Exploring the Reasons Behind Smaug’s Identity in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Introduction

The The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey film series, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved novel, has sparked a myriad of discussions among fans, particularly regarding the character of Smaug. Many have noted that in the film, Smaug refers to himself as a dragon rather than a worm, a term commonly used by most other dragons in the narrative. This article explores why this might be the case, referencing both the book and the film for a comprehensive analysis.

The Difference Between Book and Film

In J.R.R. Tolkien's novel The Hobbit, Smaug does not explicitly refer to himself as a worm. In the film, however, this is one of the many unique visual and narrative choices made to distinguish Smaug and the story in the adaptation. This change can be attributed to a mix of creative interpretation, visual representation, and storytelling techniques.

Creative Interpretation and Visual Representation

Visual Representation

One of the primary reasons for Smaug referring to himself as a dragon in the film is the visual representation of the character. In Tolkien's text, Smaug is described as vast and serpentine, but the filmmakers chose to emphasize his dragon-like qualities:

The adaptation's scale and dragon-like features accentuate the mythological significance of Smaug, making the character more impressive and formidable on screen.

The filmmakers also chose to focus more on Smaug's regal and majestic presence, which aligns more with the concept of a dragon than a worm.

Additionally, the title "dragon" is more appropriate for a character who plays a significant role in a grand epic, such as the story of Smaug seeking to reclaim his treasure and dominate the land of Erebor.

Creative Interpretation

The character of Smaug in the film is an adaptation of Tolkien's original work, allowing for interpretation and expansion beyond the written word:

By renaming himself a dragon, the filmmakers align Smaug with the broader narrative of dragons in fantasy literature, reinforcing his status as a much larger and more influential figure than his worm counterparts.

There is also a poetic and majestic undertone to the title "dragon" that aligns with Smaug's grandeur and power, making him a more iconic and recognizable character in the film's world.

In the context of the film's storyline, Smaug's reference to himself as a dragon can also be seen as a way to emphasize his role as a figurehead in the story's geopolitics, rather than just a creature of myth and legend.

Poetic License and Character Development

The dialogue and narrative in the film often take poetic liberties, especially when it comes to the characters. This is a genre staple, and Smaug's use of the term "dragon" fits this pattern:

Poetic Language: The term "dragon" evokes a powerful and awe-inspiring image, which is more fitting for a character as nuanced and complex as Smaug. It also denotes a higher status and nobility that aligns with his portrayal as a cunning and charismatic leader of the dragons.

Character Development: In the film, Smaug is portrayed as more than just a worm; he is a character with depth and layers, a being who can inspire both admiration and fear. The use of "dragon" helps to emphasize his grandeur and the impact he has on the narrative.

Comparing with Other Dragons

It is important to note that dragons in Tolkien's universe are not always referred to as "worms" in the book:

Thráin II: In the text, Thráin II, the father of Thorin Oakenshield, is referred to as a "dragon" in the sense of a descendant of dragons. For example, Thorin is described as "Thráin's son, the dragon of dwarflore."

Smaug's Own Description: While Smaug does not explicitly call himself a "worm" in the book, he does refer to his people as draugrim, which is an old Norse term for "ghost" or "spectre," often used to describe malevolent spirits or beings. This term can be interpreted as a subtle nod to his dragon heritage.

Other Dragons: Naugrim, being a folkloric and cultural term, are associated more with the dwarf lore, while dragons such as Smaug, while often depicted as having dragon characteristics, are not typically referred to as "worms." For instance, Glóin, a dwarf, refers to Bard as "the Red Arrow" when he "slew him with an arrow forged in the VAT of dragons," showing a respect and fear for Smaug-like beings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Smaug's reference to himself as a "dragon" in the film is a deliberate choice that aligns with the visual and narrative demands of the adaptation. While the book does not explicitly use the term "worm," the term "dragon" serves to enhance Smaug's character and emphasize his status in the story. This aligns with both the creative interpretation of the film and the broader context of Tolkien's fantastical world, where dragons are seen as formidable and majestic entities.