1. Meet The Dwarves
This is where it all begins, with Bilbo’s introduction to those companions who will join him and Gandalf on their quest to reclaim treasure from the dragon Smaug. There are thirteen Dwarves in total (Thorin Oakenshield, Gloin, Óin, Ori, Nori, Dori, Dwalin, Balin, Kili, Fili, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur), and no doubt Jackson has relished the chance to give each member of the group their own distinct personalities (not to mention fighting skills). They arrive at Bilbo’s house in a hilariously clumsy manor, falling through the front door at the stunned hobbit’s feet.
Although the dwarves have been given a comical slant in the trailers thus far, we’ve also glimpsed a haunting, melancholic moment as they come together to sing “Misty Mountains” before setting out on the perilous journey. All the dwarves look great (from what we’ve seen), and we can’t wait to see how Jackson handles a fellowship of such large proportions. He did exceedingly well with a group of nine in The Lord of the Rings: let’s hope he grants us the opportunity to tell them all apart by the time the first film comes to a close.
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