What If Bilbo Baggins Had Kept The Arkenstone For Himself
Exploring an Alternate Path for Bilbo Baggins: The Arkenstone Dilemma
The Crucial Decision: Bilbo and the Arkenstone
In the climactic moments of The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies, we see a poignant scene where Bilbo Baggins hands over the Arkenstone to Thranduil. But what if he had decided to keep it for himself? This article will delve into the consequences and implications that such a choice would have brought upon Middle-earth’s beloved hobbit and his companions.
The Weight of Gold: Bilbo’s Decision and Its Consequences
Upon choosing to keep the Arkenstone, our hero would face the wrath of Thorin Oakenshield. With his deep distrust in hobbits and a growing obsession with gold, it is highly likely that Thorin would attempt to reclaim the precious stone by force. This could lead to dire consequences for Bilbo and his friends, as they try to fend off the enraged dwarf king and his armies.
Moreover, the loss of the Arkenstone would have significant repercussions for the Dwarves of Erebor. With their ruler’s fury fueled by greed and distrust, the dwarves would likely lose hope in their quest to reclaim their homeland. This could lead to further strife within the dwarf community and set the stage for future conflicts in Middle-earth.
The Aftermath: Bilbo’s Fate and the Future of Middle-earth
If Bilbo had managed to survive such a confrontation, he would have been forced to live as an outcast, constantly on the run from Thorin and his followers. This would have taken a heavy toll on the hobbit’s spirit and wellbeing, as he struggled to find peace in a world that seemed intent on driving him away.
In the broader context, the absence of the Arkenstone in Erebor would have far-reaching implications for the course of Middle-earth’s history. With the dwarves unable to reclaim their homeland and regain their strength, they would be less able to support their allies in times of need. This could weaken the overall resistance against dark forces such as Sauron, potentially altering the outcome of the War of the Ring.
Conclusion: The Importance of Choices in Middle-earth
By choosing to keep the Arkenstone for himself, Bilbo Baggins would have set in motion a series of events that could have profoundly affected the fate of Middle-earth. This article serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of our choices and the delicate balance that exists within J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic world.
In the end, it is fascinating to ponder the paths not taken and the alternate realities that might have emerged from Bilbo’s decision. As we continue to explore and revisit Middle-earth, such thought experiments serve as a testament to the richness and depth of Tolkien’s creation.
What if…?
As we delve deeper into the lore and mythos of Middle-earth, let us not forget that every choice matters. Each decision can have far-reaching consequences and alter the course of history. So, as we reflect on Bilbo’s journey, let us ponder the choices we make in our own lives and how they might shape our destinies.
