239 Unleashing Destruction, Embracing Rebirth | JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit

WEBVTT

00:00.318 --> 00:08.548
[SPEAKER_00]: Welcome fellow wanderers to another captivating episode of Lore of the Rings, the podcast that delves deep into the rich tapestry of J.R.R.

00:08.569 --> 00:10.171
[SPEAKER_00]: Tolkien's Masterful World.

00:10.831 --> 00:18.942
[SPEAKER_00]: In today's episode, number 112, we embark on a riveting exploration of the chapter, Fire, and Water, from The Hobbit.

00:19.583 --> 00:27.793
[SPEAKER_00]: Join us as we unravel the profound themes in captivating characters that emerge from the flames and depths, shaping the fate of Middle-earth.

00:27.773 --> 00:36.567
[SPEAKER_00]: From the symbolism of fire and water to the discovery of Bard the Bowman, this episode promises to be a journey filled with insight and revelation.

00:37.109 --> 00:38.374
[SPEAKER_00]: Now, let's wander.

00:39.687 --> 00:42.793
[SPEAKER_00]: Our first theme from Fire and Water is Heroism and Courage.

00:43.374 --> 00:48.705
[SPEAKER_00]: In this chapter, one character shines brightly as a beacon of hope and bravery, barred to the Bowman.

00:49.386 --> 00:54.937
[SPEAKER_00]: Bards' character is instrumental in shaping the events that unfold during the climax of this chapter.

00:54.997 --> 01:01.830
[SPEAKER_00]: He emerges as a true hero, displaying remarkable courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

01:01.810 --> 01:07.181
[SPEAKER_00]: Bard's heroism becomes evident when he takes on the daunting task of confronting the dragon smog.

01:07.862 --> 01:15.117
[SPEAKER_00]: Armed with the Black Arrow, a weapon of legendary significance Bard confronts the fearsome creature that has terrorized the land.

01:15.698 --> 01:21.169
[SPEAKER_00]: His willingness to face such a formidable adversary demonstrates his unwavering bravery.

01:21.149 --> 01:26.957
[SPEAKER_00]: Barnes and Canterra Smog is a testament to his strength of character and his determination to protect his people.

01:27.918 --> 01:32.704
[SPEAKER_00]: It's fascinating to contrast Barnes' heroism with the character of the Master of Lake Town.

01:33.345 --> 01:40.054
[SPEAKER_00]: While Bard takes charge and displays exceptional leadership, the Master, on the other hand, represents a stark contrast.

01:40.575 --> 01:47.764
[SPEAKER_00]: He is a deft politician and a self-serving ruler, prioritizing his own interests above those of his people.

01:47.947 --> 01:52.835
[SPEAKER_00]: Indeed, the master's character highlights the contrast between true heroism and selfish ambition.

01:53.455 --> 01:58.884
[SPEAKER_00]: While Bard stands as a selfless protector, the master embodies the antithesis of heroism.

01:58.924 --> 02:06.175
[SPEAKER_00]: He lacks the courage to take action and instead resorts to cunning and manipulation to ensure his own survival.

02:06.847 --> 02:13.358
[SPEAKER_00]: that it caught a me between Bard and the Master underscores the importance of leadership and selflessness in times of crisis.

02:14.119 --> 02:24.095
[SPEAKER_00]: Bard's heroism inspires loyalty and fosters unity among the characters, while the Master's self-serving nature creates discord and a sense of mistrust among the people.

02:24.977 --> 02:29.344
[SPEAKER_00]: It's fascinating how Tolkien weaves these contrasting characters into the narrative.

02:29.324 --> 02:38.917
[SPEAKER_00]: By juxtaposing Bart's heroism with the master's lack thereof, he emphasizes the significance of true leadership and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.

02:39.699 --> 02:50.033
[SPEAKER_00]: Bart's heroism and leadership serve as a powerful example for readers, reminding us of the importance of courage, selflessness, and standing up for what is right.

02:51.346 --> 02:58.135
[SPEAKER_00]: In the chapter fire and water of the Hobbit, another compelling theme that emerges is the concept of Nature's wrath.

02:58.876 --> 03:05.205
[SPEAKER_00]: This theme is prominently showcased through the clash of elemental forces, specifically fire and water.

03:06.046 --> 03:10.772
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's delve deeper into the symbolism and significance of these elements in the narrative.

03:10.752 --> 03:14.599
[SPEAKER_00]: Throughout the story, fire and water represent powerful and opposing forces.

03:15.120 --> 03:17.144
[SPEAKER_00]: Each carrying its own symbolic meaning.

03:17.785 --> 03:24.217
[SPEAKER_00]: Fire, personified by the fearsome dragon smog, embodies destruction, chaos, and unbridled power.

03:24.878 --> 03:31.410
[SPEAKER_00]: Smog's fiery breath wreaks havoc on the lands and the characters, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.

03:31.812 --> 03:36.799
[SPEAKER_00]: On the other hand, water symbolizes calmness, purity, and the potential for renewal.

03:37.500 --> 03:44.690
[SPEAKER_00]: The lake that surrounds the lonely mountain serves as a tranquil sanctuary, contrasting with the destructive power of smong flames.

03:45.471 --> 03:49.898
[SPEAKER_00]: The symbolism of fire and water in this chapter goes beyond their elemental properties.

03:50.458 --> 03:56.487
[SPEAKER_00]: They represent contrasting aspects of the human condition and the larger themes of power and destruction.

03:56.467 --> 04:05.741
[SPEAKER_00]: Smogs fire symbolizes the corrupting nature of power, the insatiable greed it can breed, and the devastating consequences it brings upon those consumed by it.

04:06.502 --> 04:21.124
[SPEAKER_00]: On the other hand, the water represents a form of cleansing and renewal, Lake Town being burned to the surface of the lake, and even birds dive into the water can be seen as a metaphorical cleansing, and a chance for rebirth and growth.

04:21.745 --> 04:24.229
[SPEAKER_00]: It signifies the potential for redemption.

04:24.209 --> 04:27.814
[SPEAKER_00]: and the opportunity to rebuild after a period of destruction.

04:28.575 --> 04:33.843
[SPEAKER_00]: The burning flames represent the destructive forces that can be unleashed when power is wielded without restraint.

04:34.463 --> 04:42.174
[SPEAKER_00]: Smogs fiery breath embodies the fiery wrath of an unchecked tyrant, consuming all in its path, and leaving a scarred landscape in its wake.

04:42.735 --> 04:49.204
[SPEAKER_00]: They destruction caused by fire highlights the detrimental effects of greed and the dire consequences that follow.

04:49.403 --> 04:55.335
[SPEAKER_00]: However, amid the devastation, we find the symbolism of water offering a glimmer of hope and the potential for rebirth.

04:56.056 --> 04:59.202
[SPEAKER_00]: Water and its essence is a purifying and life-giving force.

04:59.863 --> 05:04.813
[SPEAKER_00]: It represents the opportunity for renewal and the possibility of rebuilding what was lost.

05:05.266 --> 05:12.756
[SPEAKER_00]: The contrast between the destructive power of fire and the renewing properties of water underscores the theme of destruction and rebirth in this chapter.

05:13.457 --> 05:21.568
[SPEAKER_00]: It emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, where destruction is not an end in itself, but a precursor to transformation and growth.

05:22.369 --> 05:29.518
[SPEAKER_00]: The destruction of Lake Town and the subsequent rebirth illustrate the resilience and strength of the characters in the face of adversity.

05:29.498 --> 05:35.565
[SPEAKER_00]: It showcases their ability to rebuild, to find hope in the midst of despair, and to rise above the ashes.

05:36.406 --> 05:45.257
[SPEAKER_00]: The symbolism of fire and water serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times there is always the potential for renewal and rebirth.

05:45.838 --> 05:51.785
[SPEAKER_00]: It highlights the transformative power of destruction and the indomitable spirit of those who persevere.

05:52.446 --> 05:58.273
[SPEAKER_00]: Join us after this break as we delve into Tolkien's writing style and he discovers a new character.

06:01.848 --> 06:02.529
[SPEAKER_00]: We're not done yet.

06:02.910 --> 06:16.252
[SPEAKER_00]: If you like this episode, please leave a review and share with your friends.

06:16.492 --> 06:24.726
[SPEAKER_00]: And remember to subscribe if you haven't already.

06:25.467 --> 06:28.632
[SPEAKER_00]: We'll be right back.

06:29.101 --> 06:34.881
[SPEAKER_00]: Tolkien often discovered his characters as he wrote, and Barnes' development reflects this process.

06:35.584 --> 06:40.461
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's explore the evolution of Bard and how Tolkien's writing style shaped his role in the narrative.

06:40.981 --> 06:47.711
[SPEAKER_00]: Before we do, somewhere it's from Tolkien himself, about how he discovered his stories as he wrote them, quote.

06:47.731 --> 06:51.397
[SPEAKER_00]: It will probably work out differently from this plan when it really gets written.

06:52.038 --> 06:57.827
[SPEAKER_00]: As the thing seems to write itself, once I get going, as if the truth comes out then.

06:57.867 --> 07:01.592
[SPEAKER_00]: And, quote, The mere stories were the thing.

07:02.253 --> 07:05.318
[SPEAKER_00]: They arose in my mind as given things.

07:05.298 --> 07:11.805
[SPEAKER_00]: Always, I had the sense of recording what was already there, somewhere, not of inventing.

07:12.746 --> 07:14.708
[SPEAKER_00]: Now, let's apply this thinking to Bard.

07:15.309 --> 07:20.654
[SPEAKER_00]: When we are first introduced to Bard, we only get a glimpse of his character without even knowing his name.

07:21.415 --> 07:29.584
[SPEAKER_00]: A grim voiced individual warns the people of the town about the lights coming from the mountain, which are actually the fiery breath of the dragon's

07:29.902 --> 07:36.673
[SPEAKER_00]: This grim voice character is a naysayer, who reports the negative phenomena and prepares the town for the imminent danger.

07:36.733 --> 07:41.560
[SPEAKER_00]: As the dragon arrives and breaks havoc, Bard's leadership qualities become evident.

07:42.061 --> 07:47.910
[SPEAKER_00]: Equally realizes the situation and rushes to warn the master and rally the town's defenses.

07:47.890 --> 07:54.590
[SPEAKER_00]: Without this timely warning, the town would have been ill prepared for the dragon's attack, resulting in even greater devastation.

07:55.353 --> 08:00.769
[SPEAKER_00]: Bards pragmatism and quick thinking show that he possesses both wits and leadership abilities.

08:01.542 --> 08:07.330
[SPEAKER_00]: It is not until later in the chapter that Tolkien fully discovers and names this character, Mvard.

08:07.910 --> 08:14.179
[SPEAKER_00]: He is portrayed as a relist who predicts the worst case scenarios and encourages the archers to fight against the dragon.

08:14.900 --> 08:28.157
[SPEAKER_00]: It seems that Tolkien did not initially realize the significant role that the Grim-voiced Nacer would play, but as the story progresses, the character becomes increasingly prominent in the fight against the dragon.

08:28.137 --> 08:33.266
[SPEAKER_00]: During the climactic moment of the dragon slaying, Tolkien fully develops barred's character.

08:33.306 --> 08:43.665
[SPEAKER_00]: He is not only a naysayer and natural leader, but is also given a military rank as the captain of a company of archers who bravely face the dragon.

08:43.831 --> 08:48.458
[SPEAKER_00]: However, Tolkien wanted to add more depth to Bard, and he reveals an essential detail.

08:49.079 --> 08:55.308
[SPEAKER_00]: Bard is a descendant of Gerion, Lord of Dale, adding a noble lineage to his character.

08:56.070 --> 09:03.561
[SPEAKER_00]: Bard shares a connection with Thorin, both being princes who have been displaced from their kingdoms by the dragon's destruction.

09:03.541 --> 09:09.527
[SPEAKER_00]: Additionally, Bard foreshadows Erragorn, the destined king, who will restore the kingdom of men.

09:10.267 --> 09:14.772
[SPEAKER_00]: But why did Tolkien choose to make Bard a descendant of the Lords of Dale?

09:14.792 --> 09:19.176
[SPEAKER_00]: The reason becomes apparent when we look back a few chapters to inside information.

09:19.656 --> 09:24.461
[SPEAKER_00]: Bilbo's encounter with Smog, and the dragon's layer, reveals Smog's one weakness.

09:25.081 --> 09:33.109
[SPEAKER_00]: As he recounts this inside information, he decries the look of an old thrush,

09:33.089 --> 09:43.830
[SPEAKER_00]: Thor and Shides build-o and provides this insight quote, the men of Dale used to have the trick of understanding the Thresh's language and used them as messengers to fly to the men of the lake.

09:44.912 --> 09:52.667
[SPEAKER_00]: So it is for tutus that Bard, a man of Dale, now resides in the town near the lake and can understand the Thresh's message.

09:53.120 --> 10:02.110
[SPEAKER_00]: The message received by Bard provides him with the crucial knowledge of Smog's weakness, as the dragon turns in the moonlight, Bard sees the vulnerable spot in Smog's armor.

10:02.891 --> 10:07.597
[SPEAKER_00]: It is the irony of the situation that the shining dragon is defeated by its one dark spot.

10:08.217 --> 10:13.003
[SPEAKER_00]: To aid Bard in his quest, Tolkien gives him a unique weapon, the Black Arrow.

10:13.804 --> 10:22.013
[SPEAKER_00]: This arrow forged by the dwarven kingdom under the mountain possesses a will of its own and strikes true, penetrating the dragon's weak spot.

10:21.993 --> 10:24.836
[SPEAKER_00]: With Smog's defeat, Bard's story is far from over.

10:25.417 --> 10:30.583
[SPEAKER_00]: He showcases his leadership abilities by organizing the survivors in making plans for the future.

10:31.564 --> 10:40.494
[SPEAKER_00]: Bard's journey from a nameless naysayer to a descendant of nobility, a dragon slayer and a possible king is a testament to Tolkien's discovery writing style.

10:41.235 --> 10:48.523
[SPEAKER_00]: A details of Bard's character unfold naturally as the story progresses, revealing a character of great significance and depth,

10:48.503 --> 10:52.348
[SPEAKER_00]: It is unlikely that Tolkien had Bard's complete story planned from the beginning.

10:53.028 --> 10:58.094
[SPEAKER_00]: Instead, he allowed the character to emerge and develop organically through the act of writing.

10:58.815 --> 11:06.825
[SPEAKER_00]: This process of discovery adds richness and authenticity to the narrative, capturing the essence of Tolkien's unique storytelling style.

11:07.626 --> 11:13.132
[SPEAKER_00]: Join me in the next episode where we'll compare the events of this chapter to their on-screen adaptation.

11:13.793 --> 11:16.536
[SPEAKER_00]: Thanks for wandering Middle-earth with me today.

11:23.722 --> 11:29.034
[SPEAKER_00]: My friends, if you enjoyed this episode, let me know by subscribing, leaving a review and sharing with your friends.

11:29.054 --> 11:32.642
[SPEAKER_00]: Follow me on Facebook or Instagram at more of the Reads podcast.

11:32.662 --> 11:36.029
[SPEAKER_00]: For feedback on the show, please email me using the link in the show news.

11:36.049 --> 11:39.958
[SPEAKER_00]: Until next Thursday, remember, not all those who want to are lost.