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Podcast: Exploring Tolkien
Episode: 148. Bilbo Doubles Down on Burglary - The Hobbit #33
Description: We look at Chapter 16 of The Hobbit, where Bilbo makes his most controversial choice-—handing the Arkenstone over to Bard and the Elvenking. Is Bilbo a traitor to the dwarves, or the only one thinking clearly as war looms? Or maybe he just wants to get home!
We also explore:
Did you know this chapter originally had a different title?
Why EXACTLY did Bilbo give up the Arkenstone (and his part of the Treasure)?
The morality of giving away the Arkenstone: is it just, betrayl, or is there a greater good?
Gandalf’s ability to say enou...