J. R. R. Tolkien

"The Hobbit, or There and Back Again. Summary."

Chapter 1

In this opening chapter, we are introduced to hobbits, who are described as small individuals, roughly half the size of humans. They possess hairy feet, plump bellies, and a strong affection for delicious food, comfort, and safety. While some hobbits live in houses, their traditional abodes are cozy underground holes. These hobbit holes are not damp or unpleasant but rather comfortable and inviting dwellings equipped with all the amenities found in above ground homes. Our story begins in one such hole, known as Bag End, which is occupied by a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins. Bag End is a delightful residence, furnished with cozy furniture and a well-stocked kitchen. It is nestled within a charming little village beneath a gentle hill.

Bilbo comes from a somewhat noble lineage among hobbits. His father belonged to the respectable and conventional Baggins family, while his mother hailed from the Tooks, a wealthy and eccentric family infamous for their un-hobbit-like inclination for adventures. Despite his adventurous bloodline, Bilbo prefers the tranquility of home and leads a quiet life.

One day, as Bilbo is enjoying a leisurely smoke outside his front door, an elderly man wearing a long cloak and carrying a staff appears. After introducing himself, the man reveals himself to be Gandalf, the wizard who has previously entertained Hobbiton with his magnificent fireworks displays on special occasions. Although familiar with Gandalf, Bilbo regards the old wizard with a hint of suspicion. When Gandalf proposes the idea of embarking on an adventure, Bilbo politely declines and hastily excuses himself. He extends an invitation for the wizard to visit for tea, merely to avoid appearing impolite. In reality, Bilbo wants no

involvement with Gandalf or his adventurous undertakings.

The following afternoon, as Bilbo expects Gandalf to arrive, he is taken aback when a dwarf named Dwalin barges in and promptly settles down for a meal. To Bilbo's surprise, more dwarves start streaming in, and his once orderly abode becomes increasingly crowded. Bilbo grows perplexed and annoyed by the sudden intrusion. Eventually, Gandalf arrives accompanied by Thorin, the head dwarf. The group, comprising thirteen dwarves and the wizard, consumes a substantial portion of Bilbo's pantry before finally settling down to discuss their purpose.

Gradually, it becomes evident that Gandalf has volunteered Bilbo to act as a "burglar" for the dwarves' upcoming adventure. Bilbo protests, and the dwarves grumble, unconvinced that the meek hobbit is fit for their expedition. Nevertheless, Gandalf isconvinced of Bilbo's usefulness and asserts that there is more to him than meets the eye.

The wizard then unveils an ancient map depicting a magnificent mountain, pointing out a concealed entrance that Thorin possesses the key to. Bilbo seeks clarification about the objective of their entire endeavor. Thorin explains that his grandfather, Thror, had mined the mountain illustrated on the map and discovered a vast fortune in gold and jewels. Thror subsequently became the King under the Mountain, but his immense wealth attracted unwanted attention. Before long, a dragon named Smaug arrived, annihilating or scattering Thror's people. Since then, Smaug has guarded the treasure. Thorin and his companions aim to reclaim their rightful inheritance, although they are uncertain about how to deal with Smaug once they encounter him.

Bilbo suspects that the dwarves expect him to play a role in slaying the dragon. While his Baggins side yearns for the comforts of home and his trusty pipe, the Took influence within him stirs his curiosity about the adventure. Reluctantly, he finds himself exhilarated by tales of dragons, treasure, and epic battles. After examining the map and discussing the details of the quest with the company, Bilbo prepares beds for all his unexpected guests and spends the night restless, plagued by troubled dreams.

Chapter 2

The next morning, Bilbo awakens to find that the dwarves have departed without him, leaving him both surprised and somewhat relieved. As he settles down for a quiet breakfast, Gandalf suddenly appears and hurries him off to the Green Dragon Inn in Bywater. There, Thorin and the rest of the dwarves have been eagerly waiting to embark on their journey. They set off on the main road, heading eastward, while Bilbo grumbles about having to leave without finishing his second breakfast or making proper preparations. The rain begins to pour, and by dusk, the entire company is exhausted, hungry, and irritated by Gandalf's earlier vanishing act.

Suddenly, they spot a flickering firelight in the distance. Intrigued, they move closer to investigate. Bilbo, now fulfilling his role as the official burglar, is sent ahead. As he approaches a clearing in the woods, he comes face to face with three enormous trolls feasting on mutton by the fire. Bilbo attempts to snatch one of the trolls' money purses, but his actions alert the trolls, who capture him. Trolls possess voracious appetites and short tempers, but they lack intelligence. They engage in a heated argument over how to interrogate Bilbo.

The noise attracts the attention of the dwarves, who arrive at the clearing one by one. The trolls momentarily cease their bickering to hide in the trees, capturing each dwarf by throwing sacks over them. Soon, everyone except Bilbo is tightly bound by the trolls. The trolls decide to cook the dwarves immediately but are interrupted when a voice, resembling one of the trolls, initiates an argument, causing the three trolls to start fighting amongst themselves. The quarrel continues for a while until the trolls suddenly realize that dawn is approaching. As the first rays of sunlight break over the horizon, the trolls freeze in their tracks - trolls turn to stone when exposed to sunlight.

At that moment, Gandalf triumphantly enters the clearing. He had been using ventriloquism to deceive the dwarves and prolong the argument among the trolls until morning. Bilbo and Gandalf release the shaken but unharmed dwarves from their binds. Searching the vicinity, they discover the trolls' cave and a collection of finely crafted weapons, which they claim as compensation for their troubles.

Chapter 3

The following morning, the company resumes their journey, with Gandalf revealing that he has scouted the road ahead, ensuring their safety until their next planned stop - Rivendell. Rivendell, a city of elves situated beyond the Edge of the Wild, near the foothills of the Misty Mountains, will be their path to traverse. As they approach Rivendell, a group of elves greets them warmly, extending an invitation to rest and replenish. During their stay, they have the privilege of meeting Elrond, the esteemed leader of the elves, described as possessing the strength of a warrior, the wisdom of a wizard, the dignity of a dwarven king, and the kindness of a summer breeze.

Elrond possesses the ability to decipher the ancient runes inscribed on the company's newly acquired weapons and on Thorin's map of the mountain. He informs them that the swords taken from the trolls are renowned for slaying goblins in the great wars fought between the elves and the goblins. Gandalf's sword is named Glamdring, while Thorin wields Orcrist. On Thorin's map, Elrond unveils moon-letters - hidden writings that only become visible under the light of the moon in a specific phase. These moon-letters provide instructions on how to locate the secret entrance to the Lonely Mountain. Although the meaning of the message perplexes them, the groupdeparts from Rivendell with renewed spirits. They are well-rested and adequately prepared for the challenges that lie ahead on their journey.

Chapter 4

Pressing onward, Bilbo and the company make their way through the perilous Misty Mountains, guided by the counsel of Elrond and Gandalf. Amidst a maze of dead-end trails and dangerous precipices, they manage to find a suitable pass over the mountain range. Nevertheless, the climb remains arduous and treacherous. Suddenly, a violent thunderstorm erupts, compelling them to seek shelter. Fortunately, Fili and Kili, two of the dwarves, discover a cave nestled within the

mountainside. They bring in the ponies and establish a camp for the night.

In the midst of the night, Bilbo is abruptly awakened and witnesses the ponies being dragged into a colossal crevice that has opened in the cave wall. Raising an alarm, he is met with the emergence of numerous goblins from the crack. The goblins swiftly bind and capture each member of the company, except for Gandalf, who was alerted by Bilbo's cry.

The goblins transport the dwarves and Bilbo deep into the mountain, leading them to a vast chamber where the fearsome Great Goblin presides. Demandingly, the Great Goblin interrogates the travelers about their presence in his domain. Thorin attempts to explain the situation, mentioning the storm, but a goblin presents the sword that Thorin had acquired from the trolls, the renowned goblin-slaying weapon named Orcrist. The goblins erupt in fury, and the Great Goblin lunges at Thorin, intent on devouring him. However, the torches illuminating the cavern suddenly extinguish, and sparks from the central fire rain down upon the goblins. In the ensuing darkness and chaos, a powerful sword swiftly strikes down the Great Goblin. A voice guides the captive company out of the chamber, and to their relief, they discover that it is Gandalf who leads them through the labyrinthine passages, deeper into the mountain. The goblins quickly give chase, and one of them catches up to Dori, the dwarf carrying Bilbo on his back. Bilbo tumbles off, hitting his head on the ground and losing consciousness.

Chapter 5

As Bilbo gradually regains consciousness, he finds himself immersed in impenetrable darkness. Fumbling on the ground, he unexpectedly stumbles upon a ring, which he instinctively slips into his pocket. Disoriented and unaware of the whereabouts of the rest of the company, as well as the path leading to the exit, Bilbo decides to follow the direction he believes he had been traveling with the dwarves. Soon, he reaches an underground lake, where he encounters a peculiar creature named Gollum. Intrigued by Bilbo's presence and somewhat famished,

Gollum cautiously approaches the hobbit. In response to Gollum's hissing voice, Bilbo draws his sword.

Gollum, recognizing the threat posed by the sword, suggests engaging in a riddle game instead. If Bilbo fails to solve Gollum's riddle, he will become Gollum's meal. Conversely, if Bilbo's riddle proves too challenging for Gollum, the creature will show him the way out of the mountain. With little choice but to accept the proposition, Bilbo and Gollum begin exchanging riddles. Through a clever trick, Bilbo emerges victorious. By posing the question, "What have I got in my pocket?" - referring to the ring he had discovered - Gollum fails to guess the correct answer. However, Gollum is not prepared to let his potential meal escape so easily. He rushes to his island in the middle of the lake to retrieve his "precious," a golden ring that bestows invisibility upon its wearer - the very ring that Bilbo had found.

In a desperate search for the ring, Gollum suspects Bilbo of theft and charges at him in a fit of rage. By sheer luck, Bilbo happens to slip the ring onto his finger, rendering himself invisible. Gollum races past him, unaware of Bilbo's presence. Realizing the ring's extraordinary power, Bilbo stealthily follows Gollum as the creature heads towards the exit, mistakenly assuming that Bilbo is ahead. When Gollum reaches the vicinity of the exit, he halts due to the presence of a multitude of goblins surrounding it. Seizing the opportunity, Bilbo leaps over Gollum, slips past the goblins unnoticed thanks to the ring, and narrowly squeezes through the door to freedom, emerging into the refreshing embrace of the open air.

Chapter 6

Having successfully escaped from the pursuing goblins, Bilbo, still concealed by the power of the ring, glances back and realizes that he has crossed over to the other side of the Misty Mountains. The labyrinthine tunnels have led him all the way through the mountain range. As he walks onward, he unexpectedly encounters Gandalf and the dwarves, who were contemplating whether to proceed without him. Bilbo removes the ring, surprising his companions, and proceeds to recount

his escape from the mountain. However, he chooses to withhold the revelation of the magic ring and its crucial role in evading Gollum and the goblins.

Gandalf urges the company to resume their journey promptly, as only the sunlight serves as a deterrent to the pursuing goblins. They find themselves slightly north of their intended path, facing challenging terrain that lies ahead. As evening descends, they pass through a grove of trees. Suddenly, the haunting howls of wolves reach their ears, leaving them with little time to scramble up into the safety of the trees before the wolves descend upon them. These wolf-like creatures are known as Wargs, allies of the goblins. The Wargs swiftly communicate the situation to their goblin allies, who begin to converge on the scene. Mocking the company's plight, the goblins set fires beneath the trees where Gandalf, the dwarves, and Bilbo are concealed.

In preparation for a counterattack, Gandalf readies himself to confront the goblins, aiming to eliminate as many of them as possible before succumbing to their assault. Fortunately, the Lord of the Eagles observes the chaos from his lofty perch high in the mountains. Summoning a group of fellow eagles, he swoops down, lifting the stranded travelers to safety. The eagles are allies of Gandalf and adversaries of the goblins, willingly providing the weary company with nourishment and rest before they continue their journey.

Chapter 7

Once again, the company is disheartened when Gandalf informs them of his imminent departure. However, he assures them that he will remain long enough to assist them in acquiring food and ponies, essential provisions for their journey through Mirkwood - the final formidable obstacle before reaching the Lonely Mountain. Gandalf leads them to the residence of Beorn, a peculiar being with the characteristics of both a man and a bear. Beorn's large wooden house is nestled deep within the woods outside Mirkwood. To prevent any alarm, Gandalf introduces the dwarves to Beorn individually, gradually revealing the story of their adventure in the mountain. Beorn finds great amusement in Gandalf's

account, particularly due to his deep-rooted aversion towards goblins, natural enemies of his realm.

Beorn generously provides the company with much-needed sustenance and accommodations. Furthermore, he conducts reconnaissance and discovers that the Wargs and goblins have organized an assault group to seek revenge for their slain leader, the Great Goblin. To avoid this pursuing party, Beorn suggests that the group takes the northern pass, known as the elf path, through Mirkwood. This route will lead them closer to the Lonely Mountain while throwing off the goblins' pursuit, allowing them to bypass the perilous southern pass. Although the northern pass is not entirely safe either, Beorn repeatedly emphasizes the importance of staying on the designated path to his guests.

In addition to valuable advice, Beorn equips the company with food and ponies that will accompany them until the beginning of the path. There, they must bid farewell to the ponies and proceed on foot. When they reach the entrance to the path, Gandalf also takes his leave, offering his best wishes and reminding them to never stray from the path. He warns of dark and unknown perils lurking within Mirkwood, even beyond his own knowledge. With this somber reminder, the dwarves and the hobbit venture into the depths of the forest.

Chapter 8

Bilbo and the dwarves find themselves enveloped in darkness as they venture into the desolate forest of Mirkwood. Sinister eyes observe them from the shadows of the trees, and soon, the group loses all sense of day and night. Their sole focus becomes escaping the oppressive and foreboding woods, but they struggle to find an end to their journey. After several days, they encounter a stream that Beorn had cautioned them not to touch. Crossing it on a preexisting boat, a mishap occurs when Bombur, one of the dwarves, falls into the water and falls into a deep slumber lasting for days. The rest of the party must bear the burden of carrying him. Exhausted, famished, and filled with trepidation, they begin to sink into despair.

One fateful night, they catch sight of flickering lights amidst the trees. Ignoring the earlier warnings of Beorn and Gandalf, they deviate from the path and approach the lights. In a clearing, they come across elves gathered around a fire, feasting and singing. However, the moment the company intrudes upon the clearing, the lights extinguish, plunging them into darkness, and they struggle to locate one another. This occurs two more times, with each intrusion resulting in the same disorienting outcome. On the final occasion, they become completely separated, unable to reunite amidst the blackness. Bilbo eventually loses all sense of companionship and, overcome by weariness, leans against a tree, succumbing to sleep.

When Bilbo awakens, he finds his legs entangled in sticky threads, and a colossal spider advancing toward him. Swiftly unsheathing his sword, he frees his legs and vanquishes the spider. Filled with triumph, he christens his sword with the name Sting. His next task is to locate the dwarves. To his dismay, he discovers them suspended from a tree, entangled in the webs of numerous spiders perched on the branches. Bilbo hurls stones at the spiders and lures them away from the dwarves through his shouts. Thankfully, he remains hidden from the spiders' sight by wearing the ring.

Having successfully led the spiders astray, Bilbo returns and liberates the dwarves from their precarious predicament. However, the spiders soon return, and weakened by the poison coursing through their veins, the dwarves struggle to fend off their assailants, even with Bilbo's invisible assistance. Just when all hope seems lost, the spiders abruptly retreat, and the company realizes they have unwittingly stumbled upon one of the clearings frequented by the elves. There, they rest, contemplating their next course of action. However, their respite is short-lived, as they are struck with horror upon realizing that Thorin is missing.

Unbeknownst to the others, Thorin was captured by the wood elves when he ventured into the clearing prior to the spider attack. These wood elves are inherently good but harbor suspicion towards strangers. The Elvenking interrogates Thorin about their journey, but the dwarf leader remains steadfast in refusing to disclose their destination. Consequently, the elves imprison him, though they treat him fairly and

provide sustenance, displaying no outright cruelty.

Chapter 9

Following their escape from the clutches of the spiders, Bilbo and the remaining dwarves find themselves encircled by a group of wood elves, who blindfold them and lead them to the halls of the Elvenking. Concealed by the power of the ring, Bilbo remains unnoticed. The other dwarves are brought before the king and subjected to interrogation. Similar to Thorin's unwavering resolve, they refuse to divulge their plan of reclaiming the treasure from Smaug, fearing that the elves would demand a share. Consequently, like Thorin, the dwarves are imprisoned in the dungeon. Meanwhile, Bilbo, having stealthily trailed the captured dwarves, roams the halls invisibly, softly whispering to his companions in their cells and hatching an escape plan.

The elves engage in trade with the people of Lake Town, utilizing barrels that are floated along a river that runs beneath the elves' abode. Empty barrels are then returned downstream from a storage area. In the storage area, Bilbo discovers a guardsman dozing off. Seizing the opportunity, he pilfers the guard's keys, liberates the dwarves from their cells, and initiates his daring scheme. Bilbo assists each dwarf in concealing themselves within an empty barrel just as the elves reappear, forcefully propelling the barrels into the flowing river. Remaining invisible, Bilbo swiftly jumps onto an unoccupied barrel. As the trapdoors open, the dwarves surge forth along the river's current, hurtling towards Lake Town and freedom.

Chapter 10

The barrels, carrying one hobbit atop and thirteen dwarves within, drift along the river, guiding them out of the encompassing Mirkwood forest. Peering northward, Bilbo catches sight of the Lonely Mountain, their ultimate destination. However, at present, the river guides them towards Lake Town, a human city situated on Long Lake, south of the Lonely Mountain . As the barrels approach Lake Town, boats from the town row

out and throw ropes to secure the floaters, facilitating their safe disembarkation. While the men of Lake Town are momentarily occupied, Bilbo frees his companions from their confining barrels. Everyone emerges alive, albeit cramped, drenched, and famished.

Embracing a newfound determination, Thorin strides confidently towards the town hall, proclaiming his lineage as a descendant of the King under the Mountain and declaring his intent to reclaim his rightful inheritance. The people of Lake Town rejoice, well acquainted with the tales of the golden abundance that once flowed down the river during the reign of the King under the Mountain, before the arrival of Smaug. The townspeople treat the dwarves and even Bilbo like royalty. After a fortnight's stay, the company regains strength and enthusiasm. Although uncertain of how to confront the dragon, Thorin deems waiting any longer unacceptable. He secures boats, horses, and provisions from the Master of Lake Town, and the company embarks on their journey up the River, propelling them towards the Lonely Mountain.

Chapter 11

Approaching the foothills of the desolate Lonely Mountain, the landscape transforms into a desolate and barren expanse. Smaug's fiery wrath has eradicated all traces of greenery and vibrant life. Upon reaching the mountain's base, Bilbo and three dwarves are assigned the task of investigating the main entrance located on the southern side. However, upon inspecting the entrance, which serves as Smaug's gate, they realize its inherent peril. Consequently, the company resolves to search for the secret door described in their map, situated on the western side of the mountain.

After hours of relentless searching, Bilbo eventually stumbles upon a narrow passage skirting along a cliff, leading to a flat and smooth surface on the mountain's side. Although this smooth patch is undoubtedly the door, the dwarves struggle to find a means of unlocking it, as they have forgotten the message elucidated by Elrond when he deciphered the map. Despite their desperate attempts to forcefully open the door using picks and axes, their efforts prove futile, plunging them

into despondency.

One evening, while Bilbo sits outside the door, lost in contemplation, a thrush alights nearby and begins tapping a snail against a stone with its beak. In that moment, a sudden recollection floods the hobbit's mind - the riddle inscribed on the map. Hastily summoning the other dwarves, they gather by the door and observe as the sun gradually descends. As the sun's final rays cast their dwindling light, a solitary beam illuminates a specific section of the door, causing a rock to dislodge and unveil a keyhole. With swiftness, Thorin retrieves the key accompanying the map and inserts it into the rock - turning it reveals the door's outlines. Determinedly, the dwarves and Bilbo push open the door, their gazes fixated upon the profound depths of the mountain that lie ahead.

Chapter 12

The entrance to the ominous mountain beckons the company, standing wide open. Thorin designates Bilbo, the appointed burglar, to venture inside and gather information. Donning the ring to render himself invisible, Bilbo embarks on a trepidatious journey down the long, dim passageway that leads to the lair of Smaug. There, he beholds the awe-inspiring and terrifying sight of the slumbering dragon, resting upon heaps of precious treasure. Smaug, adorned in hues of red and gold, possesses fiery breath, razor-sharp claws, and a hide as impenetrable as diamond. Although consumed by fear, Bilbo summons the courage to pilfer a single golden cup from the hoard before hastily returning to the dwarves, who marvel at the stolen item.

Unbeknownst to Bilbo, Smaug is keenly aware of the pilfered cup, meticulously taking account of his amassed wealth. Upon awakening, the dragon is consumed by rage upon discovering the absence of the cup. He takes flight around the mountain, unleashing blasts of flame, and sets his sights upon the company's ponies at the mountain's base, mercilessly pursuing and devouring them. Meanwhile, the dwarves and Bilbo cower within the safety of the secret passageway, engulfed in terror. After some time, Smaug retreats to his den, succumbing once more to slumber. Gathering his resolve, the hobbit dares to venture back

into thedragon's lair, only to realize that Smaug had been feigning sleep. The menacing creature is fully awake and eagerly awaits Bilbo's return.

Although the ring conceals Bilbo's presence, Smaug detects the hobbit's scent and taunts him mockingly. Displaying his cunning, Bilbo engages in a game of riddles with Smaug, which momentarily amuses the dragon and quells his anger. Astutely, the hobbit flatters Smaug, enticing the dragon to expose his vulnerable underbelly - a weakness in his scaly armor just above his left breast.

Bilbo hastens back up the passageway, narrowly evading the dragon's wrathful flames. Upon reuniting with the dwarves, he imparts his discoveries, while a thrush perches nearby, seemingly attentive to their conversation. Suddenly, the resonating roar of the dragon echoes once again, compelling the company to seal the door to the passageway, mere moments before an avalanche engulfs its entrance. Trapped within the mountain, they find themselves at the mercy of their circumstances.

Chapter 13

Deciphering clues from Bilbo's riddles, Smaug deduces the company's connection with the men of Lake Town and sets forth to exact his revenge upon them. In the darkness of the passage, the hobbit and dwarves endure in fearful anticipation until they can bear it no longer. Slowly, they cautiously descend toward Smaug's chamber. Sensing the dragon's absence, Bilbo signals to the dwarves, prompting them to rush out in exhilaration towards the treasure, reminiscent of the prosperous days of yore. Amidst the jubilance, Bilbo selectively collects a few items for himself, including the Arkenstone - an unparalleled gem sought after by Thorin but secretly retained by the hobbit. Furthermore, he discovers a remarkable coat of mail woven from mithril, a supremely resilient and lightweight metal that surpasses the value of silver or gold.

Once the excitement subsides, Thorin assumes the lead, guiding the company through the labyrinthine passages of the mountain until they reach the main gate at the source of the River Running. Nonetheless, they remain clueless regarding how to confront Smaug upon his return.

In the interim, plagued by ravenous hunger, they follow the course of the river downstream, eventually arriving at an abandoned guard-post cavern, untouched since the days of Thror, Thorin's grandfather. There, they find respite, replenish their strength with nourishment, and ponder the whereabouts of the elusive dragon.

Chapter 14

In this chapter, the narrative takes a pause from the tale of Bilbo and the dwarves at the mountain and shifts its focus to Smaug, the dragon, as it heads towards Lake Town with a vengeful purpose. The inhabitants of Lake Town catch sight of the approaching dragon from a great distance, some initially mistaking its fiery glow for a river flowing with gold. They prepare a contingent of archers and gather numerous buckets of water in hopes of extinguishing the imminent flames. However, their preparations prove to be of little avail, as Smaug soars above the town and sets ablaze every rooftop in its path. The arrows launched by the men fail to penetrate the dragon's diamond-like scales, proving ineffective. With most of the men having fled the city, only one individual remains - Bard, the captain of the archers. He readies his final arrow. Unexpectedly, a thrush perches upon Bard's shoulder and communicates with him in a language he comprehends.

The bird tells Bard to watch for the dragon's weak spot in the hollow of his left breast. Bard looks, sees the open patch, and lets fly his arrow. It plunges through the chink in the dragon's armor and buries itself in his heart. The beast comes crashing down, destroying the rest of Lake Town as he dies.

With nimble agility, Bard successfully plunges into the safety of the water, reuniting with his fellow townspeople who are engulfed in grief for the fallen and their ravaged town. While some assign blame to the dwarves for rousing the dragon, the majority assume that the dwarves themselves have met their demise. However, the inhabitants of the lakeside town suddenly recall the presence of gold within the Lonely Mountain, igniting a fervent anticipation as they envision how this wealth could serve as a means to resurrect and restore their beloved town.

Chapter 15

In the meantime, the thrush returns to the company perched upon the mountain. Although the company cannot comprehend its speech, the thrush brings forth an elderly raven capable of speaking in the common tongue. The raven imparts the news of Smaug's demise to Bilbo and the dwarves, filling them with joy. However, their elation is short-lived as the raven proceeds to detail the vast army of humans and elves marching towards them. It also shares the plight of the people of Lake Town, who have endured immense suffering and believe they deserve a portion of the tremendous treasure within the mountain. Thorin, considering the treasure his rightful inheritance, remains steadfast in his plan to fight for it,disregarding the hardships endured by the people of Lake Town.

Following Thorin's orders, the company retreats to the mountain, fortifying it by constructing a formidable wall at the main gate. From their vantage point, they observe the approach of Bard and representatives of the elves. Bard reveals that he was responsible for Smaug's downfall and informs them of the destruction of Lake Town. He beseeches the dwarves to exhibit generosity in sharing the mountain's wealth, considering the benefits they have gained at the expense of the humans. However, Thorin adamantly refuses, asserting that he owes the humans nothing as the gold rightfully belongs to his people. Bard grants Thorin some time to reconsider, but the stubborn dwarf remains resolute in his position. The mountain is officially declared besieged, with the elves and men barring entry and exit. Bilbo, though disheartened by the unfolding events, would willingly share the treasure. Unfortunately, no dwarf dares to challenge Thorin's decision, leaving the hobbit with no influence over their course of action.

Chapter 16

Amidst Thorin's relentless pursuit of the Arkenstone and the mounting concerns of the dwarves regarding the armies stationed at their doorstep, Bilbo recognizes the need for action. Determined to take

matters into his own hands, he employs the power of the ring to stealthily depart from the mountain under the cover of darkness. Venturing into the encampment of the lake men and wood elves, Bilbo unveils his true identity and is brought before their leaders, Bard and the Elvenking. Understandably skeptical, they ease their suspicions when Bilbo reveals his secret weapon: the Arkenstone. Willingly, he offers it to Bard as a bargaining tool to defuse the tension with Thorin. Bard and the Elvenking are astounded by the hobbit's willingness to risk the wrath of the dwarves in order to prevent a devastating war. They urge Bilbo to stay within the camp for his own safety, but he resolves to return to the mountain. Along his departure from the camp, he unexpectedly encounters Gandalf, who warmly acknowledges his courageous actions. Gandalf, having arrived from his other endeavors, is prepared to witness the resolution of this delicate situation. Emboldened by Gandalf's presence and hopeful for a positive outcome, Bilbo covertly makes his way back to the mountain, evading detection.

Chapter 17

As morning breaks, Bard returns accompanied by two messengers, seeking to persuade Thorin to accept a peaceful resolution. Once again, the dwarf adamantly refuses, but Bardunveils the Arkenstone - the one piece of treasure that holds immense value for Thorin. Overwhelmed, Thorin directs his anger towards Bilbo when the hobbit confesses to being the one who gave the treasure to Bard. On the verge of violence, Thorin is halted when one of the messengers discards his cloak, revealing himself as Gandalf.

Gandalf commands Thorin to grant Bilbo an opportunity to speak. The hobbit asserts that he merely took his rightful share of the treasure, as stipulated in his contract as the burglar. Reluctantly, Thorin concedes, seething with resentment, and offers to pay a fourteenth of the treasure to reclaim the Arkenstone. The men and elves find this arrangement acceptable. Secretly, Thorin hopes that his relatives, led by Dain and marching with an army, will seize the stone by force before the exchange takes place.

Amidst the tense negotiations, a new threat looms. An army of goblins and Wargs emerges, intending to seize the treasure for themselves. Darkness descends upon the sky from the west, foretelling their arrival. Gandalf warns the dwarves, elves, and humans of this peril, prompting a united front against the common enemy - the Battle of the Five Armies ensues.

Both sides fiercely engage in combat, with the goblins and Wargs proving to be formidable opponents. Bilbo remains on the mountain, observing the tumultuous clash from a slight distance. Initially, the combined forces of elves and dwarves drive the goblins into retreat, only to be eventually pushed back by the relentless assault of the Wargs. Thorin fights valiantly alongside the lake men. However, the goblins gradually gain ground, forcing Bilbo to retreat towards the elves' encampment, which finds itself nearly surrounded. In what seems like a moment of impending defeat, Bilbo's sharp eyes catch sight of a distant spectacle - the majestic eagles are soaring towards the battlefield. Yet, before hope can fully blossom, a stone descends from the mountain, striking Bilbo's head, and he succumbs to unconsciousness.

Chapter 18

Bilbo awakens, nursing a throbbing headache, but relieved to find himself unharmed on the mountainside. From his vantage point, he witnesses the victory of his allies against the goblins and Wargs below. A search party eventually locates Bilbo, who had been invisible due to the ring, and carries him back to the camp where Gandalf eagerly awaits, overjoyed to see the hobbit alive. However, amidst the celebration, there is a somber matter to address. Bilbo must bid farewell to Thorin, who lies gravely wounded. Thorin humbly asks for Bilbo's forgiveness, regretful for his earlier harsh words.

Sadly, Fili and Kili have also fallen in battle, but the remaining dwarves have survived. Gandalf recounts the conclusion of the battle to Bilbo: the eagles, keeping a watchful eye on the goblins, arrived just in time, decisively shifting the tide. However, the situation could have turned dire if not for the sudden appearance of Beorn, transformed into a massive,

enraged bear. This caused the remaining goblins to scatter, leaving them either dead or in hiding.

Chapter 19

The fallen are given a proper burial, and Dain is crowned as the new King under the Mountain. The dwarves reconcile with the lake men and wood elves. Bard assumes the role of the new Master of Lake Town, generously granting Bilbo a substantial portion of the treasure. The time arrives for the hobbit to make his journey back home. Accompanied by Gandalf and Beorn, they take a longer route northward, avoiding the treacherous Mirkwood forest, which Bilbo adamantly refuses to enter again. They spend most of the harsh winter at Beorn's house, indulging in feasts and merry celebrations.

When spring arrives, they continue their journey to Rivendell. There, Gandalf and Elrond share countless tales of heroic deeds, both past and present, while Bilbo recuperates from his fatigue and injuries, rejuvenated by the elven magic and much-needed rest. Bilbo learns the reason behind Gandalf's departure from the company near Mirkwood: he was actively engaged with the council of wizards in their efforts to drive the Necromancer out of the forest. Finally, Bilbo and Gandalf traverse the final stretch of the road, returning to the familiar lands of the hobbits. As they approach his home, Bilbo is greeted by an unwelcome surprise. His presumed demise has led to the auctioning of his belongings from Bag End.

Putting an end to the auction and reclaiming most of his valued possessions, Bilbo finds himself forever estranged from his fellow hobbits. They regard his adventures with skepticism, and his return with tales of dragons and war only strengthens their suspicion that Bilbo has overstepped his boundaries. Yet, Bilbo is unperturbed by their judgment. With the company of wizards, elves, and occasional dwarves visiting him, he finds little need for the approval of respectable hobbits. Most importantly, he still possesses his kettle, his pipe, and the familiar comforts of his cherished home at Bag End.