Imagine Smaug, the mighty dragon from The Hobbit, surviving the events of the story

If Bard, the Bowman, had not succeeded in slaying the great dragon Smaug in The Hobbit, the subsequent events in The Lord of the Rings would have unfolded along vastly different and potentially more ominous lines.

Smaug, an ancient and powerful dragon, stood as one of Middle-earth’s most formidable beings. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, the dragon’s centuries-long slumber beneath the Lonely Mountain was disturbed by Bilbo and Thorin Oakenshield’s Company of Dwarves. The quest to reclaim the kingdom of Erebor culminated in Bard using a black arrow to bring down the mighty Smaug. However, this outcome was far from predetermined, and if Bard’s aim had faltered or the Dwarves had not embarked on their quest, Smaug could have survived, leading to profound consequences for the events chronicled in The Lord of the Rings.

In Tolkien’s Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings, a conversation between Gandalf and Frodo alluded to the significance of Bard’s successful strike against Smaug. Gandalf highlighted the pivotal role of his “chance meeting” with Thorin in Bree before the events of The Hobbit, suggesting that without this encounter, the War of the Ring “might have gone far otherwise and far worse.” In this alternate timeline, Gandalf painted a grim picture, envisioning scenarios of dragon-fire and savage swords in Eriador, with Rivendell shrouded in darkness. The absence of a Queen in Gondor and the possibility of victory turning to ruin and ash underscored the dire consequences that could have befallen Middle-earth if Smaug had not been vanquished.

The hypothetical alliance between Smaug and Sauron emerged as a focal point of speculation in this alternate narrative. While Smaug, characterized by greed and a solitary nature, typically shunned cooperation with other beings, the allure of Sauron’s gifts and promises could have been tempting. Sauron, known for his manipulative tactics and strategic alliances, might have presented Smaug with Rings of Power or other treasures, exploiting the dragon’s insatiable avarice. Such an alliance would have turned Smaug into a potent lieutenant, akin to Glaurung serving Morgoth in ancient times.

The potential collaboration between Smaug and Sauron raised the specter of a formidable force that could have laid waste to Middle-earth. Drawing parallels to Morgoth’s creation of the first dragons, Smaug could have been a devastating ally, capable of wreaking havoc on various regions. His fire-breathing capabilities and the sheer might of an alliance with Sauron might have posed a severe threat to strongholds like Minas Tirith and challenged the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. Notably, Smaug’s presence could have altered key elements of the original storyline, affecting the formation of the Fellowship and the subsequent events in The Lord of the Rings.

However, the intricate dynamics between Smaug and Sauron also hinted at potential conflicts. Sauron, driven by a desire for absolute control, may have perceived Smaug as a formidable entity needing subjugation or elimination. Smaug’s pride and independence, as demonstrated in The Hobbit, could have clashed with Sauron’s dominion, leading to a power struggle between these two mighty adversaries.

Furthermore, the prospect of Smaug obtaining the One Ring introduced another layer of complexity to the alternate narrative. Without Bilbo’s intervention and the formation of the Fellowship, the Ring’s journey to Mount Doom could have followed a different trajectory. Smaug’s relentless pursuit of wealth, coupled with the corrupting influence of the One Ring, might have turned the dragon into an even more formidable and virtually unstoppable force. The ability to wield the Ring’s powers, including invisibility and mind manipulation, would have made Smaug an unparalleled threat.

In this speculative scenario, the absence of a clear means to destroy the One Ring and the potential wielding of its powers by Smaug would have left Middle-earth in a perilous state. The intricate tapestry of alliances, conflicts, and unforeseen consequences would have reshaped the fate of nations and races. Fortunately, the events transpired differently, with Bard’s successful shot against Smaug altering the course of Middle-earth’s history and setting the stage for the events chronicled in The Lord of the Rings.

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Éowyn, Théoden, Éomer, Denethor, Treebeard