The Hobbit

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien

Basic plot: It is the prequel of the lord of the rings,

Gandalf sets up a quest for the 13 dwarves to

reclaim their treasure-filled mountain---Erebor,

which is guarded by Smaug the dragon. But they

need a burglar, the dwarves end up with Bilbo, a

hobbit.

In the misty mountains, Bilbo finds a ring… an

event that changed the fate of Middle Earth.

Important chapter: Riddles in the dark (Chapter 5)

This chapter is absolutely pivotal, not only for Bilbo

("It was a turning point in his career..."), who was

able to fulfill his role as a burglar because of the

ring, which was given a focal point for the events

of the Third Age, His life was changed as a result,

some things for the better, such as increased

finances later on, and some things for the worse,

as far as his personal privacy was concerned.

On a side note, the title of this chapter made it

into the LotR movie, as one of the phrases Gandalf

muttered to himself in Bag End.

Though Bilbo is completely out of the picture

concerning his quest and companions, we see him

growing into the person he is to become. The

Elvish blade provides both light and defense,

helping him take an active role, and his decision to

go forward is brave!

He (and the readers) meets Gollum here. Do you

remember your impressions of him the first time

you read the book? Did he scare you? Did any of

you read the original version of this chapter first,

the one that was published before it was revised to

fit in with LotR? Perhaps those of you who have a

copy of the original

version can briefly

summarize the

differences for us. One

question that occurred

to me - was Bilbo foolish

to name his real name in

a situation like this?

What do you think of the riddle contest? What

about Gollum's promise if Bilbo won? It's lucky for

Bilbo that Gollum has developed the habit of

talking to himself, thereby giving the hobbit some

important information about the ring.

Then comes what is perhaps the most important

part - Bilbo's pity and understanding for Gollum.

This has an enormous effect on the later story of

the LotR. He escapes both Gollum's and the

goblins' attacks, though not without a sacrifice - his

brass

buttons!