Bifur

Bifur is one of the thirteen dwarves who accompany Thorin Oakenshield on the quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its treasure from the dragon Smaug. He is introduced at the unexpected party in Bilbo Baggins's hobbit-hole, arriving with Bofur and Bombur, and is described as wearing a yellow hood. Along with Bofur and Bombur, he is presented by Gandalf to Bilbo, and the three of them, along with Thorin, fall onto Bilbo's mat when the door is opened. Bifur is a member of Thorin and Company, and his presence is noted throughout the journey, though he is not one of the more vocal or individually distinguished dwarves.

Role in the Quest

Bifur takes part in all the major events of the adventure. He is present at the trolls' camp, where he is captured and tied up in a sack along with the other dwarves. He is among the dwarves captured by the goblins in the Misty Mountains and later rescued by Gandalf. He is also present during the encounter with the Wargs and the rescue by the Great Eagles. During the journey through Mirkwood, Bifur is captured by the giant spiders and is one of the dwarves rescued by Bilbo. He is later imprisoned by the Wood-elves in the Elvenking's halls, and escapes with the others by being packed into a barrel and floated down the Forest River. He is present at the discovery of the secret door on the Lonely Mountain and during the subsequent confrontation with Smaug. He is also among the dwarves who take part in the Battle of Five Armies, fighting alongside the elves and men against the goblins and Wargs.

Relationships and Interactions

Bifur is closely associated with Bofur and Bombur, who are his cousins. He is part of the larger group of dwarves that includes Thorin, Balin, Dwalin, Fili, Kili, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, and Gloin. He is not singled out for any particular conflict or close friendship with Bilbo, but he is a loyal member of the company. He is present when the dwarves grumble about Bilbo's performance as a burglar, but he does not voice any particular complaint himself. He is also present when the dwarves are arguing about what to do after the dragon's death, and he is one of those who helps to fortify the Front Gate.

Change and Ending

Bifur survives the entire quest and the Battle of Five Armies. After the battle, he is one of the ten dwarves who remain with Dain, the new King under the Mountain, rather than returning to the West. He is present when Bilbo says his farewells to the dwarves at the Gate of the Mountain, and Bilbo includes him in his final blessing: "Farewell, Balin!" he said; "and farewell, Dwalin; and farewell Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur! May your beards never grow thin!" Bifur's fate after the quest is not detailed, but he is implied to have lived on in the restored halls of the Lonely Mountain.

Narrative Role and Significance

Bifur is a minor character in The Hobbit, serving as one of the many dwarves who make up Thorin's company. He is not given any individual characterization or backstory, and his role is largely that of a supporting figure who participates in the collective actions of the group. His presence helps to fill out the number of the company and to emphasize the communal nature of the dwarves' quest. He is a representative of the ordinary dwarves who are part of the adventure, and his survival underscores the fact that not all of Thorin's companions perished in the final battle.