“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.”
Chapter 1: An Unexpected Party
Bilbo Baggins, a respectable hobbit, is visited by the wizard Gandalf and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. They recruit him as a burglar for their quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its treasure from the dragon Smaug. Reluctantly, Bilbo joins the adventure.
Chapter 2: Roast Mutton
The company sets off, but Bilbo regrets his hasty decision. They encounter trolls who capture them, but Gandalf outwits the trolls, turning them to stone. The group finds elven blades in the trolls’ hoard, including Sting, which Bilbo later claims.
Chapter 3: A Short Rest
The travelers reach Rivendell, home of the elves. Elrond, the wise elf-lord, deciphers the moon-letters on Thorin’s map, revealing a secret entrance to the Lonely Mountain. The company rests before continuing their journey.
Chapter 4: Over Hill and Under Hill
Crossing the Misty Mountains, the group is captured by goblins. Bilbo gets separated during the escape and finds a mysterious ring in the tunnels. He meets Gollum, a twisted creature, and wins a riddle contest, using the ring’s invisibility to flee.
Chapter 5: Riddles in the Dark
Bilbo’s encounter with Gollum is a battle of wits. He discovers the ring’s power of invisibility and escapes, rejoining the dwarves. The ring later becomes central to Tolkien’s wider legendarium.
Chapter 6: Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire
The company evades goblins and wargs but is treed by wolves. Eagles rescue them, carrying them to safety. They rest at the home of Beorn, a shape-shifting man who aids them.
Chapter 7: Queer Lodgings
Beorn provides supplies and sends them to Mirkwood, warning them to stay on the path. Gandalf departs, leaving the dwarves and Bilbo to face the forest alone.
Chapter 8: Flies and Spiders
In Mirkwood, the company is ensnared by giant spiders. Bilbo, invisible with his ring, rescues them, proving his bravery. However, the dwarves are soon captured by wood-elves.
Chapter 9: Barrels Out of Bond
Bilbo devises a plan to free the dwarves by hiding them in barrels floated down the river. They escape the elves and reach Lake-town, a human settlement near the Lonely Mountain.
Chapter 10: A Warm Welcome
The people of Lake-town welcome Thorin as the returning king under the mountain. The company prepares for the final leg of their journey.
Chapter 11: On the Doorstep
They find the secret door but struggle to open it. As the last light of Durin’s Day fades, Bilbo discovers the keyhole, and the door is unlocked.
Chapter 12: Inside Information
Bilbo enters the mountain alone, confronting Smaug. He steals a golden cup and later engages the dragon in conversation, noticing a weak spot in Smaug’s armor. Enraged, Smaug attacks the mountainside.
Chapter 13: Not at Home
While Smaug is away, the dwarves explore the treasure. Bilbo takes the Arkenstone, a prized heirloom, but keeps it secret. Smaug, meanwhile, attacks Lake-town.
Chapter 14: Fire and Water
Smaug destroys Lake-town but is slain by Bard, a descendant of Girion. The humans and elves march to the mountain, demanding a share of the treasure.
Chapter 15: The Gathering of the Clouds
Thorin refuses to share the treasure, fortifying the mountain. Dwarven reinforcements arrive, and tensions escalate toward war.
Chapter 16: A Thief in the Night
Bilbo gives the Arkenstone to Bard and the elves to use as leverage. Thorin is furious, but Gandalf intervenes, warning of an approaching goblin army.
Chapter 17: The Clouds Burst
The Battle of Five Armies erupts—dwarves, elves, and men unite against goblins and wargs. Thorin is mortally wounded, but the allies prevail with the help of eagles and Beorn.
Chapter 18: The Return Journey
Bilbo, having played a crucial role, begins his journey home with Gandalf. Thorin’s kin inherit the mountain, and peace is restored.
Chapter 19: The Last Stage
Bilbo returns to the Shire, finding his belongings auctioned off. Though richer and wiser, he remains an outsider among hobbits, forever changed by his adventure.
Key Ideas
- Heroism can emerge from the unlikeliest individuals.
- Greed leads to conflict, but cooperation brings victory.
- Adventure transforms one’s perspective on life.
- The power of cunning over brute strength.
- Loyalty and friendship are more valuable than treasure.
Notable Adaptations
| Year | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Animated Film | Rankin/Bass TV adaptation. |
| 2001-2003 | Lord of the Rings Films | Peter Jackson’s trilogy references Bilbo’s journey. |
| 2012-2014 | The Hobbit Trilogy | Peter Jackson’s expanded film adaptation. |
Who should read this book?
- Fantasy lovers seeking a classic adventure.
- Readers who enjoy rich world-building and mythology.
- Those who appreciate tales of personal growth.