Answer: In Chapter 13 of "The Hobbit," J.R.R. Tolkien portrays the encounter between Bard and Smaug as a retelling of the story of David and Goliath. Like David, Bard is portrayed as a small and seemingly unlikely hero, who rises to the challenge of defeating the mighty Smaug. Similarly, Smaug is portrayed as a giant and powerful dragon, similar to the giant Goliath in the Biblical story.
In the story of David and Goliath, David is a young shepherd who is chosen by God to defeat the giant Goliath with a single stone from his sling. In the same way, Bard is portrayed as a simple bowman who rises to the challenge of defeating Smaug with a single well-placed arrow. Tolkien emphasizes Bard's bravery and cunning, as he takes on the challenge of defeating the mighty dragon, despite the odds against him.
Furthermore, both David and Bard are portrayed as humble and unassuming heroes, who rely on their skill and courage to defeat their respective foes. David's faith in God and his trust in his own abilities, combined with his unwavering courage, are what ultimately lead to his victory over Goliath. Similarly, Bard's determination and bravery, combined with his skill with a bow, are what ultimately lead to his victory over Smaug.
In conclusion, in Chapter 13 of "The Hobbit," J.R.R. Tolkien portrays the encounter between Bard and Smaug as a retelling of the story of David and Goliath. Through the portrayal of Bard as a humble and brave hero and Smaug as a mighty and powerful dragon, Tolkien emphasizes the timeless themes of bravery, cunning, and the triumph of the underdog over the powerful.
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