Smaug’s Devastating Endgame: A Deep Dive into His Plan for Destruction

Dragons in J.R.R Tolkien's Middle-earth are portrayed as formidable foes with complex motives. Among them, Smaug, the greatest of them all, had an intricate plan for the downfall of the elves, the dwarves, and the people of Lake-town. This endgame is arguably the most strategic and ominous of them all, and its success would have redefined the balance of power in Middle-earth. Let’s delve deeper into the twisted mind of Smaug and uncover the steps of his destructive plan.

Step 1: Destruction of Lake-town

Smaug’s primary objective was the destruction of Lake-town. This strategic move served multiple purposes. Firstly, by razing the city, Smaug aimed to cut off the dwarves from essential supplies. Lake-town was a significant source of provisions for the dwarves, who were engaged in a quest to reclaim their ancestral homeland, the Lonely Mountain. Destroying it would leave the dwarves struggling to find sustenance. " "

Secondly, Smaug anticipated that the devastated residents of Lake-town would flee. He crafted an ominous scenario where these escaping civilians would succumb to his fiery wrath over the next several days, ensuring a prolonged period of suffering. As a result, the dwarves, facing both starvation and the psychological burden of losing their allies, would eventually be compelled to leave their quest.

Step 2: Starvation and Feasibility

One of Smaug’s cunning tactics was to strategically take out the dwarves’ ponies. These ponies were vital for the movement of essential supplies and the conveyance of goods. By exterminating them, Smaug eliminated the dwarves’ ability to procure and transport necessary resources. This act of sabotage left the dwarves with limited means to sustain their journey and the inhabitants of the surrounding lands in dire straits. " "

The ponies, having served as a primary means to move supplies, were the heart of the dwarves' logistical support. Smaug, through his meticulous planning, ensured that the destruction of these animals left the dwarves no choice but to evacuate, thus preventing them from holding on to their last stronghold.

The Relaxation Phase

After achieving these devastating feats, Smaug anticipated a period of rest. With the dwarves gone and the human and elvish populations reduced, the dragon envisioned a tranquil sheltering on his vast treasure hoard. The relief he sought was contingent on the assumption that the remaining inhabitants would be too weakened or disoriented to oppose him, ensuring his safety and peaceful plundering for an indefinite period. " "

Indeed, the construction of such an unassailable plan would have made Smaug almost invincible, had it not been for an unexpected twist of fate – the meddling of Bard, the skilled and determined hero of the Shire Eastfarthing. Bard’s intervention marked the beginning of the end for Smaug’s grand scheme, providing an unexpected turn of events in The Hobbit’s saga.

Conclusion

Smaug’s endgame was meticulously crafted and designed to tip the balance of power in favor of the dragon. However, his grand plan was fraught with complexities and unforeseen challenges. The destruction of Lake-town, accompanied by the systematic eradication of supplies and the ponies, coupled with his anticipation of rest, would have arguably pushed the surviving inhabitants to the brink of extinction. The failure of this plan at the hands of Bard and friends further illustrates the volatile and precarious nature of Smaug's dominance in Middle-earth.