Published in 1937, the Hobbit is quite different from the other works of Tolkien (related to his legendary fantasies – The prequel of the Lord Of The Rings) and I believe one of the most amazing tales I have ever read. It’s a sweet little book for children (which he had actually written for his 4 children later becoming into an international bestseller!). The plot can be explained all in one single line “The tale of a Company planning for a treasure-hunt done in the form of a burglary”
Well, let me explain a bit. The Company is – Bilbo Baggins- a hobbit (the central character), Gandalf , and thirteen dwarves. The head of the dwarvish company Thorin Oakenshield plans to recover his ancestral gold and treasure which lies in a mountain guarded by an obstinate dragon – Smaug. Bilbo, to his misfortune is selected as the burglar. But then he discovers that it isn’t that bad either. His travels to the far east of Wilderland are full of unexpected meetings, happenings and obviously adventures.
Not to miss the bits of hobbit humour in the book. ’’What have I got in my pocketsess’’ this hissing quote by a character Gollum is indeed a memorable one.
The book is also the prequel of the Lord Of the Rings, and the discovery of The One Ring of Sauron and the pitiful creature Gollum are well explained in detail in the chapter “Riddles in the Dark”.
Other characters in the book include Bard the Bowman (who slain Smaug), Elvenking(actually King Thranduil of Mirkwood), Beorn and the ruthless goblins.
The philosophical aspect of this book should be highly appreciated though it has an underlying meaning. For instance—At the end Thorin says, “If we had people in the world who cared more about food, it would be a merrier world” Bilbo also describes life as a long road – the Road that goes Ever on and on……..where many paths and errands meet!