Hondana
The Hobbit
By J.R.R. Tolkien
Description
J.R.R. Tolkien's classic prelude to his Lord of the Rings trilogy...
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure. They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum.
Written for J.R.R. Tolkien's own children, The Hobbit has sold many millions of copies worldwide and established itself as a modern classic.
Summary by AI
Authors' Background
- J.R.R. Tolkien was a renowned English writer, poet, philologist, and academic. He is best known as the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien was a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University and had a deep interest in mythology, languages, and folklore, which heavily influenced his writing.
Main Theme
- The main theme of The Hobbit is a coming-of-age story and a quest for adventure. It explores themes of courage, friendship, greed, and the corrupting influence of power. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is thrust into an unexpected journey to help a company of dwarves reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug.
Key Points
- The Unexpected Journey: Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit, is recruited by the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves to participate in a quest.
- The Quest for Treasure: The dwarves aim to reclaim their ancestral treasure, which is guarded by the dragon Smaug in the Lonely Mountain.
- Encounters and Challenges: The company faces numerous challenges, including goblins, trolls, giant spiders, and the dragon Smaug.
- The Discovery of the Ring: Bilbo finds a magic ring that grants invisibility, which plays a crucial role in his survival and the success of the quest.
- The Battle of Five Armies: The climax of the story involves a large-scale battle between various factions, including dwarves, elves, men, and goblins.
- Return Home: Bilbo returns to the Shire, changed by his experiences, and wiser.
Reputation of the Book
- Good: The Hobbit is widely praised for its engaging storytelling, imaginative world-building, and memorable characters. It is considered a classic of children's literature and a foundational work in the fantasy genre. It is loved for its humor, adventure, and the creation of a rich and detailed world.
- Bad: Some criticisms include the pacing, which can be slow at times, and the simplistic nature of some of the characters compared to Tolkien's later works.
Who Should Read It
- Readers of all ages, especially those who enjoy fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age stories.
- Fans of The Lord of the Rings who want to explore the world of Middle-earth further.
- Anyone looking for an engaging and imaginative read.
Similar Books
- The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
- The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis
- Eragon by Christopher Paolini
- The Princess Bride by William Goldman