The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
CHAPTER I: AN UNEXPECTED PARTY
Overview
Gandalf recruits Bilbo Baggins to join Thorin Oakenshield and twelve dwarves on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from Smaug. At Bilbo’s home, the company forms, shares their history, and reveals a secret entrance with map and key. Despite panic and protests, Bilbo is designated their burglar.
Summary
Bilbo Baggins, a respectable hobbit fond of comfort, is startled when Gandalf appears and hints at an adventure. Though Bilbo refuses, Gandalf marks Bilbo’s door. The next day, dwarves arrive in waves—Dwalin, Balin, Fili, Kili, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, and then Bifur, Bofur, Bombur—culminating with Thorin Oakenshield and Gandalf. Bilbo, flustered, hosts the uninvited party.
After food and music, the dwarves sing of the Misty Mountains and lost gold, stirring Bilbo’s latent Tookishness before fear returns. Thorin convenes the meeting, declaring their aim to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its treasure from Smaug. Overwhelmed by talk of peril, Bilbo faints, prompting doubts from Gloin about Bilbo’s suitability.
Stung, Bilbo reenters and asserts himself. Gandalf reveals he marked the door to recruit a fourteenth member and produces Thror’s map and a key entrusted by Thrain. The map shows a hidden side-door into the Mountain. The company debates approaches; Gandalf dismisses using the Front Gate and champions stealth and burglary, naming Bilbo their burglar.
Thorin recounts Erebor’s history: prosperity under Thror, Smaug’s devastating attack, the fall of Dale, and the exiles’ hardships. Gandalf explains recovering the map and key from Thrain in the Necromancer’s dungeons. With the plan centered on the secret door and Bilbo’s role, they decide to start before dawn. The dwarves claim beds; Bilbo, uneasy and doubting, falls asleep to Thorin’s humming of the mountain song.
Who Appears
- Bilbo BagginsComfortable hobbit host; flustered by uninvited dwarves; wavers between fear and Tookish curiosity; ultimately accepted as the company’s burglar.
- GandalfWizard instigator; marks Bilbo’s door; produces Thror’s map and Thrain’s key; insists Bilbo is the right burglar.
- Thorin OakenshieldLeader of the dwarves; recounts Erebor’s fall and vows to reclaim it; accepts the plan to use the secret side-door.
- BalinDwarf elder; early arrival; comments on the map and dragon; supports the planning.
- DwalinFirst dwarf to arrive; helps with hosting tasks; participates in discussion and music.
- FiliYounger dwarf; arrives with Kili; plays music and aids with preparations.
- KiliYounger dwarf; arrives with Fili; observes incoming guests; plays music.
- GloinDwarf who doubts Bilbo’s usefulness; prompts Bilbo’s assertive return.
- DoriDwarf guest; helps clear up; plays music; part of the company.
- NoriDwarf guest; assists with chores; plays music; joins the quest planning.
- OriDwarf guest; assists tidying; plays music; listens to plans.
- OinDwarf guest; partakes in provisions; joins the gathering and plans.
- BifurDwarf guest; arrives with Bofur and Bombur; contributes to music and feasting.
- BofurDwarf guest; orders food cheerfully; plays clarinet during the music.
- BomburVery heavy dwarf; arrives last group; plays drum; part of the company.
- SmaugDragon antagonist in Thorin’s account; usurped Erebor, hoards treasure; target of the quest.
- ThrorThorin’s grandfather; made the map of the Mountain; slain in Moria, his map drives the plan.
- ThrainThorin’s father; gave Gandalf the map and key before perishing in the Necromancer’s dungeons.