Overview
Smaug is the most fully realised dragon in Tolkien’s work: intelligent, vain, greedy and terrifying. He is both a physical threat and a moral one, since his hoard transmits the “dragon-sickness” that nearly ruins Thorin.
DragonsErebor
Biography
The coming of the dragon
In T.A. 2770 Smaug descended on Erebor and Dale, killed or scattered the Dwarves and Men, and made the mountain his hoard.
The quest
Bilbo, wearing the Ring, crept down to speak with him and flattered him into revealing his weak spot. The thrush carried word of it to Bard.
Death
Smaug flew to attack Lake-town and was shot through the hollow of his breast by Bard’s black arrow.
Character
Personality
- Vain
- Clever
- Greedy
- Cruel
- Manipulative
Abilities & limits
Strengths
- Fire and flight
- Armoured hide
- A hypnotic, persuasive voice
Limitations
- Vanity that betrays his weak point
- Greed that anchors him to his hoard
Deeds
- Destroyed Dale and Erebor
- Held the treasure of the Lonely Mountain
- Was slain by Bard
Relationships
Places
In the histories
Artifacts
In adaptation
Adaptation note
- The films add a long pursuit through Erebor and elaborate dialogue; the dragon’s character and death are otherwise faithful.
Sources
The Hobbit · 1937
Published in Tolkien’s lifetime. The primary narrative of Bilbo’s journey.