hobbit

This prelude to The Lord of the Rings introduces the reader to the fantasy land of
Middle Earth and the hobbit Bilbo Baggins. Hobbits are smaller than dwarves and have large, furry feet. One fateful day, Bilbo is persuaded by the wizard Gandalf to join thirteen dwarves on a dangerous mission to Lonely Mountain to retrieve the lost treasure of the dwarves now guarded by the wicked dragon Smaug. The dwarves are led by Thorin and include fat Bombur, the ancient Balin, Dori, the youngest members,
Kili and Fili, and Bifur, Bofur, Dwalin, Nori, Ori, Oin, and Gloin. Their journey is filled with adventure and narrow escapes, including being captured by giant goblins called orcs, whom they manage to escape through Gandalf's intervention and the killing of the Great Goblin. At one point, Bilbo becomes lost in a cave and finds a magic ring that will turn its wearer invisible. But Gollum, a slimy pathetic creature who lives in the cave where he survives on raw fish, claims the ring is his and challenges Bilbo to a battle of wits, the winner of which will keep the ring. Bilbo wins the game, but has to escape the enraged Gollum by using the ring.
After Bilbo rejoins the group, they are attacked by a pack of evil wolves called Wargs but are rescued by a band of eagles led by the Lord of the Eagles. After Bilbo saves the dwarves from being eaten by giant spiders, they are taken prisoner by the
Elfenking and his throng of wood elves. Again through Bilbo's ingenuity, a daring escape is effected and the group floats downriver to freedom by hiding in empty wine barrels. Two pleasant respites occur when they visit the hospitable Elrond and, later, Beorn, a gruff woodsman who has the power to change himself into a bear. Their last stop before Lonely Mo...

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...s and ideas. Bilbo possesses a keen intelligence and cleverness that are shown, for example, when he matches Gollum riddle for riddle in an amazing battle of wits. His sincere belief in justice and fair play leads him to act as a mediator between the rival factions who each want part of the dwarves' treasure. When his efforts fail, he is unable to understand how people can be so motivated by greed and selfishness. Bilbo hates war and violence and watches the climactic battle with horror and incredulity.
When he weeps over the death of Thorin, he reveals his sensitive, compassionate nature. Bilbo is a generous and unselfish person who willingly gives away his share of the treasure to help others. Even Thorin, who only grudgingly gives compliments, says
Mr. Baggins “has proved himself a good companion and a hobbit full of courage and resource far exceeding his size.”