The Enigmatic Treasure Room of Smaug: Inside the Hobbit Film Trilogy

Smaug, the ancient and fearsome dragon from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, left a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of fans. A key element of Smaug's mythos was the vast treasure room he hoarded with relentless fury. This room, so central to the plot of the film trilogy, is a thrilling and mysterious space that tantalizes us with its secrets. Below, we explore the contents of Smaug's treasure room, as depicted in the film adaptation.

1. Gold as Expected

Any treasure room belonged to a dragon in Middle-earth would be filled with gold—Smaug's was no exception. Generations of dwarves and adventurers had brought their stolen goods to the Lonely Mountain, and Smaug had his pick of the best. The room is lavishly decorated with gold and precious metals, accentuating the singsong-y sound Smaug makes when he sheds gold. The heights of the room are lost in a sea of coins, and the walls are lined with the gold treasures that Smaug has collected over the centuries.

As the battle for Smaug's kingdom reaches its climax, Bard and his army of bowmen and Dwarves storm the Lonely Mountain to reclaim the treasure. For many, the prospect of a pile of gold is the sole motivation. The sheer amount of gold in Smaug's room is overwhelming, and it's no wonder that so many dwellers of Wuthunga and nearby towns felt drawn to the promise of riches.

2. At Least One Gold Cup

While 'gold as expected' might have been a given, the presence of a gold cup in Smaug's treasure room adds a touch of intrigue and detail that enriches the narrative. Hobbit Bilbo Baggins traverses the depths of the mountain in pursuit of the Arkenstone and stumbles upon the chamber, which, in addition to its gold and silver plates, features a single gold cup.

This cup, a simple but elegant piece, holds a starkly contrasting design, as it contrasts the gaudy, almost garish, treasures surrounding it. It stands out as a poignant reminder of the delicate craftsmanship in a world filled with chaos and violence. Bilbo, always the observer, likely notes the cup's presence, which might be the simple reminder that beauty can exist even in the darkest of places.

This cup could be more than just a decorative piece. It might symbolize home, comfort, and a lost sense of control, all of which Bilbo has known in his own life. Its presence invites us to think about the value of these things in the face of both physical and psychological battles faced in The Hobbit.

3. The Dragon Smaug

While familiar with the idea of the dragon Smaug, his presence in his own treasure room is undeniably prominent. Smaug is a sight to behold, and every angle of his room must incorporate his massive dragon body. In the film, he is a constantly present character, often seen perched on a pile of gold or just breathing heavily. His presence is seen as he snarls and basks in the wealth of his hoard, creating a sense of power and threat.

Moreover, Smaug is depicted as a wise and calculating individual who can move silently through the gold. The secret to his survival, perhaps, lies in his ability to make its way through the labyrinth of his treasure room almost undetected, leading to a menacing presence that heightens the tension in the scenes that involve the treasure room.

4. A Hobbit at One Point

Bilbo Baggins, the unlikely hero of The Hobbit film trilogy, is the one who enters the treasure room. As a hobbit, he is an outsider to Smaug's hoard, but he must make his way through it in pursuit of the Arkenstone. The pathway through the room is lined with the gold and silver riches, and Bilbo navigates them carefully, put beside treasure hoards as he presses toward his goal. This moment serves as a reminder of Bilbo's transformation from a simple, home-loving hobbit to a cunning and resourceful hero.

Bilbo's encounter with the treasure is both challenging and defining. It is not just a simple quest for rich gold but also a journey through a complex and dangerous world of power. The gold's glittering surface contrasts with the perilous journey wholly embodying the adventure that defines our character's development.

5. The Arkenstone

At the heart of Smaug's treasure room is the legendary Arkenstone. This gem, held in the fortress of the Lonely Mountain, plays a central role in the plot as the key to Alfrid's betrayal and Ambrosi's recovery. The Arkenstone's story weaves its way through the characters, acting as a weight, a temptation, and, of course, the primary goal Bilbo must collect.

Like a shining beacon amidst the golden expanse, the Arkenstone is a unique jewel that embodies power, magic, and the drive of Bilbo to gain it. Its presence deepens the emotional and mystical aspects of the story, turning a simple treasure hunt into a quest to find a piece of the heart of the mountain.

The Arkenstone, moreover, symbolizes Bilbo's betrayal and loyalty, as well as his growth throughout the film. When Bilbo is tempted to take the stone, insisting on his dream of winning the Arkenstone for the Dwarves, he is betrayed by Alfrid. Bilbo, having kept the Arkenstone during his time as the burglar, chooses to return it to the dwarves and, in doing so, solidifies his loyalty to his friends and to his goal of reclaiming their rightful hoors.

The encounter with Smaug's treasure room is a fascinating journey, from the clash of gold to the ominous presence of the dragon, from the journey of a hobbit to the heart-wrenching longing for the Arkenstone. The room is a testament to the transformative power of the quest, it symbolizes the complex emotions of the characters, and reminds us of the value of both wealth and honor in a world as enchanting yet perilous as the One Ring world.

In the end, Smaug's treasure room is more than just a treasure room; it's a reflection of the grand adventure that lies at the heart of The Hobbit film trilogy. You might think there’s only gold in it, but there’s much more lurking inside. Delve deep, and uncover the stories, secrets, and symbols that make Smaug's hoard truly mystical and captivating.