Review: The Hobbit – Chapter 6: "Out of the Frying-Pan Into the Fire"
Introduction
Chapter 6 of The Hobbit, "Out of the Frying-Pan Into the Fire," is a crucial transitional chapter that further develops Bilbo Baggins’ character while showcasing the constant dangers of his journey. Having just escaped from Gollum and the goblin tunnels, Bilbo reunites with the company only to find themselves in yet another perilous situation. The title itself, an old English proverb, foreshadows their predicament—escaping one danger only to fall into another.
This chapter is significant for several reasons: it marks Bilbo’s first true display of independence, highlights the recurring theme of fate and luck, and introduces the wargs and eagles—two creatures that will play important roles later in the story. Through a mix of suspense, action, and mythology, Tolkien immerses readers in the untamed wilderness of Middle-earth, reinforcing the ever-present struggle for survival.
Plot Summary
After narrowly escaping from Gollum and the goblin tunnels, Bilbo sneaks past the goblin guards and uses the power of the One Ring to approach his companions unnoticed. At first, the dwarves are skeptical of his survival, but Bilbo impresses them with his stealth and resourcefulness, earning their respect for the first time. However, he chooses not to reveal the existence of the Ring, an important decision that foreshadows future events.
Just as the company regains its composure, they find themselves in a new predicament—trapped in a forest clearing as a pack of wargs (giant wolves) gathers around them. The wargs are not merely wild beasts but are allied with the goblins, and they are awaiting their goblin riders to arrive. In a desperate attempt to escape, Gandalf throws flaming pinecones at the wolves, causing chaos but failing to drive them away completely. With no other options, the company climbs into the trees, seeking refuge from the snapping jaws below.
However, just as things seem dire, a new threat emerges—the goblins arrive and begin setting the trees on fire, forcing the company further up the branches. At the last moment, the Great Eagles of the Misty Mountains swoop down and rescue them, carrying them away to safety. The eagles bring them to a high rock eyrie, where they rest and recover before continuing their journey.
This chapter emphasizes the unpredictable nature of Bilbo’s adventure, as one challenge immediately leads to another. It also reinforces the theme of external intervention, as Gandalf and the eagles once again play a crucial role in ensuring the group's survival.
Analysis
Bilbo’s Growth: Proving His Worth
While Bilbo has had moments of ingenuity before, this chapter is where he first gains the dwarves’ true respect. His ability to escape the goblins on his own and reunite with the group, all while keeping his newfound confidence hidden, marks a shift in his role within the company. The fact that he chooses not to reveal the Ring also suggests an emerging complexity in his character—a growing sense of agency and secrecy.
Bilbo still lacks the physical prowess of the dwarves or Gandalf’s magic, but he is beginning to develop skills of his own—stealth, quick thinking, and a certain cunning that will serve him well in later chapters. This is the first time that the company sees him as more than just a burden, setting the stage for his gradual transformation into a true hero.
The Wargs and the Wild Nature of Middle-earth
The introduction of the wargs highlights the brutal and untamed nature of Middle-earth. Unlike the goblins, who are intelligent and malicious, the wargs are presented as primal, savage predators. However, their alliance with the goblins suggests a level of dark intelligence, reinforcing the idea that evil in Middle-earth is not limited to one race or species but exists in many forms.
This moment also foreshadows the Battle of the Five Armies, where wargs will once again join forces with the goblins in a larger conflict. Their presence in this chapter serves as a reminder that the world beyond the Shire is filled with ever-present dangers, and Bilbo’s journey will only become more treacherous.
Gandalf’s Role: Protector or Crutch?
Once again, Gandalf plays a vital role in ensuring the company’s survival, first by setting the wolves on fire and then by calling for the aid of the eagles. While his power is undeniable, his repeated interventions raise an important question: Does Gandalf’s presence undermine the company’s growth?
So far, the dwarves and Bilbo have relied heavily on Gandalf to solve their problems. This chapter is one of the last times he plays such a direct role in their survival, as his eventual departure later in the story forces the company to rely more on their own abilities. By the time Bilbo outsmarts Smaug, it will be clear how far he has come since these early struggles.
The Great Eagles: Mythological and Narrative Significance
The arrival of the Great Eagles is another instance of what some might call "deus ex machina"—a sudden and unexpected rescue by an external force. However, in the context of Tolkien’s world, the eagles serve a greater mythological purpose.
In many mythological traditions, great birds are often symbols of divine intervention. Tolkien, a scholar of ancient literature, was likely inspired by Norse and Greco-Roman myths, where eagles are messengers of the gods. Rather than being simple plot devices, the eagles represent a higher power watching over Middle-earth, subtly guiding events without directly controlling them.
Their rescue also reinforces one of Tolkien’s central themes: fate and providence. While Bilbo and the company struggle to survive on their own, there are moments where the forces of good step in to aid them, suggesting that their journey is part of a larger, cosmic struggle between good and evil.
Themes and Symbolism
Fate and Luck
This chapter continues to emphasize the thin line between luck and destiny. Bilbo’s survival is largely due to luck—his reunion with the company, the fortunate timing of Gandalf’s fire attack, and the eagle rescue. However, Tolkien presents luck as something that favors those who persevere. Bilbo is not merely a passive participant in his own survival; his resilience and growing resourcefulness ensure that he remains worthy of being saved.
Man vs. Nature
The natural world plays a major role in this chapter, from the dark forests to the predatory wargs to the soaring eagles. Unlike the goblins, who are evil in a sentient, malevolent way, the wargs and eagles represent the raw, untamed forces of nature. The wargs are wild and deadly, while the eagles, though benevolent, are not entirely friendly—they help the company but do not become allies in their journey.
Tolkien’s depiction of nature in The Hobbit is complex: it is neither entirely good nor evil but operates by its own ancient laws. The company must learn to navigate this world, relying on their wits and allies to survive.
Fire as a Symbol
Fire plays a dual role in this chapter. Gandalf’s flaming pinecones represent the power of light against darkness, a recurring theme in Tolkien’s works. However, when the goblins set the trees on fire, fire also becomes a destructive force, reinforcing the idea that even powerful tools can be used for both good and evil.
Conclusion
"Out of the Frying-Pan Into the Fire" is a thrilling chapter that reinforces The Hobbit’s sense of constant peril while pushing Bilbo further toward his transformation into a hero. Through dangerous encounters with wargs and goblins, the intervention of the Great Eagles, and Bilbo’s growing confidence, Tolkien masterfully balances suspense, mythological elements, and character development.
This chapter also serves as an important turning point—while Bilbo still relies on others, his experiences are shaping him into the leader he will become. By the end of the novel, he will no longer need luck or Gandalf’s intervention to prove his worth. This chapter reminds us that every great hero’s journey is forged through hardship, and Bilbo’s adventure is only just beginning.
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