Bilbo Baggins' actions, which were perceived by some, especially Thorin Oakenshield, as a betrayal of the dwarves, were fundamentally driven by two key motivations: his strong belief in the necessity of a peaceful resolution and his underlying camaraderie with the Elves and Men involved in the conflict.
Understanding Bilbo's Motivations for Defection
Bilbo's decision to hand over the Arkenstone to Bard and Thranduil, the leaders of the Men of Dale and the Elves of Mirkwood respectively, stemmed from a complex interplay of his evolving character and the dire circumstances surrounding the Lonely Mountain.
1. The Pursuit of Peace
Bilbo recognized that the escalating standoff between Thorin's company, who were inside the mountain, and the combined forces of Men and Elves, who were outside, was leading inevitably to a violent and potentially catastrophic war. He firmly believed that a peaceful resolution was the best, if not the only, way to prevent bloodshed and resolve the conflict over the treasure. He saw the Arkenstone as a powerful bargaining chip that could compel Thorin to negotiate, thereby averting a full-scale battle.
2. Natural Camaraderie and Affinities
Despite his journey and friendship with Thorin and the dwarves, Bilbo felt a more innate and natural sense of camaraderie with the Elves, and to a lesser extent, with Men. This personal alignment influenced his trust and judgment, making him more inclined to believe in their intentions for a fair division of treasure and to side with them in seeking a diplomatic solution. This underlying affinity played a significant role in his decision to act as an intermediary, even if it meant defying Thorin's explicit wishes.
The table below summarizes these pivotal motivations:
| Motivation Category | Driving Factor | Impact on Bilbo's Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Peace Imperative | Conviction that a peaceful solution was the only path. | Secretly provided the Arkenstone to Bard and Thranduil. |
| Personal Affinity | Stronger bond with Elves and Men than with Dwarves. | Chose to work with external parties for a resolution. |
Ultimately, Bilbo's actions, while perceived as a betrayal by Thorin, were a desperate measure by a hobbit who deeply valued peace and was willing to take a significant risk to prevent a devastating war, guided by his own moral compass and personal leanings.
