Review: The Hobbit – Chapter 9: "Barrels Out of Bond"
Introduction
Chapter 9 of The Hobbit, titled "Barrels Out of Bond," is a crucial chapter that continues Bilbo Baggins’ transformation into a clever and capable hero. Set in the Elvenking’s dungeons within Mirkwood, this chapter presents the company with a new obstacle—imprisonment at the hands of the Woodland Elves. With Gandalf still absent and no outside help available, Bilbo is forced to take full responsibility for the group’s survival.
This chapter introduces the realm of the Wood-elves, further expanding Middle-earth’s mythology and setting the stage for future conflicts. It also showcases Bilbo’s increasing reliance on his intelligence, stealth, and the magic of the One Ring to outwit formidable opponents. Rather than brute force, Bilbo’s quick thinking and resourcefulness allow him to orchestrate one of the most memorable escape sequences in the novel.
Through themes of captivity and liberation, political tension, and the continued development of Bilbo’s leadership, "Barrels Out of Bond" stands as one of the most significant chapters in The Hobbit, bridging the dangers of Mirkwood with the next great challenge—the Lonely Mountain.
Plot Summary
The Capture of the Company
After their harrowing escape from the giant spiders, Bilbo and the dwarves find themselves in even greater peril. Exhausted, hungry, and disoriented, they inadvertently stumble upon the elves of Mirkwood, who capture them and escort them to the underground halls of Thranduil, the Elvenking. Unlike the wise and noble Elves of Rivendell, these Woodland Elves are more suspicious and territorial, ruling their realm with strict authority.
Thorin, believing himself too important to be treated as a common prisoner, refuses to reveal his purpose in Mirkwood. This defiance angers Thranduil, who orders him to be locked in a separate cell from the rest of the dwarves. With the company imprisoned and no immediate means of escape, hope seems lost.
Bilbo’s Stealth and Discovery
Unlike the dwarves, Bilbo remains free thanks to his ability to use the One Ring for invisibility. Though initially overwhelmed, he soon begins exploring the Elvenking’s halls in secret, gathering information and searching for a way to free his companions. This marks another turning point in Bilbo’s journey—rather than relying on others for rescue, he takes the initiative and begins formulating a plan.
During his stealthy investigations, Bilbo discovers that the Elves dispose of empty barrels by floating them down an underground river that leads out of the palace. He cleverly realizes that this could be the perfect escape route for Thorin and the dwarves.
The Barrel Escape
After stealing the keys from a drunken guard, Bilbo unlocks the cells and directs the dwarves to hide inside the empty barrels. Though the plan is dangerous and far from comfortable, it remains their only hope of escape. Bilbo himself, not having a barrel to hide in, is forced to cling to one as they are pushed into the river.
The journey down the river is rough and unpleasant, with the dwarves nearly drowning or being battered by the rushing water. Despite the difficulties, the plan succeeds, and the company finally emerges from the depths of Mirkwood, carried downstream toward Lake-town (Esgaroth).
Analysis
Bilbo as the True Leader
"Barrels Out of Bond" solidifies Bilbo’s role as the company’s primary problem-solver. Whereas earlier in the novel he was hesitant, doubted by the dwarves, and frequently questioning his own abilities, this chapter shows how much he has grown.
Some key aspects of Bilbo’s development include:
Independence – With Gandalf gone and the dwarves imprisoned, Bilbo is entirely on his own. His ability to sneak through the palace, gather intelligence, and devise a plan demonstrates his growing confidence and initiative.
Intelligence over Strength – Unlike the dwarves, who rely on negotiation or brute force, Bilbo succeeds through cleverness and stealth. His escape plan showcases his ability to think outside the box and use his environment to his advantage.
Bravery and Sacrifice – Though terrified at times, Bilbo takes on great personal risk by navigating the halls unseen, stealing keys, and clinging to a barrel in freezing waters—all for the sake of his friends.
By the end of this chapter, Bilbo is no longer just the "burglar" recruited for his small size—he is the group’s strategist and savior.
The Elves of Mirkwood: A Complex Faction
This chapter also provides a deeper look at the Woodland Elves and their ruler, Thranduil. Unlike Elrond’s kind and welcoming elves in Rivendell, the elves of Mirkwood are more reclusive and cautious. They are not evil, but they are suspicious of outsiders and quick to imprison those they deem untrustworthy.
Thranduil, in particular, is depicted as proud, skeptical, and somewhat greedy—his interest in Thorin’s treasure hints at conflicts to come. This portrayal of elves as more nuanced and less purely benevolent than their Rivendell kin adds depth to Tolkien’s world-building.
Symbolism and Themes
Captivity and Freedom
The contrast between imprisonment and liberation is central to this chapter. The company begins as prisoners, stripped of control over their fate, but through Bilbo’s ingenuity, they regain their freedom. This reinforces one of The Hobbit’s major themes: the value of intelligence and perseverance in overcoming seemingly impossible odds.
Cunning vs. Authority
Thranduil and his elves represent a rigid system of authority, while Bilbo embodies cunning and adaptability. His ability to outthink an established power structure echoes broader literary themes of the "underdog" overcoming oppression through wit rather than force.
The Power of the Ring
Bilbo’s invisibility grants him immense power, allowing him to move unseen and manipulate his surroundings. However, unlike Gollum, who was enslaved by the Ring, Bilbo uses it as a tool rather than an obsession. This early distinction foreshadows how different characters will react to the Ring’s influence in The Lord of the Rings.
Conclusion
"Barrels Out of Bond" is a masterfully crafted chapter that highlights Bilbo’s ingenuity and courage while deepening Tolkien’s world-building. Through stealth, intelligence, and daring, Bilbo orchestrates the company’s escape, proving that he is no longer just a reluctant adventurer but a true hero.
This chapter also introduces new complexities to Middle-earth, particularly in the depiction of the Woodland Elves and their political motivations. Additionally, themes of captivity, freedom, and cunning versus authority make this an especially compelling section of The Hobbit.
With their escape from Mirkwood complete, the company now sets its sights on Lake-town and, beyond that, the Lonely Mountain itself. The stakes are higher than ever, and Bilbo’s leadership will continue to be tested as they approach the most dangerous phase of their quest.
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