Chapter One:
A Long Expected Party
The story begins with the eleventy-first birthday party of
Mr. Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who has been a bit of a celebrity in the shire for
many years. He is a wealthy hobbit and he has many friends and admirers. One of
his younger cousins is Frodo Baggins who Bilbo has adopted as an heir. Since
Frodo and Bilbo have the same birthday they plan to share a
party and a lot of excited gossip precedes the party. The fireworks of the
wizard, Gandalf, who has carts of his equipment and magic stuff sent in
advance, provide entertainment. As a social event, the party is successful.
Bilbo makes an announcement to the crowd, saying that he is
"immensely fond of you all" but "this is the end. I am going. I
am leaving now. Good bye!" After saying this, Bilbo vanishes. This is on
account of a magic ring that he has obtained in an adventure (that is described
in detail in Tolkien's book, The Hobbit). Bilbo then reappears inside of his
home, well away from the party. Bilbo is leaving for the city of the elves,
which is known as Rivendell and he has left everything to his heir, Frodo. It
is the wise wizard Gandalf who convinces Bilbo that he should also turn over
the magical ring that he had won from a creature called Gollum. By this time,
however, Bilbo is already a little attached to the ring (mainly for the powers
of invisibility that it offers). Throughout the novel, we will find that this
ring holds a special power over the bearer.
Bilbo offers the ring to Gandalf but in the end Gandalf
suggests that the ring be given to Frodo. Some of the other belongings are
distributed to neighbors, friends and relatives. Gandalf remains with Frodo and
Bilbo heads off on his new adventure. This is really not a permanent farewell
and three will be reunited quite a while later.
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