N this chapter, Bilbo demonstrates that he has mastered the use of the ring and understands its strategic power. He also exercises discretion in not revealing its existence to the dwarves. He begins to be clever. It is significant that the dwarves respect him after he tells his tale; their growing respect contrasts with the begrudging attitude they had toward Bilbo at the beginning of the story, when they only tolerated him for Gandalf's sake. Although he is changing quickly, Bilbo is still enough of a hobbit to notice his hunger. Like Bilbo's inadvertent passage through the Misty Mountains, the stony slide is an unexpected step forward on their journey, a lucky accident. The Wargs live up to their traditional wolf reputation for savagery, and Gandalf provides a model for ingenuity in setting them on fire with burning pinecones. The Wargs are grounded creatures; they travel on land. The eagles, as flying creatures, have the power to transcend the danger of earth, although they are not immune to the dangers posed by men with weapons. Bilbo and the dwarves experience some of the transcendence — and vulnerability — of the eagles' way of life when they spend the night in the eyrie.
