The Hobbit - Chapter 3

Chapter 3 - A Short Rest

Following the party getting their asses sacked, they try to keep a lower profile despite crossing the most barren country they have thus far. Bilbo is quite happy to see the mountains until it gets pointed out to him the the mountain they actually want is at the other side of them and there shall be a long walk from one to the other.

I appreciate how the bleak, empty climb up the long slopes is contrasted with the density of the lands they enter as they move into the realm around Rivendell, all deep valleys, rushing rivers and floral wetlands. The elves seem to be well aware of them and who they are as they pass through on Gandalf’s insistence they take rest and food. The locals hang out in trees, making merry, which chiefly consists of singing and teasing the party.

Dwarves and Elves seem to have a mutual love of singing but just as mutual a disdain for one and other; it feels like the elves think little of dwarven pride in material goods and beard maintenance and dwarves find them frivolous and flighty. The book does think it’s foolish to find elves foolish but certainly gives dwarves reason enough to consider them annoying. The dwarves don’t want to hang about and sing with them, much to Bilbo’s sadness and just seek a short rest and supper.

So, naturally, they kick back for two weeks. They get to meet Elrond who identifies their magical items (one sword is Orcrist, Goblin-Cleaver and Glamdring, Foe-Hammer, weapons of long lost Gondolin) and spies runes on he map only readable under the midsummer moon. Gandalf is a little miffed to have not learnt this sooner, making it apparent that he doesn’t know everything at least. The runes reveal the door can be found on Durin’s Day (Dwarven New Year), by the grey stone, when the thrush knocks and it is hit by the last light of the setting sun. So, a smidge of a riddle to it too. After that, it’s off to the misty mountains!

Not much to say about this one otherwise! Get our first glimpse of Dwarf-Elf animosity and I enjoy the descriptions of Rivendell and the land beyond it. We don’t much get to know Elrond as is, but this won’t be our only meeting with him.

Up next, over hill and under hill!