Between the Glitter of Gold and the Darkness of the Heart: Anthropocentric Criticism in Thorin’s World

The story of Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit by Tolkien symbolizes human greed that leads to ecological destruction. This can be seen in his kingdom, Erebor, which was once magnificent and stood as a symbol of dwarf prosperity, built on top of gold and gemstone mines. However, this seemingly endless natural wealth turned into a poison that drove the dwarf king to become even more greedy, mining endlessly without restraint. As if the obsession with gold were not bad enough, the presence of the dragon Smaug, drawn by the endless piles of gold, transformed the once fertile and sacred mountain of Erebor into a barren and abandoned wasteland.

Thorin’s obsession with reclaiming Erebor was not merely for the sake of a home or the pride of his people, but something more. Gold, as a symbol of wealth and power, was an inheritance, honor, and absolute authority. He changed after a long journey and finally gained control of everything. From a wise leader, he became a paranoid, cruel figure, indifferent to the consequences of his actions. The mountain, once a place of residence, became a center of war, symbolizing how greed for natural resources corrupts human morality and destroys the surrounding ecosystem. Nature was plundered, its values ignored, and the wealth within it used as a tool for domination.

Through the lens of the anthropocentric theory developed by J. Baird Callicott (1989). In his theory, Callicott critiques the modern worldview that places humanity at the center of moral value, where everything, including living beings and the natural environment, is measured by how beneficial they are to humanity. This perspective emerged when other living beings or even nature itself were exploited on a massive scale without considering the damage and destruction that would occur if those resources were depleted.

The character of Thorin is a representation of this anthropocentric subject; he views nature (in this film, the mountain and its mines) solely as a means to fulfill his ambitions and restore his glory, failing to recognize that the gold he has accumulated is the result of ecological destruction and a symbol of inequality. Worse still, he is unaware and confidently believes that he will not fall into the madness experienced by his ancestors. Despite this, Thorin ultimately becomes part of the cycle of destruction he has created.

Tolkien’s ecological critique in The Hobbit feels highly relevant to today’s reality. A real-life example is the case of environmental exploitation in Raja Ampat, which came to light in early June 2025. This region, known as one of the world’s richest marine areas, is facing severe pressure due to excessive exploitation of natural resources. The damage not only threatens the sustainability of marine and terrestrial ecosystems but also the livelihoods of local communities dependent on nature-based tourism. When beauty and biodiversity are destroyed for short-term gain, the consequences are not easily reversed. A damaged environment creates a chain of new social problems: loss of livelihoods, local economic crises, and the erosion of local cultural identity. All of this stems from greed, just as depicted in the story of Erebor.

In this context, Thorin’s story clearly illustrates how human ambition for wealth, if not constrained by ethics and common sense, will always lead to destruction. The Erebor reclaimed by Thorin is no longer a home or a symbol of rebirth, but has become a ruin filled with horror. The gold he pursued was not a blessing, but a curse that sparked division, conflict, and death. Thorin, who initially fought for his people, slowly became estranged from his people and the natural world around him. He, like today’s exploiters, became the enemy of the home he sought to protect.

Refernce

Tolkien, J. R. R. (1937). The Hobbit.

Callicott, J. Baird. (1989). In Defense of the Land Ethic: Essays in Environmental Philosophy.