What Happened To The Dwarven Hoard Of Gold After The Battle Of Five Armies
The Fate of the Dwarven Hoard: Gold after the Battle of Five Armies
Introduction: The Lustrous Lode of Lonely Mountain
In the annals of Middle-earth, the tale of the dwarven hoard of gold is as enduring as the mountains themselves. Forged in the fires of Mount Erebor, this legendary treasure was the prize coveted by many and finally claimed by a handful of brave dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. But what became of the hoard after the Battle of Five Armies?
The Dragon’s Curse: The Taint of Gold
As we delve into Tolkien’s lore, we find that the gold of the Lonely Mountain was not just a simple hoard; it was tainted by the malice of dragons, creatures born from the darkness itself. This “dragon sickness,” as it is called, has the power to corrupt and consume those who come into contact with it, turning them into mere servants of gold.
The greatest example of this curse is the terrifying dragon Smaug, who laid waste to the lands and amassed a treasure hoard that would make even the most greedy dwarf blush. Upon his demise, the gold he once hoarded became tainted with the dragon sickness, and many fell under its spell.
The Fall of Thorin Oakenshield: The Greed of a King
After the Battle of Five Armies, our hero Thorin Oakenshield returned to the Lonely Mountain, only to succumb to the dragon sickness himself. His obsession with the gold consumed him, leading him to betray his allies and ultimately costing him his life. The once proud king under the mountain fell victim to the very treasure he sought to reclaim.
As the master of Laketown, Bard the Bowman, gave Thorin the gold he had earned in their alliance, little did he know that he too would fall under the dragon sickness. Unable to resist the allure of gold, Bard took as much as he could carry and fled, deserting his companions and eventually meeting a tragic end.
Conclusion: The Echoes of the Dragon’s Curse
The treasure of the Lonely Mountain was not just gold; it was a curse that echoed through the ages, consuming those who sought to possess it. The dragon sickness remains a chilling reminder of the darkness from which it was born and the greed that lies within us all.
As we look back on the tale of the dwarven hoard, we are left to ponder the fate of the gold and the darkness it carries. Will it continue to corrupt and consume those who come into contact with it, or can the light of hope overcome the darkness? Only time will tell.
With the echoes of the Battle of Five Armies fading into the annals of history, we are left to remember the lessons of greed and the price that must be paid for the pursuit of power. For as long as there is gold in Middle-earth, the dragon sickness will linger, a reminder of the darkness from which it was born and the light that must overcome it.
