How Do The Other Dwarves Feel About Bilbo's Banishment

How Do the OtherDwarves Feel About Bilbo’s Banishment?

Bilbo Baggins’ banishment from the dwarves’ community after the events of The Hobbit is a critical moment that reshapes relationships, trust, and the dynamics of the dwarf company. While Bilbo’s journey is often framed as a personal adventure, the emotional fallout of his exile from the dwarves reveals a complex tapestry of feelings among his former companions. The dwarves’ reactions to Bilbo’s departure are not monolithic; they vary based on individual personalities, loyalty, and the weight of shared experiences. Understanding these emotions provides insight into the psychological and social layers of Tolkien’s narrative, highlighting how Bilbo’s actions—and their consequences—resonate beyond his own story.

The Initial Shock and Disbelief

When Bilbo returns to the Lonely Mountain after the quest, he is greeted with a mix of relief and skepticism. The dwarves, having endured hardships together, initially struggle to reconcile their gratitude for Bilbo’s role in their success with the reality of his sudden departure. Plus, thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the company, is particularly vocal in his disapproval. He views Bilbo’s decision to leave as a betrayal, a rejection of the bonds forged during the perilous journey. For Thorin, Bilbo’s banishment is not just a physical exile but a symbolic rejection of the dwarf identity he values. This perspective is rooted in Thorin’s rigid sense of honor and his belief that Bilbo’s actions during the quest—such as his use of the ring to escape the spiders or his refusal to share the treasure fairly—undermine his worth as a true dwarf.

Other dwarves, however, react with more nuance. Similarly, Bombur, the bumbling dwarf known for his strength, may feel a quiet sense of loss, as Bilbo’s presence had provided a stabilizing influence during chaotic moments. Dwalin recognizes that Bilbo’s contributions, however unconventional, were instrumental in their survival. Which means these reactions underscore the tension between collective memory and individual judgment. Worth adding: dwalin, Thorin’s closest friend, initially mirrors Thorin’s anger but later expresses regret over the harshness of his leader’s stance. The dwarves’ initial response is marked by a struggle to process Bilbo’s transformation from a reluctant participant to a figure who acted in ways that defied their expectations.

The Weight of Betrayal and Guilt

For many dwarves, Bilbo’s banishment is interpreted as a form of betrayal. Also, thorin’s accusation that Bilbo “stole” the Arkenstone—a gem he claims as his rightful inheritance—frames Bilbo as a thief in the eyes of the company. This perception is exacerbated by the dwarves’ cultural emphasis on loyalty and communal ownership. In dwarf society, the Arkenstone symbolizes not just wealth but the unity of the clan. By withholding it from Thorin during the final confrontation with Smaug, Bilbo is seen as prioritizing his own safety over the group’s interests. This act, coupled with his decision to leave the company behind, is interpreted as a deliberate snub.

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Yet, some dwarves grapple with guilt over their role in Bilbo’s exile. Balin, who had once been a companion of Thorin before his death, might reflect on how his own actions or inactions contributed to the fractured relationship between Bilbo and the dwarves. In practice, similarly, Bombur, who had once carried Bilbo during their journey, may feel a pang of responsibility for not standing up for him during moments of conflict. These feelings of guilt are often suppressed, as the dwarves’ pride and adherence to Thorin’s authority prevent them from openly acknowledging their complicity in the situation.

The emotional complexity of this period is further amplified by Bilbo’s own actions. While he leaves the dwarves to protect himself from Thorin’s wrath, his departure is also a rejection of the community that once relied on him. This duality—Bilbo as both savior and traitor—creates a lingering sense of ambivalence among the dwarves. They are torn between acknowledging his heroism and condemning his perceived selfishness.

The Long-Term Consequences of Exile

Bilbo’s banishment has lasting repercussions for both him and the dwarves. Which means for the dwarves, the event marks a turning point in their collective identity. Because of that, the loss of Bilbo, who had become an outsider yet integral to their success, leaves a void that is difficult to fill. Thorin’s rigid stance against Bilbo reinforces a culture of exclusivity, where deviation from traditional values is met with harsh punishment.