The Greed and Tactics Behind Smaug's Attack on the Dwarves of Erebor

One of the most iconic and memorable scenes in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is Smaug the dragon's invasion of the dwarven kingdom of Erebor in the Lonely Mountain. This disastrous event was driven by a combination of greed and strategic cunning on the part of the monstrous dragon, as well as a mix of factors that exposed the dwarves to Smaug's attack.

Why Did Smaug Attack the Dwarves of Lonely Mountain?

The primary motive for Smaug's attack on the Dwarves of Erebor was greed. Dragons in Tolkien's mythology, like Smaug, are depicted as creatures obsessed with hoarding treasure and wealth. Smaug's desire to take over a place rich in gold and jewels was both natural and inevitable given his inherent nature.

Smaug's Knowledge of the Dwarves' Wealth

Smaug's knowledge of the immense wealth within Erebor was likely a result of several factors:

Historical Knowledge

As a highly intelligent and long-lived dragon, Smaug had a wealth of historical knowledge at his disposal. He may have heard tales or rumors from other creatures or travelers about the riches of the Lonely Mountain. These stories would have perched Smaug's senses in anticipation of easier prey.

Scouting

Dragons are renowned for their cunning and intelligence. It's plausible that Smaug conducted reconnaissance on the area or received information from other beings who spoke of the dwarves' wealth. Smaug's careful selection of the time to strike suggests a well-thought-out plan.

Previous Occupants

Smaug's attack came after the dwarves had already established their kingdom. It's possible that he encountered remnants of their culture or heard about their wealth from other sources. His method of entry through the front gate, indicating a known path of least resistance, supports this theory.

The Dwarves' Errors and Hubris

In addition to Smaug's tactics, the dwarves themselves made several critical errors. The location of Erebor and its wealth had long been known, with the fame of the Lonely Mountain even reaching the far north. The dwarves, with the help of the Ring of Power and assistance from the men of Dale, had amassed a considerable fortune. Their collaboration with the men of Dale was a bonafide achievement, creating exceptional works of art and armor.

Despite this, the dwarves' defenses were surprisingly lacking. Erebor had only one known gate, leaving the dwarves vulnerable and essentially "sitting ducks." The dwarves' decision to leave through a secret tunnel instead of fighting or trying to protect their treasure further exposed them to Smaug's attack. This cowardice, especially on the part of Thrain and Thror, seems particularly inexcusable, as they allowed the vast majority of their people to die while they snuck away. Thorin, as a young and inexperienced leader, was not fully responsible for these decisions.

The dwarves' hubris and poor planning not only led to the loss of Erebor but also had dire consequences for themselves. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of proper planning and leadership in times of conflict.

In conclusion, Smaug's attack on the dwarves of Erebor was a result of his inherent greed and a well-thought-out plan. The dwarves' own errors and lack of preparedness made them easy targets, ultimately leading to the downfall of their once-great kingdom.