects on those who survive.
• The symbolic representation of loss and sacrifice as a necessary aspect of conflict: The film illustrates that even in victory, there is a significant price to pay. The cost of war is not easily dismissed.
• The bittersweet victory and its lasting effects: The victory is hard-won, leaving a lingering sense of loss and a changed landscape. The lasting effects of the battle are significant and far-reaching.

Conclusion

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies offers a complex narrative that transcends its action-packed visuals. By analyzing its themes of greed versus loyalty, sacrifice and redemption, we gain a deeper understanding of the film's enduring power. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked avarice while simultaneously celebrating the strength of friendship, courage, and the possibility of even the most flawed characters finding redemption. To further explore the rich symbolism of this cinematic masterpiece, consider re-watching The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies with a mindful eye, paying close attention to the subtle details that contribute to its powerful message. Continue your analysis of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies and its multifaceted themes.