The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The Battle of the Five Armies takes place at the Lonely Mountain, also known as Erebor. This is the ancient Dwarven kingdom beneath the mountain that Thorin and his company seek to reclaim. The surrounding areas including Dale and the slopes of the mountain serve as the primary battleground where the conflict unfolds.

• lonely mountain
• erebor
• battleground
• five armies location

The Lonely Mountain, or Erebor, is the ancestral home of the Dwarves of Durin's Folk. It was once a magnificent kingdom filled with vast treasures and gold, but was abandoned centuries ago after the dragon Smaug took residence. The mountain represents both the Dwarves' lost heritage and the ultimate source of conflict in the film due to its legendary hoard.

• erebor
• dwarven kingdom
• lonely mountain
• treasure

The film is set in a Medieval Fantasy Era within Tolkien's Middle-earth. This is a time of mythical conflict between various races including Dwarves, Elves, and Men. The story takes place roughly 60 years before The Lord of the Rings, during a period of great strife where dark forces threaten the free peoples of Middle-earth.

• medieval fantasy
• middle-earth
• tolkien era
• timeline

Thorin Oakenshield is driven by his determination to reclaim Erebor, the Lonely Mountain, and restore his people's lost kingdom. His pride and obsession with the ancient Dwarven treasure, particularly the Arkenstone, lead him to greed that blinds him to reason. This greed ultimately causes conflict with his allies and tragic consequences before his eventual redemption.

• thorin oakenshield
• dwarven king
• arkenstone
• greed
• leadership

Greed is a central theme that drives much of the film's conflict. Thorin's obsession with the gold of Erebor and the Arkenstone causes him to neglect his alliances and make devastating decisions. The movie warns that greed can blind individuals to their responsibilities and destroy relationships, as shown through Thorin's rift with Bard, the Elves, and even his own company.

• greed
• arkenstone
• corruption
• treasure
• obsession

The film portrays war as devastating with both physical and moral consequences. The epic battle highlights the cost of pride and greed, showing how warfare takes tolls on friendships and familial bonds. The story emphasizes that victory comes with significant tragic losses, reflecting the heavy emotional weight of the narrative.

• war
• battle
• sacrifice
• consequences
• conflict

Bilbo Baggins serves as the moral center of the story despite being a small Hobbit in a world of warriors. His resourcefulness, bravery, and compassion drive key decisions throughout the film. He attempts to reason with Thorin and prevent the destructive path of greed, ultimately showcasing how courage and integrity can impact the fate of many even from the humblest of characters.

• bilbo baggins
• hobbit
• moral compass
• heroism
• courage

Bard leads Laketown against Smaug. He is a bowman who emerges as a heroic leader during the dragon's attack, using his skill and determination to protect his people. Bard's leadership style contrasts sharply with Thorin's stubbornness, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and sacrifice over pride and isolation.

• bard
• laketown
• dragon
• bowman
• leadership

The friendship between Bilbo and the Dwarves represents loyalty and bonds forged through adversity. Despite disagreements and challenges, their relationship demonstrates the importance of standing by one's companions even when faced with difficult choices. The theme emphasizes that true friendship endures conflict and can lead to moments of understanding and reconciliation.

• bilbo
• dwarves
• friendship
• loyalty
• bonds

The Five Armies consist of the Dwarves of Erebor, the Elves of Mirkwood, the Men of Dale and Laketown, the Goblins and Orcs from the north, and the Easterlings. These five forces clash in the film's climactic battle, with former enemies eventually forced to unite against the common threat of the Goblin and Orc armies.

• five armies
• dwarves
• elves
• orcs
• goblins
• battle

Dol Guldur is a dark fortress located in Mirkwood Forest that serves as a stronghold for dark forces, including the necromancer. In the film, this location represents the growing threat of Sauron's return and the larger evil looming over Middle-earth. The fortress symbolizes the ominous, spreading darkness that characters like Gandalf work to confront.

• dol guldur
• dark fortress
• necromancer
• sauron
• mirkwood

Tauriel is a fierce and independent Elf warrior from Mirkwood who defies her people's expectations to fight for what she believes is right. She represents strength, compassion, and the capacity for love and sacrifice beyond the boundaries of her race. Her character adds depth to the themes of love and loyalty amid the larger conflicts of Middle-earth.

• tauriel
• elf warrior
• mirkwood
• love
• sacrifice