The Role of Beorn in the Battle of the Five Armies

In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, Beorn plays a crucial part in the Battle of the Five Armies, a pivotal moment in the narrative that sets the stage for the wider conflict in Middle-earth. This article delves into Beorn's significant contributions, particularly his heroic feat of crushing the Goblin army's leader, Bolg, and discusses how this differs from the depiction in the movie adaptation.

Beorn's Significance in the Novel

At the outset of the Battle of the Five Armies, Beorn is introduced as a powerful humanoid bear shapeshifter. He is known for his fierce hunting skills and his loathing of evil creatures, particularly goblins and wolves. In The Hobbit, Beorn not only assists in the battle but does so in a manner that showcases his exceptional ability to match the strength and tactics of the enemy.

1. Beorn's Role in the Battle

When the Battle of the Five Armies begins, Beorn is one of the few non-elf or human warriors among the forces aligned against Smaug and his allies. He is immediately drawn to the fight, recognizing the need to support the defense of his land, Dale, and the nearby stronghold of Esgaroth against the combined forces of the goblin army, the Wood-elves, and the Easterlings.

2. Beorn's Most Notable Deed

Beorn's most renowned act in the battle involves his direct confrontation with the goblin army's leader, Bolg. Bolg, a fearsome orc, is both a physical and strategic threat. In the novel, Beorn single-handedly confronts Bolg, and their confrontation is portrayed as a heart-stopping, power-laden battle. Beorn transforms into a bear, and with tremendous force, he kills Bolg. This act not only clears the way for the elves and other forces but also symbolizes a great turning point in the battle, shifting its momentum significantly in favor of the allies.

3. Historical and Cultural Context

Tolkien often draws on historical and mythological archetypes in his works, and Beorn is no exception. His bear shapeshifting ability reflects stories and myths from various cultural backgrounds, where such transformations were frequently seen as a means of empowerment and fierce combat. However, in the context of The Hobbit, Beorn's abilities are essential to the narrative's progression, particularly in the context of the Battle of the Five Armies.

Comparison with the Movie Adaptation

When discussing Beorn's role in the Battle of the Five Armies, it is essential to acknowledge the differences between the novel and the film adaptation. In the movie version of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, the portrayal of the conflict significantly varies from that in the novel. This discrepancy is particularly notable in the depiction of Orc leadership.

1. Orc Leadership in the Novel vs. Movie

Tolkien's narrative emphasizes that Bolg, the leader of the goblin army, is a formidable opponent. In contrast, the movie heavily focuses on Azog, a long-dead orc who is resurrected as a form of cheap horror. The choice to make Azog the primary antagonist in the film differs markedly from the novel. Azog's presence is rooted in his past actions, and his depiction in the novel is more historical than his portrayal in the movie.

It is intriguing to note that Azog, once a significant figure in the history of the Battle of Five Armies, is now a ghostly presence rather than a living and breathing leader. This change in narrative not only alters the dynamics of the battle but also diminishes the impact of Beorn's actions within the story. Azog's influence in the movie, while adding suspense, detracts from the historical and thematic significance of Beorn's decisive role in the battle.

2. Impact on the Battle

The substitution of Azog for Bolg at the helm of the goblin army does not significantly alter the outcome of the battle in the novel. However, in the movie, Beorn's actions against Azog might have been more impactful. While Azog is a formidable enemy, his earlier demise adds an element of shock and horror to the narrative, which could detract from Beorn's significant contributions. This difference in portrayal affirms that visual storytelling can sometimes stray from the text's literary impact.

3. Themes and Messages

The novel's portrayal of Beorn and the Battle of the Five Armies emphasizes themes of leadership, bravery, and the importance of seemingly less significant figures. The movie's reliance on Azog, a character from the past, slightly deviates from this emphasis, more heavily focusing on the historical aspects of the conflict. This change in narrative adds complexity to the understanding of the conflict but may not capture the full essence of Beorn's significance.

Conclusion

Beorn's role in the Battle of the Five Armies is multifaceted and central to the story, making his ability to kill Bolg a pivotal moment. In the novel, he joins the fight as a symbol of unity and resistance, whereas in the movie, the focus on Azog slightly alters the impact of Beorn's deeds. Nevertheless, Beorn remains an integral character whose bravery and strategic importance cannot be overstated in Tolkien's rich tapestry of literature.