* Dvergenes søken: The primary motivation for the dwarves' journey is to reclaim their lost treasure from Smaug. This treasure is explicitly stated to be a source of wealth and trade for the dwarves, indicating their reliance on commerce.
* Betydningen av gull: Gold is a recurring motif throughout the story, signifying wealth, power, and the potential for trade. Bilbo's finding of a vast hoard of gold in Smaug's lair further emphasizes this.
* The Shire's Economy: The Shire, though peaceful and rural, engages in some trade. Bilbo's journeys demonstrate that the Shire's inhabitants produce goods like food and produce that they likely exchange with other communities.
* Dvergenes byttehandel: While traveling, the dwarves often barter for goods and services. This shows that trade is a common practice even amongst those who are not directly involved in large-scale commerce.
* Betydningen av handelsruter: The journey through the wilderness reveals the importance of trade routes. Dvergene og Bilbo møter ruiner og landemerker som antyder tilstedeværelsen av tidligere handelsnettverk, og demonstrerer sammenhengen mellom forskjellige samfunn.
Although trade isn't the main focus of the story, it acts as a backdrop and drives the narrative. Dvergenes søken etter skatten deres og Bilbos deltakelse på reisen deres er alle sammenvevd med konseptet om rikdom, eiendeler og potensialet for handel.