The Hobbit, or There and Back Again

Template:Infobox book The Hobbit is a fantasy book written by J. R. R. Tolkien, published 1937. The book is followed by The Lord of the Rings.

Writing and publication

The Hobbit began in the stories told by Tolkien to his children. It was originally not conceived as part of the Middle-earth legendarium. When Tolkien began writing The Hobbit 's sequel (The Lord of the Rings), he made it part of his previously-existing legendarium.

Story

Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit (a short person with hairy feet), lives a peaceful life in his home Bag End built by his father. But then, he is visited by the wizard Gandalf, who introduces him to a group of Dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. Together they set out to the Lonely Mountain, the original home of the Dwarven group's people, which many years ago was attacked and occupied by the dragon Smaug, intent to take back their home and treasures. Along the long way the group has many struggles and adventures, often aided by a magic ring of invisibility found by Bilbo, until they finally arrive at the Lonely Mountain. In the following events the dragon is killed, but a new threat appears in the form of an army of goblins (orcs) headed for the mountain. The Dwarves, Elves, and Humans present at the site join together against their common enemy, and are victorious in the end, although at heavy losses, among them Thorin. The Dwarves rebuild their kingdom under the mountain, and Bilbo returns home, richer in experience and intending to write down his adventures.

See also

• J. R. R. Tolkien
• The Lord of the Rings