Bofur

Bofur is one of the thirteen dwarves who set out with Thorin Oakenshield on the quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its treasure from the dragon Smaug. Introduced as part of the company that arrives at Bilbo Baggins's hobbit-hole for the unexpected party, he is a loyal and steady member of the expedition, participating in every major trial from the encounter with the trolls to the final battle. Though he is not among the most prominent dwarves, his presence is constant, and he survives the quest, returning to the Mountain after the war.

Identity and Introduction

Bofur is introduced alongside Bifur and Bombur when Gandalf presents them to Bilbo at the unexpected party. He is one of the three dwarves who arrive with Thorin, and he wears a yellow hood. He is a dwarf of Thorin and Company, and his role in the expedition is that of a rank-and-file member, not a leader or a specialist. He is present for the singing of the dwarves' song about the misty mountains and the lost gold, and he shares in the general excitement and determination of the company.

Role in the Journey

Bofur takes part in all the major events of the journey. He is captured by the trolls along with the other dwarves and is later rescued by Gandalf. He is present in the goblin tunnels and is carried off by the goblins, though he escapes with the help of Gandalf and the eagles. He is also present at Beorn's house, where he and the other dwarves are entertained and given provisions. During the journey through Mirkwood, Bofur is captured by the Wood-elves and imprisoned in the Elvenking's halls, but he is freed by Bilbo's plan involving the empty barrels. He is one of the dwarves packed into a barrel and sent down the Forest River, enduring the uncomfortable journey to Lake-town.

Relationships and Interactions

Bofur's relationships with the other dwarves are those of a comrade and fellow traveler. He is not singled out for any particular friendship or conflict, but he is a reliable member of the company. He is present when the dwarves grumble about Bilbo's abilities, but he also shares in their later respect for the hobbit after Bilbo rescues them from the spiders. He is one of the dwarves who, along with Bombur, is left behind to guard the ponies and stores while the others search for the secret door. He is later hauled up to the higher camp using ropes, as the path is too narrow for carrying packs.

Change and Ending

Bofur survives the Battle of the Five Armies. After the battle, he is one of the ten surviving companions of Thorin who remain with Dain, the new King under the Mountain. He does not return to the West with Bilbo, but stays in the Lonely Mountain to help rebuild the dwarf kingdom. His fate is a quiet one: he is part of the new order that arises after the dragon's death and the war, and he shares in the treasure that is divided among the company. He is last mentioned when Bilbo bids him farewell, along with the other surviving dwarves, before the hobbit's return journey to Bag-End.

Narrative Significance

Bofur's role in the story is that of a supporting character who helps to fill out the company of dwarves and provide a sense of a larger group on a shared quest. He does not have a distinct personality or a major individual arc, but his presence contributes to the collective identity of Thorin and Company. His survival and his place in the new kingdom underscore the theme of restoration and the successful completion of the quest, even as the company loses its leader and two of its youngest members.