The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies: Plot Summary And Critical Reception

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Plot Summary of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

The Aftermath of Smaug's Defeat

The death of Smaug, the fearsome dragon, unleashes a torrent of consequences. Erebor's vast treasure, long guarded by the dragon, becomes the source of intense conflict.

• Escalating Tensions: Thorin Oakenshield, the dwarven king, becomes consumed by his obsession with reclaiming his ancestral gold. This greed drives a wedge between him and his allies, particularly Bard the Bowman, who played a pivotal role in Smaug's demise, and the people of Lake-town, desperate for their own share of the treasure.
• Lake-town's Demands: The Master of Lake-town, driven by avarice and a thirst for power, arrives in Erebor, demanding a substantial portion of the treasure as compensation for the destruction of his city. This further fuels the tension among the dwarves, men, and elves.
• Thorin's Isolation: Consumed by gold-fever, Thorin grows increasingly isolated from his companions, including Bilbo Baggins, whose courage and loyalty are tested. His mental state deteriorates, further escalating the precarious situation.

The Gathering of the Armies

The conflict over Erebor's treasure attracts a multitude of forces, leading to the formation of five armies:

• The Dwarves of Erebor: Led by Thorin Oakenshield, fighting to defend their reclaimed homeland and treasure.
• The Elves of Mirkwood: Led by King Thranduil, seeking a share of the treasure and retaliating for past grievances.
• The Men of Lake-town: A ragtag group led by Bard, fighting for their survival and a just share of the treasure.
• The Goblins and Wargs: A formidable horde, led by Bolg, seeking to plunder Erebor and wreak havoc. Their numbers and ferocity present a significant threat to all other parties involved.

These armies clash in a spectacular and devastating battle, showcasing the impressive talents of key characters: Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, Legolas, and Tauriel all play crucial roles in the unfolding conflict.

The Battle of Five Armies

The Battle of Five Armies is a chaotic and visually stunning sequence. Key moments include:

• Epic Fight Choreography: The battle showcases breathtaking fight sequences with an impressive display of CGI and practical effects, displaying the raw power and brutality of warfare in Middle-earth.
• Unexpected Alliances: The battle forces unlikely alliances, as dwarves, elves, and men must temporarily put aside their differences to survive the onslaught of the goblin and warg army.
• Heroic Sacrifices: Several key characters make heroic sacrifices to ensure the survival of others, highlighting themes of loyalty, courage, and selflessness.

Resolution and Aftermath

The battle ends with devastating loss, yet also hope. Thorin Oakenshield, though fatally wounded, reconciles with Bilbo, demonstrating a profound transformation from greedy king to valiant leader.

• Thorin's Redemption: His death, though tragic, seals his redemption arc, and allows for peace between the dwarves and their allies.
• Rebuilding and Recovery: Lake-town begins to rebuild, and Erebor, once again under dwarven rule, starts its recovery. The future, while uncertain, holds the promise of peace and prosperity.

Critical Reception of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Box Office Success

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies enjoyed considerable box office success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of its year. While not surpassing the overall success of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, it still performed strongly within the context of The Hobbit films.

Critical Reviews and Ratings

Critical reception for The Battle of the Five Armies was mixed. While praised for its impressive action sequences and visual effects, it faced criticism for its pacing and character development compared to the original Lord of the Rings films. Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic offer aggregated review scores, reflecting this diverse critical opinion. Many critics lauded the impressive scale of the battle scenes, while others found the plot somewhat convoluted.

Comparison to The Hobbit Trilogy and The Lord of the Rings

The Battle of the Five Armies concludes The Hobbit trilogy, often considered less critically acclaimed than its predecessor, The Lord of the Rings. This is often attributed to differing narrative pacing and a perceived over-reliance on CGI. While visually stunning, the film faced comparisons with the more emotionally resonant storytelling of The Lord of the Rings, highlighting a difference in tone and thematic depth.

Conclusion: A Final Look at The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies provides a thrilling, albeit occasionally uneven, conclusion to the Hobbit trilogy. The film's impressive battle sequences and visual effects are undeniable highlights. However, the film also faced critiques regarding its plot and character development compared to Jackson’s earlier adaptation. Ultimately, its place in the broader Hobbit and Lord of the Rings legacy remains a subject of ongoing discussion among fans and critics. What are your thoughts on The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies? Share your opinions in the comments below! And for further analysis of this film and other Middle-earth adventures, explore our other articles on the Tolkien universe!