The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies: Characters, Plot, And Legacy

Chloe Fitzgerald

6 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.7

Share

Key Characters and their Arcs in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Thorin Oakenshield's Descent and Redemption

Thorin Oakenshield's journey throughout the Hobbit trilogy is a compelling study in obsession, loss, and ultimately, redemption. His character arc is defined by his struggle with dragon sickness, a debilitating greed fueled by his desire to reclaim Erebor and its gold. This obsession clouds his judgment, leading to strained relationships with Bilbo Baggins and even his own company.

• His obsession with gold: Thorin's unrelenting focus on reclaiming Erebor's treasure blinds him to the needs of his companions and the potential dangers ahead.
• His relationships with Bilbo and his company: His initial distrust of Bilbo slowly morphs into a grudging respect, culminating in a poignant farewell. His relationship with his kin, particularly Dwalin and Balin, is complex, marked by both loyalty and the strain of his illness.
• His final moments: Thorin's death in battle, defending his people and accepting his flaws, provides a powerful moment of redemption, showcasing a king finally finding peace. This redemption arc makes him one of the most memorable characters in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.

Bilbo Baggins' Growth and the One Ring

Bilbo Baggins' transformation from a timid hobbit to a resourceful and brave adventurer is central to the narrative. His experience throughout the journey, culminating in the Battle of Five Armies, significantly shapes his character. He proves surprisingly adept in battle, using his wits and the magical sword Sting to aid his companions. More importantly, his discovery and growing awareness of the One Ring's power sets the stage for the events of The Lord of the Rings.

• Bilbo's bravery: Despite his initial fear, Bilbo displays unexpected courage, risking his life to help his friends.
• His use of Sting: The elven blade proves a valuable asset in several key moments throughout the film, highlighting Bilbo's developing combat skills.
• His relationship with Gandalf: Gandalf's mentorship is crucial to Bilbo's growth and understanding of the greater stakes involved.
• His discovery of the Ring's power: The film subtly underscores the Ring's influence on Bilbo, setting the stage for his future struggles and the immense power the ring holds.

Supporting Characters and their Impact

Beyond the central figures, a host of supporting characters contribute significantly to the narrative of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Their actions shape the outcome of the battle and add depth to the story.

• Legolas' archery skills: Legolas' incredible marksmanship is showcased during the climactic battle sequence, providing much-needed support for the dwarves and men.
• Bard's crucial shot: Bard's skillful archery, crucial to defeating Smaug earlier in the trilogy, again proves pivotal in the final battle.
• Gandalf's leadership: Gandalf's strategic guidance and magical prowess are essential in uniting the disparate armies against the common threat.
• Tauriel's role in the battle: Tauriel, despite her romantic subplot, actively participates in the battle, showcasing the elven warriors' prowess in combat. Her character adds another layer of emotional depth to The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.

The Plot of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies and its Narrative Significance

The Battle's Setting and Participants

The Battle of Five Armies is the centerpiece of the film, pitting five distinct forces against each other in a desperate struggle for control of Erebor and the surrounding lands. The scale and complexity of the battle is a testament to the film's production values.

• The alliances formed: Unlikely alliances are forged out of necessity, uniting dwarves, elves, and men against the common threat of goblins and wargs.
• The betrayals: The film expertly depicts the tensions and betrayals that emerge amidst the chaos of war.
• The strategies employed: The battle showcases a range of tactical maneuvers, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each army.
• The overall scale of the battle: The sheer size and scope of the battle sequences are visually stunning and remain iconic in fantasy cinema.

Key Plot Points and their Impact on the Larger Story

Several key plot points in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies directly influence the broader narrative of Middle-earth.

• Smaug's death: The death of Smaug, though occurring earlier in the trilogy's storyline, sets the stage for the conflicts in The Battle of Five Armies.
• The impact on Erebor: The reclaiming of Erebor from Smaug has far-reaching political and economic consequences throughout Middle-earth.
• The political fallout: The battle's aftermath leaves lasting political ramifications, affecting the relationships between various kingdoms.
• The foreshadowing of future events: The film subtly hints at events that will occur in The Lord of the Rings, enriching the interconnectedness of Tolkien's world.

The Legacy of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Critical Reception and Box Office Success

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies enjoyed significant box office success, earning hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide. However, critical reception was more mixed compared to Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy.

• Box office numbers: The film's impressive box office performance demonstrated its continuing popularity amongst audiences.
• Critical reviews: While lauded for its visual effects and action sequences, some critics criticized its pacing and narrative choices.
• Awards and nominations: The film received several award nominations, but fewer wins compared to its predecessors.
• Audience reception: Despite mixed reviews, the film maintained a large and dedicated fanbase.

Lasting Cultural Impact and Influence

Despite mixed reviews, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies left its mark on popular culture.

• Impact on fantasy films: The film's visual effects and battle sequences continue to influence the aesthetics of fantasy cinema.
• Merchandise: A wide array of merchandise, from collectibles to clothing, reflects the film's enduring popularity.
• Fan theories: The film's narrative intricacies have spurred countless fan discussions and theories.
• Enduring popularity: The film remains a popular topic of conversation amongst fans of Tolkien and fantasy cinema, ensuring its legacy continues.

Conclusion

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, despite its flaws, stands as a visually stunning and narratively significant conclusion to a beloved trilogy. The film's compelling character arcs, particularly Thorin's redemption and Bilbo's growth, remain memorable. The epic Battle of Five Armies remains an iconic cinematic moment, showcasing the scale and scope of Tolkien's world. The film's lasting impact on popular culture, both within the fantasy genre and broader cinema, is undeniable. What are your favorite moments from The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies? Share your thoughts below! Dive deeper into the world of The Hobbit and explore the Battle of Five Armies' lasting influence!