Spoiler warning: this post explains the full ending of The Hobbit. If you have not finished the book, stop here and come back later.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Bookish Wisdom earns from qualifying purchases. This doesn't change our picks or your price.
Quick answer: After the dragon Smaug is killed by Bard, the dwarves, men and elves nearly go to war over the treasure, until an army of goblins and wargs attacks and they unite in the Battle of Five Armies. Thorin dies after reconciling with Bilbo, who returns home to the Shire with a small share of treasure and the magic ring.
Quick facts
– Book: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
– First published: 1937
– Type: A fantasy novel
– Tone of the ending: Warm and satisfying
Table of Contents
What Leads Up to the Ending
Bilbo Baggins joins Thorin Oakenshield and twelve dwarves on a quest to reclaim their homeland and treasure from Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo finds a magic ring in Gollum's cave. In the Lonely Mountain, Bilbo discovers Smaug's weak spot and steals the Arkenstone, the dwarves' most precious gem.
What Happens at the End of The Hobbit
Smaug attacks Lake-town and is killed by Bard's black arrow. Elves and men demand a share of the treasure, but Thorin refuses. Bilbo gives the Arkenstone to Bard to force negotiations, and Thorin banishes him. Goblins and wargs then attack, and the armies fight together. Thorin is fatally wounded and makes peace with Bilbo. Bilbo returns home to find his belongings being auctioned. He settles down and later writes about his journey.
The Ending in 4 Quick Points
- Bard kills Smaug.
- The Arkenstone causes conflict.
- Thorin and Bilbo reconcile.
- Bilbo returns home changed.
What Happens to the Main Characters
| Character | What happens to them |
|---|---|
| Bilbo Baggins | Returns to the Shire |
| Thorin Oakenshield | Dies after the battle |
| Bard | Becomes king of Dale |
| Smaug | Killed by Bard |
| Gandalf | Guides the company home |
What the Ending Means
The ending shows that greed leads to conflict, while humility and friendship bring peace.
Other Ways to Read the Ending
Some readers see Bilbo as the real hero for his courage and wisdom. The ring sets up The Lord of the Rings.
Themes the Ending Brings Together
Greed. The treasure nearly causes war.
Courage. Bilbo finds his bravery.
Home. Bilbo returns with new wisdom.
Is the Ending Happy or Sad?
Most readers describe the ending of The Hobbit as warm and satisfying. How you feel about it usually depends on what you hoped for the characters and what you expected J.R.R. Tolkien to do with the story, so it is worth asking friends how they felt before you compare notes.
Who Will Like This Ending
Readers who enjoy endings that are warm and satisfying will find a lot to talk about here. If you prefer every thread tied up neatly, it helps to know in advance how J.R.R. Tolkien closes the story, which is exactly why many readers look it up. Either way, the final chapters reward a second look once you know where everything is heading, because small details from the middle of the book start to matter. If you are reading with a group, agree beforehand whether everyone has finished, so nobody has the last chapters spoiled.
Book Versus Adaptation
Peter Jackson's three films expand the battle and add new characters.
Discussion Questions About the Ending
If you are reading The Hobbit with a book club or a friend, these questions work well once everyone has finished:
- Did the ending surprise you, or had you seen it coming from the first chapters?
- What does the final scene say about greed, and do you agree with J.R.R. Tolkien's view?
- Which character made the most important choice in the last part of the book, and was it the right one?
- How would the story feel if it had ended one chapter earlier or one chapter later?
- Does the ending leave you hopeful about the characters, or do you worry about what comes next?
- Would you describe the ending as warm and satisfying, or would you choose a different word?
How to Read the Final Chapters Again
- Compare the opening with the close. Look at how the first chapter introduces greed and how the ending answers it.
- Track each final choice. The table above shows where every main character ends up, so ask which of those outcomes was earned.
- Notice what J.R.R. Tolkien leaves unsaid. Gaps in the last pages are often deliberate, and they are where most of the debate about the ending begins.
- Listen for echoes. Images, phrases or settings from earlier in The Hobbit often return in the final scene with a new meaning.
Questions to Ask Yourself After Finishing
- Was the ending of The Hobbit earned by what came before it, or did it feel sudden?
- Which character's final moment affected you most, and why?
- If you could change one thing about the last chapters, what would it be?
- Did the ending change how you think about the opening pages?
Check price of The Hobbit on Amazon
Books to Read After The Hobbit
- The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
- The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Related: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: Summary and Key Takeaways · 15 Books Like The Hobbit You’ll Love: Quests, Dragons and Cozy Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the end of The Hobbit?
After the dragon Smaug is killed by Bard, the dwarves, men and elves nearly go to war over the treasure, until an army of goblins and wargs attacks and they unite in the Battle of Five Armies. Thorin dies after reconciling with Bilbo, who returns home to the Shire with a small share of treasure and the magic ring.
Is the ending of The Hobbit happy or sad?
Most readers call it warm and satisfying.
What does the ending of The Hobbit mean?
The ending shows that greed leads to conflict, while humility and friendship bring peace.
Is the ending of The Hobbit the same in the adaptation?
Peter Jackson's three films expand the battle and add new characters.
Who wrote The Hobbit and when was it published?
The Hobbit was written by J.R.R. Tolkien and first published in 1937.
Is The Hobbit worth reading if I already know the ending?
Yes, especially if you enjoy fantasy novels. Knowing the ending can make a first read richer, because you notice how J.R.R. Tolkien prepares for it from the opening chapters.
Should I read The Hobbit before reading the ending explained?
Yes, if you plan to read it, because this post gives away the whole ending.