The Letter of Roäc to Thorin Oakenshield

Roäc son of Carc, the aged and blind chief of the great ravens of the Lonely Mountain, becomes the dwarves' most vital link to the world beyond their besieged fortress after the death of Smaug. His arrival marks a turning point in the siege, bringing both triumphant tidings and grim warnings that force Thorin Oakenshield to confront the consequences of his reclaimed kingship.

Identity and Background

Roäc is a decrepit old bird, nearly blind and barely able to fly, with a bald head, yet he is the chief of the great ravens of the Mountain. He is the son of Carc, a wise and famous raven who lived on Ravenhill above the guard-chamber in the days of Thror's prosperity. Roäc himself came out of the egg one hundred and fifty-three years before the events of the siege, and he remembers what his father told him of the old king. The ravens of the Mountain were once great friends with the people of Thror, bringing secret news and being rewarded with bright things they coveted to hide in their dwellings. Balin recalls knowing many among the ravens of the rocks when he was a dwarf-lad, but Roäc is the last of that ancient breed lingering near the Mountain.

The Message of Smaug's Death

Roäc appears before Thorin and his company on Ravenhill, summoned by the old thrush who had witnessed Smaug's fall. He alights stiffly on the ground before them, slowly flaps his wings, and bobs towards Thorin. Speaking in ordinary language that Bilbo can understand, Roäc announces the great tidings: the birds are gathering back to the Mountain and to Dale from South, East, and West, for word has gone out that Smaug is dead. The dwarves, who had been living in fear of the dragon, spring up and begin to caper about for joy. Roäc confirms the news, saying the thrush, "may his feathers never fall," saw Smaug die in battle with the men of Esgaroth three nights back at the rising of the moon.

Warnings and Counsel

Roäc does not merely bring joy; he delivers a sobering assessment of the new dangers that have arisen. He tells Thorin that while he may go back to his halls in safety and all the treasure is his "for the moment," many are gathering besides the birds. The news of the guardian's death has spread far and wide, and the legend of Thror's wealth has not lost in the telling during many years. A host of elves is already on the way, with carrion birds hoping for battle and slaughter. By the lake, men murmur that their sorrows are due to the dwarves, for they are homeless and many have died, and Smaug has destroyed their town. They too think to find amends from the treasure, whether Thorin is alive or dead. Roäc offers his counsel: thirteen dwarves are a small remnant of the great folk of Durin, and Thorin should not trust the Master of the Lake-men, but rather Bard, who shot the dragon with his bow. Bard is of the race of Dale, of the line of Girion, a grim man but true. Roäc expresses a hope for peace once more among dwarves, men, and elves after the long desolation, but warns it may cost Thorin dear in gold.

Thorin's Response and the Call for Aid

Thorin bursts forth in anger at Roäc's counsel, declaring that none of their gold shall thieves take or the violent carry off while they are alive. He thanks Roäc and his people, promising they shall not be forgotten, and asks for further news of any that draw near. More importantly, Thorin begs Roäc to send messengers to his kin in the mountains of the North, both west and east, telling them of their plight. He specifically asks Roäc to go to his cousin Dain in the Iron Hills, who has many people well-armed and dwells nearest to the Mountain, bidding him hasten. Roäc, while refusing to say whether this counsel is good or bad, agrees to do what can be done and slowly flies off. This message leads directly to Dain's arrival with over five hundred dwarves, which in turn precipitates the Battle of Five Armies.

Significance

Roäc's role as messenger is pivotal to the narrative's climax. He is the conduit through which Thorin learns of the world's reaction to Smaug's death, receives strategic advice that he tragically ignores, and summons the military reinforcement that ultimately saves his company from annihilation. The raven's ancient wisdom and his connection to the lost age of Thror underscore the theme of a fallen kingdom struggling to be reborn. Roäc's warning that the treasure is likely to be Thorin's death, even though the dragon is no more, proves prophetic, as the gold and the Arkenstone become the source of the siege and the battle that follows.