TL;DR
Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, embarks on an unexpected adventure with dwarves and the wizard Gandalf to reclaim a treasure guarded by the dragon Smaug.
What is The Hobbit about
'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien is a fantasy novel that serves as a prelude to the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. It follows Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit, who is thrust into an adventure with Gandalf and thirteen dwarves to reclaim a treasure from the dragon Smaug. Written for Tolkien's children, the book has become a modern classic and explores themes of bravery, friendship, and the heroism found in unlikely places.
The Hobbit 6 Key Takeaways
Bilbo's peaceful life is disrupted.
Bilbo Baggins is a content hobbit who enjoys the comforts of home until Gandalf and a group of dwarves arrive, setting him on a reluctant adventure.
The journey to the Lonely Mountain.
Bilbo, Gandalf, and the dwarves set out to reclaim the treasure from Smaug, encountering trolls, goblins, and other dangers along the way.
Bilbo finds a magic ring.
In a dark cave, Bilbo encounters Gollum and discovers a magic ring that grants him invisibility, a pivotal find for his future adventures.
The confrontation with Smaug.
The group reaches the Lonely Mountain, and Bilbo confronts Smaug, using his cunning to learn the dragon's weaknesses.
The Battle of Five Armies.
Smaug is killed, leading to a battle over his hoard among various factions, where Bilbo plays a crucial role in resolving conflicts.
Bilbo returns home.
After the battle, Bilbo returns to the Shire, forever changed by his experiences and the possession of the magic ring.
Top The Hobbit Quotes
- 'In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.'
- 'So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their ending.'
Who should read The Hobbit?
'The Hobbit' is perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy, adventure, and richly developed worlds. Both younger readers and adults can appreciate its themes of courage and friendship.
The Hobbit Best Reviews
- 'A flawless masterpiece' - The Times
- 'One of the best-loved stories of all time' - The New York Times
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The Hobbit FAQs
What grade level is 'The Hobbit' for?
Scholastic rates 'The Hobbit' at a 6.6 grade-level equivalency (11 years old) and a Lexile level of 1000L.
Is 'The Hobbit' 1 or 3 books?
The book is published as one text, but it was divided into three parts for the film adaptation by Peter Jackson.
Do I read 'The Hobbit' first or last?
It is recommended to read 'The Hobbit' first as it is less complex compared to 'The Lord of the Rings.'