Chapter 15

The thrush at the Lonely Mountain tells Bilbo and the dwarves about Smaug’s death. The raven also tells Thorin to trust Bard and not Master of Lake-town. People from Lake-town along with the elves are marching toward the Mountain to demand a share in the treasure. Thorin is furious and says that he would rather wage a war than give away a portion of the treasure, which he considers his birthright. The dwarves work to fortify the mountain against the Elvenking.

Bard speaks to Thorin who does not agree to share a portion of the treasure. Bard asks him to think over it but Bard does not change his decision. Bard, therefore, declares siege on the mountain.

Bard declares the mountain under siege. Dwarves can no longer move out and they are unable to source provisions. Bilbo thinks Thorin is being greedy and unreasonable, but he is unable to challenge him.

In this chapter, we notice that Bilbo prefers peace over the treasure. Although Bilbo does not approve of Thorin’s decision, he cannot challenge him openly. Factions begin to be formed here, which will lead to the Battle of the Five Armies.