Thorin Oakenshield's Quest for Erebor: Motivations beyond the Arkenstone and Treasure

The tale of Thorin Oakenshield is rich with complexities and motivations, particularly regarding his quest to reclaim the mountain kingdom of Erebor. This article explores Thorin's primary driving forces, beyond just the Arkenstone and the vast treasure hoarded by Smaug.

Primary Motivation: The Treasure

According to the narrative, Thorin's primary objective was the treasure. The mountain of Erebor, far from just a place of residence, was seen as a repository of immense wealth, which he considered his birthright. This treasure included the Arkenstone and a vast array of gold, silver, and precious jewels.

Thwarting Smaug and Redeeming His Ancestral Realm

While the treasure was a significant part of Thorin's plan, he also harbored a deeper desire to remove Smaug and reclaim his grandfather's kingdom. The presence of Smaug had not only disrupted the peaceful life of the Dwarves but also symbolized the wrongs that needed to be righted. However, Thorin and his party understood that eradicating Smaug was beyond their capabilities at the time. Their initial plan was more focused on stealing treasure and escaping rather than confronting Smaug directly.

The Twist of Events

Upon realizing that Smaug was indeed dead, Thorin's actions changed drastically. He immediately asserted his control over both the treasure and the throne. This newfound power and the instantiated knowledge of Smaug's demise bolstered Thorin's resolve to fully reclaim Erebor, making it his ultimate goal.

The Arkenstone: A Symbol of Nostalgia

While the Arkenstone held significant sentimental value for Thorin, it was not his sole motivation. The gemstone was a treasured heirloom that represented nostalgia for the past rather than an outright symbol of greed. Thorin's willingness to risk war to retain the Arkenstone, rather than negotiate for its safe return, underscores his emotional attachment to it. The primary value lay in the symbolic and cultural significance of the Arkenstone within Dwarf culture, rather than in its monetary or magical value alone.

Further, the Arkenstone's most notable magical properties were only unlocked after Thorin's own death, indicating that its true power derived from the character of the one who held it, rather than its intrinsic magic.

The Quest was Not Initially about Erebor

The original intent of the quest was not to reclaim Erebor, but to steal treasure from Smaug and escape. This plan, however, quickly transformed as events unfolded. Gandalf had intended to see Smaug eliminated, considering him a strategic threat, particularly if he were to ally with the Dark Lord Sauron. Nonetheless, the idea of fighting Smaug was perilous and generally discouraged by all involved.

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While Thorin Oakenshield's quest for Erebor was primarily motivated by the vast treasure hoarded by Smaug, his deeper goal was to reclaim his ancestral home, symbolizing a desire for retribution and redemption. The Arkenstone, while significant, was more a symbol of past glory and nostalgia than a purely greedy pursuit. The motivation shifted as Smaug was slain, and Thorin assumed control, with Erebor becoming his ultimate objective.