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Kiplinger
Kiplinger
Business
Richard P. Himmer, PhD

Riches vs Wealth: A Cautionary Tale From 'The Hobbit'

Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.

In Middle-earth, the Lonely Mountain, once a thriving dwarven kingdom called Erebor, was taken over by the dragon Smaug, who hoarded its immense treasure. Thorin Oakenshield, the rightful heir, grew up haunted by the loss of his home and vowed to reclaim it. Determined, he gathered a company, including the unsuspecting Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, for the dangerous quest to restore the dwarves’ kingdom.

Initially reluctant and out of depth, Bilbo surprised everyone with his courage and resourcefulness. He saved his bearded friends from trolls and spiders and even helped navigate tricky relations with the Elves of Mirkwood. As their adventure unfolded, Bilbo's perspective shifted — he realized that true wealth wasn’t just about gold but about friendships and experiences.

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