Did Bilbo Know That Smaug Was Looking for a Treasure Hoard?

When Bilbo Baggins set out on his journey, he certainly had no idea that he would be embroiled in an adventure involving one of the most formidable dragons of Middle-earth, Smaug. But did Bilbo know that Smaug was looking for a treasure hoard before his appearance in The Hobbit?

Bilbo’s Lack of Knowledge

Bilbo had no knowledge of Smaug or his hoard. Until he embarked on his adventure, Bilbo apparently knew little about Dwarves, and nothing of Thorin's royal lineage. In fact, it can be argued that Bilbo knew almost nothing outside the comfort and familiarity of the Shire. His lack of awareness about the world beyond the Shire is a central element of The Hobbit, almost serving as a metaphor for the broader themes of adventure and discovery within the story.

The Dwarves and Smaug's Hoard

Against the backdrop of Bilbo's innocence, the Dwarves had made Bilbo well aware of Smaug's presence on the Lonely Mountain. However, the dwarves were quick to point out that Bilbo himself was not the source of this knowledge. Smaug had been sitting on a hoard of gold and jewels for centuries, long before Bilbo was even born. It was a well-known fact in the realm of the dwarves that Smaug was a dragon who had taken over the Lonely Mountain and was now in possession of a vast treasure hoard.

Smaug's Search for a Treasure Hoard

By the time Bilbo heard about the dragon from the dwarves, Smaug was already in control of a treasure hoard in the Lonely Mountain. The dwarves, seeking to reclaim their home and the riches lost to Smaug, turned to Bilbo for assistance. This story highlights the gap between Bilbo's ignorance and the dwarves’ knowledge, culminating in their joint quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and the gold that Smaug had forcefully acquired.

Conclusion: Filling the Gaps of Knowledge

The journey of the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, is a tale of discovery and transformation. While he began with very little knowledge of the world outside the Shire, he quickly learned about the dangers and treasures it held. The presence of Smaug in the Lonely Mountain was a significant unknown for Bilbo, but it was an open secret among the dwarves. Through the dwarves' tales, Bilbo gradually filled the gaps in his knowledge, understanding the transformative power of adventure and the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

The story of Bilbo and Smaug teaches us about the importance of knowledge and the role it plays in understanding our world. Whether it's about the triumphs or the challenges, the exploration of these themes continues to resonate with readers and provides valuable insights into the human condition.

Keywords: tBilbo, tSmaug, tTreasure Hoard