Chapter 13

The group is trapped in, unaware of Smaug’s whereabouts. Bilbo decides to visit Smaug’s lair alone since the others are too afraid to do so. Inside the lair, Bilbo is attracted to the Arkenstone, the greatest of all the treasures which belonged to Thorin. Bilbo decides to keep it. As he moves out, he drops his torch and asks for help in the darkness. The dwarves come to rescue him. When they reach the lair, they notice the treasure and start picking up weapons for themselves.

To move out of the Mountain before Smaug reappears, Bilbo and the dwarves follow the Running River and eventually reach the Front Gate, overlooking Dale. Afraid of Smaug, they take shelter in a rock room near the mountain.

Even in this chapter, Bilbo surpasses his group in courage. Unlike the rest, Bilbo decides to visit Smaug’s lair again. For the first time in the novel, Bilbo falls prey to greed and pockets the Arkenstone, which will play a vital role in subsequent chapters. While stealing the Arkenstone, Bilbo is unaware of the role it will play.