The old thrush
The old thrush is a minor but pivotal figure in The Hobbit, an ancient and perceptive bird whose actions directly enable the death of the dragon Smaug and the resolution of the quest. Though it appears only briefly, its role as a messenger and its connection to the lost lore of Dale make it a crucial agent in the story's climax, bridging the world of nature and the fate of kingdoms.
Identity and Background
The old thrush is described as nearly coal black, with a pale yellow breast freckled with dark spots. It is a very old bird, possibly the last left of an ancient breed that used to live about the Lonely Mountain, tame to the hands of Thorin's father and grandfather. The Men of Dale once had the trick of understanding their language and used them for messengers to fly to the Men of the Lake and elsewhere. This thrush is a long-lived and magical race, and might even be one of those that were alive a couple of hundreds of years or more ago.
Key Actions and Role in the Plot
The thrush first appears at the secret door on the Lonely Mountain, where it is seen knocking a snail on a grey stone. This action, along with the setting sun and the last light of Durin's Day, triggers the opening of the hidden entrance. Later, after Bilbo's conversation with Smaug, the thrush listens intently to all that is said. Bilbo, in an ill temper, throws a stone at it, but the bird merely flutters aside and comes back. Thorin warns Bilbo to leave it alone, explaining that thrushes are good and friendly, and that this very old bird might be the last of the ancient breed. The thrush then silently spreads its wings and flies away.
The Thrush's Message and the Death of Smaug
The thrush's most critical act occurs during Smaug's attack on Lake-town. It flies to the shoulder of Bard, the descendant of Girion, Lord of Dale. Unafraid, it perches by his ear and brings him news. Marvelling, Bard finds he can understand its tongue, for he is of the race of Dale. The thrush tells him to wait for the rising moon and to look for the hollow of the left breast as the dragon flies and turns above him. It also tells him of tidings up in the Mountain and of all that it had heard. This information, derived from Bilbo's discovery of Smaug's bare patch, allows Bard to shoot the black arrow that slays the dragon.
Narrative Role and Significance
The old thrush serves as a vital link between the dwarves' quest and the men of Lake-town, carrying the secret of Smaug's vulnerability across the desolation. Its ability to understand and be understood by those of the line of Dale underscores the theme of lost knowledge and ancient bonds. The thrush is not a magical creature in the sense of wielding spells, but its natural wisdom and its role as a messenger of crucial intelligence make it an indispensable agent in the story's resolution. It is a reminder that even the smallest and most overlooked creatures can play a decisive part in great events.
