If you’re a fan of fantasy literature, you’ve probably heard of Smaug, the fearsome and famous dragon who guards a vast treasure in the Lonely Mountain. Smaug is one of the most iconic and memorable villains in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, a classic novel that has inspired countless adaptations and spin-offs. But what do we really know about this fire-breathing beast? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Smaug’s appearance, personality, history, and role in the story.
Smaug’s Appearance
Smaug is described as a huge red-golden dragon with a long tail, sharp claws, and a wicked intelligence. He has scales that are impenetrable by most weapons, except for one vulnerable spot on his chest that was exposed when he stole a necklace of gems from the dwarves.
He can breathe fire that can melt stone and metal, and his eyes glow like coals in the dark. He also has a deep and powerful voice that can charm or terrify his listeners.
Personality
Smaug is arrogant, greedy, cunning, and cruel. He enjoys hoarding his treasure and sleeping on it for long periods of time, rarely leaving his lair. He is proud of his strength and cunning, and likes to boast and taunt his enemies. He is also very paranoid and suspicious, fearing that someone might try to steal his treasure or challenge his authority.
He hates the dwarves who once lived in the Lonely Mountain, and considers them his enemies. He also despises the men of Lake-town, who live near his domain and occasionally shoot arrows at him.
The History and Origins of Smaug
Smaug’s origins are not clear, but he is said to be one of the last of the great dragons that once plagued Middle-earth. He first appeared in the year 2770 of the Third Age, when he attacked the Lonely Mountain and drove out the dwarves who lived there. He then claimed their treasure as his own and settled in the mountain for almost two centuries. He was awakened by the arrival of Bilbo Baggins and a company of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield, who sought to reclaim their ancestral home and wealth.
Smaug sensed their presence and tried to find them in the mountain, but was outwitted by Bilbo’s cleverness and invisibility. He then flew out of the mountain in a rage and attacked Lake-town, where he was killed by Bard the Bowman, who shot an arrow into his weak spot.
Smaug’s Role in The Hobbit
Smaug is the main antagonist of The Hobbit, and represents the ultimate challenge for Bilbo and the dwarves. He is also a symbol of greed and corruption, as his treasure has a negative effect on those who desire it. His death triggers a series of events that lead to the Battle of Five Armies, where different races fight for the right to claim his hoard. Smaug’s legacy also affects the events of The Lord of the Rings, as his treasure includes one of the seven rings of power that were given to the dwarves by Sauron.
Conclusion
Smaug is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating characters in The Hobbit, and one of the most impressive dragons in fiction. He has inspired many writers and artists to create their own versions of him, and has become a pop culture icon. We hope you enjoyed this profile of Smaug, and if you haven’t read The Hobbit yet, we highly recommend it!
