Smaug is the primary antagonist in The Hobbit (1937) by J.R.R. Tolkien. As one of the most memorable and formidable dragons in fantasy literature, Smaug plays a pivotal role in the story, representing greed, destruction, and the corruption of power. He is renowned for his vast hoard of treasure and his devastating attack on the Dwarven kingdom of Erebor.
Smaug is a fire-breathing dragon from the Third Age of Middle-earth, whose fame stems from his catastrophic attack on the Lonely Mountain (Erebor), once a thriving Dwarven kingdom. Driven by an insatiable lust for gold, Smaug destroyed the city of Dale and claimed Erebor’s riches as his own, slaying many Dwarves in the process. For nearly two centuries, he slumbered atop his hoard, until the events of The Hobbit, when a band of Dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield, along with the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, set out to reclaim their homeland. Smaug’s presence looms large over the entire narrative, embodying the destructive consequences of unchecked greed.
Appearance[]
Tolkien’s description of Smaug paints him as a quintessential Western dragon—vast, serpentine, and terrible in form. He is covered in scales "of red-golden color," and his belly is encrusted with gems and gold from years of lying on his hoard, forming an almost impenetrable armor. His immense wings allow him to fly swiftly, and he possesses a long tail, sharp claws, and piercing eyes that glow with intelligence and malice. Notably, Smaug’s only physical weakness is a small bare patch on his left breast, where a single scale is missing—an oversight that proves fatal. His immense size, combined with his scorching breath and impenetrable armor, makes him nearly invincible.
Personality[]
Smaug is highly intelligent, arrogant, and cunning, possessing the capacity for fluent speech and manipulation. He takes immense pride in his power and wealth, viewing himself as unmatched and invulnerable. His conversation with Bilbo inside Erebor reveals his psychological depth—Smaug is not only physically dangerous but also verbally and intellectually intimidating. He is deeply suspicious, greedy, and wrathful, quick to rage when he believes his treasure is threatened. His ego blinds him to his own vulnerability, and he delights in the fear he inspires in others. Despite his evil nature, Tolkien infuses Smaug with a distinct charisma and eloquence, making him a compelling villain.
Story[]
Origins[]
Smaug was not born in Erebor but came from the distant north, where he presumably dwelt among other dragons. Around the year 2770 of the Third Age, Smaug attacked Erebor after hearing of its immense wealth. The Dwarves, despite their skill in craftsmanship and battle, were unprepared for such a foe. Smaug laid waste to the mountain and the nearby city of Dale, killing countless Dwarves and Men and forcing the survivors into exile. Once established in Erebor, he drove all others away and nested atop the vast treasure hoard, which included the Arkenstone, a gem of great significance to the Dwarves.
During The Hobbit[]
In The Hobbit, Smaug’s slumber is disturbed when Bilbo and the Dwarves infiltrate the mountain. Bilbo, sent alone to scout the lair, manages to steal a cup and later returns to speak with the dragon. Their conversation is a battle of wits, during which Bilbo cleverly avoids revealing his identity while learning of Smaug’s vulnerabilities. Enraged by the theft and suspecting the people of Lake-town (Esgaroth), Smaug leaves Erebor and flies to attack the town. There, he is slain by Bard the Bowman, a descendant of Dale’s lords, who shoots a black arrow into the bare spot in Smaug’s chest, revealed to him by a thrush that overheard Bilbo. Smaug’s death has enormous consequences: it leads to a power struggle over the treasure of Erebor and sets the stage for the climactic Battle of the Five Armies.