Saturday, November 30, 2013

What is Beorn’s promise to the group in The Hobbit?

In J. R. R. Tolkien's novel The Hobbit, Beorn is a shapeshifter or skin-changer whose primary form is that of a bear. His name is cognate with Swedish Björn, which means "bear," although beorn in Anglo-Saxon, of which Tolkien was a professor, actually means "man" or "soldier." The choice of name is therefore extremely apposite, as it connotes both the warrior side and the animal side of Beorn's nature.
Beorn provides vital assistance to Gandalf, Bilbo, and the dwarves on their way to the Lonely Mountain. Beorn is described as something of a wild creature, but his human side can be appealed to, and the party is able to win his trust with their story of encountering, and fighting, goblins in the Misty Mountains, which Beorn then confirms for himself. Having ascertained that the travelers are telling the truth and are not attempting to hoodwink or mislead him—Beorn is somewhat suspicious by nature—Beorn offers to help the travelers. Specifically, he promises "ponies for each of them and a horse for Gandalf," bows and arrows, and food to sustain them on their journey, including nuts, flour, dried fruits, honey, and "twice-baked cakes" which would therefore be less perishable.

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