The map was very old and showed a secret passageway to the mountain.
There were many things written on the map, but one of the most important things was, "Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light will shine on Durin's Day will shine upon the key-hole."
The book by J.J.R. Tolken shows Bilbo and Thorin and Co. using a key, Bilbo's sword, Sting, and, of course, the ring. One other thing that is sort-of apart from the map is the fact that the all-important moon-letters, which were found by Elrond the elf.
The River "Running" ~ look to the link below to a map .
At the unexpected party, Gandalf gives Thorin a map of the Lonely Mountain, which has information about a secret door and the key to the secret door.
Gandalf is worried that Smaug may become an ally to the newly returned Sauron.
Thráin gave the map and key to Gandalf when the latter discovered the former in the dungeons of Dul Guldur in Southern Mirkwood in the year 2850 of the Third Age.
The moon
There were many things written on the map, but one of the most important things was, "Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light will shine on Durin's Day will shine upon the key-hole."
A map key
Another name for a map legend is key.
The key on a map explains what the symbols and images on the map mean.
The moon letters in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" are significant because they reveal a hidden message on Thorin's map that guides the characters to the secret entrance of the Lonely Mountain. The purpose of the moon letters is to provide a clue to help the characters on their quest to reclaim the treasure from the dragon Smaug.
Well, they tell you what is says in the text of the story, so you can just create your own key, which is what I did. The Runes themselves are a variant of Old English runes.
he points out the dragon's mountain
on a map key key you can find and locate where or what something is.=]
It's called a legend and can usually be found in a box at the bottom right of the map.
The key of the map explains all the symbols used on the map.