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The Hobbit
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Read The Hobbit

The Hobbit (1937) (edit title/settings)

or There and Back Again

by J. R. R. Tolkien (Author) (edit contributors)

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Description edit see section history

Written for Tolkien's own children, The Hobbit met with instant critical acclaim when first published more than sixty years ago. Now recognized as a timeless classic with sales of more than 40 million copies worldwide, this introduction to Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the Wizard, and the spectacular... read more

Summary edit see section history

Gandalf tricks Bilbo into hosting a party for Thorin's band of dwarves, who sing of reclaiming the Lonely Mountain and its vast treasure from the dragon Smaug. When the music ends, Gandalf unveils a map showing a secret door into the Mountain and proposes that the dumbfounded Bilbo serve as... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

Gandalf tricks Bilbo into hosting a party for Thorin's band of dwarves, who sing of reclaiming the Lonely Mountain and its vast treasure from the dragon Smaug. When the music ends, Gandalf unveils a map showing a secret door into the Mountain and proposes that the dumbfounded Bilbo serve as the expedition's "burglar". The dwarves ridicule the idea, but Bilbo, indignant, joins despite himself.

The group travel into the wild, where Gandalf saves the company from trolls and leads them to Rivendell, where Elrond reveals more secrets from the map. Passing over the Misty Mountains, they are caught by goblins and driven deep underground. Although Gandalf rescues them, Bilbo gets separated from the others as they flee the goblins. Lost in the goblin tunnels, he stumbles across a mysterious ring and then encounters Gollum, who engages him in a game of riddles with deadly stakes. With the help of the ring, which confers invisibility, Bilbo escapes and rejoins the dwarves, raising his reputation with them. The goblins and Wargs give chase but the company are saved by eagles before resting in the house of Beorn.

The company enter the black forest of Mirkwood without Gandalf. In Mirkwood, Bilbo first saves the dwarves from giant spiders and then from the dungeons of the Wood-elves. Nearing the Lonely Mountain, the travellers are welcomed by the human inhabitants of Lake-town, who hope the dwarves will fulfil prophecies of Smaug's demise. The expedition travel to the Mountain and find the secret door; Bilbo scouts the dragon's lair, stealing a great cup and learning of a weakness in Smaug's armour. The enraged dragon, deducing that Lake-town has aided the intruder, sets out to destroy the town. A noble thrush who overheard Bilbo's report of Smaug's vulnerability reports it to Bard, who slays the Dragon.

When the dwarves take possession of the mountain, Bilbo finds the Arkenstone, an heirloom of Thorin's dynasty, and steals it. The Wood-elves and Lake-men besiege the Mountain and request compensation for their aid, reparations for Lake-town's destruction, and settlement of old claims on the treasure. Thorin refuses and, having summoned his kin from the mountains of the North, reinforces his position. Bilbo tries to ransom the Arkenstone to head off a war, but Thorin is intransigent. He banishes Bilbo, and battle seems inevitable.

Gandalf reappears to warn all of an approaching army of goblins and Wargs. The dwarves, men, and elves band together, but only with the timely arrival of the eagles and Beorn do they win the climactic Battle of Five Armies. Thorin, on his deathbed from wounds, reconciles with Bilbo. The treasure is divided, but, having little desire for it, Bilbo refuses most of his share. Nevertheless, he returns home wealthy.

Characters edit see section history

  • Bilbo Baggins: The protagonist; A Hobbit perfectly content with his peaceful life who is thrust into an uncomfortable adventure by Gandalf the Gray.
  • Gandalf: A Wizard known to the hobbits for his skills with fireworks. He is brisly on the outside, but has concern for the hobbits. The instigator of the quest, and tricks Bilbo into throwing a party that leads the hobbit to go on the quest.
  • Thorin Oakenshield: Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thráin, son of Thrór, King Under the Mountain. Leader of the Dwarves.
  • Gollum: Gollum is a wretched creature who lives in the roots of the Misty Moutains. He enjoys riddles, and is obsessed with "his birthday present", which turns out to be a stolen magic ring. he used to be a hobbit. Also known as Sméagol.
  • Lord of the Eagles: The lord of an ancient race of intelligent Eagles living in the Misty Mountains.
  • Smaug: Smaug is a cunning dragon who took over the Lonely Mountain and the treasure of Thorin's ancestors. He cleared all the people from the mountain. Smaug has hoarded gold for years.
  • Bard: Man; Descendant of Girion, Lord of Dale. Prophesied floods and poisoned fish.
  • Elrond: Called Elrond Halfelven; an Elf with part human blood, keeper of Rivendell.
  • Beorn: A Man living in a hall east of the Misty Mountains; a skin-changer with a deep enmity for Goblins and Wargs. Can turn into a bear.
  • The Great Goblin: The lord of the Goblins living in the Misty Mountains.
  • Roac: Son of Carc; A Raven.
  • Dain: Son of Nain; a Dwarf. (Not on the quest)
  • Radagast: Gandalf's fellow Wizard; known as "Radagast the Brown"; concerned more for birds and beasts than for people.
  • Old Took: Bilbo Baggins' grandfather. Head of the Hobbits who lived across The Water. The Took clan was said to not be very Hobbit-like, because every once in a while they would go off and have adventures.
  • Dwalin: A Dwarf. He wears a green hood. Brother of Balin
  • Balin: A Dwarf. Wears a red hood. Brother of Dwalin
  • Kili: One of a set of twin Dwarves; wears a blue hood. Brother of Fili. He & his brother are the fastest and youngest dwarves. He is the youngest of the Dwarves is brother is older.
  • Fili: One of a set of twin Dwarves; wears a blue hood. Brother of Kili. He & his brother are the strongest and fastest dwarves.
  • Dori: A Dwarf. He wears a purple hood. Brother of Nori and Ori.
  • Nori: A Dwarf; he wears a purple hood. Brother of Ori and Dori
  • Ori: A Dwarf. He wears a gray hood. Dori and Nori's brother
  • Oin: A Dwarf. Wears a brown hood.
  • Gloin: A Dwarf. He wears a white hood.
  • Bifur: A Dwarf. He wears a yellow hood. Cousin of Bofur and Bombur
  • Bofur: A Dwarf. He also wears a yellow hood.
  • Bombur: A Dwarf. He wears a pale green hood. He's the fattest dwarf in the group. Brother of Bofur and cousin of Bifur. He is also very lazy.
  • Thror: Dwarf; Thorin's grandfather. Made a map of the Lonely Mountain.
  • Thrain: Dwarf; Thorin's father, who discovered the wealth of the Lonely Mountain, and became King under the Mountain before the invasion of Smaug. Later became a prisoner in the dungeons of the Necromancer.
  • Azog: Goblin; killed Thror in the mines of Moria.
  • Bert: A Troll living in the Wilderland west of Rivendell.
  • Tom: A Troll living in the Wilderland west of Rivendell.
  • William: A Troll living in the Wilderland west of Rivendell.
  • Durin: Patriarch of the Longbears, the oldest family of the Dwarves.
  • Dark Lord Sauron: An evil sorcerer and creator of the magic ring. He wants to rid the world of men and replace the men with his creepy little monsters of evil.
Show all 34 characters
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Quotes edit see section history

  • “You are a fine person, Mr. Baggins ... but you are only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all!”
    Gandalf
  • “Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?”
    Gandalf
  • “Now it is a strange thing, but things that are good to have and days that are good to spend are soon told about and not much to listen to; while things that are uncomfortable palpitating, and even gruesome, may make a good tale, and take a deal of telling anyway.”
  • “There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something....You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after.”
  • “Now goblins are cruel, wicked, and bad-hearted. They make no beautiful things, but they make many clever ones....It is not unlikely that they invented some of the machines that have since troubled the world, especially the ingenious devices for killing large numbers of people at once, for wheels and engines and explosions always delighted them, and also not working with their own hands more than they could help; but in those days and those wild parts they had not advanced (as it is called) so far.”
  • “What shall we do, what shall we do! Escaping goblins to be caught by wolves!” he said, and it became a proverb, though we now say “out of the frying-pan into the fire” in the same sort of uncomfortable situations.”
    Bilbo Baggins
  • “I am like a burglar that can't get away, but must go on miserably burgling the same house day after day.”
    Bilbo Baggins
  • “To say that Bilbo's breath was taken away is no description at all. There are no words left to express his staggerment, since Men changed the language that they learned of elves in the days when all the world was wonderful.”
  • “His <Smaug's> rage passes description -- the sort of rage that is only seen when rich folk that have more than they can enjoy suddenly lose something that they have long had but never before used or wanted.”
  • “It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.”

Setting & Locations edit see section history

Whole story takes place in Middle-Earth, a fictional world that J. R. R. Tolkien created.
  • The Shire: The land of the Hobbits, in the Northwest of Middle-earth.
  • Hobbiton: A Hobbit town in the Shire.
  • Bag End: The Hobbit hole of Mr. Bilbo Baggins, in Hobbiton, build by his father
  • Trollshaws: A wild land west of Rivendell, inhabited by Trolls.
  • Rivendell: The hidden house of Elrond in a valley near the Misty Mountains.
  • The Misty Mountains: The mountain range which splits western and eastern Middle-earth; inhabited by Goblins and Wargs (wolves).
  • Carrock: Sometimes called The Carrock; a high hill by the Great River, and a meeting place of Beorn the shape changer
  • Mirkwood Forest: A dark, gloomy forest where many evil things dwell. Also the home of the Wood Elves. Far to the south, Mirkwood also holds the stronghold of the Necromancer.
  • River-town: The town of the Men living in the shadow of the Lonely Mountain. The River-town is also called Esgaroth.
  • The Lonely Mountain: Erebor; former home of the Kingdom under the Mountain, a delving-place of the Dwarves. Now inhabited by the dragon Smaug.
  • Forest River: If you fall in appearently you go into a short coma for a few weeks then when you wake up you lose part of your memory.
  • Running River: A river from the lonely mountain that goes to long lake.
  • Long Lake: Esgaroth also known as lake-town is built on top of this lake.
  • Beorn's House: The home of Beorn
  • Palace of the Elf King: The palace of the mighty Elf King. Located in Mirkwood. Where Bilbo helps the dwarves escape in wine barrels.
Show all 15 settings

First Sentence edit see section history

In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.

Table of Contents edit see section history

Foreword

I. An Unexpected Party
II. Roast Mutton
III. A Short Rest
IV. Over Hill and Under Hill
V. Riddles in the Dark
VI. Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire
VII. Queer Lodgings
VIII. Flies and Spiders
IX. Barrels Out of Bond
X. A Warm Welcome
XI. On the Doorstep
XII. Inside Information
XIII. Not at Home
XIV, Fire and Water
XV. The Gathering of the Clouds
XVI. A Thief in the Night
XVII. The Clouds Burst
XVIII. The Return Journey
XIX. The Last Stage

Glossary edit see section history

  • Prosy: adj. pros·i·er, pros·i·est1. Matter-of-fact and dry; prosaic.2. Dull; commonplace.
  • Larder: Pantry; a place where food is stored.
  • Flummoxed: Confused.
  • Confusticate: Flabbergast; a word invented by Tolkien.
  • Crock: A stoneware pot.
  • Fells: Often used to describe a hilly or mountainous region.
  • Ere: A poetic word for "before."
  • Fender: An oblong or triangular shield of leather attached to the stirrup leather of a saddle to protect the rider's legs.
  • Bannock: A flat cake made of oatmeal, barley-meal, or the like, commonly cooked on a griddle.
  • Quaff: (verb) To drink copiously and heartily. Particularly in reference to intoxicating beverages.
  • Chestnut: An old, well-known riddle or saying.
  • Furrier: A fur dealer; one who makes, repairs, or cleans fur garments.
  • Tippet: A fur shoulder cape, often with hanging ends.
  • Mould: Loose earth, rich in organic matter and favorable to the growth of plants.
  • Hart: A male red deer, usually over five years old.
  • Painter: A rope, usually at the bow, for fastening a boat to a ship, stake, etc.
  • Hind: A female red deer.
  • Attercop: A spider.
  • Cob: Another word for spider.
  • Gloaming: Twilight. The time after sunset and before dark.
  • Mere: A lake or pool.
  • Kine: Cattle; domesticated bovine animals as a group, regardless of sex or age.
  • Draggled: (adj) Having been soiled by dragging over damp ground or in the mud. Or (verb) to make limp and soiled as with wet and dirt.
  • Lintel: A horizontal timber or stone above a door or other opening, to support the structure above.
  • Glede: A live or burning coal; a fire or flame, cinders or coke.
  • Hauberk: A piece of armor originally intended for the protection of the neck and shoulders, but early developed into a long coat of mail reaching below the knees.
  • Mattock: A kind of pick with an arm or blade like that of an adz, and commonly with another arm opposite either like a narrow ax-blade or terminating in a point.
  • Scimitar: A backsword or sabre with a curved blade.
  • Braces: Suspenders; straps hung over the shoulders to hold up pants.
  • Conies: Rabbits.
  • Eyrie: A bird's nest on a cliff or mountaintop.
  • Fortnight: A period of two weeks.
  • Gammer: An old woman
  • Larch: A deciduous tree of the pine family.
  • Muff: a warm tubular covering for the hands.
  • Necromancer: A magician, especially one who deals with the spirits of the dead.
  • Parley: An exercise in diplomacy; a talk with the goal of resolving conflict.
  • Porticullis: An iron grating hung over a gateway and lowered between grooves to prevent passage.
  • Porter: A person who carries burdens or baggage or guards a door.
  • Promontory: A high point of land or rock projecting into water or over lowland.
  • Quay: A dock or landing place on a waterway.
  • Quoits: A game in which a ring of iron or rope is thrown at an upright pin; similar to the game of pitching horseshoes.
Show all 42 glossary entries

Themes & Symbolism edit see section history

  • Domesticity vs. the Wild: Describe this theme.
  • Gold Lust: An overwhelmingly strong desire or want for gold, money, wealth.
  • Vengeance: Punishment inflicted in retaliation for an injury or offense: retribution. Also can mean an action done with great force or to an extreme degree.
  • Self-discovery: Bilbo, the main character starts out as a very inept addition to the party. However, by the end of the the story, Bilbo has recognized his own strengths, and becomes a very important member of the party.

Errata edit see section history

p. 47 – Also he would have liked to have a few private words with with these people that seemed to know his NAME and all about him, although he had never seen them before.

p. 53 – It was a hard path and a dangerous path, a crooked way and a lonely and a long WAY.

p. 101 – Loud CRIES TO the Lord of the Eagles, to whom Gandalf had now spoken.

Series & Lists edit see section history

This is book 467 of 986 in 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up. (authoritative list)

Preceded by The Family from One End Street, and followed by The Red Pony.

This is book 19 of 94 in Whitcoulls Top 100 (2011). (authoritative list)

Preceded by Open, and followed by Power of One.

This book is in Random Synapses: 100 Book Reading Challenge (2011). (community list)
This is book 38 of 96 in The Art of Manliness' Essential Man’s Library. (authoritative list)

Preceded by The Divine Comedy, and followed by The Rough Riders.

This is book 24 of 195 in Shelfari Most Popular (June 2011). (authoritative list)

Preceded by The Time Traveler's Wife, and followed by 1984.

Preceded by A Kestrel for a Knave, and followed by War Horse.

This book is in 100 Fantabulous Book Challenge. (community list)
This is book 6 of 157 in Fantasy Book Review Top 100 fantasy books of all time. (community list)

Preceded by Mistborn, and followed by Ship of Magic.

This book is in 100 One-Night Reads: A Book Lover's Guide. (authoritative list)
This is book 23 of 194 in Shelfari Most Popular (December 2010). (authoritative list)

Preceded by The Time Traveler's Wife, and followed by 1984.

This book is in Best Fantasy Books. (community list)
This is book 36 of 214 in Best English-Language Fiction of the 20th Century. (authoritative list)

Preceded by Ethan Frome, and followed by One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

This is book 23 of 195 in Shelfari Most Popular (June 2010). (authoritative list)

Preceded by The Time Traveler's Wife, and followed by 1984.

This is book 16 of 95 in Telegraph Top 100 Books, 2008. (authoritative list)

Preceded by Rebecca, and followed by Birdsong.

This is book 19 of 96 in Waterstone's Top 100 Books of the 20th Century. (authoritative list)

Preceded by The Color Purple, and followed by The Stranger.

This is book 25 of 196 in BBC 'Big Read' Top 200 Novels, 2003. (authoritative list)

Preceded by Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and followed by Tess of the D'Urbervilles.

This is book 610 of 1271 in 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die. (authoritative list)

Preceded by Their Eyes Were Watching God , and followed by The Years.

This book is in Guardian 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read. (authoritative list)
This is book 24 of 195 in Shelfari Most Popular (December 2011). (authoritative list)

Preceded by Water for Elephants, and followed by 1984.

This is book 3 of 3 in The History of the Hobbit. (standard series)

Preceded by Return to Bag-End.

This is book 14 of 26 in Middle-Earth. (universe)

Preceded by The Silmarillion, and followed by The Fellowship of the Ring.

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

  1. J. R. R. Tolkien (Author)

Other Contributors:

  1. Brian Sibley (Author)
  2. John Howe
  3. Alan Lee (Illustrator)
  4. Michael Hague (Illustrator)
  5. Peter S. Beagle (Introduction)
  6. Dušan Ogrizek (Translator)
  7. N. Rakhmanova (Translator) - Russian
  8. Douglas A. Anderson (Introduction)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: George Allen & Unwin
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Date: 1937
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: 310

Classification edit see section history

  • Library of Congress: PZ7.T5744 H0
  • Dewey: 823.912

Notes for Parents edit see section history

Reading Level: Young Adults

Fantasy adventure suitable for children ages 10 and older.

Links to Supplemental Material edit see section history

More Books Like This edit see section history

   
  • The Fellowship of the Ring
  • The Two Towers
  • The Return of the King
  • The Chronicles of Narnia
  • The Silmarillion
  • The Sword of Shannara Trilogy
  • Fiji

Books with Additional Background Information edit see section history

   
  • Mr. Baggins
  • Return to Bag-End
  • Tolkien's Ring
  • The Hobbit
  • A Guide for Using The Hobbit in the Classroom
  • Cliff's Notes on Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit

Books That Influenced This Book edit see section history

   
  • The Princess and the Goblin
  • The Marvellous Land of Snergs

Books Influenced by This Book edit see section history

   
  • The Hobbit
  • The Hobbit
  • The Lord of the Rings
  • Wrush: The Secret Worlds Of Tabetha Bright
  • The Last Legend

Books That Cite This Book edit see section history

   
  • Black Swan Green
  • Connecting Young Adults And Libraries: A How-to-Do-It Manual For Librarians (How-to-Do-It Manuals for Libraries, No. 133) (How-to-Do-It Manuals for Libraries, No. 133.)

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