Was Smaug's Secret Ever Revealed to Gandalf in The Hobbit?
In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, the enigmatic presence of Smaug, the dragon, is a central element of the story. But did Bilbo Baggins ever tell Gandalf about Smaug, or was the secret known to Gandalf even before Bilbo's discovery?
The Role of Gandalf
One of the key figures in the story, Gandalf, plays a critical role in guiding Bilbo and the dwarves. It is important to note that Gandalf was not an unaware observer but rather someone who had prior knowledge about the dragon's presence and activities. His actions and presence suggest that he was well-versed in the history of Smaug.
Details from Chapter 12
Bilbo did indeed tell Gandalf about Smaug and even more. In The Hobbit (Chapter 12), the narrative clearly shows that Bilbo discussed his discovery of Smaug and the Arkenstone with Gandalf. This moment is significant, as it reveals the intimate details of Bilbo's journey and the connection between the hobbit and the dragon.
Mystery of Bilbo's Voracity
It has been suggested that Gandalf knew about Smaug's presence before Bilbo's discovery. One piece of evidence presented is Thorin's recounting of the history of Smaug specifically for Bilbo, which implies that Gandalf was informed. Thorin's recounting suggests a deeper knowledge of the dragon's history, possibly shared by Gandalf.
Gandalf's Knowledge and Presence
Further support for the idea that Gandalf knew about Smaug comes from the fact that he was present when Bilbo snuck the Arkenstone out of The Lonely Mountain and gave it to Bard. This moment indicates Gandalf's involvement in Bilbo's actions and indicates his prior knowledge of the events.
Transmission of Information
The death of Smaug, a crucial event in the story, is said to have been known by others. It is reasonable to assume that Gandalf learned about it through these channels. However, the text does not explicitly state that Bilbo recounted his conversation with the dragon to Gandalf. Given Bilbo's trust and the fact that he told the story to the dwarves, it would be unlikely for him to hide this crucial information from Gandalf.
The End of Smaug and Bilbo's Story
The information Bilbo recorded in the Red Book of Westmarch, which was later passed on to Frodo and Samwise, was used by J.R.R. Tolkien to create The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. These books reflect the official story as told by Tolkien, meaning Gandalf knew about Bilbo’s story—albeit in a different form from Peter Jackson's cinematic adaptation.
Conclusion
Based on the evidence from the text and Gandalf's role in the story, it can be concluded that Bilbo did tell Gandalf about Smaug and the events that followed. Gandalf was indeed well-informed, as the story suggests a network of knowledge and foreknowledge among the key characters in the tale.