The Misty Mountain Song…dissected

This is notably my favorite of Tolkien's songs from The Hobbit.  Maybe because of the song in the movie?  Maybe because of the way Tolkien paints such vivid depictions of what the song is describing?  I don't have the whole thing committed to memory, but I'm working on it.  Although, it must also be noted that my favorite LOTR song would have to be:

The Road goes ever on and on

Down from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the Road has gone,

And I must follow, if I can,

Pursuing it with weary feet,

Until it meets some larger way,

Where many paths and errands meet.

And wither then?  I cannot say.

(Frodo, The Fellowship of the Ring, Chapter Three: Three is Company)

I have that one committed to memory.  Eventually, I'll take the time to write a post about it.  But, for now, let's just focus on...

Far Over the Misty Mountains Cold

by J. R. R. Tolkien

Far over the misty mountains cold

To dungeons deep and caverns old

We must away ere break of day 

To seek the pale enchanted gold.

The dwarves of yore made mighty spells,

While hammers fell like ringing bells

In places deep, where dark things sleep,

In hollow halls beneath the fells.

For ancient king and elvish lord

There many a gleaming golden hoard

They shaped and wrought, and light they caught

To hide in gems on hilt of sword.

On silver necklaces they strung 

The flowering stars, on crowns they hung

The dragon-fire, in twisted wire 

They meshed the light of moon and sun. 

Far over the misty mountains cold

To dungeons deep and caverns old

We away, ere break of day,

To claim our long-forgotten gold.

Goblets they carved there for themselves

And harps of gold; where no man delves

There lay they long, and many a song

Was sung unheard by men or elves.

The pines were roaring on the height,

The winds were moaning in the night.

The fire was red, it flaming spread;

The trees like torches blazed with light.

The bells were ringing in the dale 

And men looked up with faces pale;

Then dragon's ire more fierce than fire

Laid low their towers and houses frail.

The mountain smoked beneath the moon;

The dwarves, they heard the tramp of doom.

They fled their hall to dying fall

Beneath his feet, beneath the moon.

Far over the misty mountains grim

To dungeons deep and caverns dim

We must away, ere break of day,

To win our harps and gold from him!

Tagline:

Far over the misty mountains cold

To dungeons deep and caverns old

We must away, ere break of day,

To find our long-forgotten gold.

I call that last stanza a "tagline" because I really don't now what else to call it.  It is sort of part of the song, but it's set apart from the rest of the song by a good thirteen pages (according to my book).  The song, itself, is sung by all thirteen dwarves in Bilbo's living room, while the "tagline" is sung only by Thorin, when he's alone in Bilbo's guest room (presumably as he's falling sleep) thirteen pages later.

Now, those of you who saw An Unexpected Journey may be thinking, "But, the song in the movie wasn't that long."  No, it wasn't.  The song in the movie (arranged by Howard Shore, and sung by Richard Armitage, et al.) only consisted of one stanza and the "tagline" of the original song, probably due to time restraint:

Far over the misty mountains cold

To dungeons deep and caverns old

We must away, ere break of day,

To find our long-forgotten gold.

The pines were roaring on the height,

The winds were moaning in the night.

The fire was red, it flaming spread;

The trees like torches blazed with light.

In all fairness, they did try to get some of the other stanzas in there.  If you listen really carefully to Bilbo's opening narration, you can hear slight variations of some of the other stanzas.  I suggest watching the 8-10 minute prologue with the subtitles on and a copy of the entire song in hand.  You will recognize some of the details.

What Is This Song?

As far as I can tell, it's a Ballad of Remembrance created and sung by the Dwarfs to help remind them of the tragic events of the loss of The Lonely Mountain.  

Why A Song of Remembrance?

The cultures of the various peoples of Middle Earth -  Men, Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits, etc. — seem to be steeped in oral tradition.  Occasionally, someone will write a book or song (such as Bilbo chronicling his adventures, and later when Frodo writes down his own adventures), but most written materials are the chronicles of certain kings, or personal letters from one Hobbit to a certain group of Dwarves in a Mountain far away (for example).  

The people of Middle Earth make up songs and ballads for important events (Aragorn's coronation), tragic events (the loss of Erebor, the death of Boromir, etc.), or just because they can (Pippin's bath song).  Sometimes it feels like there's a song for everything:

I stubbed my toe

On a rock.

It hurt so badly,

And there was blood.

My foot is bruised.

We really need shoes

To save our feet 

From rock and thorn.

Okay, maybe its' not that bad.  But, you get the idea.  (And, yes, I made up that example.)

Who Needs to Be Reminded?

Pretty much everyone.  

The dwarves teach their future generations of the tragic loss of Erebor in the same way we teach future generations about World War 2 or September 11th.  We even have songs about September 11th (There She Stands by Michael W. Smith, etc.).  

The loss of Erebor to Smaug, although tragic, is part of Dwarf history, just as September 11th is part of ours.  We teach our kids about September 11th because it is important for future generations to know what happened on that day, why the world is the way it is now, and also so that the memory of the people who died will not be lost.  

It's the same with Erebor.  It is important for younger generations of Dwarves to learn about what happened so that they have a better understanding of why the world they live in is the way it is, so that they understand why a Dwarf Prince labors at an anvil in a village of Men, and so that the memory of Smaug's many victims will not be forgotten.

I was nine years old when the World Trade Center came down, so I don't remember it very well.  The only evidence that I even knew something had happened is a picture I drew of the towers exploding (not historically accurate, I know, but I was nine).  My little brothers were about 3 and 2, and my little sisters weren't born yet, so I kinda doubt they have any memories of 9/11.  

Fili and Kili weren't born yet, and their mother (Thorin's sister, Dis) was about 10, when Erebor was attacked (and taken) by Smaug.  According to the "family tree" I located in Appendix A of Return of the King, Dwalin, Oin, and Gloin weren't born yet, either.

In fact, I'm willing to bet that the only members of Thorin's company who actually lived in Erebor prior to the attack, and witnessed said attack were Thorin and Balin.

Therefore, Dwalin, Oin, Gloin, Fili, and Kili all heard the tale through oral tradition.  More than likely, Dori, Nori, Ori, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur all learned about it in the same way.  Hearing the story told by Thorin or Balin would be like listening to a World Trade Center or Pentagon survivor recount their personal experiences on September 11th.

They all sing the song, not because they personally remember what happened, but because they don't.  The song is all they know about what life was like before Smaug attacked.  The song is all they know about the splendor of the Dwarves' Mighty Halls of The Lonely Mountain.  

I don't know about anyone else, but when I think about this, I imagine Thorin sitting in a rocking chair with Fili and Kili curled up in his lap, swinging Far Over the Misty Mountains Cold to them as they drift off to sleep.  And, although his voice is level and soothing, a tear rolls down his cheek.

So, In Bilbo's Living Room…

…Most of them sing the song in memory of the event, and also to remind them of the true purpose for their quest.  

What Does the Song Mean?

The first stanza is just kind of an introduction to the song, and also the Quest of Thorin and Company:

Far over the misty mountains cold

To dungeons deep and caverns old

We must away ere break of day 

To seek the pale enchanted gold.

The next five stanzas tell of the grandeur and splendor of the Halls of Erebor.  They speak of the mighty craftsmanship of the Dwarves, and the many treasures forged by the smiths and jewelers of the Mountain.  Consider the fourth stanza down to be like a chorus, something to refocus the singer on the reason for the song, and, therefore, the reason for the Quest of Thorin and Company:

The dwarves of yore made mighty spells,

While hammers fell like ringing bells

In places deep, where dark things sleep,

In hollow halls beneath the fells.

For ancient king and elvish lord

There many a gleaming golden hoard

They shaped and wrought, and light they caught

To hide in gems on hilt of sword.

On silver necklaces they strung 

The flowering stars, on crowns they hung

The dragon-fire, in twisted wire 

They meshed the light of moon and sun. 

Far over the misty mountains cold

To dungeons deep and caverns old

We away, ere break of day,

To claim our long-forgotten gold.

Goblets they carved there for themselves

And harps of gold; where no man delves

There lay they long, and many a song

Was sung unheard by men or elves.

Now, here's where things start to get interesting.  It seems a little out of place in context of the movie, but perhaps Smaug really attacked at night(?).  I personally think this is the Dwarves' memory of seeing The Lonely Mountain and surrounding area burning from a distance after the attack.  Having just barely escaped Erebor, they now watch from some distance away as the towering pine trees that once bordered their doors roar with dazzling flames.  They hear the wind moaning through the trees as it fans the murderously red dragon-flames, causing the fire to spread farther into the woodlands and surrounding area.  The once tall, majestic pine trees now blaze against the dark, midnight sky, like torches in the darkest caverns of the now desolate Erebor.  But, that's only my interpretation:

The pines were roaring on the height,

The winds were moaning in the night.

The fire was red, it flaming spread;

The trees like torches blazed with light.

This is the main reason I either think the previous stanza is out of place, or that my interpretation is wrong.  The next stanza tells off Smaug's brazen attack on the village of Dale, and the death and destruction he caused there.  The stanza after this one tells of how the Dwarves of Erebor fled their hallowed halls in Smaug's wake, and how he ruthlessly murdered many of their people:

The bells were ringing in the dale 

And men looked up with faces pale;

Then dragon's ire more fierce than fire

Laid low their towers and houses frail.

The mountain smoked beneath the moon;

The dwarves, they heard the tramp of doom.

They fled their hall to dying fall

Beneath his feet, beneath the moon.

And, finally, a promise to return.  Yes, they have been driven from Erebor by Smaug, but they shall return to seek vengeance upon the dragon and reclaim their halls, and (more importantly) their vast treasure:

Far over the misty mountains grim

To dungeons deep and caverns dim

We must away, ere break of day,

To win our harps and gold from him!

And, last but not least, Thorin sings the "chorus" in remembrance of everything he (and his people) have lost:

Far over the misty mountains cold

To dungeons deep and caverns old

We must away, ere break of day,

To find our long-forgotten gold.

I, personally, like my interpretation of the The pines were roaring stanza.  It makes a lot of sense to me.  But, maybe I'm wrong.

A Little [Random] Aside

My best friend growing up lived very near the base of a mountain in my home-state.  During one of the biggest fires in that area, I remember we could see the pinpricks of orange and yellow flame spread out over the side of the mountain, bright and ominous against the night sky.

I can't help but wonder if that was kind of like what the fleeing Dwarves of Erebor saw as they made their way farther and farther from the Mountain they called home.  I wonder if they watched the flames every night like my friend and I did, and thought about their homes (and their treasure).  I also wonder if there were any little Dwarf children who watched Erebor slowly burn from a distance, like me and my friend.  These are details Tolkien didn't really touch on, and I kinda doubt that Peter Jackson will touch on that any further in the remaining two films, so we may never know.

Shortening The Song (for movie purposes)

The stanza that sticks out to me the most is: 

The pines were roaring on the height,

The winds were moaning in the night.

The fire was red, it flaming spread;

The trees like torches blazed with light.

Again, maybe because of the song in the movie?  Maybe because of the way Tolkien paints such vivid depictions of what the song is describing?  Maybe because it reminds me of the mountain fire my friend and I watched from her living room window?  Who knows?

Regardless, although I (and other Tolkien fanatics I know) were saddened by the shortening of Far Over the Misty Mountains Cold, I will go so far as to say I think they picked the perfect two stanzas to summarize Far Over the Misty Mountains Cold.  Instead of the long, though beautifully vivid, song, they give us the reason for the Quest:

Far over the misty mountains cold

To dungeons deep and caverns old

We must away, ere break of day,

To find our long-forgotten gold.

And everything else, the terror of dragon fire and the wanton destruction and death, bundled into my favorite stanza:

The pines were roaring on the height,

The winds were moaning in the night.

The fire was red, it flaming spread;

The trees like torches blazed with light.

We really don't need all the details of what Erebor used to be, or the terrible attack of the dragon upon Dale (in all fairness, we've already seen that in the movie's prologue).  What we get, and all we really need at that point in the film, is the reminder of the purpose for the Quest (that this isn't just a fun little adventure between buddies), and the harrowing memory of the dragon's destruction.

Hobbitary Commentary - Things We Can Take Away from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

So, by now you might be wondering, "What Christian morals/messages can we find in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey?"  On the surface, The Hobbit may seem like just another Hollywood action/adventure/fantasy movie.  But, we must also remember that Tolkien, himself, was a Christian (in fact, he was instrumental in bringing C. S. Lewis to Christ).  Therefore, we can safely assume that Tolkien would have put at least something worth while in his work.  Gandalf's fall into the Abyss and eventual return as the White Wizard in The Lord of the Rings is an example of this.  But, what can we take from The Hobbit?  Here are just a few things I found while watching An Unexpected Journey.

9. Things We Can Take Away from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

God knows more about us than we know about ourselves.  Therefore, if God calls us to do something completely out of our league (or what we think is out of our league), we can be assured that He, first, has given us the capability to do it (even though we didn't know we could), and second, will be with us every step of the way.

This is the lesson we can take from Bilbo Baggins.  We may be dragged out our doors kicking and screaming without our pocket handkerchieves, but we have to trust God that he knows what He's doing with us.  If He drags us out to join an adventure, we have to assume He thinks we're the best person for the job.  In fact, He knows we're the best person for the job, because He made us, and (as stated earlier) He knows us better than we know ourselves.

Also, God may do things to our plans that we do not understand.  Thorin stared [down] at Bilbo at first and said, "He looks more like a grocer than a burglar".  And, Maybe he was right.  But, Gandalf insisted that they bring Bilbo with them.  "You asked me to find the 14th member of this Company, and I have chosen Mr. Baggins[….]  You have to trust me on this."  Translated to English, Non-Tolkien: 

Me: God, you're asking me to do this thing that doesn't make any sense.  How is this going to further my quest?

God: You asked for My help and guidance, and I have chosen to take you down this path.  You just have to trust me.

The only question is, will you do it?  Will you respond like Thorin, "Very well, we'll do it your way."  Or will you ignore God and do it your own way?  That's something to think about as you munch your popcorn for the remaining two hours and three minutes of film time.

So, no, your 2 hours and 49 minutes were not wasted, because there are things you can take away from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

The Fellowship vs. An Unexpected Journey

Why do I have a feeling that The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit movies are going to end up being like the Star Wars episodes?

You start with parts 4, 5,  and 6, and then go back to watch parts 1, 2, and 3.

No wonder the Left Brained population of America are hopelessly confused by us Right Brained fantasy/sci fi people.  (As a side note, being left or right brained is not the same as being politically left or right.  Left brained people are more analytical, and right brained people tend to be more global.  Right brained people are more likely to understand and enjoy fantasy stories like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings than left brained people).

Anywho...

During my Spring Break, my Dad and I managed to get out of town for a few days.  We knew the hotel room had a DVD player, so we brought some of our favorite movies with us to watch (since I usually don't have time to do this while in school).  And, of course, one of those favorites happens to be...The Fellowship of the Ring.  It took us two days to finish watching the movie.

Of course, I've seen The Fellowship dozens of times before now.  But, with An Unexpected Journey now fresh in my mind, I made some observations about The Fellowship, and more or less about the Lord of the Rings trilogy in general, that I'd never thought of before.  If this is old news to you, I'm sorry.

If LOTR and The Hobbit were restaurants, The Lord of the Rings would be a big, almost multicultural restaurant with several locations across the country (picture Hobbits running Olive Garden, and you've got the general idea).  The Hobbit, on the other hand, would be the Mom and Pop place wedged between the Real Estate office and the Haunted Hotel in the middle of the Downtown "Historic" district of town.  For anyone who has been to Flagstaff, picture Hobbits running Josephine's, and you've got the idea.  The Lord of the Rings restaurant would serve a variety of mass produced foods.  The Hobbit restaurant would serve Grandma's famous home cooked meals.  I was eating dinner while watching The Fellowship, that's why I'm comparing the movies to restaurants.

There's nothing wrong with either restaurant scenario.  Both Olive Garden and Josephine's are good restaurants.  It's more of a feeling than anything.  The Lord of the Rings feels more general and open, whereas The Hobbit feels more homie and personal.

Why?

It's actually quite simple.

Lord of the Rings seems to be more focused on the "big picture", whereas The Hobbit is more focused on an individual piece of the puzzle.

Frodo's adventures really do concern the whole world.  If he doesn't destroy the Ring, the world will be forever enslaved to Sauron, because Sauron is one of those villains who doesn't really need all those slaves, but would rather have miserable slaves then somewhat happy, "free" subjects to rule.  The entire world is literally depending on him to succeed.

Bilbo's adventures are on a much smaller, more personal scale.  The Dwarves' quest really only pertains to them, and to Bilbo since he's kinda stuck with them.  The rest of Middle Earth could really care less if Thorin manages to take back Erebor from Smaug.

The Lord of the Rings jumps between the adventures of Frodo and Sam as they make their way to Mordor, the adventures of Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Gandalf, and the various antics and adventures of Merry and Pippin.  But, at all times, no matter which part of the story is being focused on for a given chapter or scene, the thoughts of everyone always, always, always turn toward Frodo and that little piece of round metal, the destruction of which could mean the difference between freedom and slavery, life and death.  Frodo literally has the weight of the entire world on his small, Hobbit shoulders.

The Hobbit focuses solely on the same 13-15 characters at a given time.  Granted, there is the occasional episode where Gandalf goes off on his own quest, Thorin disappears (with the assistance of some Elves), or Bilbo ends up completely alone in Goblin caves.  But, for the most part, the story follows the thirteen Dwarves, the Wizard, and the Hobbit on their quest.  And their quest is a personal one.  The dwarves have been driven from their home in the mountain, and dwarves do not take kindly to being driven from their homes by dragons like Smaug.  This mission has very personal ramifications for the dwarves.  We never really see where Gandalf runs off to, or what the rest of the world thinks of the adventures of Thorin and Co.  The only times this really becomes an issue for any party outside of the Company are when the dwarves are captured by the Goblins, captured (once again) by the Elves, show up in barrels in Laketown, and when everyone eventually gathers for the Battle of 5 Armies.

Now, you may be thinking, "But a lot of different races seem to care a lot about the quest of Thorin and Co."  But, if you think about it, you will notice a few key groups who are not present at the Battle, or at all throughout the Hobbit.  If the adventures of Bilbo with Thorin and Company are important to the rest of the world, where are the men of Rohan and Gondor?  Where are the Rangers?  Where are the Ents?  Where are the orcs of Mordor and Isengard?  Where, for that matter, is Sauron?  Or Gollum?  Or the corsairs with the black ships?  The only armies that really show up in The Hobbit are the men of Laketown, the Elves of Mirkwood, the Goblins of, well, Goblin Town (still seeking revenge over the death of the Goblin King), and, of course, the Dwarves of Erebor.  And one Hobbit named Bilbo who just runs and hides behind a rock during the battle.  Okay, let's give the Orcs of Moria credit, because they'll probably show up in the movie edition of the Battle of Five Armies.

But, outside of the Battle, we don't really follow much of the daily lives and thoughts of the men, elves, orcs, goblins, or even the other Hobbits outside of the Company of Thorin and his buddies.

The Lord of the Rings covers the journeys, thoughts, and lives of so many characters, who are all - in one way or another - fighting for the same cause: to conquer Sauron and save Middle Earth.  There's just so much going on and so many diverse characters (all of whom we, the viewers grow somewhat fond of over the course of the 9.5 hours we spend with them over the course of the three movies), that sometimes it's hard to feel a personal connection.  Their personal lives all evolve and depend on Frodo's success, but they still have to deal with their own troubles, like orcs attacking from Isengard.

The Hobbit covers the journey of thirteen buddies who are on a mission that is very personal to them.  It may seem important, but again once you step back and look at the whole picture, you can see that these thirteen guys are really just a small part of the image.  The only people really effected by the success of failure of their mission are themselves and their families.

I'm not dissing Thorin's quest at all.  I'm just pointing out the different between the feeling of The Hobbit and the feeling of the Lord of the Rings.

And, to tell the truth, I didn't really understand, nor care to understand, the extent of the tragedy of the loss of Erebor, nor the extent of the emotional damage the event inflicted upon Thorin and his kin until I saw An Unexpected Journey.  One scene that sticks in my mind is an aerial shot of the dwarves pouring out of Erebor's side door, while smoke billows forth from the main gate.  It's haunting to think that Thorin is down there, running, terrified (even though he probably isn't showing it), grief-stricken.

We know exactly what this quest means for Thorin and his pals.  And, the Howard Shore soundtrack won't let us forget either.  (If you don't believe me, go listen to the Soundtrack, and make a tally mark somewhere for every time you hear the Misty Mountain tune replayed at various speeds and tempos).

As much as I love the Lord of the Rings, we don't get that moment.  There are literally dozens of them. Hobbits running from orc invaders in the vision in The Mirror of Galadriel.  People running from angry, scary looking mountain men.  Characters running from Uruk Hai.  Characters running from orcs.  Characters running from...other characters.  You get the picture.  But, the only moments that really get me in The Fellowship are when Gandalf falls into the Abyss in Moria, when Merry and Pippin are captured by the Orcs as Boromir is dying, Boromir's subsequent death, and Sam chasing after Frodo as Frodo prepares to leave for Mordor.  All of the other very dramatic running-for-their-lives scenes, though still heart wrenching to watch, and I'm sure devastating for the fantasy people involved, do not give the viewer the same feeling of personal connection to the characters.

Let's face it.  Once you've seen one peasant village burn, you've seen them all.  I don't mean to sound heartless, but after burning village #3, desensitization begins to set in.  I'm sure the people in those villages have been traumatized and emotionally scarred about as much as Thorin.  The only difference is that we - as the readers and viewers - don't get close enough to personally connect with anyone, as we do with Thorin in The Hobbit.

So, next time you eat at Olive Garden, think of Frodo and Sam, Merry and Pippin, and all of their Middle Earth buddies.

And, next time Grandma has you over for dinner, think of Thorin, Dwalin, Balin, Fili, Kili, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, and, last but certainly not least, Mr. Bilbo Baggins of Bag End.

Hobbitary Discrepancies

After all of my posts about how much I love The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Thorin Oakenshield, Richard Armitage playing Thorin Oakenshield, and pretty much how the movie is better than the book, I think it is high time for my book-to-movie adaption purist side to have its say.  (Warning: heavy sarcasm ahead)

No more Mrs. Nice LynZ.

8. Issues I Have with Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 

As much as I love the Hobbit movie, after talking to my Pastor, I've come to the conclusion that it is time to talk about some of the problems with this first part of what will become Peter Jackson's The Hobbit Trilogy by 2014.  Sorry, Mr. Jackson.  I still think you're a great director and should be awarded for the film...it's just not accurate.

Azog

Ah, where should I begin regarding Azog?  Maybe with...he's supposed to be dead.  In fact, he died in Appendix A in the back of The Return of the King, which technically occurred way before Thorin and Company ever thought about making the insanely long, arduous, 48 fsp journey back to Erebor.  So, what is he doing in The Hobbit?

Theory: Peter Jackson didn't think The Hobbit was exciting enough as it was, so...he brought Azog out of the shadows of Appendix A to haunt our friend Thorin.  As if Thorin doesn't have enough to worry about.  After all, he's still got this dragon to deal with at the end of the road, not to mention other things like trolls, goblins, giant spiders, and angry, gold-happy elves who cross his path.  But, somehow, all of that isn't enough stress for Thorin, so Mr. Jackson felt it necessary to add the factor of being chased by Azog and his orc band (who, by the way, are intent of relieving Thorin of his shaggy head) to the mix.

Okay, I get it.  They needed the story to be more exciting, more dangerous, and more intense.  But, if that's all they needed to make the Hobbit the LOTR's prequel instead of the Hobbit itself, why bring a dead character out of the depths of Appendix A to do so?  Paraphrasing what my Pastor said, "If they wanted someone to be chasing Thorin and Company for the majority of the movie, why couldn't they have just made it the Goblin King's brother or something like that?"

Basically, it would be like bringing Darth Maul back from the dead to chase Luke and Leia while they also try to defeat Darth Sidious and Darth Vadar.  Star Wars fans would riot.

Goblin Town: Peter Jackson's Middle Earth vs. J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle Earth

Weird as it may sound, the episode in Goblin Town is notably one of my favorite sections of the Hobbit book.  I still have no idea why.  Regardless, it was also one of the scenes I was pretty positive would not be removed, as well as one of the scenes that were likely to be butchered.

I was right and I was wrong.  Allow me to explain.

Goblin Town was really dark, freaky, and very unstable.  The perfect setting for a Goblin King with a mega-double-chin and his crazy, filthy hoard.  I loved it.

My hugest problem with the scene was that the goblins didn't tie up the dwarves and Bilbo upon their arrival in Goblin Town.  As a film major, I can kind of understand Peter Jackson's logic on this one.  Thorin's dignity not withstanding, the dwarves were not tied up by the goblins because of time restraint.  There was simply no time in the film to untie them all in an efficient manner in time for them to go tearing off through Goblin Town en route toward the Back Door (as Gollum calls it).  If Mr. Jackson filmed every single detail, then the movie would have been 12 hours long, and nobody (not even the most die-hard LOTR fans) would have sat through that.  There's way too much to do, like rereading the books or watching the trilogy again.

But, here's my other thing regarding the binding (or lack thereof) of the dwarves in Goblin Town:  In the world created by Tolkien, it would be completely realistic for the goblins to tie them up.  Even if they knew their prisoners couldn't escape, they'd still bind them just because they're goblins and that's what goblins do.  Just ask Merry and Pippin about their 3 day, 16 page experience with the Orcs.

Which brings me to my last point (in a really round-about way)...

The Added Subtext

So, we've established that Peter Jackson did not have time in the movie to tie up (and consequently untie) the captive dwarves in Goblin Town due to time restrains so as not to turn the first movie into its own personal little trilogy.  But, if time restraint was a problem...

WHY ADD THE WHOLE THING ABOUT GETTING CHASED BY AZOG IN THE FIRST PLACE????!!!!

Are they aware of how much time might have been saved if they'd just stuck to the Hobbit book and resisted the urge to add the Azog subtext to the movies?  The trilogy might have been two movies, or at the very least the trilogy could have been a little flushed out.  Or, perhaps, the movies could have been shorter than three hours each (dun dun dun).  Then, more people might have gone to see it in the theatre instead of waiting until the DVD release in March, because let's just admit it, three hours is a little taxing on the human body.  I don't think I need to say more than that.

I think those are the only problems I had with An Unexpected Journey.  If I missed something, please do not hesitate to comment and let me know.

Hobbitary Commentary (continued once again)

As I said in a previous post, I have a lot of thoughts about Thorin Oakenshield.  This post is no exception...

7. Thorin's Timeline (Tolkien vs. Jackson)

After seeing The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey three times and rereading The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, I actually noticed a little difference.  Thorin's life story and history was changed dramatically.

But, before I go off on my tangent, I'll give you both timelines next to each other so you can see the differences.

Timeline                                                                 Timeline

          (according to Tolkien)                              (according to LynZ, based on Jackson)

                  1. Erebor attacked by Smaug                           1. Thrain captured by Sauron,

                                                                                              and taken to Dol Guldor

                  2. Dwarves go to reclaim Moria

                                                                                            2. Ring taken from Thrain

                  3. Thror killed by Azog

                                                                                            3. Thror "adopts" Thorin

                  4. Azog killed by Dain                                                                               

                                                                                           4. Thrain rescued by Gandalf, 

                  5. Thrain heads for Erebor                                  Gandalf receives key and map                         

                                           

                  6. Thrain captured by Sauron                      5. Thrain returns to Erebor

                      and taken to Dol Guldor

                                                                                            6. Erebor attacked by Smaug

                  7. Ring taken from Thrain

                                                                                            7. Dwarves go to reclaim Moria

                  8. Gandalf finds Thrain in Dol Guldor,

                      Thrain gives key and map to Gandalf      8. Thror killed by Azog

                  9. Thorin receives key and map                   9. Thrain goes insane,

                                                                                            disappears

                 10. Thorin and Co. & Bilbo head for    

                        Erebor                                                         10. Azog injured by Thorin

                                                                                            11. Thorin receives key and map

          

                                                                                            12. Thorin and Co. & Bilbo head
                                                                                                  for Erebor                                                                  

You will probably notice that the movie's timeline is a little longer than the book's timeline.  

My wonderful Pastor has a theory as to why these timelines look so different: "[Peter Jackson] wasn't making The Hobbit.  He was making a prequel to Lord of the Rings."

Maybe this is true.  The LOTR trilogy were a big industry when they were released to the world between 2001 and 2003.  They still are a big industry today (with the lego sets, and the movies, and the swords, etc.).  So, why wouldn't Mr. Jackson do his utmost to link The Hobbit to the already existing and popular Lord of the Rings?

My problem is that Mr. Jackson over did it a little.  No, actually a lot.  The Lord of the Rings was already heavily linked to The Hobbit long before Peter Jackson ever got his fingers on the copyrights.

First of all, the Ring is an instant link between Bilbo and Frodo's adventures.  Bilbo found the Ring while journeying with Thorin and Company.  Frodo goes on a journey to destroy the Ring.  That should be enough to satisfy the audience.

Second, Gollum's back.  When Bilbo takes the Ring, Gollum goes on a mission to find (and kill) Bilbo to get "the Precious" back.  In the Lord of the Rings, Gollum shows up for the majority of The Two Towers, and part of The Return of the King, still on his mission to get "the Precious" back.

Third, in the Hobbit book and the Fellowship of the Ring book, we (as the reader) get a fully detailed account of how Thrain was imprisoned in Dol Guldor, and how Gandalf found him there (for more on this, see More Hobbitary Commentary, #5. Seven Rings for the Dwarf Lords).

Fourth, in the Fellowship of the Ring book, after Frodo is stabbed by the Black Rider's blade on Weathertop, he, Sam, Merry, Pippin, and Aragorn are journeying and begin talking about, "Hey, I think we're pretty close to the same road Bilbo and the Dwarves took all those years ago.  Wouldn't it be cool if we found one of the places where his adventures took place?"  And then, Pippin and Merry find the stone Trolls, who are obviously William, Bert, and Tom, the Trolls who were turned to stone while arguing over how to cook thirteen dwarves and a "burrahobbit".  And, because Frodo isn't quite as sick and dying at that moment as Peter Jackson would have you believe in the movie, they sit around with the stone Trolls and eat, and tell stories, and take a look around the place before continuing their journey toward Rivendell.

Fifth, everyone remembers Sting, right?  It doesn't take rocket science to figure out that the little "letter opener" sword Gandalf gives Bilbo is the same Sting that Bilbo will give to Frodo in The Fellowship, and the same Sting that will fight many Orcs and other baddies all the way from Rivendell to Mount Doom.

Finally, Thorin (although he doesn't show up himself) is mentioned multiple times in The Lord of the Rings.  Gandalf seems to enjoy recounting Thorin's life, and Bilbo's adventures, especially in the Fellowship.  In fact, if you were to search the index at the back of The Return of the King, you would find that Thorin Oakenshield is mentioned several times between pages 10 and 261.  In fact, there's a whole appendix devoted to the line of Durin, to which Thorin belongs (anyone remember the real reason Azog wants Thorin's head so badly?).

All that aside, even if Peter Jackson was trying to make the prequel to his trilogy instead of The Hobbit, he kind of overdid it.  We don't need to whole subtext about how all the orcs, goblins, and who knows what else is out to get Thorin's head in order to destroy the line of Durin.  We don't even really need to see the whole Battle of Moria.  I think those were added for drama, and for Peter Jackson's subtext, and to introduce us to Azog, so that Azog could then spend the rest of the trilogy chasing down Thorin, because - for some reason - the story wasn't exciting enough as it was.  I understand that some things must be taken out due to time restrains, but that does not excuse adding an entire subtext to the story.  The subtext takes up time too.

But, my Pastor can be more of an LOTR nerd than I am.  He's actually read the appendixes at the back of The Return of the King, so he's got a huge problem with how Azog could be chasing Thorin's company if Azog was killed years ago by Thorin's relative, Dain (who will show up later).

The last thing I have to point out is that in the book, Gandalf leaves no room for assumption.  He flat out tells us Thrain was captured by Sauron after the Battle of Moria.  But, in the movie, Balin tells Bilbo and the rest of the Company that Thrain went mad with grief and disappeared after Thror was murdered by Azog.  This isn't the hugest deal in the world, unless you're me and you pay attention to details like this.

Personally, I like the concept (however vague) that Thrain was emotionally unstable and that Thorin was raised by his grandfather (as this would explain why he seems so close to his grandfather in the movie).  But, sadly, it just isn't accurate to the book.

Even More Hobbitary Commentary

*Warning!  Writing about this subject is difficult to do without dropping spoilers.  I've tried the best I can to avoid giving anything big and important away, but please forgive me if I accidentally give something away, or make what I'm trying to avoid too obvious.  But, if you remember the details from the Hobbit book, you shouldn't have a problem.*

6. Thorin's Grudge

Needless to say, I think Thorin's grudge against the Elves is, well, unhealthy.

It's been eating at his mind for who knows how long.  About 2 minutes of the 8-10 minute intro consist of what happens to him and his people after the Elves refuse to help them.  One of my favorite 2-second clips in An Unexpected Journey happens because the Elves refused to help them.  And that 2-second clip happens to be accompanied by the last words of Bilbo's narration; "[Thorin] never forgave, and he never forgot."  Ouch.

But, think about it.  What does being angry at someone for years accomplish?  Thorin can vent his anger all he wants.  He can think of all the nasty things he wants to say to that Elf King all day and all night.  He can imagine squashing the Elf King as he works at his anvil (in the aforementioned 2-second clip).  But, what is he accomplishing?  Nothing.  Zip.  Nada.  It just makes him angrier and effects his judgement and personality.

First and foremost, trying to get him to see reason becomes a real chore, which would explain why Gandalf gets so frustrated with him.

Second, if you've read The Hobbit and watched the 1st movie, you just know the Elf King guy is going to come back into the story.  You just know they're going to have a conversation that goes somewhere along the lines of;

Elf King: Why were you trespassing in my woods?

Thorin: (tersely) Why didn't you help my people when Erebor was attacked?

Elf King: Do not waste my time, Dwarf.  Are you going to tell me what you were doing in my woods or not?

Thorin: You betrayed my grandfather, and my father.  I'm not going to tell you anything.

They have a conversation in the book when Thorin is captured by the elves (while Bilbo is busy rescuing the other 12 dwarves from their episode with the giant spiders).  Only, their book-conversation  is mostly the Elf King trying to get answers, and Thorin using the traditional if not partially cliched broken record answer, "We were starving".  Which was true.  Supplies had run short.  They'd stupidly left the path and gotten hopelessly lost in the woods.  They were literally starving.  And probably would have too, if they hadn't been captured.

However, somehow, I'm having a hard time imaging the Richard Armitage Throin using this excuse.  However, I'm also having a hard time imagining Martin Freeman running around, singing a nonsensical   song while he stabs spiders.  We shall see in December.

In any event, weeks (book-wise) or possibly days (movie-wise) could have been avoided if Thorin hadn't had a grudge (movie-wise), and if Elves and Dwarves had gotten along to begin with (book-wise).

From a filmmaker's perspective, I can kind of understand why they gave Thorin an Elf-grudge.  It's a subplot in and of itself.  It effects his actions, his decisions, and pretty much everything else.  It gives him and the Elf King more to talk about when they eventually meet up in Mirkwood.  It gives him more of a reason to resent the Elves showing up for the Battle of Five Armies (which I've calculated might actually turn into the Battle of Seven or Eight Armies).  And, it gives him a larger character change reversal thing when he decides to fight with the Elves against the Orcs, Goblins, Wargs, and whatever other bad critters who show up to join in the battle.

As a storyteller and writer, and as a human living in a broken world, I can understand why Thorin would hold a grudge.  He's been wronged (I think we can all agree on this point).  It is a natural human response to want revenge.  Revenge generally isn't the best idea, but if you're Thorin, your home has been stolen, your grandfather's allies have betrayed you, and you're accompanied by a narration that ends, "He never forgave, and he never forgot", (not to mention the line in the Neil Finn song that plays during the end credits of the first movie, "Some kinds we never forgive."), forgiving and forgetting can be very difficult, and revenge seems really appealing.

But, it is arguable, at least movie-wise, that if Thorin had somehow managed to forgive the Elves sooner, he might have been King Under the Mountain a lot longer.  His grudge has literal, physical, irreversible consequences for Thorin and the rest of his companions, and even his kingdom he's been fighting so hard to get back.

In real life, here on planet earth, where Elves and Hobbits are just figments of our imagination (and actors on the television), we teach our kids that holding a grudge is unhealthy.  God very clearly tells us to forgive and forget (very easily said for us humans, but not at all easy for us humans to do).

The same holds true for Thorin, fantasy character in fantasy land in fantasy book turned movie though he be.  His grudge is emotionally unhealthy and gets him no where.  Except, maybe, six feet underground.

More Hobbitary Commentary

* For the first three points of my Hobbitary Commentary, please see previous Hobbitary Commentary posts. * 

4. Thrain, Thorin's Dad 

Why do we even care about this Thrain guy?  He shows up once in the movie, and is briefly mentioned in the book.  So, why am I bringing him up?

Because, I think we can learn a lot about Thorin from his dad, or his dad's absence thereof.

I kinda get the impression that Thrain isn't the most emotionally stable guy on the planet.  

In the 8-10 minute Hobbit intro, when we are introduced to Thror, Thrain, and Thorin, we see Thrain standing respectfully before the throne of his father (Thror).  But, where's Thorin?  Thorin's standing next to the king's throne.  We can talk about family devotion all we want, but when Smaug attacks and Thror goes into his treasure chamber and loses the Arkenstone, is it his dear son Thrain who drags him out (kicking and screaming though he is) and rescues him from Smaug?  Nope.  Thrain is mysteriously absent from the scene.  The hero is Thorin.  He's not about to let his gold-happy grandaddy die a needless death at the fiery breath of a dragon like Smaug.

Another, more gory and disturbing, example of this relationship is the Moria battle flashback (by the way, this battle and Thror's encounter with Azog are referenced in Tolkien's The Hobbit book).  Thror comes face to face with Azog, who for one reason or another is on a mission to destroy the line of the Durin (the ancestor of Thror, Thrain, and Thorin).  As Balin describes, he begins by beheading Thror.  

Thrain's reaction: go insane, get captured by orcs, and never be seen again...

Thorin's reaction: scream "NO!" in slow motion, attack Azog, cut off Pale Orc's arm, then lead army in a final charge on Moria.

From this evidence, who do you think is a better candidate to be the next King Under the Mountain?

Here's another interesting thing regarding Thorin's dad:  After the Smaug battle, Bilbo is narrating, and clearly says (paraphrasing) the young dwarf prince worked among the race of men to provide for himself.  There's no mention of Thrain.  No one rallied behind Thrain after this event.  Bilbo never mentions "Thorin and Thrain did this" or "Thrain and Thorin did that".  Nope.  Thorin's literally on his own.  Wouldn't surprise me at all if Thrain had a nervous breakdown, which then forced Thorin to become "man of the house".

Thorin (Hobbit, 2012), Katniss (Hunger Games, 2012), and Ree Dolly (Winter's Bone, 2010) need to get together for Starbucks.  They have so much in common.

In fact, Thorin only mentions his father once while arguing with Gandalf about seeking help from Elrond.  "The Elves didn't help my grandfather…or my father."  (more on this later)  When Azog shows up at the end of the movie, he [Azog] says of Thrain, "I remember [Thorin's] father reeked of [fear]".  But, when Thorin faces off with Azog several minutes later, he says nothing about "You killed my dad!" or "What did you do to my dad?"  No, if anything, I think he's trying to avenge Thror's death.

And, when all is said and done, Balin makes his (I think it should be famous) line: "There is one who I could follow.  There is one who I could call King" (at least, I think that's the line).  But, he's not talking about Thrain.  He really doesn't have anything to say about Thrain other than the fact that he's Thorin's dad and that he goes insane after Thror's murder.  Balin is talking about Thorin.  

I have very little doubt that Thror raised Thorin, and had some legal document in place that would bypass Thrain, and give the Kingdom directly to Thorin.

That's my opinion, anyway.

- Updated May 22, 2013 - 

Some have raised the question, "Why did Azog say that Thorin's father reeked of fear?"

It's a good question, and one that is actually easily answered.

Some animals in the natural world can sense certain emotions, like fear.

This seems to be true in fantasy worlds (like Middle Earth), as well.

Although Azog is not your typical animal, he also isn't entirely human.  He's actually more of a half-elf, half-goblin creature (there's a long story about that, which you can hear summarized in The Fellowship of the Ring movie).  So, taking into consideration that Orcs and goblins are technically intelligent fantasy creatures, it would be natural to assume that they possess the animalistic ability to sense certain emotions.  Such as fear.

The scene where Azog makes that statement is also the scene when we sorta kinda find out what happened to Thorin's dad.

"I remember he reeked of it" is very telling if you think about it.  The fact that Azog "remembers" this indicates that Thrain was, at one time, taken prisoner by Azog and the Orcs.  Azog also makes this statement in the past tense - "I remember he reeked of it".  Taking into consideration that Azog is on a quest to rid Thorin of his head, and what he says about Thrain (mainly the "I remember" part), I think we can safely assume that Azog beheaded Thrain.

So, maybe my earlier statement about Thorin not fighting Azog to avenge the death of his father was wrong.  Emotionally unstable or not, Thrain was still his father, so there was probably a bond between them.  A bond which is apparently enough to drive Thorin to take revenge on Azog not only for the death of Thror, but also for Thrain.

The "reeked of fear" line is also telling regarding Thrain.  Just the fact that Azog remembers him reeking of fear indicates that Thrain was pretty terrified during his captivity to the Orcs (however short).  I think this is also evidence of Thrain's emotional instability.  In fact, Balin flat out says that Thror's death during the Moria Battle drove Thrain insane.  That grief-stricken insanity could be enough to explain why Thrain would have been a little more terrified of the Orcs than Thorin appears to be when he faces off with Azog at the end of the 1st Hobbit movie.  Whether or not Thrain was emotionally unstable before the Moria Battle is still questionable, but any prior instability definitely would have added to the situation.  Either way, this would explain Azog's memory of Thrain "reeking" of fear.

5. Seven Rings for the Dwarf Lords

However, we can sorta kinda forgive Thrain, when we take into consideration his connection to the Ring.

Oh, yes, Thrain and Thorin are connected to the Ring.  Albeit indirectly.

During the Council of Elrond, Gandalf reveals another detail about Thrain that we didn't already know from reading The Hobbit.  Thror was a bearer of one of the 7 Rings that were given to the Dwarf Kings way back in the days before the One Ring was forged.  Thror gave it to Thrain.  But, that Ring never came to Thorin.

Why?

Thrain somehow managed to end up in Dol Guldor (aka the pre-Mordor fortress of Sauron - yes, Sauron was around back then).  We don't get all the gory details, but we are told that the Ring was taken from Thrain in Dol Guldor by Sauron (or someone appointed by Sauron).  We know that Thrain had suffered in Dol Guldor.  He was eventually rescued by Gandalf, but even Gandalf "came to late".  But, he wasn't Gandalf the White back then.  But, we don't know exactly when all of this happened.

So, if the Dol Guldor episode occurred before the Smaug attack, we can better understand why Thrain seems to be emotionally unstable, and why Thror probably had to raise Thorin.  

As stated earlier, one of the many reasons Thorin doesn't like Elves is "The Elves didn't help my grandfather…or my father."  This is the point in which I may be reading a lot into the context of the line, so please proceed with caution.  Since Thrain never actually got his sticky paws on the Kingdom of Erebor, what help could the Elves have lended him?  Financial help after the Smaug attack?  I kinda doubt it.  Taking into consideration what Gandalf said about him having been, at one time, captured by Sauron and held prisoner in Dol Guldor, could it be that Thorin is referencing this incident in that line "or my father"?  Could the Elves have intervened to help Thrain or somehow have kept him from getting captured by Sauron?  Since there is no evidence for this in the book or in the 1st Hobbit movie, we may never really know.  

But, none of this stuff about the Dwarf Ring really comes into play in The Hobbit.  

Hobbitary Commentary (Con't)

* For the first two points of my Hobbitary Commentary, please see previous Hobbitary Commentary post. * 

3. Thorin

Another LMT Award goes to Richard Armitage for his performance as Thorin Oakenshield!
        I have many thoughts about our friend Thorin.

First and foremost, I love the guy in the movie, but I hate him in the book.

This rarely happens to me.

In the book, I was like, "Okay, Thorin Oakenshield.  Moving on..."  He drives me crazy in the book.

But, after seeing the movie, I really want him to succeed.  That's a first.  He's got another 7-8 hours of screen time before the end, but I already miss him.  However, it is my assumption that he will "die" at the end of each and every Hobbit movie (he's already gotten started).

Here are the reasons I like Thorin better in the movie:

1. There's more depth to his character.

In the book, he's just the somewhat terse leader of the company.  I get the impression he justifies being the way he is because he is, after all, the rightful King Under the Mountain.  And, when things go wrong, he immediately points a finger at Bilbo.  "Where's the burglar when we need him???"

In the movie, he's actually got a backstory.  He's got...emotions (wow!).  He's a real guy.  Short, yes, but real.  We, as the audience, get to see the 8-10 minute intro detailing the dragon attack that forced Thorin and his people to flee Erebor (if that didn't emotionally scar him, then he's not realistic).  We see the Elves refuse to lend aid to the fleeing Dwarves, so we (sorta kinda) understand Thorin's long-held grudge (more on this later).  We get a fully narrated visual of the Moria battle (not in the book, by the way) during which his grandfather, Thror, is murdered (more on this later as well).

This is why I think Richard Armitage should get an award for this performance: We, the audience, can see — at all times throughout the whole film — the pain of homelessness and betrayal on the young dwarves prince's face.  Mr. Armitage portrays a Thorin who is constantly haunted by the memories of the Smaug attack and the battle at Moria.  You can see it gnawing at his mind through ever inch of his performance.  When he's in Bilbo's home detailing the plans, the pain is still there.  When they're fighting off goblins, orcs, trolls, and whatever else they fight off, the pain is still there.  Even when they're running across the rocky field to get away from the orcs, the pain is still there.  In every close up, I could see a guy who grew up way to fast, who has seen way more cruelty in life than he should have.  Cruelty at being driven from Erebor by Smaug and being betrayed by the Elves.

I am also willing to submit that I think his mother died in the Smaug attack.  There is no evidence for this in the book or the movie, but we never hear about her, so I have to assume the worst...

2. He doesn't seem as stuck up.

My main reason for saying this is an incident that occurs while everyone is gathered in Bilbo's now very crowded Hobbit Hole.  During a conversation about the best way to approach Erebor, and how to enter it (since the front doors have been sealed off by Smaug), Gandalf reveals a key, which he then gives to Thorin.  

Thorin, completely shocked and a little awed by this revalation, asks, "How came you by this?"

To which Gandalf explains (paraphrasing) "your grandfather, Thror, gave it to Thrain, who then gave it to me, and I'm now giving it to you."

In the book, Thorin (regarding both the key and a map of The Lonely Mountain he's never seen before) has the senior citizen equivalent of a temper tantrum.  "[...] Apparently, they [his father and grandfather] made a map, and I should like to know how Gandalf got hold of it, and why it did not come down to me, the rightful heir?" (The Hobbit, 29)  If he'd started yelling, "They're mine, I tell you!  Give them to me!  They're my own!  My preciouses!" I would not have been at all surprised.

In the movie, Thorin just stares in shock and awe and takes the key from Gandalf, while everyone else watches in equal amounts of awe, and backed by some very dramatic Howard Shore music.

Later, Thorin and Balin are talking, and Balin says something along the lines of, "You don't have to do this."  To which Thorin responds, "From my grandfather to my father, this [key] has come to me[….]  There is no choice.  Not for me."  He says nothing about the fact that the key was withheld from him for who knows how long.  The only indication he gives at being irritated by this is when he and Gandalf are arguing about seeking refuge and help from Elrond, and Gandalf says, "I didn't give you that map and key so that you could hold onto the past", and Thorin snaps back, "I didn't know they were yours to keep."

3. He's WAY younger in the movie.

Let's just admit it.  It's hard to identify with an older, wrinklier, whiter haired Thorin.  Making Thorin look (at least) a little younger, especially at the time of the Smaug attack, really helps the audience (who are primarily younger LOTR fans and their children) identify with him more.

Okay, so reason #3 may be a little ridiculous, but that's seriously a factor for me.

Hobbitary Commentary - My Thoughts on The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was a pleasant surprise for me.  Director Peter Jackson did an amazing job of keeping the movie spot on to the book, to the point that I can actually forgive him for the subplot he added (the whole thing about being chased by Azog, the Pale Orc, is not in the Hobbit book by J. R. R. Tolkien).  I had little hope for what will end up being The Hobbit Trilogy by 2014 after what Mr. Jackson did to the LOTR trilogy (a book-to-movie adaption that made me cry for lack of accuracy).  Mr. Jackson has now regained my trust with the first part of The Hobbit trilogy (and I better not be disappointed by parts 2 or 3, Mr. Jackson).

As a film major and Christian (and avid LOTR fan), I have decided to share my thoughts about The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey with you.  Due to the amount of thoughts I have about this film, I will probably post my various points one (or two) at a time.  So, here we go...

*Caveats*

I am not responsible for any confusion on your part.  If you have no idea what I'm talking about, please ask me, or someone you know, or go read the book or watch the movie[s].

If you don't remember anything about the movie or the book, I reference the Hobbit and LOTR books and movies here.  This may refresh your memory.

If you haven't read the book or seen the movie, I pity you.

If you are not a Tolkien fan, I forgive you.  But, I still pity you.

For those of you who don't remember anything about The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, the Peter Jackson LOTR Trilogy, or The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, there are spoilers here.  If you don't like spoilers, I'm sorry.  Just don't read it (go read the book!).  If you're okay with spoilers (as I am), then please proceed.

1. Who is the Protagonist?

As much as I love Mr. Baggins (an LMT Award goes to Martin Freeman for his performance as Bilbo), I have to conclude that Thorin is, in fact, the protagonist of The Hobbit.  

Why?

The story is told from Bilbo's perspective, so it is natural to assume that Bilbo is the protagonist of the story.  

Here's the issue with that assumption: Bilbo's only plan is to live through this crazy adventure and go home.  Thorin's the one who has a plan.  "We're going to reclaim Erebor from Smaug".

Since I've been scarred by my screenwriting class, I will now give you the first few points of a storyteller analysis with both possible protagonists:

Bilbo - 

Problem: Has been selected to join dwarves on adventure.

Protagonist: Bilbo Baggins

Plan: The protagonist is trying to complete quest with little to no damage and go home.

Thorin - 

Problem: Erebor has been stolen by evil dragon, and dwarves don't have a home.

Protagonist: Thorin Oakenshield

Plan: The protagonist is trying to reclaim Erebor from evil dragon.

The problem I have with Bilbo being the protagonist is that there's really nothing much at stake for him.  He'll return to Bag End and live a happy life.  "And he lived happily ever after to the end of his days" is how he tells Gandalf he's going to end his book.

 There's more at stake for Thorin.

This is his home we're talking about.  His home was stolen.  His people were murdered.  Thorin, grandson of the King Under the Mountain, is reduced to manual labor among the race of men just to provide for himself (since we all naturally assume he never married).  The failure of this mission means his people will forever be bereaved of their home in The Lonely Mountain.  Not to mention, he and his companions could all be killed by Smaug.

So, now that we've established the protagonist, let's move on...

2. What's the Deal with the Dwarves?

Okay, back up just a bit.
First, who are the dwarves?
I'll do my best to group them according to relation...
Thorin, of course.
Dwalin and Balin
Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur
Fili and Kili
Dori, Nori, Ori
Oin and Gloin
So, what is that?  13.
And then Bilbo Baggins is the 14th member of the company, because Dwarves are apparently superstitious about the number 13.  If they're that nervous about it, then why is the 2nd movie opening in theatres on Friday, the 13th of December?  (dun dun dun)
All you superstitious people who go to the midnight premiere, let me know how that goes.
Anyway...

Now, some of you may have seen the 1st Hobbit movie and were like, "How can I tell these crazy dwarves apart?"  Even after seeing the movie three times, I still haven't got them all down.  But, here are some helpful hints:

Thorin is, of course, the leader, and he's got some kind of animal fur over his shoulders.

Bombur is the big, rolly, polly guy with the long, circular braided beard.

Bofur is the guy with the gray hat that makes him look like Pippi Longstocking.

Balin is, notably, the oldest and, therefore, has the whitest hair and beard.

Dwalin is the tall, bald guy with the tattoos on his head.

Ori is the skinny guy, who the Goblin King refers to as "the youngest", which technically isn't accurate because Kili and Fili and actually the youngest in the book.

Kili has dark brown hair (shoulder length), doesn't really have a beard, and uses a bow and arrows.

Fili has kind of lighter brown/dark blonde hair and a shorter beard (the sides of which are kinda braided).

Those are the ones I remember.  There's still Bifur, Nori, Dori, Oin, and Gloin to figure out.  Have fun!

If you're at all familiar with The Lord of the Rings, then some of these names might sound familiar to you.  That's because they actually do pop up once in a while, at least in The Fellowship of the Ring.
But, just in case you've forgotten (or haven't read the LOTR books), here's a refresher:

In the Fellowship, when the Company finds Balin's tomb in Moria right before being attacked by orcs and the whole episode with the Balrog (another LMT Award goes to Ian McKellen for that performance — it's hard facing off to a computer animated foe in a computer animated cave), that's the same Balin who was in The Hobbit.  After the Hobbit (some 55-72 years later), Balin and a company of dwarves (which includes some of the 13 dwarves from the Hobbit) manage to retake Moria from the orcs and other critters who had overrun the place.  Balin then sets himself up as King of Moria, and rules for roughly 5 years, before he met an untimely end at the end of an Orc arrow.  And thus another battle ensued, and the dwarves were all killed.  Some years later, Frodo and his 8 companions will discover this while journeying in Moria.

At the Council of Elrond (also in The Fellowship), Gloin is present, one of the few dwarves who happen to be at the there.  Along with him is his son, Gimli.  I know, readers of the books always hear him referred to as "Gimli, son of Gloin" or "Gimli, Gloin's son", but sometimes we forget that we already knew Gloin from Bilbo's adventures, albeit a long time ago.

Okay, that's about as much about the Dwarves as you need to know.

As for why there had to be 13 of them, your guess is as good as mine.