The Hobbit: Queer Lodgings
In this chapter, the eagles, after saving the company extended their help further by bringing the company nearer to their destination. They were brought to The Carrock, some mountain formation said to be created by Beorn.
Beorn is an interesting character in Middle-earth, much like Tom Bombadil and the stone giants. Beorn is a shape shifter. He can be on the form of a man, huge and rough. He can also be a gigantic bear, fierce and strong. It is nowhere mentioned in the mythology where such creature came from. He can’t be a man (Adan). If all men can transform as he, then men can drastically turn the tides of the battles in the First, Second and Third Ages.
More on Beorn. Beorn, although fierce and rough, have a good side in him. He provided a great help to the company. He gave them rest, food and guidance. It is lucky for Gandalf to have known him via Radagast, the Brown Wizard.
The Necromancer
In this chapter, another important character in the mythology was introduced. The Necromancer, aka Sauron. Sauron is a former Maia of Aule. Melkor (Morgoth) was able to lure him to his side, becoming is lieutenant. Finrod Felagund had a magical fight with him one on one.
At this point, it is yet unclear for Gandalf that The Necromancer was in fact Sauron.
