The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Approaching his remarkable 111th birthday, the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins begins to pen the tale of his incredible journey from 60 years past, intended for his nephew, Frodo.

In an era long before Bilbo’s adventures, the Dwarf king Thrór brought wealth and prosperity to his people under the majestic Lonely Mountain. However, this time of peace came to a catastrophic halt with the arrival of the fearsome dragon Smaug, who decimated the nearby town of Dale, forcing the Dwarves to abandon their home and hoard of treasure. Thorin, Thrór’s grandson, bears witness to the indifference of King Thranduil and his Wood-elves, who refuse to assist the Dwarves, fostering an enduring hatred of Elves within Thorin’s heart.

In the peaceful Shire, the 50-year-old Bilbo is unexpectedly coerced by the wizard Gandalf the Grey into hosting a dinner for Thorin and his band of Dwarves, including Balin, Dwalin, Fíli, Kíli, Dori, Nori, Ori, Óin, Glóin, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur. Gandalf’s true intention is to enlist Bilbo as their “burglar,” aiding the company in their quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain. Initially reluctant, Bilbo’s perspective shifts when he races to join them the following day after they set off without him.

As their journey unfolds, the company encounters peril when they are captured by three Trolls. In a brave act of cunning, Bilbo stalls the Trolls until dawn, allowing Gandalf to expose them to sunlight, turning them to stone. Upon exploring the Trolls’ cave, the company discovers a treasure trove laden with Elven blades, among them Orcrist and Glamdring, which Thorin and Gandalf take, respectively. Gandalf kindly gifts Bilbo an Elven dagger.

Meanwhile, Radagast the Brown, a fellow wizard, locates Gandalf and shares alarming news about a sorcerer known as the Necromancer, who is corrupting the forests of Greenwood with dark enchantments. To evade a horde of Orcs, Gandalf leads the company through a hidden path to the majestic Rivendell. Here, Lord Elrond reveals a concealed clue on their map of the Lonely Mountain which will only be visible on Durin’s Day.

As tensions rise, Gandalf convenes with the White Council, comprising Elrond, Galadriel, and Saruman the White. He presents a Morgul blade, a significant artifact from Dol Guldur indicating a link to the return of the dark lord Sauron. Saruman, preoccupied with the immediate concerns of the Dwarves’ expedition, urges Gandalf to quash their quest, yet Gandalf discreetly informs Galadriel of his foresighted plan for the Dwarves to pursue their mission independently.

In the Misty Mountains, the company stumbles upon a fierce battle involving Stone Giants before seeking refuge in a cave, where they fall prey to Goblin captivity, taken before their leader, the Great Goblin. Separated from the company, Bilbo encounters the creature Gollum, who unwittingly drops a golden ring. Pocketing this precious artifact, Bilbo then finds himself in a life-or-death game of riddles with Gollum, wagering his freedom. Cleverly defeating Gollum, Bilbo’s stealth is suddenly a boon as he discovers the ring’s power of invisibility, yet in a moment of compassion, he opts to spare Gollum’s life.

Simultaneously, the Great Goblin reveals to the Dwarves that Azog, the Orc leader responsible for Thrór’s death, has put a price on Thorin’s head. Just as the tides seem to turn, Gandalf arrives, orchestrating their escape and slaying the Great Goblin in the process. Bilbo reunites with the company, keeping his newfound ring a secret.

The adventure escalates as the group faces ambush from Azog and his kin, forcing them to seek refuge in the treetops. In a dramatic showdown, Thorin attempts to confront Azog but is brutally injured. Bilbo steps up, intervening just in time to save Thorin from certain doom. Their escape is ultimately aided by the eagles, summoned by Gandalf, who carry them to the safety of the Carrock, where Thorin acknowledges Bilbo’s bravery, leaving behind his prior disdain.

As they scout in the distance, a grand sight unfolds—the Lonely Mountain, where the fearsome Smaug stirs awake, disturbed by the persistent sounds of a thrush knocking a snail against a stone.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 03:49