The Hobbit: Summary and Analysis

Chapter 1

The novel begins with an introduction to Bilbo and his dwelling. Bilbo is a hobbit, a small, beardless creature with hairy feet who is quite sociable and loves the comforts of home. He is very wealthy and fond of food and clothes. His house is a beautifully furnished hole built into the side of a hill.

Gandalf the wizard pays Bilbo a visit. However, Gandalf reminds Bilbo that he was grandfather’s friend and they had participated in many adventures together. Gandalf informs Bilbo that he is looking for someone to sign up for an adventure he is organising, but Bilbo declines the invitation. He did not want to come across as rude so he invited Gandalf for tea the next day. Before leaving, Gandalf etches a mark on Bilbo’s front door.

The next day, thirteen dwarves along with Gandalf visit Bilbo. Although confused, Bilbo remains hospitable. He provides the dwarves with refreshments.

Thorin, their leader, finally talks about the purpose of their visit: they are undertaking a journey to reclaim their lost treasure from the dragon Smaug, who resides in the Lonely Mountain. They visit Bilbo to add him to their group. Gandalf had misled the group to believe that Bilbo is a burglar and could be useful to the group. Bilbo is sceptical about this adventure, but agrees to join when he overhears the dwarves doubting his abilities.

Thorin then goes on to share some more information about the quest. Gandalf takes out a map made by Thror, Thorin’s grandfather, that shows the location of the treasure. He gives Thorin the key to the secret entrance. Thereafter, Thorin narrates the story of his ancestors, who were wealthy and lived under the Mountain near Dale. Later, Dale was invaded by Smaug, who is now in possession of the entire treasure.

This chapter introduces the reader to the protagonist and the impending adventure, giving a glimpse of the world of fantasy that the novel inhabits. Despite being a fantastical creature, Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, is described in physical and social terms that are relatable. Like most humans, Bilbo enjoys the comforts of home: his food, pipe, and the life of leisure.

The novel is mostly structured around the conflict in Bilbo’s personality. Like his father’s family, he enjoys remaining at home and being comfortable. But, like his mother’s family, there is also an adventurous streak in him. These two different worlds inhabited by Bilbo are often in conflict.

Tolkien ensures that his protagonist is no way “heroic” at the beginning of the novel. Bilbo is an ordinary man who finds himself in extraordinary situations, which push him to become courageous and resourceful. This is an important theme in the novel.

The first chapter also introduces readers to other mythical creatures such as wizards and dwarves. These creatures, too, do not exist in the real work, but Tolkien imbues them with human-like qualities. The details of the lives inhabited by hobbits and dwarves — pipe-smoking, breakfasts of bacon and eggs, tea-time — are akin to a rural, middle-class British lifestyle. Such references add a sense of reality to this fantasy world.