The main antagonist in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit is Smaug, the dragon. Smaug is a powerful and fearsome creature who hoards a vast treasure within the Lonely Mountain, or Erebor, which he seized from the Dwarves.
Throughout the story, Smaug represents greed and the destructive nature of wealth. His character is not just a physical threat to Bilbo Baggins and the company of Dwarves but also symbolizes the broader themes of avarice and the consequences of unchecked ambition. As they venture to reclaim the mountain, the quest is complicated by Smaug’s presence, creating tension and danger for the protagonists.
In addition to being a formidable opponent, Smaug’s intelligence and cunning make him a unique antagonist. He is not merely a mindless beast, but a creature that engages in dialogue, revealing his personality and motivations. This depth adds complexity to the narrative, as Bilbo must rely on his wits to confront and outsmart the dragon, leading to one of the pivotal moments of the story.