Bombur

Bombur is one of the thirteen dwarves who accompany Thorin Oakenshield on the quest to reclaim the treasure of the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. He is distinguished among the company by his immense size and weight, which make him a frequent source of comic mishaps and a physical burden to his companions. Despite his apparent laziness and constant complaints about hunger, Bombur survives all the perils of the journey, from the trolls' camp to the Battle of Five Armies, and ultimately remains in the restored kingdom under the Mountain.

Identity and Introduction

Bombur is introduced as one of the last dwarves to arrive at Bilbo Baggins's hobbit-hole during the Unexpected Party. He is described as "immensely fat and heavy" , a trait that immediately sets him apart from the others. When Thorin Oakenshield falls flat on Bilbo's mat with Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur on top of him, Bombur's weight is specifically noted as the cause of Thorin's displeasure. Bombur's physical bulk is a defining characteristic throughout the story, influencing his role in the company and the reactions of those around him.

Arc Through the Plot

Bombur's journey is marked by a series of ordeals that test his endurance and often leave him incapacitated. During the escape from the goblin tunnels, he is the one who carries Bilbo on his back, staggering along "with the sweat dripping down his nose in his heat and terror" . Later, in Mirkwood, Bombur falls into the enchanted black stream and is immediately cast into a deep, magical sleep, from which he cannot be roused for days. He dreams of a woodland feast with a king crowned with leaves, and when he finally wakes, he is weak and wobbly, weeping at the news that there is no food. His hunger and exhaustion become a recurring theme, as he constantly wails that his legs will not carry him and that he wants to lie down and sleep. During the spider attack, Bombur is the fattest of the captives and is constantly pinched and poked by the spiders, leaving him so exhausted that he simply rolls off the branch and falls to the ground. In the barrel escape from the Elvenking's halls, Bombur is packed into a tub and endures the rough journey down the river, emerging "asleep or senseless" and "waterlogged" when the dwarves finally reach Lake-town.

Relationships and Conflict

Bombur's relationships with his companions are largely defined by his physical limitations. He is often the subject of grumbling and impatience, as when Thorin tells him, "You should not be so fat. As you are, you must be with the last and lightest boatload" . When Bombur refuses to go a step further and flings himself on the ground, Thorin rebukes him sharply, saying, "We are quite annoyed enough with you as it is. If you hadn't waked up, we should have left you to your idiotic dreams in the forest; you are no joke to carry even after weeks of short commons" . Despite this, Bombur is not without allies. His cousin Bifur and his brother Bofur are specifically noted as propping him up on either side after the spider battle, indicating a familial bond that persists through the hardships. During the siege of the Mountain, Bombur is the one on watch when Bilbo decides to sneak out and give the Arkenstone to Bard. Bombur grumbles about the cold and wishes for a fire, but he readily accepts Bilbo's offer to take his turn, calling him "a good fellow" . This moment shows a degree of trust and camaraderie between the hobbit and the fat dwarf.

Change and Ending

Bombur undergoes little personal transformation; his character remains consistently defined by his physical bulk, his love of food and sleep, and his tendency to be a liability. However, he does survive the entire adventure, which is no small feat given the many dangers. After the Battle of Five Armies, Bombur is one of the ten surviving companions of Thorin who choose to remain with Dain, the new King under the Mountain, rather than return to the West. He is listed among the dwarves who bow low before their Gate as Bilbo departs, and Balin's farewell includes him by name: "Farewell, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur!" . Bombur's final fate is to live in the restored halls of the Lonely Mountain, where, presumably, he can enjoy the feasts and comforts that his heart always desired.

Thematic Significance

Bombur serves as a comic foil and a symbol of the physical and emotional toll of the quest. His constant hunger and exhaustion highlight the harsh realities of the adventure, contrasting with the romanticized songs of treasure and glory. His enchanted sleep in Mirkwood, during which he dreams of a feast, underscores the theme of temptation and the danger of straying from the path. Bombur's survival, despite his apparent unsuitability for such a perilous journey, reinforces the idea that even the most unlikely individuals can endure great trials, though they may not be transformed by them. His presence also adds a layer of realism to the company, reminding the reader that not every adventurer is a hero of epic proportions; some are simply ordinary folk who manage to get through the ordeal by sheer luck and the help of their friends.