Summary of “The Hobbit”
In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, the protagonist Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who enjoys a quiet and unadventurous life, is unexpectedly thrust into a perilous journey. Gandalf, a wise wizard, recruits Bilbo to join a group of thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. Their quest is to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its vast treasure from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Initially reluctant, Bilbo gradually proves his courage and resourcefulness as they encounter trolls, goblins, giant spiders, and more. The central conflict revolves around the group’s efforts to reach the mountain, confront Smaug, and reclaim Thorin’s birthright while Bilbo battles his own insecurities and adapts to the role of a hero. The group’s journey is marked by a series of challenges that test their unity and resolve.
The climax occurs when Bilbo outwits Smaug, leading to the dragon’s wrathful attack on the nearby Lake-town, which results in his downfall. However, this victory ignites a new conflict over the treasure, as multiple factions—dwarves, elves, and men—prepare for war. The situation culminates in the Battle of the Five Armies, where the arrival of goblins and wargs forces the divided groups to unite against a common enemy. In the end, Thorin redeems himself, but dies from his wounds, leaving Bilbo to return home, forever changed by the adventure. The novel concludes with Bilbo resuming his peaceful life, but with a newfound appreciation for the world beyond the Shire.
