Straightforward adjective… but no, also an adverb (to stand tall – 07.096). Straightforward meaning about height… but no, a whole family of meanings related to speed and to adeptness. Probably just the height meaning for The Hobbit, though.

• 1.007 He had a tall pointed blue hat,
• 1.063 and made tall piles of all the things.
• 3.008 and tall;
• 3.021 a tall young fellow,
• 4.004 over those great tall mountains
• 5.026 Is taller than trees,
• 5.146 into a narrow valley between tall mountains;
• 6.045 with tall fronds rising right above the hobbit’s head;
• 6.052 Fili and Kili were at the top of a tall larch
• 6.052 Dwalin and Balin had swarmed up a tall slender fir
• 6.052 Gandalf, who was a good deal taller than the others,
• 6.064 stuck up in a tall tree
• 7.014 and the tall elms.
• 7.029 After a while they came to a belt of tall
• 7.036 and towering tall above Gandalf.
• 7.094 and on the table were two tall red beeswax candles.
• 7.096 with the pillars of the house standing tall behind them,
• 7.146 and wishing he was beside the wizard on his tall horse.
• 8.040 is to choose the tallest tree
• 8.044 though it was tall
• 8.102 between two tall trees
• 8.131 that grew tall
• 10.028 surrounded by the tall piles
• 11.001 and tall before them.
• 11.006 tall and steep above the stream;
• 13.048 In front there rose a tall arch,
• 14.028 a tall figure stepped from the shadows.
• 15.036 Under the Mountain dark and tall
• 15.042 and tall.
• 15.046 A tall man stood forward,

A very common word, straightforward. Notice, of course, the negative way that it is used in Chapter Five, except in the riddles. And I am delighted by the first use of see in the entire book, in direct address to the audience.

• 1.003 you will see whether he gained anything
• 1.007 All that the unsuspecting Bilbo saw that morning
• 1.012 I can’t think what anybody sees
• 1.015 Let me see,
• 1.026 when he saw that it was not Gandalf at all.
• 1.032 I see they have begun to arrive already,’
• 1.042 I see,’ said Kili.
• 1.045 we saw them coming along
• 1.068 in the middle of the kitchen trying to see what they were doing.
• 1.083 and see the great mountains,
• 1.092 the poor little hobbit could be seen kneeling on the hearth-rug,
• 1.094 If you have ever seen a dragon
• 1.097 As soon as I saw your funny faces on the door-step,
• 1.103 I don’t see that this will help us much,’
• 1.105 You see that rune on the West side,
• 1.111 we don’t know without going to see.
• 1.123 we saw the dragon settle
• 1.125 I see now they must have had a private Side-door
• 1.128 and has never been seen by you since-‘
• 1.140 if you see what I mean.
• 2.001 There he saw nobody,
• 2.036 they could now see a light shining,
• 2.037 and see,
• 2.039 but there was no proper path to be seen,
• 2.042 And this is what he saw.
• 2.043 could see that:
• 2.048 He had read of a good many things he had never seen or done.
• 2.063 if you see what I mean.
• 2.072 No sooner did Tom see Balin come into the light
• 2.077 and didn’t need to see his friends’ legs
• 2.081 But no one saw him.
• 2.126 Looking behind I saw a fire
• 3.001 they saw that the great mountains had marched
• 3.002 He had never seen a thing
• 3.008 for they saw now that the house might be hidden
• 3.008 and they looked down surprised to see trees below them
• 3.011 They saw a valley far below.
• 3.025 although he had never seen them before.
• 3.033 as you will see,
• 3.042 but you cannot see them,” said Elrond,
• 3.042 They can only be seen when the moon shines behind them,
• 3.048 “That remains to be seen,” said Gandalf.
• 3.049 “None to be seen by this moon,” said Elrond,
• 3.049 to see the elves dance
• 4.005 Bilbo had never seen or imagined
• 4.005 he saw that across the valley the stone-giants were out,
• 4.008 (when everybody could see that it was absolutely no use sending Bilbo)
• 4.015 in time to see the last of the ponies’ tails
• 4.017 in the heart of the mountains can see through.
• 4.024 I am afraid that was the last they ever saw
• 4.034 and never let them see the light again!”
• 4.036 for even their eyes to see through.
• 4.037 Bilbo saw it go right through the Great Goblin
• 4.042 “Let me see:
• 4.044 The blink of red torches could be seen
• 4.050 Nor did they see them.
• 4.050 But they were seen by the goblins that ran silently up behind,
• 5.001 see nothing,
• 5.011 and bigger from trying to see
• 5.013 Bilbo could not see him,
• 5.013 for he could see that he was no goblin at all.
• 5.016 and he suddenly saw the pale eyes sticking out at him.
• 5.026 What has roots as nobody sees,
• 5.035 Saw an eye in a green face.
• 5.038 It cannot be seen, cannot be felt,
• 5.056 Bilbo could see his eyes coming towards him.
• 5.065 Bilbo seeing what had happened
• 5.078 He could see the sword
• 5.086 only in the full sunlight could you be seen,
• 5.087 No one would see him,
• 5.088 It won’t see us,
• 5.088 No. It won’t see us,
• 5.101 to his alarm Bilbo now saw two small points of light peering at him.
• 5.104 but he saw that all was up,
• 5.106 and saw Gollum’s eyes like small green lamps
• 5.108 Gollum could see
• 5.108 Bilbo could see the light of his eyes palely shining
• 5.110 as Bilbo could see from the faint glimmer on the walls.
• 5.117 and then no one will see him.
• 5.117 He’ll be there but not seen.
• 5.118 and see.
• 5.125 and see.’
• 5.127 He could not see the hobbit,
• 5.127 Bilbo could see or feel that he was tense as a bowstring,
• 5.130 He did not turn to see what Gollum was doing.
• 5.134 he saw, filtering round another corner –
• 5.136 and then suddenly he saw the goblins:
• 5.137 They saw him sooner than he saw them.
• 5.137 They saw him sooner than he saw them.
• 5.137 Yes they saw him.
• 5.138 They could not see a sign of him.
• 5.146 He could see outside into the open air:
• 6.001 and could see before him only ridges
• 6.005 and suddenly he saw peering between two big boulders
• 6.005 and he saw that Balin was looking
• 6.012 and we saw the goblins running back yelping.
• 6.027 I must see if I can’t find
• 6.045 they could still see the evening lights on the plains beyond.
• 6.046 when it was so dark that he could only just see
• 6.048 although there was nothing wrong to see.
• 6.050 and do not need to see you to catch you!
• 6.052 if you had seen the dwarves sitting up
• 6.052 but you could see his eyes gleaming
• 6.065 The rage of the wolves was terrible to see,
• 6.067 and can see small things
• 6.067 and could see a rabbit moving on the ground
• 6.067 So though he could not see the people
• 6.067 and see the tiny flashes of fire,
• 6.067 Also he could see the glint of the moon
• 6.072 and through the reek he could see the goblins
• 6.086 and saw the dark lands opening wide underneath him,
• 6.094 So you see ‘prisoners’ had meant
• 6.099 Later on you might have seen a bright fire
• 7.002 and saw that the birds were already high up
• 7.005 the eagles must have seen the point they were making for,
• 7.009 Bilbo never saw them again –
• 7.011 I always meant to see you all safe
• 7.013 We shall see,
• 7.013 we shall see!’
• 7.023 I once saw him sitting all alone
• 7.025 Bilbo had never seen anything like them.
• 7.029 through which you could neither see nor scramble.
• 7.030 you will see the way I go –
• 7.031 beyond which they could see gardens
• 7.040 I used to see him now
• 7.046 as he had never seen half of them before.
• 7.048 I can only see one,
• 7.052 I see!’ said Beorn.
• 7.061 You see,
• 7.081 Well, of course you haven’t seen
• 7.082 You see,
• 7.084 to see that his tale was making a good impression,
• 7.088 Mr. Baggins saw then how clever Gandalf had been.
• 7.093 and the hall had not seen such a gathering for many a year.
• 7.113 But he saw no sign of the wizard all that day until the evening.
• 7.113 Of Beorn they had seen
• 7.117 I soon saw that Beorn could not have made them all:
• 7.121 Not eaten up by Wargs or goblins or wicked bears yet I see’ ;
• 7.123 to see that you were safe,
• 7.125 Come and see!’ said Beorn,
• 7.133 and all the while they saw nothing save grass
• 7.133 Sometimes Bilbo saw the horns of the harts
• 7.133 As the light faded Bilbo thought he saw
• 7.134 As soon as it was light they could see the forest coming as it were to meet them,
• 7.134 not even rabbits were to be seen.
• 7.136 if you have not seen each night after dark a great bear going along with us
• 7.147 will ever see you again.’
• 7.151 and see the Long Marshes lying below you,
• 8.002 they could see a little way to either side
• 8.003 As Bilbo’s sharp inquisitive eyes got used to seeing things
• 8.003 but what made the noises he could not see.
• 8.003 The nastiest things they saw were the cobwebs:
• 8.005 so black that you really could see nothing.
• 8.005 but he could not see it at all.
• 8.005 Well, perhaps it is not true to say that they could see nothing:
• 8.005 they could see eyes.
• 8.005 and when it was Bilbo’s turn he would see gleams
• 8.008 and in all the time they had seen neither spring nor stream.
• 8.012 but my eyes don’t see as well as they used a hundred years ago.
• 8.016 and see if you can see the boat
• 8.016 and see if you can see the boat
• 8.028 they saw that it must have stuck
• 8.031 They could still see his hood
• 8.032 though they saw no sign of it.
• 8.035 and in the forest they could see no change.
• 8.036 Nothing wholesome could they see growing
• 8.037 and in places they could see
• 8.040 and see if he can get his head above the roof
• 8.042 he saw all round him a sea of dark green,
• 8.042 without any markings to be seen.
• 8.043 he could see no end to the trees
• 8.044 and if Bilbo had had the sense to see it,
• 8.044 and he could not expect to see how far the forest lasted.
• 8.044 Still he did not see this,
• 8.044 and he could not see anything
• 8.053 I thought I saw a twinkle of light
• 8.054 they saw a red twinkle
• 8.071 The feast that they now saw was greater
• 8.073 while people he could not see or feel
• 8.075 He could only see the thing’s eyes,
• 8.080 as you will see.
• 8.080 That is why the spiders neither saw nor heard him coming.
• 8.081 he saw that it was made by spider-webs
• 8.081 Suddenly he saw,
• 8.087 I saw one a-struggling just now.
• 8.088 to see a dwarvish foot sticking out
• 8.092 Bilbo saw that the moment had come
• 8.092 but looking about he saw that
• 8.092 got out of his way as quick as lightning if they saw him stoop;
• 8.093 They could not see Bilbo,
• 8.096 Old fat spider can’t see me!
• 8.103 The spiders saw the sword,
• 8.104 to see which was the juiciest to eat.
• 8.107 (long noses are sometimes useful you see)
• 8.110 Now we see you,
• 8.113 For he saw spiders swarming up all the neighbouring trees,
• 8.117 where we last saw the elf-fires.’
• 8.124 Whether it was one of those they had seen the night before,
• 8.125 From which you can see that they had changed their opinion of Mr. Baggins very much,
• 8.125 for they saw that he had some wits,
• 9.003 for even Bilbo with the use of his eyes could not see where they were going,
• 9.016 you see.
• 9.024 and see if it is fit for the king’s table.
• 9.025 for he saw that luck was with him
• 9.032 Bilbo saw that the time had come
• 9.035 and the butler could be seen
• 9.040 I haven’t seen him at the tables tonight.
• 9.051 Most likely you saw it some time ago
• 9.056 Then he saw that it would have been no good
• 9.061 He could see the paler sky between them.
• 9.062 that he could see near the water’s edge.
• 9.069 but whether alive or dead still remains to be seen.
• 10.001 Then Bilbo saw a sight:
• 10.002 and the tumbled land that joined it to them could not be seen.
• 10.002 and through many adventures to see it,
• 10.003 ever to have seen it at all,
• 10.004 So you see Bilbo had come
• 10.006 could not be seen at all.
• 10.007 The rotting piles of a greater town could still be seen
• 10.010 if they could have seen what happened down by the shore,
• 10.012 Thorin of course saw the sense of this,
• 10.018 that they had seen him flying
• 10.020 I wish to see the Master of your town!’
• 10.036 As for the Master he saw there was nothing else for it
• 10.041 We’ll see!
• 10.041 as we shall see
• 10.044 and see how he welcomes them!’
• 11.001 and now they could all see the Lonely Mountain
• 11.006 they could see
• 11.008 and see the dark cavernous opening
• 11.014 Looking down they saw that they were at the top of the cliff
• 11.014 could not be seen from below
• 11.014 but without a joint or crevice to be seen.
• 11.018 “as you will see.
[11.019]”
• 11.019 they saw clearly,
• 11.027 I don’t think I could bear to see the unhappy valley of Dale again,
• 11.029 he could see a glimpse of the distant forest.
• 11.029 Soon he saw the orange ball of the sun
• 11.038 in which nothing could be seen
• 12.008 and stopped where he could still see
• 12.010 Is that a kind of a glow I seem to see coming
• 12.012 before he ever saw the vast danger that lay
• 12.014 so that the hobbit could see his underparts
• 12.014 could dimly be seen coats of mail, helms and axes, swords and spears hanging;
• 12.018 Balin was overjoyed to see the hobbit again,
• 12.021 the sort of rage that is only seen when rich folk
• 12.030 Nothing can escape Smaug once he sees it.
• 12.040 and see what he is up to.
• 12.042 There was only the very faintest glow to be seen.
• 12.043 He can’t see me
• 12.046 and see if you were truly as great as tales say.
• 12.078 After he had seen that
• 12.091 and I don’t see the point of sitting here.
• 12.102 and see nothing,
• 12.103 They shall see me
• 13.018 They saw the little dark shape of the hobbit
• 13.018 Then they saw him halt
• 13.022 But soon they saw it far away
• 13.031 as soon as he saw the twinkle of their lights.
• 13.044 A white glimmer could be seen
• 13.050 And I never expected to be so pleased to see the sun again,
• 13.062 but I see no sign of food.
• 13.065 and saw the wintry sun going downwards to the West.
• 13.067 and can see much without being seen.’
• 13.067 and can see much without being seen.’
• 13.068 if we have been seen coming here,’
• 13.068 as if he expected to see Smaug perched there
• 14.002 Only its high peak could they see
• 14.004 Last night the watchmen saw them start
• 14.011 they could see him as a spark of fire
• 14.025 Then the many boats could be seen
• 14.034 As you see,
• 14.043 There for ages his huge bones could be seen
• 15.001 they had not heard or seen any sign of danger.
• 15.012 and see what happens!’
• 15.017 saw him die,
• 15.017 He saw him fall
• 15.020 We would see peace once more
• 15.026 you will see that the dwarves still had some days before them.
• 15.028 through which they could see
• 15.031 when they saw a company approaching.
• 15.031 Before long they could see that both men of the lake armed
• 15.031 and very great was their surprise to see the pool before them
• 15.044 was seen crossing the river,
• 16.022 and it is Bard I particularly want to see.’
• 16.029 I see your point of view.
• 16.031 I see I have some information you have not got.
• 16.035 You may see it!’
• 16.040 But I wonder if Thorin Oakenshield will see it so.
• 17.001 Soon a single runner was seen
• 17.003 were seen to be borne forth again.
• 17.003 the dwarves saw
• 17.029 and see if you have brought from the hoard the portion
• 17.032 Before long the dwarves could be seen
• 17.040 another blackness could be seen whirling forward;
• 17.040 so dense that no light could be seen between their wings.
• 17.048 Soon they could see the lands
• 17.062 Seeing the sudden gleam
• 17.062 he had seen a sight that made his heart leap,
• 17.065 If the elves could not see him they could hear him.
• 17.065 though as yet nothing could be seen
• 18.003 Looking into the valley he could see no living goblins.
• 18.003 he thought he could see elves moving
• 18.014 When Gandalf saw Bilbo,
• 18.014 I began to wonder if even your luck would see you through!
• 18.028 I should have liked to see them again,’
• 18.028 perhaps I shall see them on the way home.
• 18.053 and looking backward they saw a white sun
• 19.028 he could see his own Hill
• 19.032 Eyes that fire and sword have seen
• 19.036 to see if their own furniture would fit.

For a common word, its lack of use in the text is a bit haunting! Nobody was formed in English around 1400 (at least it is attested in print that way). I was haunted by the use in chapter 6: the words spoken alous can be read humorously, little butterball Bilbo feeling quite sorry for himself, but the “nobody heard” makes me take a second look. Just how deep into the Otherworld is Bilbo? and what does it mean to him? and how much deeper is he going to go?

‘Very well,’ said Gandalf. ‘Take us where and as far as you will! We are already deeply obliged to you. But in the meantime we are famished with hunger.’

“I am nearly dead of it,’ said Bilbo in a weak little voice that nobody heard.

Hobbit 06.096 – 06.097

• 2.001 There he saw nobody,
• 5.026 What has roots as nobody sees,
• 6.097 in a weak little voice that nobody heard.
• 12.102 when he could find nobody

We already have Mountain-root, yet here is the humble component. Four of these seven refer to the roots of mountains rather than trees (and none to simple grass). I am fascinated.

• 3.010 Bilbo’s pony began to stumble over roots
• 5.012 down at the very roots of the mountain.
• 5.026 What has roots as nobody sees,
• 8.030 his hands slipping off the slimy roots at the edge,
• 9.059 and there for a while they stuck against some hidden root.
• 12.012 right at the Mountain’s root.
• 12.096 beneath the roots of the Mountain,

Another word that is missing during the war! All sorts of people live there…

• 1.007 hung down below his waist,
• 3.008 and they looked down surprised to see trees below them
• 3.011 They saw a valley far below.
• 4.002 laid out behind them far below.
• 4.003 “The summer is getting on down below,”
• 4.005 where they smashed among the trees far below,
• 4.021 Below, my lad!
• 4.032 when we invited these creatures to come below;
• 5.01 drops drip-drip-dripping from an unseen roof into the water below;
• 6.004 and there were dells below the level of the path overhung with bushes
• 6.04 and started other pieces below them slithering
• 6.04 and below them seemed on the move,
• 6.041 from the deeper darker forests of the valleys below.
• 6.041 and the pine-roots far below.
• 6.059 with wolves all round below waiting for you,
• 6.064 with wolves all round on the ground below.
• 6.067 a tiny spot far far below.
• 6.067 a mile below even
• 6.084 Now far below the goblins
• 6.085 Soon the light of the burning was faint below,
• 6.094 across the plains below.
• 7.005 and below them were trees that looked like oaks
• 7.151 and see the Long Marshes lying below you,
• 8.042 He could hear the dwarves shouting up at him from far below,
• 8.043 who were now simply stamping with impatience down below,
• 8.043 there was no food to go back to down below.
• 8.044 in the gloom below when he got there.
• 8.105 a good way below.
• 9.05 and was pushed over into the cold water some feet below.
• 9.05 thudding on top of ones below,
• 9.052 so as to let out the barrels as soon as they were all afloat below.
• 11.014 and were gazing down on to their own camp below.
• 11.014 could not be seen from below
• 11.016 beside them on to sharp rocks below;
• 11.017 hauling up what they needed from below with their ropes.
• 11.017 in the guard below,
• 11.028 some were exercising the ponies down below,
• 12.007 in the blackness below.
• 12.074 and below
• 12.096 in the hall below:
• 12.098 for any whisper of a movement from far below.
• 12.101 over the cliff into the valley below.
• 13.001 They would almost have welcomed sounds from below
• 13.008 not a sound stirred below.
• 18.003 in the rocks below.
• 18.021 could come at last to the help of the battle below.
• 19.01 Below it many elves were singing loud

Oh, friends.

This word goes away during the war, and rightly so. But it comes back. It comes back and, I believe significantly, it is one of three anchor concepts in the very last line.

‘Thank goodness!’ said Bilbo laughing, and handed him the tobacco-jar.

19.048

Gratitude, laughter and hospitality. I’m going to repeat what I said when we were discussing food words. I believe that Tolkien expressed what he knew about the effects of combat through Bilbo’s experience — and that the end of that tale is hope.

• 1.004 and laugh deep fruity laughs
• 1.004 and laugh deep fruity laughs
• 1.023 and laughing long but quietly.
• 1.048 and laughing.
• 2.032 and laughed most.
• 3.018 So they laughed
• 3.018 they would only laugh all the more if you told them so.
• 3.018 and laugh at them,
• 4.017 and laughed
• 4.021 While Goblins quaff, and Goblins laugh,
• 4.023 They all laughed
• 6.024 What did I tell you?’ said Gandalf laughing.
• 6.031 he laughed.
• 6.032 All the others laughed too.
• 6.052 You would have laughed
• 6.071 and laughed.
• 7.035 He laughed a great rolling laugh,
• 7.035 He laughed a great rolling laugh,
• 7.069 and burst into a chuckling laugh:
• 7.121 and laughed:
• 7.122 and set them all laughing with his funny stories;
• 7.149 he laughed.
• 8.058 and laughing merrily.
• 8.090 The others laughed.
• 8.106 I am afraid Bilbo actually laughed
• 9.024 laughed the chief of the guards.
• 9.025 and laugh merrily.
• 9.026 and laughing to himself for a while
• 9.039 A number of elves came laughing
• 9.044 and still less at being laughed at.
• 9.051 and have been laughing at him;
• 10.018 and laughed at the greybeards and gammers who said
• 10.018 and laughing by a fire
• 12.066 Ha! Ha! You admit the ‘us” laughed Smaug.
• 12.067 and Smaug laughed aloud.
• 12.069 or were they laughing
• 12.071 Then Smaug really did laugh –
• 12.080 Never laugh at live dragons,
• 13.038 How they would laugh on the Hill at home!
• 13.058 Come, come!’ said Thorin laughing –
• 17.036 Fools!’ laughed Bard,
• 18.043 and he laughed
• 19.048 said Bilbo laughing,

Friends, I could read and read the history and etymology of “Work” in the OED for days. It’s intricate, rich, adventurous, and Very Early Old English. If you’re looking for delicious holiday break reading, I strongly suggest reading the entry for “work” in the OED. The participle “Wrought” is concordanced elsewhere as well, because in those halcyon days I thought I would get to the end of the uncommon words and be finished with the project. Ha!

• 1.075 They shaped and wrought, and light they caught
• 1.123 Indeed they hardly know a good bit of work from a bad,
• 2.049 warming to his new work as he lifted it carefully out,
• 3.033 or sleep, or work, or story-telling, or singing,
• 4.021 Work, work! Nor dare to shirk,
• 4.021 Work, work! Nor dare to shirk,
• 4.025 and slaves that have to work till they die
• 4.025 and also not working with their own hands more than they could help;
• 5.076 working
• 6.014 but everyone said it was a very clever bit of work.
• 6.028 and worked up the best magic he could
• 6.061 especially to get food or slaves to work for them.
• 7.023 They work for him
• 8.111 the other dwarves were working at the rest of the captives,
• 8.133 His people neither mined nor worked metals or jewels,
• 9.023 I shall be hard at work tonight
• 9.047 Get on with the work!’
• 11.014 and upright as masons’ work,
• 11.019 Mining work,
• 12.013 gold wrought
• 12.035 that is warrior’s work,
• 12.063 and your job is to do all the dangerous work
• 12.096 for it was wrought of pure silver
• 13.037 wrought for some young elf-prince long ago.
• 13.048 still showing the fragments of old carven work within,
• 14.036 There is work to do.
• 15.026 and at such work the dwarves were still very skilled.
• 15.027 As they worked
• 15.027 So while the others went on with their work,
• 18.033 wrought and unwrought,

Old, old word from the 800s, attested in a psalter, all kinds of Germanic.

• 2.045 beats me –
• 4.021 Batter and beat! Yammer and bleat!
• 4.034 “Slash them! Beat them! Bite them! Gnash them!
• 4.041 The goblins just called it Beater,
• 4.048 “Biter and Beater!” they shrieked;
• 5.055 And beats high mountain down.
• 6.072 and beat,
• 6.072 and beat
• 6.082 the dark rush of their beating wings smote them to the floor
• 8.075 He beat the creature off with his hands –
• 8.115 the spiders were beaten off,
• 11.015 They beat on it,
• 12.017 His heart was beating
• 12.029 beating his great wings
• 14.011 beneath the awful beating of his wings.
• 17.059 were being slowly beaten down.
• 19.020 as the rain beat into his face.

It’s a word of obscure origin — with an original meaning of flapping violently with wings — and a great parallel word “swip”, to hit.

• 4.005 and the wind whipped the rain
• 4.021 Swish, smack! Whip crack!
• 4.022 for now the goblins took out whips
• 4.022 and whipped them with a swish, smack!,
• 4.023 and nearest to the whips)
• 4.023 and cracked their whips behind.