The Lord of the Rings, #1
The Fellowship of the Ring
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
CHAPTER 1: A LONG-EXPECTED PARTY
Overview
Bilbo throws a grand joint birthday with Frodo, then uses his magic ring to vanish and secretly depart the Shire. In private, Gandalf pressures Bilbo to leave the Ring to Frodo, exposing Bilbo’s growing attachment.
After Bilbo leaves, Frodo inherits Bag End and the Ring, endures grasping relatives, and receives Gandalf’s warning to keep the Ring secret and safe.
Summary
Hobbiton buzzes as Bilbo Baggins plans a magnificent joint birthday with his heir Frodo. At The Ivy Bush, the Gaffer recalls Bilbo’s past and Frodo’s Brandybuck ties, while locals gossip about treasure and queer visitors like dwarves and Gandalf. Preparations swell: invitations flood the Shire, tents rise, and Gandalf arrives with fireworks.
On September 22, the party delivers games, feasts, and Gandalf’s dazzling display. At the family supper, Bilbo’s speech turns startling: after praising and puzzling his guests, he announces his departure and slips on his golden ring, vanishing in a flash. Most dismiss it as a prank; Frodo, in on the plan, is troubled.
Bilbo hurries home, changes into travel gear, and prepares to leave the Ring for Frodo. Gandalf confronts Bilbo about the Ring’s hold; Bilbo grows possessive, calling it “my Precious,” but is talked down and finally relinquishes it, then departs into the night with three dwarves.
Frodo returns to find Gandalf, receives the packet with the will and the Ring, and becomes master of Bag End. The following day, labeled gifts are distributed amid chaos and opportunism. Otho and Lobelia Sackville-Baggins arrive angry; the will is unassailable, and Lobelia is escorted out with purloined trinkets retrieved.
Gandalf warns Frodo to keep the Ring secret and safe and to avoid using it. Hinting at wider concerns, he departs abruptly to investigate, leaving Frodo to settle into his inheritance and uncertainty about Bilbo’s fate.
Who Appears
- Bilbo BagginsHost of the grand birthday; uses the Ring to vanish; struggles to surrender it; departs the Shire.
- Frodo BagginsBilbo’s heir; comes of age; inherits Bag End and the Ring; manages chaotic aftermath; warned to keep it secret.
- GandalfBrings fireworks; engineers the diversion; confronts Bilbo’s attachment to the Ring; cautions Frodo; leaves to investigate.
- Lobelia Sackville-BagginsAggrieved relative; covets Bag End; argues with Frodo; caught with pilfered items; leaves vowing resentment.
- Otho Sackville-BagginsWould-be heir; demands the will; thwarted by its legality; departs in anger.
- Hamfast 'Gaffer' GamgeeGardener; public voice on Bilbo and Frodo’s histories; receives parting gifts; skeptical of gossip.
- Sam GamgeeGaffer’s son; gardener; admirer of Bilbo’s stories; spreads party rumors; close to Bag End.
- Meriadoc (Merry) BrandybuckFrodo’s friend; helps manage the house; politely stonewalls the Sackville-Bagginses.
- Rory BrandybuckPerceptive elder; suspects Bilbo has truly left despite others’ disbelief.
- Old NoakesLocal gossip at The Ivy Bush; prompts talk about Frodo’s Brandybuck ties.
- Daddy TwofootNeighbour who disparages Bucklanders; joins pub chatter about Bilbo and Frodo.
- Ted SandymanThe miller; spreads rumors about Bilbo’s wealth and queer visitors; irks the Gaffer.