Ch. 13 The Arkenstone and the Ring

[Sparrow]

When the group ventures out of their rocky confinement into Smaug's lair, Bilbo is the first to see the Arkenstone. Even though he is seeing it for the first time, it is unmistakeable. What contrasts and comparisons can you draw between the Arkenstone and the Ring Bilbo found in Gollum's cave?

[Andorinha]

Mainly some comparisons:

Bilbo seems drawn to the ring unconsciously, he puts his hand down upon it in the dark -- in fact, the ring seems to choose him, to direct his hand so that it makes a solid-sure contact with its golden form. Once in contact with the ring, Bilbo cannot discard it (even though, at this point the ring is not the "evil" compelling thing it will become in the LotR). Bilbo realizes, just a bit later during his riddle game with Gollum, that the ring is the prized possession of the old creature, but he never even thinks of giving it back to him. Despite the niceities of his hobbitish training, Bilbo is now operating under the distinctly anti-social slogan of "finders keepers, losers weepers!" How long would this attitude allow him to survive in the Shire had Farmer Bracegirdle's cow wandered onto Bilbo's property and he decided to invoke the same slogan?

Bilbo also seems impelled to be secretive about the ring, perhaps he instinctively realizes that since he "sort of stole" the thing, his own claim to it is a bit tenuous and might just as easily be revoked by anyone of greater strength who could take it from him.

Again, Bilbo is drawn to the Arkenstone, though this time the compulsion is less subtle, more conscious, and comes from his initial visual contact with it. Bilbo is at once enchanted by the great gem, and an uncharacteristic "desire to possess" is awakened in him. He is not sure why he takes it from the hoard, but even he realizes the larcenous intent that infuses his action when he pockets the brilliant thing. Bilbo has just burgled the Dwarves! "Finders keepers..."

Bilbo again, is very secretive with the Arkenstone, and hides it, as he hid the ring, to prolong his possession of it...

Apparently, both these great treasures, the ring and the rock, are sufficiently precious to awaken within our estimable Mr. Baggins, his deep "covetness." He desires them both, and has not the will power to resist either of them. How he eventually dis-possesses himself of both these talismanic objects is another story where I see some comparisons might be made.

Contrasts, hmmmm?

[Stormrider]

Wow! The dark side of Bilbo Baggins! Both trinkets have powers over their owner(s). One due to the desire to rule and one due to the lust of greed. Poor Bilbo to have wound up with both.

Luckily hobbits are made of stearner stuff! And Bilbo seems to be the one hobbit who can/will give up both in due time. Luckily Bilbo was able to "see" when the times were right to give them both up.