Difference between revisions of "The Hobbit"
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| − | [[Image:Hobbit_cover.JPG|thumb|right|Cover of ''The Hobbit'']] | + | [[Image:Hobbit_cover.JPG|thumb|right|Cover of first edition of ''The Hobbit'', from a design by Tolkien.]] |
| − | '''''The Hobbit''''', or ''There and Back Again'', is a book by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] and | + | '''''The Hobbit''''', or ''There and Back Again'', is a book by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], and his first published fiction book, released in 1937. It was followed by ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. |
| − | + | The story is about the [[Hobbit]] [[Bilbo Baggins]], who is taken from his simple life by the [[Wizard (fiction)|wizard]] [[Gandalf]], to go on an adventure. Together with a group of [[Dwarf (Middle-earth)|Dwarves]] they travel to the Lonely Mountain, to reclaim the Dwarves' home and treasure from the [[dragon]] Smaug.<ref>''The Hobbit'', by J.R.R. Tolkien, Houghton Mifflin, 1937.</ref> | |
| − | + | ''The Hobbit'' was conceived as a story for his children, and at first not part of his [[Middle-earth]] world. Having begun to write the sequel, Tolkien set both the ''Hobbit'' and ''Lord of the Rings'' stories into his Middle-earth world. Because of this he made some changes in later editions, mostly concerning Gollum and the Ring. In the story of the Middle-earth legendarium, ''The Hobbit'' as Bilbo's story of his journey and the finding of the Ring, and ''The Lord of the Rings'' as Frodo's later additions from the ''War of the Ring'' form the ''[[Red Book of Westmarch]]''. | |
| + | Although Tolkien imagined the ''Hobbit'' as a tale for his children, the book became popular for children and adults alike. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Plot == | ||
Bilbo is idling in front of his semi-underground house when he's accosted by the famous wizard [[Gandalf]], who introduces a group of [[Dwarves (Middle-earth)|Dwarves]] to the "Burglar", as he calls Mr. Baggins. The wizard and his 14 companions set off to recover their stolen treasure from a dragon ([[Smaug]]). They encounter trolls and goblins in their travels, and Bilbo finds a golden [[One Ring|ring]] which makes the wearer invisible. | Bilbo is idling in front of his semi-underground house when he's accosted by the famous wizard [[Gandalf]], who introduces a group of [[Dwarves (Middle-earth)|Dwarves]] to the "Burglar", as he calls Mr. Baggins. The wizard and his 14 companions set off to recover their stolen treasure from a dragon ([[Smaug]]). They encounter trolls and goblins in their travels, and Bilbo finds a golden [[One Ring|ring]] which makes the wearer invisible. | ||
| − | The company is aided by the [[Elves (Middle-earth)|Elves]] of [[Rivendell]], enormous [[Eagles (Middle-earth)|Eagles]], and a shape-shifting bear-man ([[Beorn]]). The are nearly killed by huge spiders and are captured by [[ | + | The company is aided by the [[Elves (Middle-earth)|Elves]] of [[Rivendell]], enormous [[Eagles (Middle-earth)|Eagles]], and a shape-shifting bear-man ([[Beorn]]). The are nearly killed by huge spiders and are captured by [[Elves (Middle-earth)|Wood Elves]]. Bilbo engineers their escape, and aided by the lake men they climb the [[Lonely Mountain]] seeking a way inside to recover their treasure. Bilbo gets a clue from a little bird and dares to confront the dragon. |
| + | In the end Bilbo returns home laden with sacks of [[gold]] and [[silver]]. He also finds a mysterious magical ring. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 13:50, August 14, 2008
The Hobbit, or There and Back Again, is a book by J.R.R. Tolkien, and his first published fiction book, released in 1937. It was followed by The Lord of the Rings.
The story is about the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins, who is taken from his simple life by the wizard Gandalf, to go on an adventure. Together with a group of Dwarves they travel to the Lonely Mountain, to reclaim the Dwarves' home and treasure from the dragon Smaug.[1]
The Hobbit was conceived as a story for his children, and at first not part of his Middle-earth world. Having begun to write the sequel, Tolkien set both the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings stories into his Middle-earth world. Because of this he made some changes in later editions, mostly concerning Gollum and the Ring. In the story of the Middle-earth legendarium, The Hobbit as Bilbo's story of his journey and the finding of the Ring, and The Lord of the Rings as Frodo's later additions from the War of the Ring form the Red Book of Westmarch.
Although Tolkien imagined the Hobbit as a tale for his children, the book became popular for children and adults alike.
Plot
Bilbo is idling in front of his semi-underground house when he's accosted by the famous wizard Gandalf, who introduces a group of Dwarves to the "Burglar", as he calls Mr. Baggins. The wizard and his 14 companions set off to recover their stolen treasure from a dragon (Smaug). They encounter trolls and goblins in their travels, and Bilbo finds a golden ring which makes the wearer invisible.
The company is aided by the Elves of Rivendell, enormous Eagles, and a shape-shifting bear-man (Beorn). The are nearly killed by huge spiders and are captured by Wood Elves. Bilbo engineers their escape, and aided by the lake men they climb the Lonely Mountain seeking a way inside to recover their treasure. Bilbo gets a clue from a little bird and dares to confront the dragon. In the end Bilbo returns home laden with sacks of gold and silver. He also finds a mysterious magical ring.
References
- ↑ The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, Houghton Mifflin, 1937.