Which major battle concludes J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit?

The story behind the answer

The major battle that concludes J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is the Battle of Five Armies.

The battle takes place near the Lonely Mountain after Smaug’s death. The Dwarves under Thorin Oakenshield, the Elves of Mirkwood, and the Men of Lake-town confront one another over the dragon’s treasure before the arrival of Goblins and Wargs changes the conflict. The five forces conventionally counted are Dwarves, Elves, Men, Goblins, and Wargs.

Bilbo is present but does not control the battle; he is knocked unconscious and misses much of the fighting. Thorin is mortally wounded after reconciling with Bilbo, while Dáin Ironfoot becomes King under the Mountain. The Battle of Five Armies is distinct from the Battle of Helm’s Deep and the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, which occur in The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien’s 1937 novel describes the battle, while later adaptations expand its action substantially.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

Add question to a list

Choose a list to keep this question in: