The Hobbit – JRR Tolkien (1937)

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien is a timeless fantasy adventure that takes readers on an epic journey through Middle-earth. Published in 1937, this classic tale begins in the peaceful Shire, home to the unassuming Bilbo Baggins, and unfolds into a grand quest involving dwarves, wizards, and dragons. The story explores themes of courage, greed, and the transformation of its unlikely hero.

Plot Summary

In a quiet and cozy hole beneath The Hill lived Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who cherished his peaceful life. One sunny morning, a wizard named Gandalf arrived, seeking someone to join him on an adventure. Bilbo, taken aback by the suggestion, dismissed the notion outright. Yet, Gandalf marked Bilbo’s door, setting events in motion. The next evening, thirteen dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, arrived unexpectedly at Bilbo’s home. They shared tales of their ancestral kingdom, Erebor, which had been ravaged and claimed by a dragon named Smaug. Gandalf presented a map and a key, and Thorin revealed their plan to reclaim their treasure. Though hesitant, Bilbo was enlisted as the company’s burglar.

Early the next morning, Bilbo hurried to join the company, embarking on a journey that would take him far from his comfortable life. As they traveled through the Lone-lands, the group faced hardship, including a perilous encounter with three trolls. Bilbo attempted to pickpocket one but was caught. Gandalf returned just in time, using his wits to save them. With the trolls defeated, the group salvaged weapons and supplies from their lair.

In the elven stronghold of Rivendell, they were welcomed by Elrond, who examined Thorin’s map. He revealed the existence of a hidden door in the Lonely Mountain and provided vital guidance for their journey. They pressed onward, crossing the Misty Mountains, where a fierce storm forced them into a goblin-infested cave. Captured by the goblins, the company narrowly escaped when Gandalf intervened, slaying the Great Goblin. During their flight, Bilbo became separated from the others and stumbled upon Gollum, a sinister creature dwelling in the depths of the mountain.

Gollum proposed a game of riddles, with Bilbo’s life at stake. Through cunning and a stroke of luck, Bilbo won the contest and escaped by using a strange ring he discovered in Gollum’s possession—a ring that granted its wearer invisibility. Reuniting with the others, Bilbo’s bravery began to earn their respect, though the full significance of the ring remained unknown.

The company faced relentless dangers, including a terrifying pursuit by wolves and goblins. Gandalf called upon giant eagles, who swooped down to rescue them, carrying them to safety. Descending into the dark forest of Mirkwood, Gandalf departed, leaving the group to fend for themselves. In the shadowy wood, the company endured hunger, disorientation, and attacks by giant spiders. Summoning courage he didn’t know he had, Bilbo used his sword and the magic ring to free his companions from the webs, further cementing his role as a vital member of the group.

Emerging from the forest, they were captured by elves and imprisoned in the dungeons of the Woodland King. Using the ring’s power, Bilbo evaded capture and orchestrated their escape by hiding the company in barrels, which were floated down the river to freedom. Weary but undeterred, the company reached Lake-town (Esgaroth), a bustling settlement near the Lonely Mountain. The people of the town, inspired by Thorin’s claim to kingship and the promise of shared treasure, provided the company with supplies for the final leg of their journey.

Arriving at the base of the Lonely Mountain, the company located the secret entrance revealed by Elrond. Days of searching the mountainside led to a sense of despair, but Bilbo, summoned by the courage he had discovered within himself, ventured into Smaug’s lair alone. The dragon slumbered atop a vast hoard of gold and jewels, and though terrified, Bilbo engaged Smaug in a riddling conversation. During this exchange, he noticed a vulnerability in the dragon’s impenetrable scales—a bare patch on its chest. Bilbo returned to the company, but Smaug, enraged by the intrusion, flew off to wreak havoc upon Lake-town.

In Lake-town, Smaug unleashed fiery destruction, but Bard, a captain of the town’s archers, confronted the dragon with unflinching resolve. Armed with his last black arrow and knowledge of Smaug’s weak spot, Bard struck true, slaying the beast. Though victorious, Lake-town lay in ruins. Bard became a hero among the people, who looked to him for leadership in their time of need.

Meanwhile, Thorin, consumed by the lure of gold, declared himself King under the Mountain and fortified Erebor. As news of Smaug’s death spread, men and elves approached the mountain, seeking their share of the treasure. Thorin, blinded by greed and mistrust, refused to negotiate and sent for reinforcements from his kin. Conflict seemed inevitable as armies gathered, but Bilbo, desiring peace, secretly handed the Arkenstone, a gem Thorin prized above all, to Bard as a bargaining tool. Thorin, feeling betrayed, disowned Bilbo and prepared for battle.

Before violence erupted, an army of goblins and wolves descended upon the mountain, forcing the warring factions to unite. In the ensuing Battle of the Five Armies, Thorin fought valiantly but was gravely wounded. On his deathbed, he reconciled with Bilbo, expressing regret for his actions and praising the hobbit’s courage and wisdom. With Thorin gone, Bard assumed responsibility for the treasure, using it to aid the people of Lake-town.

Having no desire for riches, Bilbo declined a share of the treasure and returned home to the Shire. He arrived to find himself presumed dead and his belongings being auctioned off. Though his adventure had changed him profoundly, the Shire and its people saw him as peculiar and unremarkable. Yet, for Bilbo, the journey had revealed the world’s vastness and his own capacity for bravery and kindness. Content with his newfound wisdom, he settled back into the quiet life he had once cherished, forever changed by the journey he never sought but could not resist.

Main Characters

• Bilbo Baggins: A timid and comfort-loving hobbit who finds himself swept into a perilous adventure. His growth from a reluctant participant to a cunning and brave hero forms the heart of the story.
• Gandalf: A wise and enigmatic wizard who orchestrates the quest. Gandalf serves as a guide and mentor, often providing cryptic yet invaluable assistance.
• Thorin Oakenshield: The proud and determined leader of the dwarves, Thorin is driven by a desire to reclaim his homeland and its treasure from the dragon Smaug. His leadership is both inspiring and flawed by his growing obsession with wealth.
• Smaug: The fearsome dragon who hoards the treasure of Erebor. Smaug is a symbol of greed and destructive power.
• The Dwarves: Thorin’s company of twelve dwarves includes Fili, Kili, and Balin, each contributing to the journey in their unique ways, from combat skills to companionship.
• Gollum: A mysterious and sinister creature who guards a powerful ring. His encounter with Bilbo in the depths of the Misty Mountains is a turning point in the story.

Theme

• Heroism and Transformation: Bilbo’s evolution from a comfort-seeking hobbit to a courageous adventurer illustrates the potential for growth through adversity. His journey highlights the inner hero within an unlikely protagonist.
• Greed and Corruption: The allure of treasure and power profoundly affects characters like Thorin and Smaug, showcasing the destructive nature of greed.
• Friendship and Loyalty: The bonds forged during the journey emphasize the importance of camaraderie and mutual support in overcoming challenges.
• Nature vs. Industrialization: Middle-earth’s lush landscapes and natural beauty stand in contrast to the greed-driven destruction represented by Smaug and other antagonists.
• The Call to Adventure: A central motif in Tolkien’s work, the narrative is driven by a reluctant hero leaving the familiar to embrace the unknown, often at great personal cost.

Writing Style and Tone

Tolkien’s writing style in The Hobbit combines rich descriptive prose with a whimsical, almost conversational tone. His language captures the charm and simplicity of the Shire while imbuing the wider world of Middle-earth with grandeur and depth. The use of songs and poetry throughout the story adds a lyrical quality, anchoring the narrative in the lore of its fictional setting.

The tone shifts from light-hearted and humorous at the start to increasingly somber and reflective as the stakes rise. Tolkien’s vivid world-building and meticulous attention to detail create an immersive experience, while his moral undertones encourage readers to ponder the deeper meanings behind the characters’ actions.