The Hobbit

Main thing

The Hobbit is a fantasy novel written by J.R.R. Tolkien, published in 1937. It tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who embarks on a journey with a group of dwarves and the wizard Gandalf to reclaim the dwarves' treasure from the dragon Smaug.

The story takes place in Middle-earth, a fictional world created by Tolkien. Bilbo, a peaceful hobbit, is recruited by Gandalf to join the dwarves on their quest. Throughout the journey, they encounter various challenges and creatures, such as trolls, goblins, and elves. Bilbo finds a magical ring that grants him invisibility, which proves to be crucial in their adventures.

As the story progresses, Bilbo grows as a character, becoming braver and more resourceful. He plays a key role in helping the dwarves reclaim their homeland, the Lonely Mountain, from Smaug. The novel also introduces the character of Gollum and the One Ring, which becomes central to the plot of Tolkien's later work, The Lord of the Rings.

The Hobbit explores themes such as hospitality, loyalty, courage, and the consequences of greed. The story highlights the importance of showing kindness and generosity to strangers, as well as the value of friendship and standing by one's companions in times of need.

The Hobbit is a beloved classic that has captivated readers of all ages with its imaginative world-building, memorable characters, and themes of courage, friendship, and personal growth.

Terms

• Hobbit - a small, peaceful creature with hairy feet who lives in underground homes called hobbit-holes. Example: Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a quiet life in his cozy hobbit-hole.

• Middle-earth - the fictional world created by J.R.R. Tolkien where the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings take place. Example: Middle-earth is inhabited by various races, such as hobbits, dwarves, elves, and men.

• Gandalf - a powerful wizard who guides and assists Bilbo and the dwarves on their quest. Example: Gandalf uses his wisdom and magic to help the group overcome obstacles during their journey.

• Smaug - a fearsome dragon who has taken over the Lonely Mountain and guards the dwarves' treasure. Example: Smaug's presence in the Lonely Mountain prevents the dwarves from reclaiming their homeland.

• Fantasy - a genre of fiction involving magical and supernatural elements, often set in an imaginary world. Example: The Hobbit is a classic work of fantasy literature, featuring wizards, dragons, and other fantastical creatures.

• J.R.R. Tolkien - the author who created the world of Middle-earth and wrote The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Example: J.R.R. Tolkien's works have had a profound influence on the fantasy genre.

An analogy

The Hobbit can be compared to a person's journey of self-discovery and personal growth, where they face challenges and obstacles that push them to develop new skills and qualities. Just as Bilbo leaves his comfortable life to embark on an adventure, individuals often find themselves in situations that require them to step out of their comfort zones and adapt to new circumstances.

A main misconception

A common misconception about The Hobbit is that it is a children's book due to its lighter tone and shorter length compared to The Lord of the Rings. However, while the novel is accessible to younger readers, it contains complex themes and ideas that appeal to adults as well. The story explores concepts such as loyalty, bravery, and the consequences of greed, making it a valuable read for all ages.

The history

1. 1930s: J.R.R. Tolkien begins writing The Hobbit as a bedtime story for his children.

2. 1936: Tolkien submits the manuscript to the publisher George Allen & Unwin.

3. 1937: The Hobbit is published on September 21 in the United Kingdom.

4. 1938: The novel is published in the United States by Houghton Mifflin.

5. 1951: Tolkien's publisher requests a sequel, leading to the creation of The Lord of the Rings.

6. 1960s-1970s: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings gain popularity in the United States during the counterculture movement.

7. 1977: An animated adaptation of The Hobbit is released by Rankin/Bass Productions.

8. 2012-2014: Peter Jackson directs a three-part live-action film adaptation of The Hobbit.

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." - Gandalf, a quote from The Fellowship of the Ring, part of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Gandalf is a wise and powerful wizard who guides the characters in Tolkien's works, and his words often inspire courage and hope in the face of adversity.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. A person facing a difficult challenge or decision in their life can draw inspiration from Bilbo's journey. By reflecting on how Bilbo overcame his fears and doubts to accomplish his quest, they can find the courage and determination to tackle their own obstacles.

2. A team or group working on a project can apply the lessons of loyalty and friendship from The Hobbit. By supporting and encouraging one another, even in the face of setbacks, they can foster a strong sense of camaraderie and increase their chances of success.

3. An individual struggling with greed or materialism can learn from the cautionary tale of Smaug and the dwarves' obsession with their treasure. They can reflect on the importance of prioritizing relationships, experiences, and personal growth over the accumulation of wealth and possessions.

Interesting facts

• The Hobbit was originally written as a bedtime story for J.R.R. Tolkien's children.

• Tolkien's original illustrations for the novel included a detailed map of Thror's map, which was reproduced in early editions of the book.

• The first edition of The Hobbit had a print run of only 1,500 copies, which quickly sold out due to positive reviews.

• In the first edition, Gollum willingly bets his ring in the riddle game with Bilbo. This was later changed in the second edition to align with the ring's darker nature in The Lord of the Rings.

• The Hobbit has been translated into over 60 languages, including Esperanto and Latin.