The Hobbit

Bilbo Baggins enjoys a quiet life in Bag End until Gandalf arrives to recruit him for an unexpected journey. A company of thirteen dwarves bursts into his home, sharing stories, meals, and music that stir Bilbo's longing for far-off places. The offer is made and Bilbo hesitantly considers joining the voyage.

Thorin Oakenshield leads the group and explains that Bilbo is meant to be the lucky number fourteen in their quest. The travelers recount the loss of their homeland, the Lonely Mountain, and the dragon Smaug who stole their treasure. Gandalf ultimately accepts the mission before Bilbo can object.

The company camps for the night and encounters three crude trolls who capture all but Gandalf and Bilbo. Bilbo hides as Gandalf uses his trickery to stall until dawn, when a sunrise turns the trolls to stone. The dwarves' treasure becomes a point of interest as they press onward with the quest.

After the trolls are turned to stone, the dwarves claim the treasure found in the trolls' cave. Bilbo is given his first blade, a dagger, and he notices two fine swords. The group pockets the spoils as they continue their journey toward their goal.

Gandalf shows Thorin a map of the Lonely Mountain and a key, given to him by Thorin's father Thrain. The map reveals a hidden passage that could lead into Smaug's lair. The company discusses using the secret route as part of their plan.

During the trek through the Misty Mountains, the company is attacked by goblins; Gandalf kills the Great Goblin and the dwarves escape. Bilbo becomes separated from the group and finds himself in an underground lake, where he discovers a ring and meets the creature Gollum.

In the darkness of Gollum's lair, Bilbo and Gollum engage in a tense game of riddles. Bilbo wins and acquires a ring that grants invisibility, though he narrowly escapes with his life. The discovery of the ring marks a pivotal turn for Bilbo's future adventures.

Lost in the mountains, Bilbo and the dwarves are aided by the Great Eagles, who carry them to the safety of Mirkwood. Gandalf departs, believing the party will find its path on their own for a time. The journey continues as they press forward into peril.

In Mirkwood, the dwarves are trapped by giant spiders and Bilbo uses his ring and dagger to drive off the creatures. The group is eventually captured by the Wood Elves, and Bilbo uses his ring to slip away and avoid detection. The escape is slow and fraught with peril as they press deeper into the forest.

After weeks of searching, Bilbo pilfers a sleeping guard's keys, enabling the dwarves to escape by floating down the river in barrels to Laketown. The town nurses the company back to health, and the journey toward the Lonely Mountain resumes.

The people of Laketown welcome and tend to the wounded company. They then travel to the Lonely Mountain and prepare to enter Smaug's lair, following the map and the clues they have gathered. Tension grows as the Dragon's threat looms over the region.

Bilbo goes in first into Smaug's lair, using the ring to hide from the dragon's gaze. He speaks with Smaug and notices a patch of skin not covered by scales, foreshadowing the dragon's vulnerability. The conversation ends with Smaug angrily attacking, while Bilbo makes a hurried escape.

Enraged, Smaug flies out to Laketown and destroys people and property in his death throes. Bard shoots Smaug down with a black arrow, ending the dragon's menace. Laketown is left in ruin as the survivors assess the losses.

The dwarves reclaim their treasure, but relations sour as Lakemen and Elves arrive seeking recompense. Thorin staunchly refuses to share, and war seems imminent. Gandalf warns that Goblins are coming, while Men, elves, and dwarves unite, and the Eagles arrive to aid in battle.

Gandalf escorts Bilbo home, where Thorin forgives him for his earlier doubts. Bilbo accepts two small chests of gold and his dagger as payment. Gandalf hints that the adventure is only beginning, thanks to the ring Bilbo found, and Bilbo's tale ends with a return home to Bag End.