What Is The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies About?
The premise of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies in 283 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the wake of a cataclysmic fire that has reduced Laketown to ash, the once‑isolated realm of the Lonely Mountain stands at a crossroads. The scarred peaks and winding valleys of Middle‑earth buzz with uneasy whispers as the memory of a fearsome dragon lingers in the air, and a darker menace stirs far to the east. The landscape is a tapestry of rugged beauty and lingering dread, where ancient halls echo with the hopes of reclaiming lost glory, and the horizon is tinged with the promise of an unseen storm.
Bilbo Baggins, an unassuming hobbit from the quiet comforts of the Shire, finds himself thrust into a world of towering expectations and perilous adventure. Beside him stands Thorin Oakenshield, a proud dwarf king whose resolve is as unyielding as the stone of his forebears, driven by a yearning to restore his people’s heritage. Across the waters, Bard, a resilient leader of the surviving townsfolk, bears the weight of his community’s future, while a host of other races—elf, dwarf, and man—grapple with old grievances and fresh ambitions. Their interactions are laced with tension, humor, and a fragile camaraderie that hints at deeper bonds yet to be forged.
Against this backdrop, the film’s tone blends sweeping epic grandeur with intimate character moments, capturing both the awe of towering mountain vistas and the quieter, uneasy conversations by hearth and hearth‑stone. An ominous shadow looms as forces aligned with a distant, malevolent power begin to mobilize, urging erstwhile rivals to set aside their differences. The stage is set for a high‑stakes confrontation where duty, greed, and hope intertwine, inviting the audience to wonder whether unity can prevail in a world where ancient treasures and looming darkness converge.
What Happens in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies?
The complete story of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, from the first scene to the last, in 689 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 7 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Bilbo and the Dwarves watch in horror as the dragon Smaug envelops Laketown in flames from his perch on the Lonely Mountain. In a dramatic turn of events, Bard, having escaped from prison, successfully slays Smaug with the deadly black arrow. The dragon’s immense body crashes down, crushing the tyrannical Master of Laketown and his accomplices, who had been fleeing with the town’s hoard of gold. With Smaug defeated, Bard is elevated to the position of leader of Laketown and takes charge in guiding the townspeople to seek refuge in the remnants of Dale.
Meanwhile, within the depths of Dol Guldur, a fierce confrontation unfolds as Galadriel, Elrond, and Saruman arrive to rescue Gandalf. Together, they combat the fearsome Nazgûl and are ultimately able to vanquish a formless Sauron, who is forced to retreat to the East. On another front, Azog, leading a massive army of Orcs towards Erebor, dispatches his son Bolg to Mount Gundabad to summon further reinforcements. Simultaneously, Legolas and Tauriel bear witness to the grim approach of Bolg’s army, invigorated by fierce Orc berserkers and colossal bats.
The tension escalates when Thranduil and an Elf army arrive at Dale, eager to reclaim the treasure that had been denied to them by the Dwarf king Thrór. Bard pleads with Thorin for a share of the gold promised to the people of Laketown, but Thorin remains obstinately unwilling to negotiate. As the atmosphere grows increasingly tense, Gandalf arrives to caution Bard and Thranduil regarding the impending threat posed by Azog’s forces, yet Thranduil dismisses his warnings entirely.
In a strategic move, Bilbo secretly takes the Arkenstone from Erebor and offers it to Thranduil and Bard as leverage to secure the promised treasures and avert war. However, Thorin’s pride blinds him, and he vehemently rejects Bilbo’s proposition, leading to an explosive confrontation where Bilbo challenges his leader over his burgeoning greed. Just as Thorin nearly succumbs to violence against Bilbo, Gandalf intervenes to prevent further disaster. As tensions rise, Thorin’s cousin Dáin arrives, leading his Dwarf army and setting the stage for a clash between Dwarves, Elves, and Men.
Amidst the chaos, Azog’s army makes its entrance, forcing Bard’s forces to divert their attention from the ongoing battle to defend Dale. Back inside Erebor, Thorin endures vivid hallucinations of being engulfed by gold, prompting a moment of clarity where he recognizes his selfishness. Reclaimed by a sense of duty, he rallies his company to join the fight. Thorin charges alongside Dwalin, Fíli, and Kíli to confront Azog. Meanwhile, Tauriel and Legolas race to alert the Dwarves of Bolg’s imminent attack. Bilbo, ever resourceful, volunteers to deliver the warning to Thorin, using his magical ring to navigate the battlefield unseen.
The battle takes a tragic turn when Azog kills Fíli right before Bilbo and the remaining Dwarves’ eyes. In a heart-wrenching display of bravery, Bolg manages to defeat Tauriel, killing Kíli when he attempts to help her. In a fierce confrontation, Legolas ultimately vanquishes Bolg. Just as hope seems lost, the Great Eagles, accompanied by Radagast and Beorn, swoop in to turn the tide against the Orcs. In the climactic duel, Thorin finally faces Azog and manages to kill him, albeit at a grave cost to his own life. In his final moments, Bilbo and Thorin reconcile, while Tauriel mourns the loss of Kíli. To finish the journey, Thranduil advises Legolas to seek out a ranger known as Strider in the northern lands.
With the chaos settled, Thorin’s company returns to the safety of Erebor. Bilbo reflects on his journey and takes his leave from his fellow adventurers, heading back to the Shire alongside Gandalf. As they part on the outskirts, Gandalf warns Bilbo about the potential dangers of his magical ring, a concern that Bilbo dismisses, claiming he has lost it. Upon returning to Bag End, he discovers his possessions being auctioned off due to the assumption of his death. With determination, he halts the sale and begins to restore his home, revealing that he still possesses the ring. Sixty years later, on his 111th birthday, Bilbo receives a surprise visit from Gandalf, bringing their adventures full circle.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
19 key events in the order they happen, from “Smaug Attacks Laketown” to “A Surprise Visit from Gandalf”. 11 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Smaug Attacks Laketown
The dragon Smaug unleashes his fury upon Laketown, enveloping it in flames as he perches ominously on the Lonely Mountain. The townspeople watch in horror, realizing the devastation that the dragon brings to their home.
Where:Laketown
- 2
Bard Slays Smaug
Bard, who had narrowly escaped imprisonment, confronts Smaug with a deadly black arrow. With great courage, he successfully pierces the dragon, leading to its massive body crashing down onto the fleeing Master of Laketown and his cohorts.
Where:Laketown
- 3
Bard Becomes Leader
Following the defeat of Smaug, Bard is hailed as a hero and appointed the leader of Laketown. He takes charge of guiding the townspeople to safety amidst the remnants of their destroyed home.
Where:Laketown
- 4
Galadriel, Elrond, and Saruman Confront Sauron
In the shadowy depths of Dol Guldur, Galadriel, Elrond, and Saruman unite forces to rescue Gandalf. They engage in a fierce battle against the Nazgûl and manage to force a formless Sauron to retreat eastward.
Where:Dol Guldur
- 5
Azog Sends Bolg for Reinforcements
Azog, leading an army of Orcs, orders his son Bolg to Mount Gundabad to gather further reinforcements. This strategic move demonstrates his intent to escalate the looming conflict against the Dwarves and their allies.
Where:Mount Gundabad
- 6
Legolas and Tauriel Witness Bolg's Army
Legolas and Tauriel observe with growing concern as Bolg’s formidable army approaches, fueled by fierce Orc berserkers and ominous giant bats. They realize the necessity of warning their allies about the impending danger.
- 7
Thranduil's Army Arrives
Thranduil leads an Elf army to Dale, eager to reclaim treasure that has long been withheld by the Dwarf king. Bard seizes the moment to plead for a share of the gold for Laketown, but Thorin refuses to negotiate.
Where:Dale
- 8
Bilbo's Secret Offering
Amidst escalating tensions, Bilbo secretly takes the Arkenstone from his hoard and offers it to Thranduil and Bard. He hopes to leverage it for the promised treasures, but Thorin's pride obstructs any resolution.
Where:Erebor
- 9
Thorin's Confrontation
Thorin confronts Bilbo in a fit of rage over the latter's secret deal, highlighting the growing greed consuming the Dwarf king. Gandalf intervenes, attempting to defuse the situation, but tensions remain high.
- 10
Dáin Arrives with Dwarf Army
Thorin's cousin Dáin arrives, leading his Dwarf army to join the growing conflict. The stage is set for an unprecedented clash involving Dwarves, Elves, and Men as all parties prepare for battle.
Show the other 9 events of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Hide the last 9 events
- 11
Battle Begins
As Azog’s forces invade and the battle ignites, Bard's troops are forced to split their attention to defend Dale. The atmosphere becomes chaotic as both sides prepare for a monumental confrontation.
Where:Dale
- 12
Thorin's Hallucinations
Inside Erebor, Thorin experiences vivid hallucinations of being engulfed in gold, a manifestation of his avarice. This moment of introspection leads him to recognize the selfishness that has overtaken him.
Where:Erebor
- 13
Thorin Joins the Fight
Reinvigorated by a sense of duty, Thorin gathers his courage and rallies his company to confront Azog's forces. He charges into battle alongside his fellow Dwarves, determined to defend their honor.
- 14
Tragic Losses in Battle
The battle takes a catastrophic turn as Azog kills Fíli right before the eyes of his comrades. The heart-wrenching display of bravery continues as Kíli falls defending Tauriel, shattering the morale of their allies.
- 15
The Eagles Turn the Tide
In a moment of unforeseen hope, the Great Eagles, led by Radagast and Beorn, swoop in to aid in the battle against the Orcs. Their arrival shifts the balance of the fight, culminating in Thorin's climactic duel with Azog.
- 16
Thorin's Final Moments
After a fierce struggle, Thorin defeats Azog but suffers fatal wounds in the process. In his last moments, he reconciles with Bilbo, marking a poignant closure to their tumultuous relationship.
- 17
Bilbo's Return to Shire
With the chaos resolved, Bilbo reflects on his grand journey as he prepares to leave Erebor. Accompanied by Gandalf, he heads back home to the Shire, where unexpected challenges await him.
Where:The Shire
- 18
Bilbo's Auction
Upon returning to Bag End, Bilbo is shocked to find his belongings being auctioned off due to the assumption of his death. He intervenes with determination, reclaiming his home and possessions.
Where:Bag End
- 19
A Surprise Visit from Gandalf
Sixty years later, on Bilbo's 111th birthday, Gandalf pays him a surprise visit. Their reunion brings back memories of their adventures and emphasizes the enduring bond they share.
Who Are the Main Characters in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies?
5 characters, among them Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and Bard: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 4 of them link to the actor’s page.
- BB
Bilbo Baggins
Bilbo is portrayed as resourceful, brave, and reflective, often serving as the moral center of the group. His journey from a humble hobbit to a crucial player in the grand conflict showcases his growth and resilience. Despite his small stature, Bilbo's courage and decision-making impact the fate of many.
- 🧙♂️ Hobbits
- 🏹 Resourcefulness
-
Thorin Oakenshield
Played by Richard Armitage
Thorin is depicted as proud and noble, but his obsession with gold leads to tragic consequences. His steadfast courage and leadership qualities are countered by his greed, causing a rift between him and his allies. Ultimately, his journey reflects themes of redemption and the weight of leadership.
- 👑 Leadership
- 💔 Tragedy
-
Bard
Played by Benedict Cumberbatch
Bard is a determined leader who emerges as a hero amidst chaos, showing bravery and resourcefulness. He is characterized by his willingness to fight for his people, proving himself capable of great sacrifice and resilience. Bard’s leadership contrasts with Thorin's stubbornness, showcasing the importance of collaboration.
- 🛡️ Leadership
- ⚔️ Valor
-
Gandalf
Played by Ian McKellen
Gandalf is the wise and powerful wizard, serving as a guiding force against darkness. His foresight and deep understanding of the conflict highlight his essential role in uniting allies. He embodies wisdom, knowledge, and concern for the greater good, often warning others of impending dangers.
- 🧙♂️ Wisdom
- 🌌 Power
-
Tauriel
Played by Evangeline Lilly
Tauriel is a fierce and independent Elf, defying her people's expectations to fight for what is right. She represents strength and compassion, balancing her warrior nature with a deep emotional connection to her companions. Her character development underscores themes of love and sacrifice.
- 🏹 Strength
- ❤️ Empowerment
Where and When Is The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Set?
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is set in Laketown, Erebor, Dale, Dol Guldur and Mount Gundabad (Medieval Fantasy Era). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Medieval Fantasy Era
Set in a time of great strife and mythical battles, the Medieval Fantasy Era is marked by conflict between various races. The struggle for power and greed lead to significant confrontations, notably among Dwarves, Elves, and Men. This period showcases the battle for survival against dark forces threatening peace and harmony.
Where
Laketown, Erebor, Dale, Dol Guldur, Mount Gundabad
Laketown, once a bustling settlement, faces devastation as Smaug rains fire upon it. Erebor, the Lonely Mountain, is the Dwarves' ancestral home, filled with riches but also greed. Dale, the nearby city, symbolizes hope and resilience amidst turmoil, while Dol Guldur and Mount Gundabad serve as ominous strongholds for dark forces.
- 🏞️ Fantasy
- 🏰 Kingdom
- 🔥 Destruction
What Are the Themes of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them War, Greed and Friendship.
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01
War
The film centers around the epic Battle of the Five Armies, highlighting the physical and moral struggles of its characters. Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the devastating effects of war resonate throughout the story. With every battle, the cost of pride and greed takes a toll on friendships and familial bonds.
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02
Greed
Greed manifests prominently in Thorin's characterization, especially regarding the Arkenstone and the gold of Erebor. This greed leads to conflict not only among allies but also leads to tragic losses. The film warns of the destructive nature of greed and its capacity to blind individuals to their responsibilities.
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03
Friendship
The relationships between Bilbo and the Dwarves, particularly the tense bond with Thorin, portray the struggles of friendship amidst conflict. Despite the disagreements and challenges faced, moments of understanding and reconciliation ultimately define their journeys. This theme emphasizes loyalty and the importance of bonds forged through adversity.
What Kind of Film Is The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies?
Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A fast-paced, high-stakes epic fantasy that builds relentless tension towards a tragic and destructive war, where moments of heroism and sacrifice are underscored by a somber and heavy emotional tone.
- epic
- tense
- tragic
- heroic
- somber
- gripping
- war
- greed and corruption
- friendship and loyalty
- heroism and sacrifice
Content notes: war violence, major character deaths.
Quiz
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