The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, A Quick Book Summary
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien is a timeless classic that has captivated readers for generations. Give your child a taste of the adventure that awaits them by sharing this book summary and encouraging them to read The Hobbit in its entirety.
This fantasy novel tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a respectable hobbit who lives a quiet life in his cozy home at Bag End. The book follows the adventures of Bilbo and a group of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield, as they journey through Middle Earth to reclaim their ancestral home from the fearsome dragon Smaug.
“We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things. Make you late for dinner! I can’t think what anybody sees in them. ”
The Plot: What is The Hobbit about?
The story of The Hobbit begins when Bilbo is visited by the wizard Gandalf and a company of thirteen dwarves who unexpectedly arrive at his doorstep. They persuade him to join them on an adventure to reclaim their ancestral home, the Lonely Mountain, from the dragon Smaug. The group sets out on an unexpected journey that takes them through the Misty Mountains and through the dark and dangerous Mirkwood forest, where they encounter giant spiders and wild wolves. They encounter a group of wood-elves before passing through the Goblin tunnels, then engage in a game of riddles with Gollum, who possesses a magical ring that Bilbo later acquires.
The group eventually arrives at Lake-town and plans their attack on Smaug’s lair on the side of the Lonely Mountain. Bilbo discovers a secret entrance to Smaug’s cave and sneaks in undetected and using his wits and the magic ring to rescue the group from the goblins. Bilbo engages in a riddle game with Smaug and discovers his weak spot which allows Bard the Bowman to defeat the dragon with the last arrow in his quiver. The battle with Smaug is climactic and intense, but the group is ultimately successful in defeating the evil dragon.
After defeating Smaug, the group faces a new challenge when a large army of goblins attacks them. They are saved by the arrival of the Lord of the Eagles and his army, and they all make their way back to the Lonely Mountain. The dwarves and the people of Lake-town have a disagreement over the treasure that was stolen by Smaug, but Bilbo helps negotiate peace and ensures the dwarves can remain in their home. He then returns home to the Shire, having found adventure and purpose beyond his simple hobbit life.
RELATED: Check out these book-themed activities for Hobbit to extend the reading fun!
The Main Characters: Who are they and what are they like?
The story of Bilbo Baggins begins with an unexpected journey that he undertakes with a group of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield.
Bilbo Baggins is the protagonist of the story, a reluctant hero who is convinced by the wizard Gandalf to join the group of dwarves on their quest to reclaim their ancestral home. Bilbo is a small and unassuming hobbit who is content with his peaceful life, but his journey changes him in unexpected ways. He learns to be brave and resourceful, and his wit and intelligence save the group on several occasions.
Gandalf is a wizard who serves as a mentor and guide to the group. He is wise and powerful, but also mischievous and unpredictable. Gandalf is a key player in the story, using his magical powers to help the group when they are in trouble.
Thorin Oakenshield is the leader of the dwarves. He is proud, stubborn, and distrustful of outsiders but is a brave and noble warrior who is determined to reclaim his ancestral home from Smaug. He is initially dismissive of Bilbo, but comes to respect and rely on him over the course of their journey.
The group of dwarves consists of various characters, each with their own unique personalities and quirks; they are Bombur, Bofur, Dwalin, Fili, Kili, Gloin, Balin, and Oin.
Other characters include trolls, goblins, elves, men, and woodland creatures.
Key Themes: What lessons can be learned from the book
The Hobbit is a story that is filled with many themes that are relevant to readers of all ages.
One of the key themes of the book is the concept of the reluctant hero. Bilbo is a character who is initially hesitant to join the group of dwarves on their journey, but he eventually rises to the occasion and becomes a hero in his own right. Bilbo's journey shows that even the most unassuming person can be brave and capable when they are faced with challenges.
Another important theme in the book is the idea of greed and the corrupting influence of power. Thorin's desire to reclaim their stolen treasure leads him to become selfish and irrational, putting his own goals ahead of the safety and well-being of his companions. This ultimately leads to a conflict with the people of Lake-town, which is resolved only when Thorin realizes the error of his ways and makes amends. The dragon Smaug is also consumed by his own greed, which leads to his defeat.
The Hobbit also explores the concept of friendship and the importance of teamwork. Throughout the book, the group of characters must rely on each other to overcome the obstacles they encounter on their journey and learn the importance of loyalty and teamwork.
The book also emphasizes the importance of facing one’s fears and taking risks in order to achieve success.
Why Kids Will Love It
Children will love The Hobbit for its exciting adventure, vivid descriptions of magical creatures and places, and relatable protagonist. The world of Middle Earth is vast and intricate, and readers will find themselves immersed in Tolkien’s fantasy world. The story is full of action, with battles against goblins and spiders, and a climactic battle against the dragon Smaug. The book also includes many fun and memorable moments, such as Bilbo’s encounter with the group of trolls and the scene where the dwarves escape from the Elvenking’s halls in wine barrels.
The book also features memorable characters, such as the mischievous wizard Gandalf, the fierce warrior Thorin, and the friendly and loyal hobbit Bilbo. The book's themes of bravery and self-discovery are also relatable to children, who are often facing their own challenges and learning about themselves and the world around them.
RELATED: Download free handwriting printables for The Hobbit here!
Fun Facts about the Book and Author
J.R.R. Tolkien was a professor of Anglo-Saxon and Middle English at Oxford University. He was a philologist and linguist who created elaborate backstories and histories for Middle-earth, as well as entire languages for elves, dwarves, hobbits, and others.
Tolkien served in the British army during World War I where he began developing the backstory for Middle-earth. He worked on The Hobbit for over 10 years drawing inspiration for his fantasy world from his knowledge of Norse mythology and medieval literature.
The Hobbit was first published in 1937 by George Allen & Unwin, and it was awarded the Carnegie Medal for children's literature in 1938.
The book’s popularity led to the creation of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which takes place in the same universe as The Hobbit and serves as a prequel to the events of that series.
The book has been translated into over 50 languages and has sold over 100 million copies worldwide.
The book was adapted into a successful film trilogy by director Peter Jackson, with the first film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, released in 2012.
Tolkien was a Member of Pembroke College, Oxford for 25 years and remained there until 1959. He's buried in Oxford with his wife Edith.
This timeless classic is a masterpiece of fantasy literature, with memorable characters, thrilling action, and important lessons about bravery, self-discovery, and the power of friendship. Tolkien’s fantasy world of Middle Earth is vast and intricate, and readers will find themselves lost in its enchanting world. It is a book that every child and adult should have the opportunity to read.