Roäc Brings News

Roäc Brings News is the pivotal moment when the aged raven Roäc, son of Carc, arrives at Ravenhill to inform Thorin Oakenshield and his company that Smaug the dragon is dead, killed by Bard the Bowman in battle with the men of Lake-town, and that a host of Wood-elves and Lake-men is already marching toward the Lonely Mountain to claim a share of the treasure. This intelligence transforms the dwarves' situation from one of fearful waiting into a race against time, forcing Thorin to choose between sharing the hoard and preparing for a siege.

The Raven's Tidings

For days after Smaug's destruction of the secret door, the dwarves and Bilbo had watched from their guard-chamber on Ravenhill as birds gathered thickly about the Mountain—starlings, finches, and carrion birds, as if a battle were afoot. The old thrush that had witnessed Smaug's death flew to them, fluttering and singing, trying to communicate, but neither Bilbo nor the dwarves could understand its speech. Balin recalled that ravens had once been friends to the people of Thror, bringing secret news and being rewarded with bright things. No sooner had he spoken than the thrush flew away and returned with a most decrepit old raven, nearly blind and bald-headed, who alighted stiffly before them. This was Roäc, son of Carc, now chief of the great ravens of the Mountain, a hundred and fifty-three years old, who spoke in ordinary language that Bilbo could understand.

The Death of Smaug and Its Consequences

Roäc announced that the birds were gathering from South, East, and West because word had gone out that Smaug was dead. The thrush, whose feathers Roäc hoped would never fall, had seen the dragon die in battle with the men of Esgaroth three nights earlier at the rising of the moon. The dwarves erupted in joy, capering about and shouting that their treasure was now theirs without fear. But Roäc's next words sobered them: the legend of Thror's wealth had spread far and wide, and many were eager for a share. A host of Wood-elves was already on the march, with carrion birds following in hope of battle and slaughter. The Lake-men, homeless and grieving their dead, murmured that the dwarves were responsible for their sorrows and would seek amends from the treasure, whether Thorin lived or died. Roäc counseled Thorin not to trust the Master of Lake-town but rather Bard, the dragon-slayer of the line of Girion, a grim but true man who might bring peace among dwarves, men, and elves—though it would cost dear in gold.

Thorin's Response and the Call for Reinforcements

Thorin burst forth in anger, declaring that none of his gold should be taken by thieves or the violent while he lived. He thanked Roäc and promised that he and his people would not be forgotten, then begged the raven to send messengers to the dwarves' kin in the mountains of the North, both west and east, and especially to his cousin Dain in the Iron Hills, who had many well-armed people and dwelt nearest. Roäc, without judging the counsel good or bad, agreed to do what could be done and flew slowly away. The dwarves immediately returned to the Mountain to fortify the Front Gate, working with the tools of their ancestors while the ravens brought constant tidings of the approaching armies.