When the Blue Mountains Dwarves welcomed Gandalf

Before there was this:

At the Green Dragon Inn, Bywater - Miriam Ellis

There was this:

Which came after this:

None of which would have happened if it hadn't been for this:

Gandalf is on his way to the Shire for a much-needed rest when he experiences one of the most pivotal more-than-chance meetings in Middle-earth history. He is at Bree, worrying about what Smaug might do to this place:

And this place:

Thorin Oakenshield is also thinking about Smaug when he encounters Gandalf. The dwarf is determined to gain back his rightful kingdom under the Lonely Mountain, and he convinces the wizard to continue west beyond the Shire to the dwarves' home-in-exile under the Blue Mountains. Like anyone who meddles "in the affairs of wizards", Thorin gets more than he bargained for.

Ered Luin is a venerable place on the map; it's said that some of the dwarf-fathers awoke there in ancientry. In the Third Age, however, Thorin considers it a poor sort of home compared to the one he's lost.

Nevertheless, given dwarven love for stunning stone and colorful gems, I'm sure even a lesser hall of theirs would glitter with strange, cavernous beauty. A shaft of light like the one in the Chamber of Mazarbul makes quartz veins sparkle, as do the rows of rock crystal dwarf lamps. Thorin's raven-capped, jewel-encrusted chair bespeaks his longing for a real throne under Erebor. His golden harp with its green cloth is a symbol of the reverence dwarves have for beautiful things.

When we contrast this reception chamber to the one graced by Celeborn and Galadriel, I hope the visible difference in material culture enriches your sense of Middle-earth's "inner consistency of reality". The Galadhrim sit in a lofty mallorn, their flet elegant with gold and silver, but airy. Even the walls are made of a light cloth woven of mallorn leaves.

The dwarves seek out the deep places, patiently chiseling secrets from the mountains, but I cannot see a place like this as grim or dark once they have lit it. I think they may have more passion for rich color than any other kindred, be that in the marbles and gems they worked or in the vivid hoods they donned for parties. Since childhood, I have been intrigued by the hidden lives of this folk, who relish earthly splendor in their remote homes, and who prefer to keep themselves to themselves.

But such is Thorin's need that he has welcomed Gandalf into this fascinating fastness. Fili stands on the dais beside his uncle. Balin and Dwalin sit at left, with Bofur and Gloin opposite. All are incredulous when the wizard suggests bringing one of these "fatuous" Little Folk with them on the quest of Erebor.

Thorin actually thinks he is the butt of an elaborate practical joke. The dwarves think of this wandering visitor as Tharkûn, and have no apparent idea that they are in the presence of Olórin from the Blessed Realm:

But in my new painting, I have included a subtle clue to Gandalf's true identity. Observant eyes will note a small flame leaping up in the brazier beside him - a sign of Gandalf's service to the Secret Fire. It is in this scene that we get this memorable quote:

"'Listen to me, Durin's Folk!' I cried. 'If you persuade this Hobbit to join you, you will succeed. If you do not, you will fail. If you refuse even to try, then I have finished with you. You will get no more advice or help from me until the Shadow falls on you!"

For all his grumblings, Thorin recognizes that a foresight has come upon Tharkûn, and this is how the tale we know as The Hobbit gets underway.

Smaug will be defeated, the elven refuges will be safe, and once again, there will be a King under the Mountain.

"The Quest of Erebor" and related material in Appendix A to The Lord of the Rings are among my favorites of all J.R.R. Tolkien's writings. The illuminating backstory, the sharp humor, and the fact that Gandalf spins this yarn for an audience of hobbits and a dwarf in Minas Tirith long years later make it a treasure to rival one of these:

I hope it is a bit of a thrill to actually get to journey inside the Blue Mountains and to see the dwarves there in all their gravity and splendor. Please, enjoy this moment in which Gandalf's foresight proves a necessary step towards the saving of Middle-earth: