Smaug is the dragon who rules the Lonely Mountain in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit.
Smaug attacks the Dwarf kingdom of Erebor, also known as the Lonely Mountain, and drives King Thrór’s people into exile. He then takes possession of the mountain’s treasure and occupies it for many years. The Dwarves later organize an expedition to reclaim their homeland, bringing Bilbo Baggins into the story.
Bilbo enters the mountain and speaks with Smaug, using riddling and indirect language rather than revealing his identity. During their conversation, Bilbo notices a vulnerable patch in the dragon’s armored underside. The information reaches the people of Lake-town, where Bard uses a black arrow to kill Smaug.
Smaug is not the first dragon in Tolkien’s mythology. Earlier creatures include Glaurung and Ancalagon the Black, who belong to the older history described in The Silmarillion. Smaug is especially memorable for his intelligence, greed, and powerful speaking voice.