Unraveling Enigmas- The Intriguing Riddles of ‘The Hobbit- An Unexpected Journey’
What are the riddles in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey? This question often arises among fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novel and its cinematic adaptation. The film, directed by Peter Jackson, presents a series of riddles that add depth to the characters and enhance the storytelling experience. In this article, we will explore these riddles and their significance in the movie.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is the first installment of the three-film adaptation of Tolkien’s novel. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is unwittingly drawn into an adventure with a group of dwarves and a wizard named Gandalf. As they embark on their quest to reclaim the Dwarven kingdom of Erebor from the dragon Smaug, they encounter various challenges and obstacles. One of these challenges is the riddles that are posed to them by various characters along the way.
One of the most memorable riddles in the film is posed by Gollum to Bilbo. Gollum, a creature once a hobbit but now twisted by the ring he possesses, challenges Bilbo to answer a riddle or face dire consequences. The riddle is: “What have hands but thumbs, feet but toes, eyes but no eyes, and what walks on four legs in the morning, two at noon, and three in the evening?” Bilbo cleverly answers the riddle, revealing his knowledge of Gollum’s past and present, which earns him a temporary truce with the creature.
Another notable riddle is posed by the Elf Lord Elrond to the company of dwarves and hobbits. The riddle is: “What is lighter than a feather, yet no one can hold it for more than a moment?” This riddle is a test of the company’s wisdom and unity, as they must work together to come up with the answer. The answer, of course, is “hope,” which highlights the importance of maintaining hope and perseverance throughout their journey.
The riddles in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey serve several purposes. Firstly, they add a layer of intrigue and mystery to the story, as the characters must solve them to advance. Secondly, the riddles showcase the intelligence and wit of the characters, particularly Bilbo, who is often the one to solve them. Lastly, the riddles serve as a metaphor for the challenges and obstacles that the characters face throughout their adventure. Just as solving a riddle requires knowledge and understanding, overcoming the obstacles in their path requires the same qualities.
In conclusion, the riddles in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey are an essential element of the film’s storytelling. They add depth to the characters, enhance the narrative, and serve as a metaphor for the challenges the characters face. By solving these riddles, the audience is reminded of the importance of wisdom, unity, and hope in the face of adversity.
