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{{disambig-more|Battle of Five Armies|[[Battle of Five Armies (disambiguation)]]}}
{{disambig-more|Battle of Five Armies|[[Battle of Five Armies (disambiguation)]]}}
{{battle|
{{battle
image=[[Image:Capucine Mazille - The Battle of Five Armies.jpg|300px]]|
|image=[[File:Matt Stewart - The Battle Under the Mountain.jpg|300px]]|
name=Battle of Five Armies|
name=Battle of Five Armies
conflict=Battle of Five Armies|
|conflict=Battle of Five Armies
date=[[23 November|November 23]], {{TA|2941}} (speculative)<ref name="KWF99">[[Karen Wynn Fonstad]], ''[[The Atlas of Middle-earth]]'' (second edition), page 99</ref>|
|date=[[23 November]] {{TA|2941}} (speculative)<ref name="KWF99">[[Karen Wynn Fonstad]], ''[[The Atlas of Middle-earth]]'' (second edition), page 99</ref>
place=the slopes of Erebor, and the Valley and ruins of Dale|
|place=the slopes of Erebor, and the Valley and ruins of Dale
result=Victory for the Elves, Men, and Dwarves|  
|result=Victory for the Elves, Men, and Dwarves
side1=[[Elves]], [[Men]], [[Dwarves]], and [[Eagles]]|
|side1=[[Elves]], [[Men]], [[Dwarves]], and [[Eagles]]
side2=[[Goblins]], [[Wargs]], [[Bats]]|
|side2=[[Goblins|Orcs]], [[Wargs]], [[Bats]]
commanders1=
|commanders1=
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Gandalf]]
*[[Thranduil]]
*[[Thranduil]]
*[[Bard the Bowman]]
*[[Bard|Bard the Bowman]]
*[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin]]
*[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin]]
*[[Thorin|Thorin]] †
*[[Thorin|Thorin]] †
*[[Gwaihir]]|
*[[Gwaihir]]
commanders2=
|commanders2=
*[[Bolg]] †|
*[[Bolg]] †
forces1=Over 1,000 Elf spearmen and archers, est. 2-300 Lake-Men, over 500 Dwarves from the Iron Hills,<ref name="Thief">{{H|Thief}}</ref> many Eagles, Thorin's 12 Dwarf companions, and [[Beorn]]|
|forces1=Over 1,000 Elf spearmen and archers, est. 2-300 Lake-Men, over 500 Dwarves from the Iron Hills,<ref name="Thief">{{H|Thief}}</ref> many Eagles, Thorin's 12 Dwarf companions, and [[Beorn]]
forces2="innumberable" Goblins and Wargs; possibly 6-15,000 or more|
|forces2="innumberable" Goblins and Wargs; possibly 6-15,000 or more
casual1=Many|
|casual1=Many
casual2=Annihilated, not one survived|
|casual2=Annihilated, not one survived
}}
}}
<center>{{quote|Kill the Men!<br>Kill the Elves!<br>Save the gold<br>For ourselves!|Dwarven warriors <ref name="RBH">''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)]]''</ref>}}</center>


The '''Battle of Five Armies''' was an important battle waged in [[Third Age 2941]].<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> The five warring parties were the [[Goblins]] and the [[Wargs]] against [[Men]], [[Elves]] and [[Dwarves]] on and near the [[Lonely Mountain]].  
The '''Battle of Five Armies''' was an important battle waged in {{TA|2941}}.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> The five warring parties were the [[Orcs]] and the [[Wargs]] against [[Men]], [[Elves]] and [[Dwarves]] on and near the [[Lonely Mountain]].  
   
   
==History==
==History==
Line 32: Line 31:


Thorin and Company, including the "master-thief" [[Bilbo Baggins]] trying to  
Thorin and Company, including the "master-thief" [[Bilbo Baggins]] trying to  
recapture the heirloom of their fathers' (and possibly to kill Smaug, too, and thus to recapture the whole Kingdom) had camped without at [[Erebor]] for some weeks. Bilbo had already done some exploration of the old hallways using the [[Back Door]] and had stolen a golden cup from the treasure. By this deed and by Bilbo's bold speech Smaug's anger was kindled.
recapture the heirloom of their fathers' (and possibly to kill Smaug, too, and thus to recapture the whole Kingdom) had camped without at [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] for some weeks. Bilbo had already done some exploration of the old hallways using the [[Back Door]] and had stolen a golden cup from the treasure. By this deed and by Bilbo's bold speech Smaug's anger was kindled.


Erroneously believing, due to some remarks Bilbo had made during his conversation with Smaug,<ref name="Inside">{{H|Inside}}</ref> that some scheme of the Men of [[Esgaroth]] was the reason for the Dwarves' (and Bilbo's) presence, Smaug flew to Esgaroth to show them who is "the true [[King under the Mountain]]".<ref name="Inside">{{H|Inside}}</ref> Smaug's fires burned down the whole town, but the dragon was killed by [[Bard the Bowman]]. The [[Elves of Mirkwood]] soon learned that Smaug had been killed and thus set forth to claim the treasure, believing there was no one left, who had a claim on it. Having heard of the disaster that had struck the befriended men, the Elven host turned aside to offer any help that could be provided. Some day after the Elves had arrived at the [[Long Lake]] a united host of Men and Elves set forth towards Erebor, believing that the Dwarves had been among the first casualties of Smaug's wrath. To their suprise they found Thorin and Company quite alive, the gate to the halls beneath Erebor barred by a wall and themselves treated as foes, coming armed towards the gates.<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref>
Erroneously believing, due to some remarks Bilbo had made during his conversation with Smaug,<ref name="Inside">{{H|Inside}}</ref> that some scheme of the Men of [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]] was the reason for the Dwarves' (and Bilbo's) presence, Smaug flew to Esgaroth to show them who is "the true [[King under the Mountain]]".<ref name="Inside">{{H|Inside}}</ref> Smaug's fires burned down the whole town, but the dragon was killed by [[Bard|Bard the Bowman]]. The [[Elves of Mirkwood]] soon learned that Smaug had been killed and thus set forth to claim the treasure, believing there was no one left, who had a claim on it. Having heard of the disaster that had struck the befriended men, the Elven host turned aside to offer any help that could be provided. Some day after the Elves had arrived at the [[Long Lake]] a united host of Men and Elves set forth towards Erebor, believing that the Dwarves had been among the first casualties of Smaug's wrath. To their surprise they found Thorin and Company quite alive, the gate to the halls beneath Erebor barred by a wall and themselves treated as foes, coming armed towards the gates.<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref>


For several reasons Bard, being heir of [[Girion]], Lord of [[Dale]], claimed one twelveth of the treasue: Fist, he was the dragonslayer and without him, the Dwarves could never have reclaimed their old home. Second, a great deal of Dale's treasure had been robbed by Smaug and thus belonged rightfully to Bard and not the Dwarves. Third, the men of Esgaroth had helped the Dwarves on their journey and now had suffered severly; their whole city burned to the ground and their stocks being destroyed by Smaug, whose anger in the end was only risen by the Dwarves alone. Therefore they demanded compensation and Bard intended to pay it from the part of the treasure he claimed.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref>
For several reasons Bard, being heir of [[Girion]], Lord of [[Dale]], claimed one twelfth of the treasure: first, he was the dragonslayer and without him, the Dwarves could never have reclaimed their old home. Second, a great deal of Dale's treasure had been robbed by Smaug and thus belonged rightfully to Bard and not the Dwarves. Third, the men of Esgaroth had helped the Dwarves on their journey and now had suffered severely; their whole city burned to the ground and their stocks being destroyed by Smaug, whose anger in the end was only risen by the Dwarves alone. Therefore they demanded compensation and Bard intended to pay it from the part of the treasure he claimed.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref>


Yet Thorin had become proud and bewitch by the gold and rebuked these claims. He would not fulfill any of the conditions as long as an armoured Elven host camped near Erebor. For the Elves did not have any claims on the treasure and Thorin himself had been imprisoned by the Elves.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref>
Yet Thorin had become proud and bewitch by the gold and rebuked these claims. He would not fulfill any of the conditions as long as an armoured Elven host camped near Erebor. For the Elves did not have any claims on the treasure and Thorin himself had been imprisoned by the Elves.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref>


As a result of Thorin's refusal to share any of the treasure, [[Thorin and Company|the dwarves]] were trapped in a bloodless siege, with [[Thranduil]] and Bard hoping to wait him out.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref> However, Thorin had sent messages of his plight to his relatives using as messengers talking [[Ravens]] that lived on the Lonely Mountain. These reached [[Dáin II|Dáin II Ironfoot]] of the nearby Iron Hills, and he marched to Erebor with 500 heavily armed Dwarves, most of them skilled veterans of the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]]<ref name="Thief">{{H|Thief}}</ref>. When Dain's forces arrived, battle was almost joined between the two sides (now ''three'' armies were on the field) but at the last moment [[Gandalf]] intervened between the two and revealed that while they were bickering amongst themselves, the Orcs of the [[Misty Mountains]] and [[Grey Mountains]] under [[Bolg]] were using the opportunity to march against them.  They had been incited by Gandalf's earlier slaying of the Great Goblin, but had now mobilized for a full-scale attack after hearing news of the death of the Dragon and the now relatively unguarded treasure hoard.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref>
As a result of Thorin's refusal to share any of the treasure, [[Thorin and Company|the dwarves]] were trapped in a bloodless siege, with [[Thranduil]] and Bard hoping to wait him out.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|Gathering}}</ref> However, Thorin had sent messages of his plight to his relatives using as messengers talking [[Ravens]] that lived on the Lonely Mountain. These reached [[Dáin Ironfoot]] of the nearby Iron Hills, and he marched to Erebor with 500 heavily armed Dwarves, most of them skilled veterans of the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]]<ref name="Thief">{{H|Thief}}</ref>. When Dain's forces arrived, battle was almost joined between the two sides (now ''three'' armies were on the field) but at the last moment [[Gandalf]] intervened between the two and revealed that while they were bickering amongst themselves, the Orcs of the [[Misty Mountains]] and [[Grey Mountains]] under [[Bolg]] were using the opportunity to march against them.  They had been incited by Gandalf's earlier slaying of the Great Goblin, but had now mobilized for a full-scale attack after hearing news of the death of the Dragon and the now relatively unguarded treasure hoard.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref>


=== The Battle ===
=== The Battle ===


The three commanders agreed that the Goblins were the enemies of all and previous grievances between them were put on hold in face of the greater threat. They arranged their forces on the two spurs of the Mountain that lined the valley leading to the now-sealed off great [[Gate of Erebor]]; the only entrance to the Mountain that remained unblocked (any others had been destroyed by Smaug long before). The 500 Dwarves and 200 or so Lake-men formed up on one spur and over 1000 Elves on the other, while a light rear-guard lined across the mouth of the valley to lure the Goblins between the two spurs of the mountain, and thus destroy them. [[Bilbo Baggins]] tried to sit out the battle on [[Raven Hill]] which was held by the Elves and were also Gandalf had withdrawn to.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref>
The three commanders agreed that the Orcs were the enemies of all and previous grievances between them were put on hold in face of the greater threat. They arranged their forces on the two spurs of the Mountain that lined the valley leading to the now-sealed off great [[Gate of Erebor]]; the only entrance to the Mountain that remained unblocked (any others had been destroyed by Smaug long before). The 500 Dwarves and 200 or so Lake-men formed up on one spur and over 1000 Elves on the other, while a light rear-guard lined across the mouth of the valley to lure the Orcs between the two spurs of the mountain, and thus destroy them. [[Bilbo Baggins]] tried to sit out the battle on [[Raven Hill]] which was held by the Elves and where also Gandalf had withdrawn to.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref>


Soon the Goblins and Wargs arrived (and now the ''fourth'' and ''fifth'' army were on the field), and at first the plan worked: they were lured into the chokepoint and took heavy losses.  However, due to their superior numbers, the allied Free people's did not hold the advantage long. The second wave was even worse than the first, and due to their sheer number now many Goblins scaled the mountain from the opposite side, and began to attack the arrayed forces from above and behind, as the main wave pressed forward. The battle raged across the Mountain, and then a great noise was heard: Thorin and his 12 Dwarf companions inside the mountain had thrown down a section of the stone wall they had erected across the mouth of the gates, killing many Goblins. Thorin and Company emerged, covered in the best armour and armed with the best weapons in Erebor. Then Thorin yelled, "''Rally to me my kinsfolk''," and charged down into the valley to join the battle with many Dwarves and many Men and Elves joining them. Thorin advanced through the Goblins' ranks all the way up to the gigantic Goblins that formed the Bodyguard of Bolg, but could not get past them. Also his battle-line was too short, the flanks unprotected and thus his attack soon crumbled, Thorin and many others were cut off and hard beset by Bolg's bodyguard. The battle degenerated into a chaotic close quarters melee, no quarter asked or given.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref>
[[File:Joona Kujanen - Battle of Five Armies - Men of Esgaroth.jpg|300px|thumb|left|'''Battle of Five Armies: Men of Esgaroth''' by Joona Kujanen.]]Soon the Orcs and Wargs arrived (and now the ''fourth'' army was on the field), and at first the plan worked: they were lured into the chokepoint and took heavy losses.  However, due to their superior numbers, the allied Free people's did not hold the advantage long. The second wave was even worse than the first, and due to their sheer number now many Orcs scaled the mountain from the opposite side, and began to attack the arrayed forces from above and behind, as the main wave pressed forward. The battle raged across the Mountain, and then a great noise was heard: Thorin and his 12 Dwarf companions inside the mountain had thrown down a section of the stone wall they had erected across the mouth of the gates, killing many Orcs. Thorin and Company emerged, covered in the best armour and armed with the best weapons in Erebor. Then Thorin cried, "''Rally to me my kinsfolk''," and charged down into the valley to join the battle with many Dwarves and many Men and Elves joining them. Thorin advanced through the Orcs' ranks all the way up to the gigantic Orcs that formed the Bodyguard of Bolg, but could not get past them. Also his battle-line was too short, the flanks unprotected and thus his attack soon crumbled, Thorin and many others were cut off and hard beset by Bolg's bodyguard. The battle degenerated into a chaotic close quarters melee, no quarter asked or given.<ref name=Burst>{{H|Burst}}</ref>


As the battle was turning fully against the Free Folk, a large army of Giant [[Eagles]] of the Misty Mountains arrived, led by [[Gwaihir]] the Windlord.  Bilbo was the first to spot their entrance on the scene and began shouting that "the Eagles are coming!", a shout that was then continued among the other troops of the Free Folk. At this point Bilbo was knocked in the head by a large stone thrown by a Goblin from above on the Mountain, and he was knocked out.<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref> With the support of the Giant Eagles, the Goblins that had scaled Erebor were driven off. The tide was eventually turned, when [[Beorn]] himself arrived at the battle, apparently having heard news that a large army of Goblins was on the move. This time he did not appear in his former shape of a giant Man, but in that of a gigantic Bear. Beorn drove through the Goblin lines, but paused to carry the wounded Thorin out of the battle with his paw. Beorn then returned to the battle with even greater wrath and smashed the ranks of the Bodyguard of [[Bolg]], ultimately killing Bolg. The Goblins panicked and scattered, to be picked off by hunting forces from the victors later.<ref name="Return">{{H|Return}}</ref>
As the battle was turning fully against the Free Folk, a large army of Giant [[Eagles]] of the Misty Mountains arrived, led by [[Gwaihir]] the Windlord.  Bilbo was the first to spot their entrance on the scene and began shouting that "the Eagles are coming!", a shout that was then continued among the other troops of the Free Folk. At this point Bilbo was knocked in the head by a large stone thrown by a Orc from above on the Mountain, and he was knocked out.<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref> With the support of the Giant Eagles, the Orcs that had scaled Erebor were driven off. The tide was eventually turned, when [[Beorn]] himself arrived at the battle, apparently having heard news that a large army of Orcs were on the move. This time he did not appear in his former shape of a giant Man, but in that of a gigantic Bear. Beorn drove through the Orc lines, but paused to carry the wounded Thorin out of the battle with his paw. Beorn then returned to the battle with even greater wrath and smashed the ranks of the Bodyguard of [[Bolg]], ultimately killing Bolg. The Orcs panicked and scattered, to be picked off by hunting forces from the victors later.<ref name="Return">{{H|Return}}</ref>


=== Aftermath ===
=== Aftermath ===
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[[Thorin]] had been mortally wounded on the field, and his nephews [[Fíli]] and [[Kíli]] died defending him as he lay on the ground with shield and body. Thorin died soon after the battle, after he had met Bilbo one last time and had taken back the harsh words he had spoken before.
[[Thorin]] had been mortally wounded on the field, and his nephews [[Fíli]] and [[Kíli]] died defending him as he lay on the ground with shield and body. Thorin died soon after the battle, after he had met Bilbo one last time and had taken back the harsh words he had spoken before.


After defeating the Goblins and Wargs, the victors divided the treasure. Bard took [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]]'s fourteenth share of the gold and silver in return for the [[Arkenstone]], whereupon he shared his reward with the [[Master of Lake-town]] and gave the Elvenking [[Thranduil]] the emeralds of [[Girion]]. Bilbo, despite having forfeited his share, was offered a rich reward by [[Dáin Ironfoot]] but refused to take more than two small chests of gold and silver.
After defeating the Orcs and Wargs, the victors divided the treasure. Bard took [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]]'s fourteenth share of the gold and silver in return for the [[Arkenstone]], whereupon he shared his reward with the [[Master of Lake-town]] and gave the Elvenking [[Thranduil]] the emeralds of [[Girion]]. Bilbo, despite having forfeited his share, was offered a rich reward by [[Dáin Ironfoot]] but refused to take more than two small chests of gold and silver.


It is said that three quarters of the Goblin warriors of the North were killed on that day.<ref name="Return"/>
It is said that three quarters of the Orc warriors of the North were killed on that day.<ref name="Return"/>


==Other versions of the Legendarium==
==Other versions of the Legendarium==
In its first versions, the conflict around Erebor ended after the Siege. While Bard and the Elvenking laid siege, Gandalf would arrive and negotiate a peace treaty. The actual Battle, dubbed by [[John D. Rateliff]] the "Battle of Anduin Vale", would be on the return journey, in what would later be known as the [[Vales of Anduin]]. There, Goblins and Wargs would waylay Bilbo. The Five armies in this incarnation were the Goblins, the Wargs, the Woodelves, the Woodmen, and [[Beorn|Beorn Medwed]] leading a troop of bears.<ref name=TBo5A">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[John D. Rateliff]] (ed.), ''[[The History of The Hobbit|The History of The Hobbit: Return to Bag-End]]'', pages 713-4</ref>
In its first versions, the conflict around Erebor ended after the Siege. While Bard and the Elvenking laid siege, Gandalf would arrive and negotiate a peace treaty. The actual Battle, dubbed by [[John D. Rateliff]] the "Battle of Anduin Vale", would be on the return journey, in what would later be known as the [[Vales of Anduin]]. There, Orcs and Wargs would waylay Bilbo. The Five armies in this incarnation were the Orcs, the Wargs, the Woodelves, the Woodmen, and [[Beorn|Beorn Medwed]] leading a troop of bears.<ref name=TBo5A">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[John D. Rateliff]] (ed.), ''[[The History of The Hobbit|The History of The Hobbit: Return to Bag-End]]'', pages 713-4</ref>


==Portrayal in adaptations==
==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1977: ''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)]]'':'''
'''1966: [[The Hobbit (1966 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1966 film)]]:'''
:The "Five Armies" are the Elves, the Men, the Dwarves, the Orcs (and Wolves) and the Eagles. Bilbo estimates the force of the Men and Elves on 10,000, but this may not be an accurate estimate. The number of dwarves of Thorin and Company to have died is eight, but only Bombur and Thorin are named among the dead. Only Óin and Glóin are shown as having survived the battle.<ref name="RBH"/>
:The battle is completely omitted. Bilbo kills the dragon, and returns home.<ref name="Deitch">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UBnVL1Y2src|articlename=The Hobbit.mp4|dated=5 January 2012|website=YouTube|accessed=10 January 2012}}</ref>


'''2003: ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|Sierra's The Hobbit]]'':'''
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:The "Five Armies" are the Elves, the Men, the Dwarves, the Orcs (and Wolves) and the Eagles. Bilbo estimates the force of the Men and Elves on 10,000, but this may not be an accurate estimate. The number of dwarves of Thorin and Company to have died is eight, but only Bombur and Thorin are named among the dead. Only Óin and Glóin are shown as having survived the battle.
 
'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:The battle takes up most of the last chapter. Because Bilbo is the main character, his role in the battle is much expanded. After leaving Thranduil, he has to fight his way to Balin, [[Lianna]], [[Corwin]], Gandalf, Beorn, and ultimately Bolg.
:The battle takes up most of the last chapter. Because Bilbo is the main character, his role in the battle is much expanded. After leaving Thranduil, he has to fight his way to Balin, [[Lianna]], [[Corwin]], Gandalf, Beorn, and ultimately Bolg.



Revision as of 18:43, 20 February 2013

Template:Countdown

The name Battle of Five Armies refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Battle of Five Armies (disambiguation).
Battle of Five Armies
Matt Stewart - The Battle Under the Mountain.jpg
Conflict: Battle of Five Armies
Date: 23 November T.A. 2941 (speculative)[1]
Place: the slopes of Erebor, and the Valley and ruins of Dale
Outcome: Victory for the Elves, Men, and Dwarves
Combatants

Elves, Men, Dwarves, and Eagles

Orcs, Wargs, Bats

Commanders
Strength

Over 1,000 Elf spearmen and archers, est. 2-300 Lake-Men, over 500 Dwarves from the Iron Hills,[2] many Eagles, Thorin's 12 Dwarf companions, and Beorn

"innumberable" Goblins and Wargs; possibly 6-15,000 or more

Casualties

Many

Annihilated, not one survived

The Battle of Five Armies was an important battle waged in T.A. 2941.[3] The five warring parties were the Orcs and the Wargs against Men, Elves and Dwarves on and near the Lonely Mountain.

History

Prelude

Thorin and Company, including the "master-thief" Bilbo Baggins trying to recapture the heirloom of their fathers' (and possibly to kill Smaug, too, and thus to recapture the whole Kingdom) had camped without at Erebor for some weeks. Bilbo had already done some exploration of the old hallways using the Back Door and had stolen a golden cup from the treasure. By this deed and by Bilbo's bold speech Smaug's anger was kindled.

Erroneously believing, due to some remarks Bilbo had made during his conversation with Smaug,[4] that some scheme of the Men of Esgaroth was the reason for the Dwarves' (and Bilbo's) presence, Smaug flew to Esgaroth to show them who is "the true King under the Mountain".[4] Smaug's fires burned down the whole town, but the dragon was killed by Bard the Bowman. The Elves of Mirkwood soon learned that Smaug had been killed and thus set forth to claim the treasure, believing there was no one left, who had a claim on it. Having heard of the disaster that had struck the befriended men, the Elven host turned aside to offer any help that could be provided. Some day after the Elves had arrived at the Long Lake a united host of Men and Elves set forth towards Erebor, believing that the Dwarves had been among the first casualties of Smaug's wrath. To their surprise they found Thorin and Company quite alive, the gate to the halls beneath Erebor barred by a wall and themselves treated as foes, coming armed towards the gates.[5]

For several reasons Bard, being heir of Girion, Lord of Dale, claimed one twelfth of the treasure: first, he was the dragonslayer and without him, the Dwarves could never have reclaimed their old home. Second, a great deal of Dale's treasure had been robbed by Smaug and thus belonged rightfully to Bard and not the Dwarves. Third, the men of Esgaroth had helped the Dwarves on their journey and now had suffered severely; their whole city burned to the ground and their stocks being destroyed by Smaug, whose anger in the end was only risen by the Dwarves alone. Therefore they demanded compensation and Bard intended to pay it from the part of the treasure he claimed.[6]

Yet Thorin had become proud and bewitch by the gold and rebuked these claims. He would not fulfill any of the conditions as long as an armoured Elven host camped near Erebor. For the Elves did not have any claims on the treasure and Thorin himself had been imprisoned by the Elves.[6]

As a result of Thorin's refusal to share any of the treasure, the dwarves were trapped in a bloodless siege, with Thranduil and Bard hoping to wait him out.[6] However, Thorin had sent messages of his plight to his relatives using as messengers talking Ravens that lived on the Lonely Mountain. These reached Dáin Ironfoot of the nearby Iron Hills, and he marched to Erebor with 500 heavily armed Dwarves, most of them skilled veterans of the War of the Dwarves and Orcs[2]. When Dain's forces arrived, battle was almost joined between the two sides (now three armies were on the field) but at the last moment Gandalf intervened between the two and revealed that while they were bickering amongst themselves, the Orcs of the Misty Mountains and Grey Mountains under Bolg were using the opportunity to march against them. They had been incited by Gandalf's earlier slaying of the Great Goblin, but had now mobilized for a full-scale attack after hearing news of the death of the Dragon and the now relatively unguarded treasure hoard.[7]

The Battle

The three commanders agreed that the Orcs were the enemies of all and previous grievances between them were put on hold in face of the greater threat. They arranged their forces on the two spurs of the Mountain that lined the valley leading to the now-sealed off great Gate of Erebor; the only entrance to the Mountain that remained unblocked (any others had been destroyed by Smaug long before). The 500 Dwarves and 200 or so Lake-men formed up on one spur and over 1000 Elves on the other, while a light rear-guard lined across the mouth of the valley to lure the Orcs between the two spurs of the mountain, and thus destroy them. Bilbo Baggins tried to sit out the battle on Raven Hill which was held by the Elves and where also Gandalf had withdrawn to.[7]

Battle of Five Armies: Men of Esgaroth by Joona Kujanen.

Soon the Orcs and Wargs arrived (and now the fourth army was on the field), and at first the plan worked: they were lured into the chokepoint and took heavy losses. However, due to their superior numbers, the allied Free people's did not hold the advantage long. The second wave was even worse than the first, and due to their sheer number now many Orcs scaled the mountain from the opposite side, and began to attack the arrayed forces from above and behind, as the main wave pressed forward. The battle raged across the Mountain, and then a great noise was heard: Thorin and his 12 Dwarf companions inside the mountain had thrown down a section of the stone wall they had erected across the mouth of the gates, killing many Orcs. Thorin and Company emerged, covered in the best armour and armed with the best weapons in Erebor. Then Thorin cried, "Rally to me my kinsfolk," and charged down into the valley to join the battle with many Dwarves and many Men and Elves joining them. Thorin advanced through the Orcs' ranks all the way up to the gigantic Orcs that formed the Bodyguard of Bolg, but could not get past them. Also his battle-line was too short, the flanks unprotected and thus his attack soon crumbled, Thorin and many others were cut off and hard beset by Bolg's bodyguard. The battle degenerated into a chaotic close quarters melee, no quarter asked or given.[7]

As the battle was turning fully against the Free Folk, a large army of Giant Eagles of the Misty Mountains arrived, led by Gwaihir the Windlord. Bilbo was the first to spot their entrance on the scene and began shouting that "the Eagles are coming!", a shout that was then continued among the other troops of the Free Folk. At this point Bilbo was knocked in the head by a large stone thrown by a Orc from above on the Mountain, and he was knocked out.[7] With the support of the Giant Eagles, the Orcs that had scaled Erebor were driven off. The tide was eventually turned, when Beorn himself arrived at the battle, apparently having heard news that a large army of Orcs were on the move. This time he did not appear in his former shape of a giant Man, but in that of a gigantic Bear. Beorn drove through the Orc lines, but paused to carry the wounded Thorin out of the battle with his paw. Beorn then returned to the battle with even greater wrath and smashed the ranks of the Bodyguard of Bolg, ultimately killing Bolg. The Orcs panicked and scattered, to be picked off by hunting forces from the victors later.[8]

Aftermath

Thorin had been mortally wounded on the field, and his nephews Fíli and Kíli died defending him as he lay on the ground with shield and body. Thorin died soon after the battle, after he had met Bilbo one last time and had taken back the harsh words he had spoken before.

After defeating the Orcs and Wargs, the victors divided the treasure. Bard took Bilbo's fourteenth share of the gold and silver in return for the Arkenstone, whereupon he shared his reward with the Master of Lake-town and gave the Elvenking Thranduil the emeralds of Girion. Bilbo, despite having forfeited his share, was offered a rich reward by Dáin Ironfoot but refused to take more than two small chests of gold and silver.

It is said that three quarters of the Orc warriors of the North were killed on that day.[8]

Other versions of the Legendarium

In its first versions, the conflict around Erebor ended after the Siege. While Bard and the Elvenking laid siege, Gandalf would arrive and negotiate a peace treaty. The actual Battle, dubbed by John D. Rateliff the "Battle of Anduin Vale", would be on the return journey, in what would later be known as the Vales of Anduin. There, Orcs and Wargs would waylay Bilbo. The Five armies in this incarnation were the Orcs, the Wargs, the Woodelves, the Woodmen, and Beorn Medwed leading a troop of bears.[9]

Portrayal in adaptations

1966: The Hobbit (1966 film):

The battle is completely omitted. Bilbo kills the dragon, and returns home.[10]

1977: The Hobbit (1977 film):

The "Five Armies" are the Elves, the Men, the Dwarves, the Orcs (and Wolves) and the Eagles. Bilbo estimates the force of the Men and Elves on 10,000, but this may not be an accurate estimate. The number of dwarves of Thorin and Company to have died is eight, but only Bombur and Thorin are named among the dead. Only Óin and Glóin are shown as having survived the battle.

2003: The Hobbit (2003 video game):

The battle takes up most of the last chapter. Because Bilbo is the main character, his role in the battle is much expanded. After leaving Thranduil, he has to fight his way to Balin, Lianna, Corwin, Gandalf, Beorn, and ultimately Bolg.

References