Analyzing The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies: Plot, Themes, And Reception

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.9

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Unraveling the Plot of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

The Gathering Storm

The film’s narrative swiftly picks up where The Desolation of Smaug left off. The Battle of Five Armies plot hinges on the escalating conflict triggered by Smaug's death. Smaug's demise unleashes a chain reaction:

• The dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, reclaim Erebor, but Thorin's greed over the mountain's treasure fuels conflict.
• The elves of Mirkwood, led by the haughty King Thranduil, arrive to claim their share of the treasure, further exacerbating tensions.
• The men of Lake-town, devastated by Smaug's destruction, also demand recompense, adding another layer to the brewing conflict.
• Meanwhile, the Wargs and goblins, under the command of Azog the Defiler, amass a formidable force, intent on conquering Erebor and exacting revenge on the dwarves.

These converging forces set the stage for the climactic five-army conflict and the complex narrative structure of The Hobbit climax.

The Epic Battle

The five-army battle itself is a breathtaking spectacle of CGI and practical effects. The five armies battle showcases:

• Bilbo's unexpected heroism and resourcefulness, even venturing into the thick of the fighting.
• The deaths of several key characters, including the tragic demise of Thorin Oakenshield, adding emotional weight to the epic battle scenes.
• Shifting alliances and unexpected acts of bravery as characters from different races fight alongside each other.
• The ultimate victory secured through a combination of courage, strategy, and unlikely alliances, marking the end of the primary conflict in the battle sequence.

The film's impressive battle choreography and sweeping scale are undeniable highlights, though some critics found the sheer scale of the action overwhelming.

Resolution and Aftermath

The consequences of the Battle of Five Armies are far-reaching. The resolution of the conflict brings about:

• Thorin's death and his legacy as a complex and ultimately tragic figure. His final act of reconciliation with Bilbo and his acceptance of his flaws leaves a lasting impression.
• The distribution of Erebor's treasure and the subsequent rebuilding of the dwarven kingdom.
• The lasting impact on the various kingdoms and their relationships, shaping the future political landscape of Middle-earth.

The post-battle aftermath emphasizes the high cost of war and the enduring effects of greed and conflict on all involved.

Exploring the Themes in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Greed and its Consequences

The theme of greed is central to the narrative, driving much of the conflict and underscoring its devastating consequences.

• Thorin's obsession with gold clouds his judgment and fuels his mistrust of others. His avarice becomes a catalyst for the war.
• The conflict between the dwarves, elves, and men stems largely from their competing desires for Erebor's riches.
• The film effectively conveys the destructive nature of avarice, demonstrating how it can corrupt even the noblest of individuals and destroy entire communities. The moral themes of The Hobbit are highlighted through this exploration of greed.

Courage, Loyalty, and Friendship

Despite the overwhelming presence of conflict, themes of courage, loyalty, and friendship provide a counterpoint to the pervasive greed.

• Bilbo Baggins' bravery throughout the battle, against all odds, is a testament to the transformative power of courage.
• The loyalty demonstrated by the dwarves, despite their internal conflicts, exemplifies the importance of strong bonds.
• The friendships formed between dwarves, elves, and men highlight the potential for unity and cooperation in the face of adversity. The themes of friendship are interwoven with the action.

The Burden of Leadership

Thorin Oakenshield’s character arc exemplifies the immense challenges and burdens of leadership.

• Thorin's struggle with his flaws, particularly his greed and pride, showcases the complexities of leadership. His transformation from proud king to humbled leader is a key element.
• The film demonstrates how even the best intentions can be compromised by internal struggles and external pressures. The burden of kingship is weighing heavily on Thorin.
• His ultimately tragic fate serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of unchecked ambition and poor leadership. Thorin Oakenshield's leadership is one of the main themes of the movie.

Critical and Commercial Reception of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Box Office Success

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies achieved significant box office success, solidifying its place within the lucrative Hobbit franchise.

• The film grossed a considerable amount globally, demonstrating the continued popularity of the franchise.
• Audience numbers were high, indicating strong interest from viewers despite prior criticism of the trilogy's changes from the book.
• Compared to its predecessors, the film’s commercial performance maintained the franchise's considerable financial success.

Critical Reviews and Analysis

While commercially successful, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies received mixed critical reviews.

• Common criticisms centered on its pacing, excessive CGI, and deviations from Tolkien's source material.
• Praise often focused on the epic scale of the battle sequences, the performances of some actors, and the emotional resonance of certain scenes.
• The film's overall rating reflects a disparity between the commercial success and the critical consensus. Many film reviews reflected the mixed critical response.

Conclusion

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies presents a complex narrative, blending spectacular action sequences with explorations of greed, loyalty, and the burden of leadership. The film's commercial success is undeniable, yet its critical reception remains more divided. Ultimately, the film's lasting impact lies in its contribution to the broader Hobbit franchise and its contribution to the fantasy genre as a whole. What are your thoughts on The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies? Share your analysis of this epic conclusion to the trilogy in the comments below!