The Hobbit begins when a most respectable hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, receives an unexpected visitor, and this visitor, Gandalf the Grey, engages him against his will for an adventure. The next day, a band of thirteen dwarves arrive at his home, devour his pantry supplies and cellar stores, and make him join their quest to reclaim their ancient gold from a diabolical dragon named Smaug.
They journey over hills, through woods and mountains; they encounter trolls, goblins, wargs, spiders, elves, and men…and many unexpected friends. Bilbo discovers a magic ring when he is separated from the dwarves in the goblin caves which enhances his stealth by making him invisible. The ring had previously belonged to a possessed hobbit-like creature named Gollum. Bilbo obtained the ring by playing a game of riddles, overcoming Gollum, and escaping to find his friends.
They finally reach the mountain which is occupied by the dragon Smaug. Enraged by their burgling attempts, Smaug flies off and destroys the nearby Lake Town but is felled by Bard the bowman with the help of a thrush. Next, the dwarves and Bilbo have to defend the gold against elves and men–who would later join them against the greater threat of goblins and wargs. Bilbo makes it out in the end with a great amount of gold, but not so much respect at home from his fellow hobbits.
“We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!”
The Hobbit does a wonderful job developing Bilbo’s character arc. It starts with a timid, home-loving hobbit who has to overcome the corrupt Gollum in the dark, the evil spiders of Mirkwood, and many other foes. He must later defy Thorin, the leader of the dwarves, when Thorin is driven to insanity by the dragon-sickness of greed that lay upon the gold. Bilbo ends up showing great bravery and loyalty by giving up Thorin’s greatest treasure to the elves in order to end the conflict.
One of the most intriguing parts is when Bilbo is alone in Mirkwood and must save the dwarves from the spider infestation. This book is for all ages, from five to five hundred, because every time you read or listen to it, you enjoy it more.
Inkling Investigation 