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The Goblins, had yet to hear of Smaug's demise and were only out for revenge against the Dwarves, who were alive and kicking.
I wonder. I'm not sure I agree. I think the Goblins had only started the council and all when they heard of the news about Smaug. Hmm. Maybe not. This is a bit confusing. Read this again :
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The Elvenking had received news from his own messengers and from the birds that loved his folk, and already knew much of what had happened. Very great indeed was the commotion among all things with wings that dwelt on the borders of the Desolation of the Dragon. The air was filled with circling flocks, and their swift-flying messengers flew here and there across the sky. Above the borders of the Forest there was whistling, crying and piping. Far over Mirkwood tidings spread: "Smaug is dead!" Leaves rustled and startled ears were lifted. Even before the Elvenking rode forth the news had passed west right to the pinewoods of the Misty Mountains; Beorn had heard it in his wooden house, and the goblins were at council in their caves.
Did you get what I mean to say? It only says that the Goblins heard the news about the events at the Lonely Mountain before the Elvenking
set off for the Lonely Mountain. It doesn't clearly suggest the exact time when they heard the news. But it does say that the news that was spread was that "Smaug is dead". But then again, it doesn't deny that the news the Goblins heard could have been about the arrival of Thorin's folk at Esgaroth, as well. But, in that case, it doesn't make any sense that the Goblins would wait for over 3 weeks to finally attack.
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The Moriquendi (of which the Green and Grey Elves belonged) unlike the Noldor, never went to Valinor and thus were never taught the finer arts and crafts by the Valar, so they couldn't make the pretty -pretty things. However, the Vala Aul’, taught the Fathers of the Dwarves this craftmanship which was passed down from generation to generation. These Elves appreciated the finer things, but unable to make them themselves, had to purchase or commission them from the Dwarves.
I wonder. What good would a pile of riches be if you're not going to use them. What exactly is the meaning of "purchase" here? The exchange of goods through the barrels with Esgaroth for example, was it based on money or was it a type of "barter" system? It's quite interesting. I mean, as far as I've read the Hobbit, I didn't find a mention about the way the Elves payed the men back for all the goods that were sent via those barrels. Or did I miss something?
As far as I've read the Hobbit and the LOTR, one thing I noticed was that JRRT was never quite clear with the economic point of things. For example, he speaks of the rich and the poor amongst the Hobbits. As far as I can see, the Elves don't seem to be in any need of money. He talks about the Dwarves being rich at the Lonely Mountain before the coming of the "Great Worms". Then they were digging up gold. Now, they're living a poor life by digging up coal. What use would coal be? The armies. Where do they get all the metal and stuff for the armies? If they bought all that metal from the Dwarves, where would the Dwarves be digging it up? Iron Hills? What kind of a trade would it be? How could Sauron breed such huge armies of Orcs in a place like Mordor?
Speaking of the Iron Hills, why would Thorin's folk be digging up coal (and where did they dig the coal up exactly?) when they could have gone to the Iron Hills? I'm confused.
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Thinking that Smaug had killed the Dwarves and knowing Smaug was now dead, the Elves of Mirkwood wanted a share of the Mountain's treasures to help defray the cost of supporting the Men of Esgaroth during the coming winter now that the lake town was destroyed.
Two questions here. Firstly, if the Elves thought that the Dwarves were dead, why would they be marching towards the Lonely Mountain with a big army? I can see the point of "man"power for helping the people of Esgaroth, but then, why would the Elved be thinking about a battle or something?
Secondly, how would the treasure be able to pay the Elves with the costs of helping the people of Esgaroth? What kind of "trade" were they exactly involved in with those men? JRRT isn't clear. Or are we just suppose to assume that it was money? In that case,
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His people neither mined nor worked metals or jewels, nor did they bother much with trade or with tilling the earth.
this sentence is a bit absurd.
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While the Men of the now destroyed Esgaroth wanted their share to defray the cost of keeping and supplying Thorin and Company on their journey plus a little something to replace their town and to lessen the widows and orphans plight.
I think this part can be made to fit in, because we can safely assume that the men had probably developed an economical structure for their internal affairs.
Oh well, I think that's more than enough for one post!!
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Having heard the Elves and Men were approaching, the Thorin had called for Dwarven reinforcements from the Iron Hills.
Agreed.
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None but Beorn and the Eagles knew the Goblins and Wargs were massing, and they were following these to see what they were up to. I don't think Gandalf knew anything about the Goblins until he saw them approaching around and down the Mountain, though he was friendly with the Eagles, so a little bird may have told him.
Agreed too. Here's something to support it, from the chapter "The Clouds Burst" :
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Not even the ravens knew of their coming until they came out in the broken lands which divided the Lonely Mountain from the hills behind. How much Gandalf knew cannot be said, but it is plain that he had not expected this sudden assault.
Oh and,
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The Goblins of The Hobbit are synonymous with the Orcs of the LotR.
Yes. I know that! It's mentioned in The Hobbit.
: )
