In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, the dwarves retrieve the Arkenstone from the dragon Smaug but end up burying it with their leader Thorin Oakenshield after he dies in the Battle of Five Armies. The Arkenstone was a hugely significant jewel for the dwarves, so why did they decide to bury it rather than keep it? In this article, we’ll examine some quick background on the Arkenstone, analyze possible reasons for burying it with Thorin, and provide an overview of different perspectives on this important decision.
What was the Arkenstone?
The Arkenstone was a beautiful multi-faceted jewel that emitted an inner light and shone like silver in firelight, red-gold in the sun, and rainbow-hued at night. It was discovered by Thorin’s grandfather Thror deep under the Lonely Mountain and became an heirloom of their line and a symbol of rule. The Arkenstone was incredibly valuable beyond its monetary worth, as it represented divine right and power for the heir who possessed it. After Smaug drove out the dwarves and took over the Lonely Mountain, the Arkenstone remained lost for decades deep within the treasure hoard.
Why Bury It With Thorin?
There are several key reasons why the dwarves may have decided to bury the Arkenstone with Thorin after his death in battle:
To honor Thorin’s sacrifice
As the heir to the throne under the mountain and the leader who assembled the company of dwarves to take back their homeland, Thorin holds a place of supreme reverence among the dwarves. Burying the Arkenstone with him forever links their greatest king with their most prized treasure, cementing his legacy.
Out of loyalty to Thorin’s lineage
The Arkenstone belonged to the direct line of Durin, Thorin’s family. Keeping it with Thorin demonstrates the dwarves’ commitment to that royal bloodline.
To prevent future conflict over it
The Arkenstone had caused strife between races when Thorin refused to share any of the treasure hoard with Bard and Thranduil. Burying it with Thorin puts the jewel out of reach and circulation to prevent future possession wars.
Because it caused Thorin’s downfall
The treasure hoard in general poisoned Thorin’s mind and judgment, and the Arkenstone represented that corrupting influence. Burying it could symbolize putting to rest that which caused Thorin to go astray.
Thorin died defending it
When Thorin took back the mountain, one goal was to regain the Arkenstone. He ultimately dies in battle protecting the treasure hoard against enemies who desire it. Keeping the stone with him forever connects it to that sacrifice.
Perspectives on the Decision
There are also varying perspectives on the dwarves’ choice to bury the Arkenstone with Thorin:
Positive Perspectives
– Honor and reverence for a noble king
– Upholds dwarf values like loyalty and remembrance
– Prevents future trouble over possession
– Pragmatic decision to put dangerous temptation to rest
Negative Perspectives
– Waste of a legendary jewel and war prize
– Fails to fully capitalize on Smaug’s defeat
– Deprives future dwarven kings of their birthright
– Disrespects the Arkenstone’s innate beauty and value
Ambiguous Perspectives
– Bittersweet compromise between practicality and sentiment
– Well-intended but shortsighted choice
– Satisfies immediate concerns but not enduring ones
The Significance of the Decision
Regardless of perspective, the dwarves’ choice to bury the Arkenstone with Thorin Oakenshield carried huge significance. It forever linked their greatest contemporary hero with their most legendary treasure. This decision capped the culmination of Thorin’s quest while also sowing the seeds for future myths and storytelling. Burying their prized jewel also demonstrated the dwarves’ commitment to abstract values over wealth or power. While views differ on whether it was the right call, clearly this profound choice resonated down through all the Ages of Middle Earth.
Conclusion
The Arkenstone represented so much to Thorin and the dwarves – homeland, power, lineage – that permanently laying it to rest with their fallen king was a poignant symbolic decision. The various motivations behind this choice, from honor to prevention of strife, demonstrate the complexity behind this key moment. Though perspectives on the wisdom of burying the Arkenstone vary, this act forever linked Thorin Oakenshield’s legacy to the most famous jewel in Middle Earth in a profoundly stirring way. The Arkenstone may have caused suffering, but ultimately it came to stand for remembrance, loyalty, and sacrifice.