The Gold of Erebor: Distribution and Aftermath

J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary world of Middle-earth is rich with epic tales. Among these, the fate of the gold in Erebor takes center stage in the novel The Hobbit. This treasure-hoarding saga spans from before the dragon Smaug's invasion to the aftermath of the Battle of Five Armies. Here, we explore the journey of the gold from its initial hoarding to its distribution among various factions.

Smaug's Occupation

The dragon Smaug, aka "The Smaugest Thief," invaded the Lonely Mountain (Erebor) and drove the Dwarves out. He occupied the mountain, hoarding the vast hoard of gold and jewels that the dwarves had amassed over centuries into one of the largest treasures in the world.

The Quest of the Dwarves

Thorin Oakenshield, accompanied by his uncle and his company of Dwarves, along with the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins, embarked on a quest to reclaim Erebor and its treasures from Smaug. Their journey is fraught with challenges and battles, all aimed at retribution and regaining their lost wealth.

Smaug's Defeat

The turning point in the saga comes when Bilbo uncovers a weak spot in Smaug's armor. This discovery leads to a confrontation that ends with Smaug's demise by the hand of Bard the Bowman, who fires a well-aimed arrow into Smaug's belly.

The Aftermath and Distribution

After Smaug's defeat, the treasure attracts various factions, each with its own stakes. The Dwarves, Men of Lake-town, and the Elves of Mirkwood all vie for a share of the wealth. This leads to tensions and conflict, culminating in the Battle of Five Armies, a final showdown where five armies clash over the treasure.

During the battle, Dain Ironfoot, cousin of Thorin, arrives with a Dwarvish army, bringing with them food and supplies, greatly reinforcing the dwarves' position. Bilbo, along with Gandalf and Beorn, also return to aid the resolve of the Dwarves, Elves, and Men against the common enemy—Goblins and Wargs.

Ultimately, the battle changes the dynamics of the struggle. The wealth of Erebor is fairly evenly distributed between the three former foes. The gold, jewels, and precious metals are shared among the Dwarves, the people of Lake-town, and the Elves of Mirkwood, helping to rebuild and restore the affected lands.

As a result of the distribution, the gold of Erebor serves both as a shared asset and a reminder of the power of both wealth and friendship. In the end, Thorin reconciles with Bilbo, reflecting on the importance of friendship over wealth, while the survivors of the battle work towards rebuilding their home and community.

Smaug's Impact on Erebor

Contrary to popular belief, Smaug did not completely destroy Erebor. While he did cause significant damage by smashing the "porch" where the side door was, Erebor is fundamentally a mountain, and mountains are built to withstand such assaults. Smaug's hoarding of the gold in the Great Hall was the primary driving force behind the Battle of Five Armies.

After Smaug's demise, Bard and the people of Lake-town, needing aid, headed to Erebor to find treasure for trade. Rather than destroying the town, Smaug's destruction serves as a springboard for a new alliance among Elven-King, Men of Lake-town, and Dwarves, joined by Goblins and Wargs, creating an unprecedented, armies-versus-armies scenario.

The treasure found in Erebor, combined with the enormous deposits from the route to Lake-town, provides resources critical to the rebuilding of the region. The gold distribution among the different factions leads to a smooth reconstruction process, albeit fraught with challenges and conflicts.

Through the golden tale of Erebor, we see that both conflict and cooperation are central to the narrative. While the gold ultimately serves as a catalyst, it is the relationships and actions of the characters that shape the outcome of the saga. The gold of Erebor teaches us valuable lessons about the lasting impact of wealth and the importance of unity in the face of adversity.