
Fifteen birds in five fir-trees is the first line of a poem found within the chapter "Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire" of The Hobbit. It was sung by the Goblins to taunt Gandalf, Bilbo, and the thirteen Dwarves while the Goblins are setting fire to the trees in which they had taken refuge from the wild wolves.
Poem excerpt
Fifteen birds in five fir-trees,
their feathers were fanned in a fiery breeze!
But, funny little birds, they had no wings!
O what shall we do with the funny little things?
Roast 'em alive, or stew them in a pot;
fry them, boil them and eat them hot?
Portrayal in adaptations
1977: The Hobbit (1977 film):
- The Goblins sing a version of the song while they chase Thorin and Company. It is titled "Funny Little Things" on the soundtrack.
See also
References