Beorn's Agreement to Help

Beorn, the great skin-changer who lives in a wooden house near the Carrock, agrees to help Thorin's Company after hearing the full account of their adventures. This agreement transforms the dwarves' prospects, providing them with essential supplies, mounts, and the critical warning that shapes their passage through Mirkwood.

The Story That Won Him Over

Beorn's agreement is secured not by bargaining but by storytelling. Gandalf introduces the dwarves gradually, two by two, spinning the tale of their journey from the Unexpected Party through the trolls, Rivendell, the Misty Mountains, the goblins, and the Wargs. Each interruption from Beorn—who counts the dwarves as they appear and scoffs at the numbers—only deepens his engagement. By the time all fifteen are present, Beorn declares it "a very good tale" and grants them supper, though he remains wary. His skepticism only fully dissolves after he investigates for himself: he crosses the river, finds the burnt wolf-glade, captures a Warg and a goblin, and confirms the truth of their story. Satisfied, he returns and offers his help.

The Provisions and Mounts

Beorn provides each dwarf with a pony, and Gandalf with a horse, for the journey to the forest. He loads them with food meant to last weeks: nuts, flour, sealed jars of dried fruits, red earthenware pots of honey, and twice-baked cakes that keep good a long time and sustain travel on small portions. He also gives them skins for carrying water and bows and arrows, though he doubts they will find anything wholesome to eat or drink inside Mirkwood.

The Crucial Warnings

Beorn's advice proves decisive. He warns them against drinking from or bathing in a black stream that crosses the path, which carries enchantment and a great drowsiness and forgetfulness. He insists they must not stray from the path for any reason. He also advises them to take a northern route rather than the main forest-road, which is now overused by goblins and leads to impassable marshes. This northern path, he says, leads almost straight toward the Lonely Mountain. He warns that goblins will not dare cross the Great River near his house but may ride south to cut them off, so they must ride fast.

The Terms of the Pact

Beorn asks only that the ponies be sent back at the forest gate. He makes no claim on the treasure and demands no service in return. His house remains open to them if they ever return. The dwarves, though grateful, are sobered by his grave words, realizing the adventure is far more dangerous than they had thought.

The Secret Guardian

Throughout the journey to Mirkwood, Bilbo glimpses a great bear prowling alongside them at night. Gandalf tells him to take no notice. Later, Gandalf reveals that Beorn has been following them in bear-shape, not only to guard and guide them but also to keep an eye on his beloved ponies. This silent protection underscores the depth of Beorn's commitment to the pact he has made.