The Hobbit

There is a fine sort of tale that begins with a quiet cup of tea and ends with fire, gold, grief, laughter, and a changed heart. That is the road this book takes. At first glance, it seems to be about a small, comfort loving hobbit pulled out of his warm hole and into danger. Yet before long, it becomes clear that the real treasure is not the dragon’s hoard, nor even the lost kingdom under the mountain, but the discovery of courage where none seemed to live, wisdom hidden inside plain good sense, and mercy that proves stronger than pride. The story opens in the tidy world of Bilbo Baggins, who likes his meals on time, his pantry full, and his life free of adventures, which he thinks are “nasty disturbing uncomfortable things.” Into this peaceful life comes the wizard Gandalf, followed by a company of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. They are on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and the riches stolen long ago by the dragon Smaug. They mean to use Bilbo as their burglar, a choice that seems ridiculous to nearly everyone, Bilbo most of all. Still, once he is swept along, he finds in himself a Tookish side, a spark of daring that had long slept under layers of comfort and habit. What follows is a journey through wild lands and old forests, over mountains and under them, into goblin tunnels, elf halls, desolate lakes, and finally the dragon’s own den. Along the way, the tale keeps a bright and human eye on hunger, fear, homesickness, greed, friendship, songs by the fire, and the strange way a person can become larger in spirit while remaining very small in size. The world is full of ancient history, old wrongs, and deep enchantment, but it is also full of comic mishaps, talking purses, bad weather, and arguments over breakfast. J.R.R. Tolkien tells the story as if leaning close to the reader, with a twinkle in his eye and a deep fondness for all his creatures, from brave kings to timid burglars. He never lets grandeur float too far above the ground. For every moment of wonder there is often a practical concern close behind, such as where supper will come from or whether one’s handkerchiefs were packed. That blend gives the tale its enduring charm. By the time all is done, the book has shown that luck matters, and riddles matter, and swords matter too, but character matters most. A single act of pity can shape the fate of many. A humble person may stand firm when mighty ones fail. And one may return home with fewer illusions, fewer comforts perhaps, yet far richer in understanding. That is the heart of this adventure, and it beats steadily from the first unexpected party to the last look westward from Bilbo’s door.