the hobbit book review goodreads

Find anything you save across the site in your account

“The Hobbit”: One Book to Rule Them All

By Jon Michaud

With the imminent release of the first of Peter Jackson’s three-part adaptation of “The Hobbit,” I revisited J. R. R. Tolkien’s 1937 novel, which I had not opened since I was a teen-ager. Re-reading “The Hobbit” turned out to be something of a revelation. Formerly, I’d seen it as nothing more than an appetizer for the big feast of “The Lord of the Rings.” Now, I realized, it was a perfectly balanced meal of its own—one that left you feeling sated rather than gorged. A good case can be made that “The Hobbit” is a better and more satisfying read than its gargantuan successor. Herewith, some arguments in the little book’s favor:

1. Only one hobbit.

There’s a reason Tolkien begins both novels by getting his hobbit protagonists out of the Shire. Hobbits, though possessed of many admirable traits, can be kind of a drag, especially in large numbers. One is plenty. Four is too many. After twelve hundred pages of “The Lord of the Rings,” I’d had just about enough of the hobbits’ endless pining for home and their tiresome whingeing about not having a second breakfast. Particularly grating is Sam Gamgee, the loyal, kind-hearted servant who accompanies Frodo all the way to Mt. Doom—and insists on calling him “Mr. Frodo” the entire time. Mindlessly devoted and masochistically self-denying, he is held up as the truest expression of hobbithood. No thanks. I find Bilbo, the hero of the earlier book, a far more engaging character. While he does yearn for the comforts of the Shire during his journey to the Lonely Mountain, he is no straight arrow. He’s an opportunist, willing to fudge the rules when it suits him. He outwits Gollum with a not-quite-kosher riddle. He steals the Arkenstone from Smaug’s hoard and uses it as a bargaining chip; and he hides the magic ring from his companions as long as he can. Next time I re-read “The Lord of the Rings,” I am sure to ask myself, What would Bilbo do?

2. Lots of dwarves.

I propose a rule: the ratio of dwarves to hobbits is directly proportional to the quality of the tale. Wagner and Walt Disney understood this. Pompous and irritable, industrious yet bumbling, dwarves are much more enjoyable to read about than hobbits. Though motivated always by gold, they are makers as well as takers. Skilled blacksmiths, miners, and engineers, they are responsible for many of the wonders of Middle Earth. Moria is to a hobbit hole as the Pyramids are to a thatched-roof cottage. There is just one dwarf in “The Lord of the Rings”: Gimli. He is the son of Gloin, one of Bilbo’s companions in “The Hobbit.” (Gloin does make a brief appearance at the Council of Elrond, but that hardly counts.) Having one dwarf in your epic fantasy novel is like having one acrobat in a circus. You need a troupe! Poor Gimli is charged not only with protecting the ringbearer, but also with providing much of the comic relief in the trilogy. By contrast, “The Hobbit” features a dozen dwarves and is the richer for it. Who can’t sympathize with a group of grumpy, bearded refugees who have been evicted from their homeland by a greedy despot? The fact that they squabble, refuse to listen to directions, and end up starting a war only makes them more fun to read about.

3. Just enough Gollum.

Like the hobbits, Gollum gets to be pretty annoying by the final pages of “The Lord of the Rings.” You close the book and never want to see the word “precious” again. A glance at the chronology at the end of “The Return of the King” reveals that, by the time Bilbo takes the ring from him in “The Hobbit,” Gollum has been living on his slimy little island in the Misty Mountains for some five hundred years. The ring, obtained by murder, has made him crazy and crazy people—as anyone who lives in New York City can attest—wear you out after a while. In the “Hobbit,” we must endure Gollum’s third-person self-babble for a single chapter, but in “The Lord of the Rings,” he accompanies Frodo and Sam through hundreds and hundreds of pages. “This creature is in some way bound up with my errand,” Frodo tells Faramir in “The Two Towers.” It’s the understatement of all time. Frodo could have done everyone a big favor by letting Faramir’s men kill Gollum at the Forbidden Pool. Come to think of it, Bilbo probably should have offed him in the first book.

4. A dragon.

No image is more central to the literature of fantasy than the dragon sitting on a pile of gold. For all the magnificent creatures in the “Rings” trilogy, there is no beast as grand and imposing as Smaug, the ornery winged lizard who has dispossessed the dwarves of their home and their treasure hoard. Tolkien, who had a way with names, never came up with a better one. His stroke of genius, though, was making Smaug a character, not a monster. Smaug combines the haughty condescension of a one-per-center and the killer instinct of an apex predator. He’s Gordon Gekko with a flamethrower. Smaug uses guile as well as fire in dealing with his enemies and it is ultimately a very human character flaw—arrogance—that undoes him.

5. No Tom Bombadil.

Wisely cut by Jackson from the “Rings” movies, Bombadil is the Johnny Appleseed of Middle Earth—an idealized, rustic man who is also one of Tolkien’s most irritating characters. Identified as “the Master of wood, water, and hill,” he lives with a woman named Goldberry in an enchanted house in the forest and provides assistance and shelter to the Hobbits early in their journey. Bombadil combines many of Tolkien’s worst traits as a writer: an over-idealization of the natural world; the effusive love of song and verse; and the complete lack of a libido. (You can’t really imagine Bombadil ever getting it on with Goldberry.) Bombadil first announces himself to the Hobbits as if walking onstage in a Gilbert and Sullivan opera:

Hey dol! Merry dol! Ring a dong dillo! Ring a dong! Fal lal the willow! Tom Bom, jolly Tom, Tom Bombadillo!

He is also, as you can see, an over-user of the exclamation point—always a suspect trait. By contrast, “The Hobbit” features Beorn, a more complex character who serves many of the same functions as Bombadil. Beorn gives Bilbo and the dwarves shelter on their journey and shares Bombadil’s deep connection to the natural world. Yet he is believably drawn as both short-tempered and somewhat sinister. “He can be appalling when he is angry,” Gandalf warns the dwarves. Beorn may be a vegetarian, but he is also “a skin-changer,” who becomes a menacing black bear when not in human form. You can’t help thinking he could kick Tom Bombadil’s ass.

6. Don’t mention the war.

“The Hobbit”’s plot couldn’t be simpler: Over the mountains and through the woods to Smaug’s house we go. Kill the dragon, get the gold. It is the very essence of an adventure story. Toward the end of novel, things do get a little political, as Bilbo and the dwarves find themselves at the center of a war between the Lake Men, the Wood Elves, the Goblins, and the Wargs, but the source of all this hostility is easy to understand: treasure. Compare this to the “Rings” trilogy, which has been freighted with all kinds of real-world allegories. Sauron is Hitler. Saruman is Mussolini. The Fellowship is the Allies. The One Ring is the Atomic Bomb. The ghastly battles of Minas Tirith and Helm’s Deep are drawn from Tolkien’s own service in the trenches. The Hobbit, written before the Second World War, belongs to a more appealingly innocent world.

7. No love interest.

As noted with Tom Bombadil and Goldberry above, sex and romance are not Tolkien’s forte. “The Lord of the Rings” features a number of not-quite-convincing affairs of the heart: Aragorn and Arwen; Eowyn and Aragorn; Sam Gamgee and Rosie Cotton, etc. “The Hobbit” dispenses with all of that. In fact, “The Hobbit” dispenses with women altogether. Bilbo, Gandalf, Beorn, and the dwarves are unencumbered by the need to woo and win damsels. This may be a failing in real-world terms, but it plays to Tolkien’s strengths as a storyteller: mystery, suspense, and action. Not for nothing did Tolkien relegate the full story of Aragorn and Arwen’s romance to an appendix at the end of “The Return of the King.”

8. Nine hundred fewer pages to read.

My first reading of “The Lord of the Rings” took place during a cross-country car trip when I was fifteen. It’s the perfect book for youthful summer vacations—or a stay in solitary confinement. These days, with children, career, and much else to worry about, a twelve-hundred-page novel (especially one containing Tom Bombadil) is too much to contemplate. But, three hundred pages, I can do. I breezed through “The Hobbit” in a week, reading it mostly after my kids went to sleep. There is only one story line to follow. You don’t have to learn scads of history or remember lots of names. And the excitement never really stops. All of which means you still have plenty of time to read (or re-read) “The Hobbit” before the movie opens on December 14. You’ll be glad you did.

Illustration by Istvan Banyai .

Books & Fiction

By signing up, you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

By Dhruv Khullar

By Brendan Loper

By Christopher Weyant

By Allison Keeley

By J.R.R. Tolkien

'The Hobbit' is a children’s fantasy novel published in 1937. It is one of the best-known and best-loved novels of the genre.

About the Book

Article written by Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

It has been translated into over 50 languages. While it was written with young readers in mind, the novel is read by adults on a regular basis and is often assigned in schools around the world.

The novel tells the story of Bilbo Baggins , a Hobbit, who is enlisted to accompany a group of dwarves on a dangerous quest to retake their home and treasure. He’s given the job of “burglar,” one he and the dwarves all believe he’s unsuited for. But, as the story progresses, and the group faces growing dangers, he slowly starts to find his courage. The group encounter trolls, elves, orcs, goblins, and of course, Smaug the dragon who took up residence in the dwarves’ home and is lording over their treasure.

In The Hobbit , readers, no matter their age, will be confronted with several interesting themes. For the young reader, those of adventure and heroism are going to be the most prominent and interesting. The story of Thorin and his extended family of dwarves seeking to retake their home, The Lonely Mountain, from Smaug, is a thrilling one. The characters, including Bilbo , all show a great amount of courage and heroism in the face of the dangers they come into contact with.

There are the thrills of Smaug’s danger to enjoy, the terrifying threat the wargs, orcs, and goblins pose, and more. Just when it seems like one adventure is over and the characters are going to get a break, something else happens and suddenly Bilbo and the dwarves are fighting for their lives again. It’s likely that a young reader, no matter what they’re interested in, is going to find something in this novel that excites them. It might be the Battle of the Five Armies, Smaug, the wood elves, or the broader excitement of the quest.

Bilbo Baggins as a Hero in The Hobbit

By the time the novel ends, Bilbo has demonstrated a great deal of bravery and heroism. But, he doesn’t start out as a hero. He’s a normal hobbit who loves his home, good food and drink. When he’s thrust into the middle of this quest he’s a reluctant hero, someone who has to gather their courage and become brave because they don’t have any choice but to do so. This is likely something that most young readers, and perhaps adult readers, can relate to.

Tolkien crafted Bilbo in such a way that his fears and preferences are clear and likely connected to the reader’s own. But, as he learns more about the world he’s a part of and makes friends with the dwarves, he proves to be incredibly loyal and willing to risk his life to help his friends retake their home.

There are several other interesting themes that more mature readers of The Hobbit will find and enjoy. One of these is greed. It is a theme that’s incredibly central to the story. While the dwarves do want to take their home back, they’re even more driven by the desire to reclaim the vast amounts of wealth waiting for them in the mountain. Their greed, and Smaug’s, defines the parameters of the story. By the end of the novel, Thorin has been overcome by his greed for the treasure broadly, the Arkenstone specifically, and the power these things are going to bring him. But, before he dies, he expresses remorse for what he did and said.

Older readers are likely also going to find themselves considering the importance of home in this novel. Bilbo loves his home and the comforts that are always there for him and the dwarves are desperate to take back theirs. It’s this connection between Bilbo and the dwarves that’s one of the primary reasons that Bilbo finally accepts his role in the quest and chooses to give his all to help his friends. Readers will likely feel the same connection to their own home and imagine what they would do in order to return to it.

The Hobbit is often compared to its sequels, The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The latter three novels were written after and directed towards the readers of The Hobbit who had grown up and were now prepared to read a much darker story about Middle-earth. These novels lack the same lighthearted and fun tone that J.R.R Tolkien uses in The Hobbit .

Throughout this novel, he addresses difficult subject matter as one would when speaking to a child. He talks around the most gruesome parts of a scene and only suggests that people have died without describing that they’ve actually done so. Despite this, the novel is complex. There are numerous races, such as dwarves, orcs, and goblins, and adventures that the main characters engage in.

The Hobbit Book Review: Tolkien's Enduring Children's Fantasy Novel

Writing Style
Lasting Effect on Reader

The Hobbit Review

The Hobbit is a high fantasy novel that was published in 1973 and follows the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, and a group of dwarves. The party sets out to retake the dwarves home, The Lonely Mountain, from Smaug the dragon who is currently in possession of their treasure. They face many perilous dangers along the way that Tolkien describes in a tone and style suitable for the young readers for whom this novel was written.

The plot is exciting throughout the novel.
Bilbo’s character is relatable for readers of all ages.
The setting is interesting and diverse.
Leaves readers wanting more in regard to the places and people the group encounters.
Might not be as exciting for adult readers as young readers.
Problems are solved and dangers are defeated too easily.

About Emma Baldwin

Emma Baldwin, a graduate of East Carolina University, has a deep-rooted passion for literature. She serves as a key contributor to the Book Analysis team with years of experience.

Discover literature and connect with others just like yourself!

Start the Conversation. Join the Chat.

There was a problem reporting this post.

Block Member?

Please confirm you want to block this member.

You will no longer be able to:

See blocked member's posts
Mention this member in posts
Invite this member to groups

Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.

Home » All Posts » The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: Book Review

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: Book Review

My Rating: 5/5

SPOILER FREE

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien is the greatest introduction to a fantasy world. Rereading this felt like going back home and slipping under the duvet with a warm hot chocolate in the winter. I fell in love with the story all over again.

Bilbo’s adventure in The Hobbit is quite extraordinary for he not only survives the dangers that threatened him and is company on their travels, but he also had a hand in their success.

J. R. R. Tolkien works hard at twisting the hero’s journey so that rather than the heroic figure being an all-powerful warrior, he is instead a small hobbit. Bilbo’s strength comes from his intelligence and morality. He cares deeply for his friends and overcomes his fears, growing into a fiercely brave hero, despite his disadvantages.

The introduction of the ring and Gollum is by far my favourite chapter in The Hobbit . It’s clever a witty, and this is where we see Bilbo’s intelligence and bravery begin to take control of the plot.

Riverrun is not described enough for my liking as it’s an incredible setting, but there is so much more to see. The stories we hear told through song and dialogue do a lot to add to the lore and history of the world, however, and they’re a pleasure to explore.

The the chapters with Beorn were wonderful too, as another fantasy creature is introduced which adds to the complexity of the world.

This book is a classic of the fantasy genre, and the perfect introduction to The Lord of the Rings , as well as the rest of Tolkien’s Legendarium . Don’t skip over this when diving into Tolkien’s work – it’s one his best.

Book Reviews for J. R. R. Tolkien’s Legendarium

The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings #1)

The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings #2)

The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings #3)

The Silmarillion

Latest Fantasy Blog Posts

Exploring the Elven Languages of Middle-Earth

The Ultimate Middle-Earth Reading Guide

The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy Review • Harriet’s Book Reviews

<i>The Hobbit</i> Is Turning 80. Here’s What Reviewers Said About It in 1937

The Hobbit Is Turning 80. Here’s What Reviewers Said About It in 1937

W hen the first edition of The Hobbit: or, There And Back Again was first published — 80 years ago, on Sept. 21, 1937 — C.S. Lewis famously called the book a “marvellous” classic-in-the-making, and the New York Times called it “freshly original and delightfully imaginative.”

TIME Magazine, meanwhile, called it…nothing. The book did not receive a review in the magazine’s pages in 1937, nor when the first U.S. edition arrived the following year.

That omission, while an obvious oversight in retrospect, is also a telling detail in the history of J.R.R. Tolkien’s first Middle-earth masterpiece. In fact, it took decades for The Hobbit to make the transition from being a well-reviewed children’s book to a work seen as one part of a classic, culture-shaping narrative.

One crucial ingredient in making the difference was the release of Tolkien’s later Lord of the Rings books in the 1950s, but even those volumes, while they expanded readership, didn’t finish the work of nudging the books from their genre niche to pop-culture domination. In the 1960s, however, that changed. TIME documented the phenomenon in 1966, declaring that hobbits were the new literary heroes on American college campuses. “[The] Rings trilogy was first published in the U.S. twelve years ago, had a small but dedicated coterie of admirers, including Poet W. H. Auden and Critic C. S. Lewis, but languished largely unread until it was reprinted last year in two paperback editions,” the story explained. “Since then, campus booksellers have been hard put to keep up with the demand. At the Princeton bookstore, says one salesman, it is the ‘biggest seller since Lord of the Flies.'”

Why was it such a hit, besides the more accessible paperback format? Though Tolkien said he hadn’t intended any sort of message for modern readers, the students to whom TIME spoke said that they appreciated the chance to escape from the complicated world of the 1960s to one where you could “cheer the hero and boo the villain.” It was a perfect match between a generation and the precise breed of escapism it demanded.

And, though The Lord of the Rings was the story that captivated those college-age readers, it was The Hobbit that became America’s best-selling mass-market paperback of 1966.

By the time Tolkien died in 1973, TIME noted , his readership had spread from “a handful of literate Anglophiles” to hundreds of thousands of fans across the U.S. and the world. And while the 1960s may have marked a hobbitomania peak, the series has had a resurgence: In 2001, 1.6 million copies of the book were sold amid excitement over the coming Lord of the Rings movies, at the time the most of any year since it was first published.

More Must-Reads From TIME

The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
The Revolution of Yulia Navalnaya
6 Compliments That Land Every Time
Stop Looking for Your Forever Home
If You're Dating Right Now , You're Brave: Column
The AI That Could Heal a Divided Internet
Fallout Is a Brilliant Model for the Future of Video Game Adaptations
Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time

Write to Lily Rothman at [email protected]

International edition
Australia edition
Europe edition

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien - Review

So many people had told how good the hobbit was. But then again, so many people had also told me how bad it was. Yet when I got it for Christmas and started reading it, I was transported to the magical world of Bilbo Baggins, a small hobbit who has a very big part in the adventure to come.

Bilbo Baggins is a small and hairy hobbit, who lives in his comfortable hobbit-hole in bag-end. When a wizard arrives on his doorstep with 13 dwarves, he invites them all in for tea. Little does he know that they are to take him on the biggest adventure of anybody's life, where he will encounter goblins, elves, men who can change into bears and Smaug the Magnificent-a very fierce dragon. Many times he wishes for the safety of his comfortable hobbit hole and at times the only thing which keeps him going is Gandalf's certainty that he will see the company through.

I absolutely loved this book, and I was glad I read it before seeing the film (even though I still haven't seen it) It has an amazing storyline and is certainly a classic. It is one of the few books which completely absorbs you into the story and makes you wish you lived in the land of the hobbit.

I would recommend it to absolutely anyone! I hope those of you that pick it up enjoy reading it.

Want to tell the world about a book you've read? Join the site and send us your review!

Children's books
Children and teenagers
Children's fantasy books (children's and teens)
JRR Tolkien
children's user reviews

Or browse by category:

Get the app
Movie Reviews
Best Movie Lists
Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

Best TV Lists
Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
Common Sense Selections for TV
Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

Book Reviews
Best Book Lists
Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

Game Reviews
Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

Podcast Reviews
Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

App Reviews
Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

YouTube Channel Reviews
YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

Explaining the News to Our Kids

Family Tech Planners
Digital Skills
All Articles
Latino Culture
Black Voices
Asian Stories
Native Narratives
LGBTQ+ Pride
Best of Diverse Representation List

Celebrating Black History Month

Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads

Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

Common sense media reviewers.

Brilliantly written, inventive pre-LOTR tale.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Dig deeper into J.R.R. Tolkien's world, and reader

Shows how greed for riches can blind you and that

Bilbo is hired as a thief and does do some stealin

Fights with a dragon, trolls, giant spiders, wood

"Hell" (spelled "'ell") and "curse it!"

Lots of tobacco smoking with pipes -- trying to ge

Educational Value

Dig deeper into J.R.R. Tolkien's world, and readers will find out more about his made-up languages and runes, as well as art inspired by this book and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Younger readers will also build up their vocabulary, so keep a dictionary handy. Words like "flummoxed" should be looked up so kids get the full enjoyment out of Tolkien's beautiful writing.

Positive Messages

Shows how greed for riches can blind you and that peace is more important than shiny possessions. Also, that giving up the comforts of home is worth it for adventure, but it's always nice to find home again. Throughout the book, a big value is placed on bravery, friendship, and using brains over brawn.

Positive Role Models

Bilbo is hired as a thief and does do some stealing from enemies, but mostly he shows bravery, cunning, and loyalty to his group of travelers while helping them get out of a number of sticky situations. Most heroically, he takes a stand against Thorin, hoping to show him that his greed for gold isn't worth spilling blood over. Gandalf is a mentor for the dwarves and Bilbo, advising them on how to reach their goal and avoid danger but also imparting much wisdom along the way.

Violence & Scariness

Fights with a dragon, trolls, giant spiders, wood elves, goblins, and evil wolves. The dwarves and Bilbo are captured a few times, whipped once, almost cooked once, and strung upside down to be eaten later. Swords and arrows kill in a big battle that includes some sad deaths. There's talk of how a dragon destroyed whole towns of men and dwarves around his hoard. Bilbo has a creepy encounter in the dark with Gollum, who keeps thinking about how he'd like to eat him. Few truly gory details except a goblin head and a wolf skin propped up on a gate.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Lots of tobacco smoking with pipes -- trying to get big rings and magically float them. Drinking, too, by dwarves, elves, and Gandalf. Two elves fall asleep drinking.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that, of J.R.R. Tolkien's many excellent books, The Hobbit is the better choice for tweens. It makes a great read-aloud for kids 8 and up and read-alone for 10 or 11 and up. Kids younger than 8 will probably have a tough time with both the vocabulary and some of the violence. Of particular note for bedtime readers: scary scenes in the pitch-blackness when Bilbo the hobbit is threatened by goblins and trolls in caves, and a very creepy scene with Gollum, who keeps thinking about how he'd like to eat Bilbo. The dwarves and Bilbo are captured a few times, whipped once, almost cooked once, and strung upside down to be eaten later. Swords and arrows kill in a big battle that includes some sad deaths. Few truly gory details except a goblin head and a wolf skin propped up on a gate. And there are fights with big spiders and evil wolves. Dwarves, Gandalf, and Bilbo love their drink and making smoke rings from their pipes. This classic adventure brings out the best in the little hobbit at its center: bravery, loyalty, cunning, and the guts to take a stand against friends blinded by greed so he can help bring about peace. Rob Inglis reads the audiobook version.

Where to Read

Community reviews.

Parents say (30)
Kids say (135)

Based on 30 parent reviews

J. R. R. Tolkien’s classic left a lot to be desired with one-dimensional characters and a repetitive plot.

What's the story.

Bilbo Baggins, a simple Hobbit, never asked for adventure. It literally came knocking on his door -- 13 dwarves (Tolkien's spelling with the \"v\") and Gandalf the wizard show up to tea to hire Bilbo as a thief in their quest to reclaim a hoard of treasure. It's stashed far away and guarded by a fierce dragon, Smaug. Bilbo will have to cross the Misty Mountains -- troll and goblin country -- and the untamed wilds of Mirkwood, where straying from the path can be deadly. In exchange, he gets an even share of the treasure and quite a story to tell. But is one little hobbit really up for such a big adventure?

Is It Any Good?

There are few worlds more richly imagined than Tolkien's Middle Earth. Readers would get caught up just in his exquisitely imaginative details if it weren't for the nonstop adventure; it's a perfect balance. Add to that a wonderful main character -- the hairy-footed little hobbit who truly triumphs -- and you have the perfect fantasy-adventure. This is how it's done.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how Bilbo changes over the course of the book. Why is he reluctant to have an adventure at first? Would you choose a comfy hobbit-hole over a meeting with a dragon (and riches), or would you face adversity and adventure head-on?

For those reading as a family, what parts are the best to read aloud? Is it easier to get through the scary scenes with company? What other books appeal to readers of many ages?

Can you see why the fimmakers decided to break the movie version of The Hobbit into three installments?

Book Details

Author : J.R.R. Tolkien
Genre : Fantasy
Topics : Magic and Fantasy , Adventures , Friendship , Great Boy Role Models , Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
Book type : Fiction
Publisher : Houghton Mifflin Children's Books
Publication date : September 21, 1937
Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
Number of pages : 272
Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Audiobook (abridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle, App
Last updated : July 12, 2017

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

Our editors recommend.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Finding Nemo

The Dark Crystal

Fantasy books for kids, coming-of-age books, related topics.

Magic and Fantasy
Great Boy Role Models
Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

15 Mar The Hobbit – J.R.R Tolkien

Book summary: the hobbit by j.r.r. tolkein.

Order your copy today.

Introduction

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” With this famous opening line, J.R.R. Tolkien invites readers into the cozy yet adventurous world of Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit . As a lifelong booklover and former English major, I consider this beloved classic essential reading for young and old alike. Tolkien’s captivating tale serves as the perfect introduction to his richly imagined fantasy realm of Middle-earth.

Originally published in 1937 by George Allen & Unwin, The Hobbit has never been out of print. At around 300 pages, it is a quick and enchanting read, especially compared to Tolkien’s more epic Lord of the Rings trilogy that followed. The book was an immediate success and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and awarded a prize from the New York Herald Tribune for best juvenile fiction.

The story centers on Bilbo Baggins, a respectable and rather timid hobbit who enjoys the quiet comforts of his snug hobbit-hole. Hobbits, Tolkien tells us, are small, peaceful creatures who love food, cheer, and the simple pleasures of home. Bilbo’s contented life is interrupted by the arrival of the wizard Gandalf and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. The group has embarked on a quest to reclaim the dwarves’ treasure from Smaug, the fearsome dragon who destroyed their kingdom under the Lonely Mountain. To Bilbo’s surprise, Gandalf has volunteered him to join the expedition as the party’s “burglar.”

Reluctant at first, Bilbo soon finds himself swept up into a grand adventure across the magical landscape of Middle-earth. With Gandalf’s wise guidance, Bilbo and the dwarves encounter trolls, goblins, giant spiders, and wood-elves as they make their way toward the Lonely Mountain and a confrontation with Smaug. During the journey, the unassuming Bilbo discovers his own reserves of cleverness and courage. His keen wits enable him to outwit the creature Gollum in a game of riddles and to find the secret entrance into the mountain. Although Bilbo often longs for the comforts of home, his compassion and sense of loyalty keep him true to his companions and their cause.

Tolkien brings Bilbo’s quest to life with vivid descriptions of Middle-earth’s inhabitants and landscapes. From the elven sanctuary of Rivendell to the eerie Mirkwood forest, each new setting is infused with a sense of wonder and ancient history. The novel’s characters are equally memorable, particularly the proud dwarf leader Thorin Oakenshield, the eccentric wizard Gandalf, and of course the unlikely hero Bilbo. Even the dragon Smaug, glimpsed only briefly, looms as a terrifying yet strangely magnificent presence. Tolkien’s use of poetry and song throughout the novel adds to the impression of a fully realized legendary past. The story centers on Bilbo Baggins, a respectable hobbit who enjoys the quiet comforts of his snug hobbit-hole. Hobbits, Tolkien tells us, are small, peaceful creatures who love food, cheer, and the simple pleasures of home. Bilbo’s contented life is interrupted by the arrival of the wizard Gandalf and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield.

With Gandalf’s wise guidance, Bilbo and the dwarves encounter trolls, goblins, giant spiders, and wood-elves as they make their way toward the Lonely Mountain and a confrontation with Smaug. During the journey, the unassuming Bilbo discovers his own reserves of cleverness and courage. His keen wits enable him to outwit the creature Gollum in a game of riddles and to find the secret entrance into the mountain.

Powerful and enigmatic wizard who sets the story’s events in motion
Has great magical abilities but his true power and nature are shrouded in mystery
Sees Bilbo’s untapped potential for courage and resourcefulness
Provides guidance and help to Bilbo and the dwarves at critical points
Has a mischievous sense of humor but also a short temper
Unquestionably a force for good, working to counter rising evil in Middle-earth
His knowledge, wisdom and foresight make him an invaluable ally

Bilbo Baggins

The unlikely hero of the story, going from timid homebody to brave adventurer
At the beginning, a typical hobbit – fond of comfort, food and his peaceful life
Has hidden depths of cleverness and courage that emerge over the course of the quest
Quick wits and humble ingenuity get the group out of many dangerous scrapes
Has a strong moral compass and sense of loyalty
Becomes an unlikely leader, facing Smaug alone and figuring out the dragon’s weakness
Returns home much changed by his experiences, but still with his humble, generous spirit intact

Gollum (Sméagol)

A strange, slimy creature who lives deep in the caves of the Misty Mountains
Formerly a hobbit-like creature named Sméagol, but corrupted by the power of the One Ring
Has a split personality, alternating between his Sméagol and Gollum personas
Speaks in a distinctive manner, often referring to himself in the third person and making a “gollum” noise in his throat
Possesses the magic ring that Bilbo finds, which turns out to be the One Ring
Engages in a game of riddles with Bilbo, with the stakes being Bilbo’s life and a way out of the caves
Becomes enraged when he realizes his “precious” ring is missing, and pursues Bilbo
Bilbo ultimately spares Gollum’s life out of pity, a decision that has far-reaching consequences in The Lord of the Rings
Represents the corrupting influence of power and the way it can twist a person’s mind and body
His tragic backstory is explored more fully in The Lord of the Rings , where he plays a pivotal role

Although Gollum appears only briefly in The Hobbit , his encounter with Bilbo is one of the most memorable and consequential scenes in the book. It’s a testament to Tolkien’s skill as a writer that he could create such a fascinating and complex character in just a few pages.

Gollum’s riddles are clever and enigmatic, hinting at his cunning and his long, lonely life in the dark. His desperation to get his “precious” back is both pitiable and frightening, showcasing the ring’s power to corrupt. Bilbo’s decision to spare Gollum is a moment of mercy that stands out in the story, and it’s one that has significant ramifications later in Tolkien’s legendarium.

In many ways, Gollum is a foil to Bilbo – a glimpse of what the hobbit could become if he allowed himself to be consumed by the ring’s power. Gollum’s fate is a warning about the dangers of greed and obsession, themes that run throughout The Hobbit and Tolkien’s other works. Despite his brief appearance, Gollum is an essential part of the story and a character that lingers in the reader’s mind long after the book is finished.

Wise, ancient and in tune with nature, but can also be dangerous and distrustful
Elrond, the master of Rivendell, is a powerful elf lord who provides shelter and advice
The wood-elves of Mirkwood, led by Thranduil, are more suspicious and hostile
Legolas, Thranduil’s son, is mentioned in passing as a messenger
Depicted as otherworldly and inscrutable, with motives often unclear to other races
A terrifying, arrogant dragon – the personification of greed and destruction
Attacked the Lonely Mountain, killing many dwarves and claiming their treasure
Massive, powerful, cunning and cruel, with armored scales and fiery breath
Vain, proud and scornful, toying with Bilbo and trying to manipulate him psychologically
His overconfident pride is his weak spot, allowing Bilbo to learn about his vulnerability
His wrath is terrible when enraged, unleashing fury on the innocent Lake-town

The Dwarves

Thorin oakenshield.

The proud, determined leader of the dwarves and the rightful king under the Lonely Mountain
A formidable warrior and a charismatic leader, inspiring great loyalty in his followers
Can also be haughty, stubborn and quick to anger
His driving goal is to reclaim his people’s homeland and treasure from Smaug
Proves his bravery and leadership, but also falls prey to greed and pride
Redeems himself by admitting his faults and making peace before he dies in battle
One of the oldest and wisest of the dwarves, and a close advisor to Thorin
More cautious and less quick-tempered than Thorin, often taking the lead in negotiations
Has a special fondness for Bilbo and is one of the first to accept the hobbit
A powerful warrior and Balin’s younger brother
One of the tallest and strongest of the dwarves, wielding the elvish sword Glamdring
Fiercely loyal to Thorin and always ready for battle

Fili and Kili

The youngest dwarves, Thorin’s nephews and his designated heirs
Often mischievous and reckless, but also brave and eager for adventure
Kili is a skilled archer, while Fili wields two swords
Both are killed defending Thorin in the Battle of Five Armies

Dori, Nori, and Ori

Three brothers, not as individually distinct as some of the other dwarves
Dori is the strongest dwarf and often carries Bilbo
Nori is described as sly
Ori is the youngest of the three

Oin and Gloin

Brothers, with Oin being the older
Oin has a long grey beard
Gloin (father of Gimli from The Lord of the Rings) has a white beard
Gloin is the company’s treasurer and banker

Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur

A trio of dwarves not related to Thorin but still loyal members of the company
Bifur only speaks in dwarvish, not the common tongue
Bofur is cheerful and fond of a good meal
Bombur is Bofur’s brother and the fattest dwarf

The novel’s characters are equally memorable, particularly the proud dwarf leader Thorin Oakenshield, the eccentric wizard Gandalf, and of course the unlikely hero Bilbo. Even the dragon Smaug, glimpsed only briefly, looms as a terrifying yet strangely magnificent presence. Tolkien’s use of poetry and song throughout the novel adds to the impression of a fully realized legendary past.

Analysis & Evaluation

While The Hobbit is often considered a children’s book, the story contains themes and insights that speak to readers of all ages. Bilbo’s journey from comfort-loving homebody to resourceful adventurer suggests that we all possess untapped reserves of strength and ability. The corrupting influence of greed is another recurring motif, as seen in the dragon Smaug’s lust for treasure and the Arkenstone gem’s bewitching effect on Thorin. By contrast, Bilbo’s humble spirit and concern for others mark him as the story’s true hero.

Since its publication, The Hobbit has enchanted millions of readers around the world. The novel’s enduring appeal is a testament to Tolkien’s gifts as a storyteller and the universal journey of self-discovery that Bilbo represents. Readers who fall under the spell of Bilbo’s adventures can explore Tolkien’s wider mythology in The Lord of the Rings and his other writings about Middle-earth.

I wholeheartedly recommend The Hobbit for readers of all ages looking to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Bilbo Baggins may be a small hobbit, but his story has the power to inspire and delight us all. In Thorin’s words to Bilbo, “There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure.” May we all strive to live up to Bilbo’s example of humility, compassion, and quiet heroism.

About the Author

J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973) was an English writer, poet, philologist, and professor best known as the author of the classic fantasy works The Hobbit , The Lord of the Rings , and The Silmarillion . After serving in World War I, Tolkien embarked on an academic career and began writing the stories that would become his epic tales of Middle-earth. His books have sold more than 150 million copies worldwide and have been translated into over 50 languages. Tolkien was a close friend of fellow author C.S. Lewis and was a member of the literary group known as The Inklings.

Where to Buy

The Hobbit can be purchased at my bookstore Scattered Books and online at Bookshop.org . As the first book in Tolkien’s Middle-earth saga, it makes an excellent gift for any fantasy fan or a young person ready to begin their reading journey.

Spoilers/How Does It End

Warning: Major plot spoilers ahead!

In the climax of The Hobbit , Bilbo and the dwarves finally reach the Lonely Mountain, where Smaug the dragon is guarding the dwarves’ treasure. Bilbo enters the mountain alone and has a confrontation with the dragon. Through flattery and riddling talk, Bilbo discovers that Smaug has a weak spot on his jewel-encrusted underbelly – a bare patch that could be pierced by an arrow.

When Smaug realizes Bilbo’s intent, he flies into a rage and attacks Lake-town, assuming (incorrectly) that the men there helped the dwarves. The thrush that overheard Bilbo’s conversation with Smaug tells Bard, a skilled archer, about the dragon’s weakness. Bard shoots Smaug with a special black arrow, killing the dragon, but Lake-town is destroyed in the process.

With Smaug dead, the dwarves reclaim the mountain and its treasure. However, the men of Lake-town and the wood-elves of Mirkwood also lay claim to a portion of the treasure. Thorin, now consumed by greed, refuses to share and fortifies the mountain. Bilbo tries to defuse the situation by secretly giving the Arkenstone, the most valued jewel in the hoard, to the elves and men to use as a bargaining chip.

Just as war seems inevitable, an army of goblins and wargs attacks. The dwarves, elves, and men unite to fight this common enemy in what becomes known as the Battle of Five Armies. Although the good side prevails, Thorin, Fili, and Kili are killed in the battle. Bilbo returns home to the Shire with only a small portion of the treasure, but rich in wisdom and experience.

The story ends with Bilbo back in his comfortable hobbit-hole, but forever changed by his adventures. Gandalf visits and remarks that Bilbo is not the same hobbit who left. This sets the stage for the sequel, The Lord of the Rings , in which Bilbo’s magic ring turns out to be the One Ring, setting another epic quest in motion.

Publication History

First published on September 21, 1937 by George Allen & Unwin in the UK
First print run of 1,500 copies sold out by December 1937 due to positive reviews
Houghton Mifflin published the first US edition in early 1938
Tolkien made revisions to later editions, most significantly changing the “Riddles in the Dark” chapter in the second edition (1951) to better align with The Lord of the Rings
The book has never been out of print and has sold tens of millions of copies worldwide in over 50 languages

Reception and Legacy

Nominated for the Carnegie Medal and awarded a prize for best juvenile fiction by the New York Herald Tribune in 1938
Widely read by both children and adults, recognized as a classic in the fantasy genre
Success led to the publisher requesting a sequel, which Tolkien delivered in The Lord of the Rings, published in three volumes from 1954-1955
Adapted into various media including a 1977 animated television special and a trilogy of live-action films (2012-2014) directed by Peter Jackson
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892-1973) was an English writer, poet, philologist, and professor best known as the author of the high fantasy works The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion
Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University from 1925-1945 and Merton Professor of English Language and Literature there from 1945-1959
Close friend of C.S. Lewis and member of the informal literary discussion group The Inklings
Invented several languages, including Quenya and Sindarin, two of the major languages of his Middle-earth legendarium
The Hobbit began as a story Tolkien told to his children, later developed into a complete novel that set the stage for his more complex Middle-earth works
Continued to work on Middle-earth writings up until his death in 1973; his son Christopher organized and published much of this later material, most notably in The Silmarillion (1977)

Themes and Motifs

The growth of an unlikely hero, as Bilbo develops from a timid homebody to a brave adventurer
The corrupting influence of greed, as seen with the dragon Smaug hoarding treasure and the Arkenstone’s effect on Thorin
The value of friendship and cooperation, as Bilbo and the dwarves must work together to overcome obstacles
The clash between good and evil, with the climactic Battle of Five Armies
The enduring appeal of a well-crafted fantasy world and its inhabitants

Illustrations

Tolkien provided numerous illustrations for The Hobbit, including drawings, paintings, and maps, which helped establish the visual iconography of Middle-earth
Subsequent editions have featured the art of renowned illustrators like Michael Hague, Alan Lee, and Jemima Catlin

Certainly! Here’s the full bibliographic information for The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien:

Title: The Hobbit, or There and Back Again Author: J.R.R. Tolkien (John Ronald Reuel Tolkien) Illustrator: J.R.R. Tolkien (original illustrations) First Publisher: George Allen & Unwin (UK) First Publication Date: 21 September 1937 First US Publisher: Houghton Mifflin (US) First US Publication Date: 1938 Genre: High Fantasy, Juvenile Fantasy Pages: 310 (first edition) ISBN: Varies by edition, for example:

ISBN-10: 0618968636 (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt hardcover edition, 2001)
ISBN-13: 978-0618968633 (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt hardcover edition, 2001)

Preceded by: None Followed by: The Lord of the Rings Original Language: English Adaptations: Various, including 1977 animated television film, 2012-2014 live-action film trilogy directed by Peter Jackson Translations: Over 50 languages worldwide

Note: Publication dates, publishers, and ISBN numbers may vary depending on the specific edition and country of publication.

For citation purposes, a typical MLA (9th edition) book citation might look like this:

Tolkien, J.R.R. The Hobbit, or There and Back Again . Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2001.

An APA (7th edition) citation would be formatted as follows:

Tolkien, J. R. R. (2001). The Hobbit, or There and Back Again . Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Content Guide

Spiritual Content: There are no direct references to religion or faith, but the story is driven by a deep religious subtext. Violence: A lot of violence, war, bleeding, and death. Very few gruesome deaths. Language/Crude Humor: None Sexual Content: None Drug/Alcohol Use: Lots of smoking and drinking. Other Negative Themes: None Positive Content: Themes of growth, love, and overcoming greed.

One of the general challenges of approaching The Hobbit is untangling its legacy from that of its sequel. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy was originally published in England between July 1954 and October 1955 and its legacy completely subsumed that of its predecessor, which has become known as its little brother, a mere children’s novel, compared to Tolkien’s epic masterpiece. Most history and analysis you will read of The Hobbit bleeds the books together seamlessly, and authorial intent that was clearly written into its sequel becomes retroactively part of the predecessor. Much ink has been spilled discussing the theological implications of Riddles in the Dark or how Smaug might’ve played a theoretical role in the War of the Ring had he aligned with Sauron.

I don’t want to trek into that continued and hollowed ground of discussion. Instead, I want to zoom into this text alone; not as a companion to The Lord of the Rings , but as a solo story.

Those who have read The Lord of the Rings will likely know this bit of trivia, but the current draft of The Hobbit is substantially different than the first edition. There were many changes. Notably, Gollum was treated far less menacingly in the original version, happily handing over the invisibility ring to Bilbo, serving no real purpose beyond being a plot device. Tolkien would alter this, in George Lucas-esque fashion, in later editions prior to the publication of Lord of the Rings to better reflect the more serious tone of his masterpiece.

He even justified this within the canon of the story. As Tolkien writes in the prologue:

“It is a curious fact that this is not the story as Bilbo first told it to his companions. This account Bilbo set down in his memoirs and he seems never to have altered it himself, not even after the Council of Elrond. Gandalf, however, disbelieved Bilbo’s first story, as soon as he heard it, and he continued to be very curious about the ring.”

This certainly does affect the authorial intent of The Hobbit , more clearly divorcing it from its sequel. It certainly downplays the theological significance of the idea that Bilbo’s pity for Gollum is the accidental key that saves Middle Earth 80 years later at the steps of Mount Doom. It does raise the question of what The Hobbit accomplishes on its own merits, though. If it is a masterpiece yet merely a children’s book, what is the book trying to communicate?

In that sense, I would argue it is about three things:

1. Growing into the person you are intended to be

2. Coming to terms with world weariness

3. The ways greed destroys the human soul

There and Back Again: The Story of Bilbo Baggins

Between the 100 million copies of the book in circulation, the animated Rankin Bass film, and the immensely successful Peter Jackson Hobbit Trilogy that grossed $2.938 billion at the box office between 2012 and 2014, I can imagine most of you readers are already familiar with the story.

The Hobbit has a very simple premise with few flourishes or major surprises. Its fantasy narrative hinges on creative story solutions a modern screenwriter would consider convoluted or odd by modern standards, plus moments of incredible luck and convenience a more realistic novel couldn’t get away with. It is also structured in a series of whimsical vignettes, episodic asides, and mini-heists; most involve dwarves being captured and saved by Gandalf or Bilbo in the nick of time. The core quest of the story is over well before the final chapter, before concluding in a thus-foreshadowed epic battle between the races of Middle Earth. The Hobbit ‘s ending thus turns into a grand ironic mistake that ties all of the story threads together long enough for them to end in a bittersweet tragedy highlighting the moral of the story.

Unlike most modern action stories, our protagonist’s skill is his integrity rather than his physical prowess. The heroes don’t set out with a clear plan, and there is little chance of fighting through their situation. They must constantly rely on fortune, providence, and wisdom to guide their way safely through dangerous paths. But all of that is personal. This is not an action story; it is an adventure story. Our hero Bilbo Baggins proves himself more than capable of becoming the man he needs to be in order to save the day.

The book begins with one of the most famous lines in all of literature, “In a hole in the ground there lived a Hobbit.” As we come to realize, hobbits are a race of gentle, pastoral farmers who spend their days working hard and evenings in joyous partying with ale, tobacco, and fine foods. They’re not prone to adventures, although our hero comes from a line of adventurous hobbits who have the potential to do great things.

One day, Bilbo finds himself called upon by Gandalf the Grey, a great wizard who needs to conscript an adventurous hobbit for a job as a burglar. He initially turns down the offer, but the wizard sees to it that a company of dwarves storm his kitchen. They impose on him long enough that he suddenly is swept up in an adventure his nerves would not otherwise allow. He learns a company of thirteen dwarves, led by the great Thorin Oakenshield, are set to quest to their homeland under the Lonely Mountain to flush out a massive dragon that conquered their capital nearly 50 years prior. They need a burglar for the quest.

A wizard surrounded by dwarves and one hobbit

Bilbo becomes the fifteenth member of the party and joins them on a months-long quest across the wide distances of Middle-Earth. Throughout the journey, they find themselves on unbeaten trails set upon by trolls, goblins, and elves that want to eat them or seek a claim to the treasure hidden under the mountain. The dwarves come within an inch of their lives several times, but manage to escape even as they constantly struggle with running out of food or having their weapons stolen from them.

Once they finally reach the base of the mountain, they’re able to incite the dragon into a rampage that destroys the nearby human settlement of Lake Town, leading to the deaths of a quarter of the town. By some miracle, a man known as Bard manages to slay the dragon with a lucky arrow shot. He leads the survivors up to the mountain, joined by a company of elves, to seek penance for the damage the dwarves’ quest has done to their village.

Sadly, Thorin is taken by dragon sickness. Dragons do not seek wealth for their own sake, but to hold it purely for selfish reasons. They are the embodiment of empty greed, standing on a hoard of gold while those outside its caverns starve and die. Thorin becomes possessed by this greed as he begins to adore the great treasures of his kingdom and becomes so enraged that he refuses to part with a single gold coin of his limitless wealth.

Just as it seems the elves, dwarves, and humans will come to bloody blows, Bilbo escapes the mountain with a priceless treasure known as The Arkenstone that Thorin seeks more dearly of all of the treasures in the mountain. A temporary truce is made, when all of the sudden a massive army of goblins descends upon the mountain to selfishly murder all of the beings and take the treasure for themselves. All of the forces, hundreds of men, dwarves, elves, and a great wizard, with assistance from other magical creatures they met along their journey, hold off the armies at a great cost of life. Thorin redeems himself in battle and only manages to survive his wounds long enough to seek counsel with Bilbo and apologize for his greed.

Bilbo returns to the hobbits, not having taken his fair share of the treasure but merely enough to live on and rebuild his life back home. However, the adventure has proven him a different hobbit than the one who left the Shire a year prior. He returns a better, stronger, happier, and more selfless man who has a greater understanding and appreciation for the smaller, beautiful things in life. Unlike those who were consumed by their greed, he grew past it and became a fine, upstanding person who was more himself than he was before.

Smaug the dragon sitting on his pile of gold

On Greed, Growth, and Death

If one had to summarize the themes of The Hobbit simply, it would be easier to say it’s a treasure hunt story about why treasure hunts are foolish. It is a story about greed and the underpinning moral of the story is a quite morally foundational view that the love of money is the root of all evil. It is not done so in a cheap way, though.

This book cannot be easily chopped up as a capitalistic or socialistic novel, as much as those who read it may try to claim. It is purely a moralistic novel. Though the book is not overtly Christian, the morals do map clearly onto Christ’s oft-bewildering statements on the nature of riches, such as that it’s “easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to go to Heaven.” Granted, Christ is not merely saying wealth is wrong, but that it blinds a person to spiritual truth by attaching them too deeply to worldly things. A Franciscan monk lives this philosophy out by finding joy in his poverty and serving others, a far distance from the communist revolutionary who is so consumed by his lust for money that he will kill to make others poorer.

In Tolkien’s depiction, greed is the root of the worst aspects of any human ideology because it keeps us from being fully human, and it is that humanity that drives Bilbo’s story. He starts the novel too nervous to join the dwarves, but slowly earns their respect and learns to respect himself and his capabilities. His greatest test comes during the party’s capture in Mirkwood, where the enormous spiders are debating when to eat their prey. Bilbo uses his ring, small sword, and wits to completely outsmart the spiders and save the dwarves.

“Somehow the killing of the giant spider, all alone by himself in the dark without the help of the wizard or the dwarves or of anyone else, made a great difference to Mr. Baggins. He felt a different person, much fiercer and bolder… (144).”

As Asbury University Professor Devin Brown points out in his book The Christian World of The Hobbit , “We could say that another enemy Bilbo must face alone is the enemy within, his own inner temptations. Gollum and Smaug can be seen to represent the dark side of Bilbo’s personality, so it is significant that both encounters take place deep belowground… In overcoming these enemies, Bilbo can also be seen to overcome his own deep-seated flaws… [In defeating Gollum,] Bilbo could be said to face and defeat his own strong tendency to prefer isolation over community.”

This is most true in his final confrontation with Thorin. The book’s dramatic conclusion ends not with a dragon duel, but with the question of whether the combined forces of humanity, Gandalf, and Bilbo can shake Thorin out of his dragon sickness and bring the humanity out of him before a battle breaks out. He has wealth beyond necessity within the mountain and those around him need money to rebuild their lives following the negative effects of his quest, yet he doesn’t budge until it’s too late. The tragedy comes with the realization that only battle can awaken his humanity, and Thorin joins the battle to pay penance for letting his greed consume him.

“Each of the characters tempted by treasure risks becoming a smaller version of the dragon,” says Pr. Brown.

By the end of The Hobbit , we are left with only characters who have been consumed by greed and those who have not. Those who have been consumed by greed are dead, including Smaug the Dragon, Thorin, and several lesser characters, but Bilbo goes on to live a more content and pastoral life and gives away large portions of his treasure he doesn’t feel he deserves to own.

As it has been said, you cannot store treasures from the world in heaven. As Thorin reflects upon his deathbed:

“I go now to the halls of waiting to sit beside my fathers, until the world is renewed. Since I leave now all gold and silver, and go where it is of little worth…”

A screenshot from the animated movie version of The Hobbit

Catholicism and The Worldweariness of Our Heros

It must be more plainly said that The Hobbit is an overtly Catholic work from a philosophical standpoint. It is very far from a sermon and it’s far less theological than its sequel, but many of the core Catholic tensions are very much present in the book. It is a book that loves life, regards creation as a kind of temple, venerates nature, and sees the enchantment of creation. It’s for that reason that the Catholic cult of J.R.R. Tolkien is so pervasive.

During the Council of Trent, the Catholic Church responded to the critiques of the Reformation by placing a copy of St. Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologica on display beneath a copy of the Bible as a symbol of its secondary status only to scripture, affirming the core dogmas of the Catholic Church as Aquinas wrote of them. It was a sign that this book, though it was not scripture, was a bulwark of the Catholic understanding of the world that must be upheld as secondary to scripture.

As was noted by Pope Leo XIII in 1879, “The Fathers of Trent made it part of the order of conclave to lay upon the altar, together with sacred Scripture and the decrees of the supreme Pontiffs, the Summa of Thomas Aquinas, whence to seek counsel, reason, and inspiration.”

I hope my dear Catholic friends do not take this comment as sarcasm or dismissal when I say many modern Catholics hold Tolkien up in a very similar light, for it is true. His sensibilities seem to overlap with so many modern Catholics for the reason that Tolkien is a form of consolation for them. There is a deep sadness and melancholy underneath these works that makes them appeal very dearly to Catholics, a lament for the bittersweet nature of creation itself combined with a zest for life, love, happiness, and family.

I must admit that my most recent readthrough of The Hobbit affected me much harder than it did the first time. Maybe it is because I am older. As I read it, the scenes that most dearly affected me were the scenes that depicted the exhaustion of the characters. The narrator reflects on this well just as the party is approaching the Lonely Mountain, saying, “it was a weary journey and a quiet and stealthy one. There was no laughter or song or sounds of harpers and the pride and hopes which had stirred in their hearts at the singing of the old songs by the lake died away in a plodding gloom.”

One of my favorite reflections upon this most recent meeting comes during the meeting of the company with Beorn, an enormous man who has the ability to transform into a bear but who has been evidently separated from his home and left to try and make a peaceful life for himself surviving only on honey and milk.

“As a bear he ranges far and wide. I once saw him sitting all alone on the top of the Carrock at night watching the moon sinking towards the Misty Mountatins, and I heard him growl in the tongue of bears: ‘The day will coem when they will perish and I shall go back!’ That is why I believe he once came from the mountains himself.”

Beorn, like the dwarves, is homesick for a world destroyed by conflict with the dwarves and he now lives forever longing to return to a life he has been tragically separated from.

The scene that affected me most, though, was Bilbo’s reaction to Thorin’s death. After realizing the dwarf leader wouldn’t survive, Bilbo is left alone to grieve. “Then Bilbo turned away and he went by himself and sat alone wrapped in a blanket, and, whether you believe it or not, he wept until his eyes were red and his voice was hoarse. He was a kindly soul.”

These painful scenes are placed in perfect context with the rest of Bilbo’s quest and they inform what we are supposed to understand and gather out of them. The Hobbit isn’t a sad story, and it is nowhere near as weary and exhausting as The Lord of the Rings , but it is very honest about the truth of life that its beauty and tragedy are all connected and consoled to one another. It paints a very unique image of life that is more human than human because it is told through the lens of a fantasy story. As C.S. Lewis famously commented on fairy stories, they help us to see life more clearly. “We do not retreat from reality: we rediscover it.”

A photo of the dwarves from the live-action film adaptation of The Hobbit

On Fairy Stories and Universality

Of course, a story like The Hobbit would not merely exist in its current form if it was solely a sermon on greed. Few theology textbooks ever sell 100 million copies. Tolkien became popular both because his books were embraced by Christians and also because his works were embraced by atheists, secularists, counter-culture hippies, environmentalists, and all sorts of people an arch-Catholic wouldn’t like. That can only be because Tolkien stumbled upon something deeper than a simple children’s story.

As Tolkien writes in On Fairy Stories :

“The consolation of fairy-stories, the joy of the happy ending; or more correctly of the good catastrophe, the sudden joyous “turn” (for there is no true end to any fairy-tale): this joy, which is one of the things which fairy-stories can produce supremely well, is not essentially “escapist,” nor “fugitive.” In its fairy-tale — or otherworld — setting, it is a sudden and miraculous grace: never to be counted on to recur. It does not deny the existence of dyscatastrophe, of sorrow and failure: the possibility of these is necessary to the joy of deliverance; it denies (in the face of much evidence, if you will) universal final defeat and in so far is evangelium, giving a fleeting glimpse of Joy, Joy beyond the walls of the world, poignant as grief.”

Such sentiments tend to get books like The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings written off by mainstream literary critics as escapist fantasies or children’s stories. As Pr. Brown notes, “Tolkien’s work is a challenge to the dominant literary orthodoxy of the past century, which has been ironic and self-doubting.” And yet The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings connected better with readers better than almost any books of the 20th century. “Tolkien addresses questions that have deeply preoccupied ordinary people but have not been answered by the official speakers of our culture.”

His works are grand because they are works of escapism first and foremost, fully realized and comprehensive in their fullness and life. Even their most convoluted moments, coincidences, and plot holes are delicately laid out without the complex groundwork of the lore. To what ends is this story an escape? From what? To the Christian or Atheist fan of Tolkien, what is being escaped? Certainly, it is meaninglessness itself; the fear of a world where fortune doesn’t favor the bold. Tolkien’s works abhor this concept, directly advancing the idea of providence and the ultimate victory of goodness at the cusp of defeat.

It must be said that The Hobbit , and Tolkien’s entire body of work, is popular because it is true. As Pr. Brown notes, “readers can enjoy Tolkien’s fiction without sharing the beliefs that gave it birth, as is evident from the millions who have read and enjoyed Tolkien’s books without sharing his Christianity.” Even in this more primitive and childish form of his first children’s book, Tolkien speaks the truth about the world and gives us an escapist story that speaks more truthfully to what makes us human in a handful of moments than many entire novels do.

The Hobbit is simple to read, but it is not uncomplicated. It is drenched with a depth and understanding of the world all its own and carries its readers through joy and sorrow to its final moments of consolation. It is truly good to go to the ends of the world and come home only to realize that the tea tastes better because of your hardship.

+ Amazing Character Writing + Powerfully Structured and Textured Story + Strong Themes and Ideas

- The Book Has Been Overshadowed By Its Sequel

The Bottom Line

The Hobbit remains one of JRR Tolkien's essential works of storytelling and one of the best novels of the 20th century.

Tyler Hummel

Leave a reply cancel reply, gdpr & ccpa:, privacy overview.

Grace M Morris

Review | “The Hobbit” | By: J.R.R. Tolkien

Hello everyone! I have been trying to be a part of this group on Goodreads, ⋆.ೃ࿔࿐ྂfaith & fantasy⋆.ೃ࿔࿐ྂ , by participating in their Book-of-the-Month discussions. I have been having a blast reading and discussing the books with them. January’s Book-of-the-Month was “The Hobbit” By: J.R.R. Tolkien. Which was a reread for me, though I have never written a review for it since I had read it when I was like eleven or so. I thought that it would be fun to reread it as an adult and write down some thoughts I had while reading it.

So with nothing further to do, let’s get on with the review!

About the Author J.R.R. Tolkien

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, CBE was an English writer, poet, WWI veteran (a First Lieutenant in the Lancashire Fusiliers, British Army), philologist, and university professor, best known as the author of the high fantasy classic works “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” .

Tolkien was Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford from 1925 to 1945, and Merton Professor of English language and literature from 1945 to 1959. He was a close friend of C.S. Lewis .

Christopher Tolkien published a series of works based on his father’s extensive notes and unpublished manuscripts, including “The Silmarillion” . These, together with “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” , form a connected body of tales, poems, fictional histories, invented languages, and literary essays about an imagined world called Arda, and Middle-earth within it. Between 1951 and 1955, Tolkien applied the word “legendarium” to the larger part of these writings.

While many other authors had published works of fantasy before Tolkien, the great success of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” led directly to a popular resurgence of the genre. This has caused Tolkien to be popularly identified as the “father” of modern fantasy literature—or more precisely, high fantasy. Tolkien’s writings have inspired many other works of fantasy and have had a lasting effect on the entire field.

In 2008, The Times ranked him sixth on a list of “The 50 greatest British writers since 1945”. Forbes ranked him the 5th top-earning dead celebrity in 2009.

Religious influences J.R.R. Tolkien, was born in South Africa in 1892, but his family moved to Britain when he was about 3 years old. When Tolkien was 8 years old, his mother converted to Catholicism, and he remained a Catholic throughout his life. In his last interview, two years before his death, he unhesitatingly testified, “I’m a devout Roman Catholic.”

Tolkien married his childhood sweetheart, Edith, and they had four children. He wrote them letters each year as if from Santa Claus, and a selection of these was published in 1976 as “The Father Christmas Letters” . One of Tolkien’s sons became a Catholic priest. Tolkien was an advisor for the translation of the “Jerusalem Bible” .

Tolkien once described “The Lord of the Rings” to his friend Robert Murray, an English Jesuit priest, as “a fundamentally religious and Catholic work, unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision.” There are many theological themes underlying the narrative including the battle of good versus evil, the triumph of humility over pride, and the activity of grace. In addition the saga includes themes which incorporate death and immortality, mercy and pity, resurrection, salvation, repentance, self-sacrifice, free will, justice, fellowship, authority and healing. In addition “The Lord’s Prayer” “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” was reportedly present in Tolkien’s mind as he described Frodo’s struggles against the power of the “One Ring.”

Website: https://www.tolkienestate.com/en/home.html

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/656983.J_R_R_Tolkien

“The Hobbit”

By: j.r.r. tolkien.

“So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their endings.” ~ “The Hobbit” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien

Whisked away from his comfortable, unambitious life in his hobbit-hole in Bag End by Gandalf the wizard and a company of dwarves, Bilbo Baggins finds himself caught up in a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Although quite reluctant to take part in this quest, Bilbo surprises even himself by his resourcefulness and his skill as a burglar! Written for J.R.R. Tolkien’s own children, The Hobbit met with instant success when published in 1937. Now, in 1997, this special new edition, illustrated by Alan Lee, commemorates the sixtieth anniversary of a great classic.

Info from Goodreads here

There’s something about this book. It’s a classic. The descriptions can sometimes be a little dense. But also has a little bit of charm and humor. It’s fun. And there’s a DRAGON!!!

I might not have been a huge fan of the movies, but there is something about this one scene that really captures the essence of Bilbo.

One more thing I want to mention real fast about the movies is that I really do appreciate the songs. After I read the book for the first time, I really wanted to know how the songs would sound like and the movies did provide that which was fun.

The morals in the story were * chef kiss* brilliant! I love how Tolkien wrote the power of friendship probably the best. Despite some of the quarrels that the dwarfs have with Bilbo, Bilbo always went back for them.

Speaking of Bilbo, he was probably my favorite character in the story. I think that I would have a similar reaction if I was asked to go on an adventure. I might not “faint” but I do like the coziness of my home. But there is still that little part of me that wouldn’t mind going on an adventure.

Favorite Scenes:

I really liked Beorn. Just the way he lived was wonderful. It was simple and nice, and I like that. I loved how he loved his animals, that he even gave them seats at his table. I loved that he made sure that Bilbo and the dwarfs returned his ponies. He was a good guy but didn’t like people causing trouble, and I respected that.

The scene when Bilbo is having the riddle game with Gollum was just so well done.

The Eagles. I loved how they were given so much worldbuilding and how they are oftentimes a nuisance to other people.

And of course the dragon! Okay, I personally have always loved dragons and Smaug is probably my favorite villain dragon.

Content in Book:

Spiders!!!! (yes, I did just put this in the content section, lol)
Violence. (from dragons, goblins, trolls, spiders, war, and so many other things. The violence is not very detailed. At least in my opinion).

Who I Would Recommend This Book Too:

Those who want a good, old classic fantasy story to read. =D

Where you can find the book:

Fan art of an Eagle drawn by Grace M. Morris

I really enjoyed this story and I’m glad that I have read it twice! I still need to read the rest of the “Lord of the Rings” books. Maybe I should do a reread of the “Fellowship” first? 😉

Comment below with your favorite Tolkien quote!

Enjoy the Adventure! =D Grace M. Morris

Comment Policy

Comments should remain as clean as what’s in the blog post itself. Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.

6 thoughts on “ Review | “The Hobbit” | By: J.R.R. Tolkien ”

Ahhhh Grace!! I love this!! (Did you draw the eagle, by the way?! If you did, it looks amazing!) The nerdy part of me was bursting with happiness reading your post! Whenever someone reads Tolkien, I feel like I personally gained something. XD So thank you for helping me feel like that, I suppose!!

If you’d like to reread FotR with me as a buddy read sometime, I’d love to do that with you! I’ve only read it once (my true obsession is with The SIlmarillion, as I’m sure you’re all too aware now XD), so I’m definitely needing a reread!

Like Liked by 1 person

Aww thank you so much! ❤ Yep! I drew the eagle =) That makes me so happy to hear!

Ohhh that would be a lot of fun! I would love to buddy read FotR with you. I need to get a couple of books read first for review ("A Tale of Gods and Glory", "A Deceiver's Heart", and "The Warrior's Curse") but once I get those ones done I should be free to do a reread with you. I will warn you that I am kinda a slow reader and I'll be working a spring/summer job real soon so I won't have as much time as normal. But it would be a blast. 😉

Sure, that’s alright! I won’t be on Goodreads in March and the first bit of April, but definitely remind me after that! I might have to wait until the summer to start since I’ll have much more free time then. Would that be okay with you? I’m super excited, though! 😀

Reading it in the summer with you would be perfect! It’s going to be so much fun! =D

Will miss you on Goodreads, but I think it is so cool what you’re doing.

Yass, I’m sure excited! 😀 Thanks, Grace!

Pingback: 2022 Wrap-Up – Grace M Morris

Book Review: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Share This Story

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Pin this Post

Thank you so much for checking out my post! I'd love to chat, so please feel free to leave a comment :D

Social Media

DickWizardry

Covering All Things Fantasy

Find articles on fantasy related news events!

The Hobbit Book Review

It is hard to really put into context the warm feeling that reading the hobbit gives me. This book is the precursor to the Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R Tolkien. With that being said. This is an absolute must read, especially if you have never gone through the books before. We will be going over why this book is so special today.

My first experience to J.R.R. Tolkien's work like many was with the Peter Jackson directed Trilogy from the early 2000’s. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s this movie trilogy that set me on the path of being the fantasy nut that I am today. The Hobbit was the first book of Tolkien's work that I actually picked up and read back around 2010. Just a couple years before the trilogy of hobbit movies was about to begin for better or for worse.

For those who have read the Lord of the Rings series, this takes place before the Fellowship of the Ring .

I remember really enjoying the hobbit for a few simple reasons. The biggest reason is that this book is light hearted. No matter what is going on in the world. The simplicity and comical scenarios that the adventuring group in this book get in will always raise my spirits.

Another reason that I liked this book was because it’s a stand alone novel. You can read this book and never touch the Lord of the Rings , and that would be perfectly fine. For someone not sure if they are ready to commit to the entire series, this book is not only short, but is an accurate interpretation of what the Lord of the Rings series will be like thereafter.

The Hobbit follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit in the Shire in middle earth . Hobbits have a very peaceful life that I assume most everyone wishes they had themselves. Upon the arrival of a grey wizard named Gandalf, his world is turned on it’s head. With the introduction of 13 dwarves. Yes This book tries it’s hardest to characterize 15 characters in the main party. 14 if you do not count Gandalf.

I think that Tolkien is successful with this simply because there is not an overuse of some dwarves. Some get much more time in the spotlight than others. But with that it doesn’t feel like any of them are necessarily any less important. The story mainly follows Bilbo and his interpretation of everything around him. How he grows to love the adventure himself.

The party sets out on adventure to take back the home and treasure of the dwarves from the famous dragon Smaug . Most of the book is the events that lead to them getting there with the last portion of the book being a battle and close to the story.

There is plenty of magic, Dwarves, elves and men in this book and it all travels at a pretty good pace. The book is relatively short making the time commitment to finish this book minimal, which when faced with our busy lives is always much appreciated.

The Hobbit is a fantastic book that I recommend that any fantasy reader give a chance if they have not yet done so. It’s light hearted and for the most part a very happy book. The world that Tolkien created only begins to be discovered in this book. After my second read through more recently though, I found that there is much more being told in this story. This surprised me since the book is so short, but I am very happy to have found out this way. If you want to pick up a copy for yourself you can order it online. I read the book my first time through but decided to take the audible route with my second time through and got the very well done voice acting of Rob Inglis who also later does the Lord of the Rings series. You can pick up the audio version for yourself with our affiliate link here.

Let us know what your thoughts on the hobbit were? Do you have fond memories of this book as well? Comment below and let us know.

Reviewing all things Fantasy

December 2023 1
December 2022 2
September 2022 1
April 2022 1
January 2022 1
December 2021 2
August 2021 1
April 2021 10
February 2021 6
January 2021 5
December 2020 6
November 2020 3
October 2020 2
August 2020 6
July 2020 6
June 2020 7
April 2020 10
March 2020 12
February 2020 5
January 2020 15
December 2019 10
November 2019 9
October 2019 6
September 2019 5
August 2019 8
July 2019 11
June 2019 9
May 2019 10
April 2019 8
March 2019 9
February 2019 1
January 2019 6
December 2018 3
November 2018 3
October 2018 1

We respect your privacy.

Thank you for subscribing! If there is any content that you would like covered you can reach out to us at [email protected]

Books of Brilliance

The latest book reviews and book news.

Book Reviews , Book Talk

The Hobbit: Book Review

The Hobbit book review

There may be many great children’s novel but one that takes the throne for me is The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. Everything from the world building to the adventure style of the novel make it a great read. And the great characters that have stayed with us since the book was first released in 1937.

The Hobbit: Summary

All it starts with Bilbo Baggins (a hobbit) hosting a party that he had no idea he was going to host. Galdalf the wizard tricks Bilbo to host Thorin Oakenshield and his twelve companions whom are all dwarves. During the party, Gandalf tells the dwarves that Bilbo should be their “burgler” for the hunt for the dragon Smaug’s guarded treasure. Bilbo decides to tag along despite hobbits not being the adventures type.

As the group enters the wild, they face many challenges. Bilbo and his friends have to navigate across the country with some help from Gandalf. But Gandalf comes and goes as urgent matters call him. Thus, Bilbo must use his wit to survive and not be killed by Goblins or worse.

The Hobbit is a simple adventure tale yet that is exactly why it is great. Now, there are a lot of adventure novels and a lot of them do burrow from Tolkien and his world. It is no surprise that almost a century later, Tolkien’s novel along with The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is still inspiring authors and novels.

While the Hobbit does take place before the Lord of the Rings, you don’t have to read it to follow the series. Tolkien gives a short recap which doesn’t capture the epic tale of Bilbo Baggins. But most likely, you will want to read The Hobbit and want to experience the whole world Tolkien has built with meticulous care.

If you are a fan of the fantasy genre, then reading Tolkien is a must. He is the father of the genre and you will definitely see his mark in other books once you read his novels. And even now, there are few novels that are as complicated in their world as the Lord of the Rings. So make sure to add this novel and the main series to your reading list if you haven’t already read it!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook !

Share this:, 20 thoughts on “ the hobbit: book review ”.

Add Comment

Pingback: Book Review: Fool Me Once - Books of Brilliance

I loved The Hobbit–I’m reading the main series right now. Fantasy is my favorite 💕💕

The Hobbit and the main series are the best fantasy novels there are. You’ll notice how many fantasy novels took inspiration from LOTG.

Pingback: Shadow and Bone: Book Review - Books of Brilliance
Pingback: Lord of the Rings Trilogy: Book Review - Books of Brilliance
Pingback: Book Review: Brooklyn: The Once and Future City - Books of Brilliance
Pingback: Jaws: Book Summary - Books of Brilliance
Pingback: Everyone Brave is Forgiven: Book Review - Books of Brilliance
Pingback: To Kill A Mockingbird: Book Review - Books of Brilliance
Pingback: The Night Circus: Book Review - Books of Brilliance
Pingback: Tom Hanks’ 11 Favorite Books - Books of Brilliance
Pingback: The Lord of the Rings Book Order - Books of Brilliance
Pingback: The Best Five Fantasy Books to Read - Books of Brilliance
Pingback: The Rings of Power Episode 8 Review - Books of Brilliance
Pingback: Goodreads’ 100 Most Popular Fantasy Books - Books of Brilliance
Pingback: 11 More Best Classics That You Should Read
Pingback: Nine Books to Read on a Road Trip
Pingback: Forbes 30 Best Classics That Everyone Should Read
Pingback: The Five Best Dragon Fantasy Books
Pingback: 30 Books to Read Before You Die! - Books of Brilliance

Book Review – The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (3.5 stars)

Title : The Hobbit

Author : J.R.R. Tolkien

Published : 2014 – HarperCollins (originally 21 st of September, 1937)

Format : Paperback, Movie tie-in edition – 389 pages

“There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after.” – The Hobbit

Hello Hello! How are you?

Today I’m bringing you a new review, even though I should probably be reading as fast as my eyes can go to reach my goals for August aha. So far, I’ve got a lot of books on the go, but I think I have already finished 3 books on my August TBR and an extra one from last month!

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien has been on my list to read for years, unfortunately, for quite a long time, I was under the impression that anything that had as many ratings, reviews and ravings as The Lord of the Rings series and the Harry Potter series would probably not be my cup of tea, but I was quite wrong. I read all the Harry Potter books a few years ago and fell in love with them, and now that I’ve read The Hobbit, I really want to give the Lord of the Rings a go, and hopefully be able to watch all the movies now!

Noly from The Artsy Reader and I have had this book on our Hype-A-Thon Readathon TBR since June for #JourneyJune , and it has taken us until this past week to finish it, oops. We did, however, manage to accomplish it and we had fun reading it, so keep on reading for my thoughts on this book!

GOODREADS SYNOPSIS

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely travelling further than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard, Gandalf, and a company of thirteen dwarves arrive on his doorstep to whisk him away on a journey “there and back again”. They have a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon…

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien is a classic fantasy novel, which is also the prequel to the very famous Lord of the Rings series written by the same author. In this book, we meet Bilbo Baggins, a little hobbit living in his hobbit-hole, and Gandalf, who arrives one morning on his doorstep and tells him that he needs him for an adventure. We chose this book for #JourneyJune and it did take us a really long time to eventually get to it and finish it, but I think that both Noly and myself ended up enjoying it. It’s not our usual book we would go for, it’s very different, but it has got an enormous amount of adventure, Bilbo Baggins is a funny, unique and sweet character, there is a treasure hunt, goblins, wolves, eagles, elves, dwarves, a wizard, a dragon and a hobbit, and I definitely had a fun time reading it.

The one thing I will say which sort of cooled my enjoyment of it was the length of the chapters and the amount of waffle. I don’t usually like books with long chapters, and if I see a book has longer chapters that average, I will either keep pushing it back on my TBR or force my way through it. This one was sort of a mix of both, because I pushed it back for ages, and there were definitely times I was struggling. The first chapter was cool though and I got the impression that the whole book was going to be quite long, drawn-out, detailed and full of waffle, so I was ready for it every time we read a new chapter.

I think this book is a really unique one. In part, I think the amount of waffle, detail and description is due to the time period in which it was written as books back then were very language heavy with old-fashioned structures, and generally long and boring for most people nowadays. This book wasn’t really boring, but at times I wanted to skip forward because it dragged. However, because of this, I think I now have very vivid imagery of the whole book and everything that happened and could probably play the whole “book in brain film” back with no problem at all.

It sounds like I didn’t really enjoy this book, but aside from the language, waffle, length of chapters and maybe just general old-fashioned-ness, it was a great book. I really loved the adventurous feel from every single chapter. The chapters are long, but I think that this gives an impression that every new thing is a quest or an adventure, and you could almost split this book up into small ones for children and it would be so fun! I don’t think it’s the type of book very young children could read because I was personally a bit bored at times and I’m used to reading waffle for university, so that’s saying something aha!

The dwarves were funny little things and I didn’t really feel a connection to them, other than they made me laugh and helped Bilbo get forward at times. I did, however, absolutely love both Bilbo and Gandalf, and I actually never really knew where this book was going. I read a lot of fantasy and can usually guess what is going to happen, but this was a surprise to me at every new twist and turn. I wouldn’t say it’s a particularly plot-twisty, “ohmygod” type of book, because before you start it, you sort of know what’s going to happen, but I think the way it happens and how you read it makes this book special.

I feel like now I’m waffling, aha, I shall probably have to stop soon! The world-building was really good though, everything was vivid in my mind and minus the enormous amount of detail about rocks and trees and mist and leaves, it was very enjoyable to watch these characters cross the whole of their world to get to the dragon and the mountain, especially with all the adventures, struggles, fights and scary moments they had on the way. It was a really fun book, and I’m very glad that I read it.

“There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” – The Hobbit

MY THOUGHTS AND RATING

Overall, this was a great book, not my favourite, and I think it needs to be reread again just to get everything from it, but I definitely had fun and it will be stuck in my brain for a while. I am a bit sceptical about the Lord of the Rings books because I have been told there is even more waffle, but I will soon try to tackle them!

I think this is a great book to read as an adult, but also with children, it’s a bit on the long-winded side so it may bore younger children, but I think a chapter every now and then could be a fun thing to do!

I loved Bilbo and Gandalf, they were great characters and both had some really good advice, especially Gandalf. The dwarves were a bit boring to me, although they did make me laugh! I loved the world-building and the adventures, I wasn’t a great fan of the writing style because of how drawn out and description-heavy it could be at times, but I do really appreciate how special and unique it was.

I gave this book 3.5 stars and I really enjoyed it, I’m looking forward to reading the Lord of the Rings series now! I recommend this book, but be aware it’s a bit long and could get a bit boring at times, so bring snacks aha!

“Where did you go to, if I may ask?’ said Thorin to Gandalf as they rode along. ‘To look ahead,’ said he. ‘And what brought you back in the nick of time?’ ‘Looking behind,’ said he.” – The Hobbit

That’s all for now, I hope you enjoyed this review. Have you read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings? See you soon, stay safe,

If you would like to purchase this book, you can find it here: Amazon UK (affiliate link) – Amazon FR (affiliate link) – AbeBooks (affiliate link) – The Book Depository (affiliate link) – Audible FR (affiliate link) – Amazon US – Waterstones – Barnes and Noble – Audible UK – Scrib’d – Kobo

Book Review and #BlogTour #Rachel’sRandomResources @rararesources – Rainy Days for the Harper Girls by Rosie Clarke (4 stars)

Book review – the ancestor by danielle trussoni (4 stars), book review and #blogtour – ever alice by h. j. ramsay (4.5 stars), book review and #blogtour #randomthingstour @annecater – towards the vanishing point by jan turk petrie (4 stars), 16 comments.

Great review Ellie! 🙂

Thank you Danni! 🙂

I had the same problem with the whole LOTR series. The descriptions are soooo long and the action is sooooo slow… It totally killed my enjoyment of the series, but I’m glad it didn’t annoy you too much to not try and read the rest !

Exactly, most of it was okay, but the bit in the mountain and then the leaves and everything was just too much at times and really took away from the fun and adventure that was going on, I’m definitely going to give the others a shot and might just have to skip ahead a few pages aha!

I enjoyed The Hobbit more than The Lord of the Rings. Kevin just finished them all and also preferred The Hobbit and The Return of the King. He thought the other two were drawn out and boring. Good luck and nice review!

That’s what everyone I’ve asked has said to, aha, I’m going to need many snacks and a lot of motivation to get through them, thank you! 🙂

Great review! I haven’t read or watched the movies. I’m waiting for the kids to grow up a little more to watch with them 😉

Thank you! That sounds like an amazing idea, I hope you all love them!

Great review Ellie! I haven’t read the books myself, but I have seen the movies. I need to eventually get around to the books. Totally know what you mean about classic fantasy books having a very different structure compared to books written today. ♥ Mae

Thank you Mae! I really need to see the movies because they sound amazing, and it’s definitely a great book! 🙂

Once I had gotten past the slow pacing I found that I loved LOTR and the Hobbit, but it took me quite a while to get into it!! But, I’m glad you enjoyed it!

I feel like the same happened with us and will keep that in mind for LOTR in case I get bored and feel like throwing the book across the room aha! 🙂

Great review! I agree it does waffle on a bit, but thankfully not as much as LOTR 😅 I think for the time it was written it’s not too bad.

Thank you! Ahaha yes, I agree, a bit of waffle but not too badly! 🙂

I really wanted to read this one a few years back but sadly I never did. Thanks for sharing!

You might still pick it up and if you do I hope you love it, thank you for reading my review! 🙂

The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien | Book Review

Book Review of The Hobbit The Children’s Book Review

The Hobbi t

Written by J.R.R. Tolkien

Publisher: ‎ Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

We may have a ten-year-old boy to thank for the publishing of The Hobbit. When the manuscript ended up in the hand of the publisher Stanley Unwin (George, Allen & Unwin), he gave it to his son to write a report about whether or not it should be published. His son wrote positive things about The Hobbit, and it was published. It is now a major motion picture, too!

“There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after.”

Thanks to pages filled with dwarves, elves, trolls, goblins, spiders, eagles, wizards, and, of course, hobbits, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit is almost certainly the adventure of a lifetime. Hobbits, in general, do not like an adventure. Still, when Gandalf the wizard shows up for tea at the hairy-footed hobbit Bilbo Baggins’ house, along with thirteen dwarves, adventure is precisely what this hobbit gets.

Gandalf and the dwarves have come to hire him as a thief to reclaim some treasure. The treasure is guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a hoarding fiery dragon, and the only way to get to the treasure is to travel “far over the misty mountains cold, to dungeons deep and caverns old.” Bilbo much prefers the safety and comfort of his hobbit-hole, but he reluctantly agrees to go on this dangerous quest. His life is never the same again—especially once he finds a powerful and dangerous ring and encounters the ghastly Gollum.

Danger lurks at every twist and turn, as Bilbo and the dwarves are captured, almost cooked by trolls, and forced to fight deadly battles. Bilbo’s journey through Middle-earth is one of the most unforgettable adventures that has ever taken place in a book. There are even maps of Middle-earth included, so you don’t get lost in this wild world. Bilbo’s bravery and loyalty, and knowing when to stand up to friends are outstanding. “So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their endings.”

May you enjoy J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit immensely and may the hair never fall out of your toes!

Buy the Book

About the Author

J.R.R. Tolkien was born on 3rd January 1892. After serving in the First World War, he became best known for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, selling 150 million copies in more than 40 languages worldwide. Awarded the CBE and an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Oxford University, he died in 1973 at the age of 81.

This book selection, The Hobbit, was included in Twinkl’s book list: The Best Children’s Books of All Time to Read this CBCA Book Week .

The Hobbit , written by J.R.R. Tolkien, was reviewed by Bianca Schulze. Discover more books like Wilderlore: The Accidental Apprentice by following our reviews and articles tagged with Classics , Illustrated Chapter Books , and Roald Dahl .

ABCmouse 30-Day Trial + Starter Pack! 728x90

X (Twitter)

Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

The Hobbit: 20 Differences Between The Book & The Movies

I n the case of The Hobbit book vs movie, there are several surprising changes that took place. When Peter Jackson announced that he’d be heading up the theatrical remake of JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings prequel, The Hobbit , the response was one of excitement. When it was announced that it was being made into a trilogy, fans of the book were confused, given how little the amount of source material was available to flesh out such an ambitious project. In his transformation of the book into a trilogy of big-budget Hollywood action blockbusters, Jackson took a ton of creative liberties.

What this inevitably meant is that the differences between The Hobbit book and movie are stark. Jackson implemented changes galore, adding in plenty of new content which was loosely adapted from Tolkien's other works. Some of it hit the mark, while the rest felt like superfluous filler. There's no question that in the case of The Hobbit book vs movie, Jackson did his best to please audiences. However, there were a few alterations that many fans didn't feel fit the story at all, making it seem like Jackson was trying to add extraneous connections to LOTR to capitalize on its success.

Gandalf's Reason For Seeking Out Bilbo

Gandalf's reasons for finding Bilbo are different when looking at The Hobbit book vs movie. In the novelization of The Hobbit , it is established that Gandalf seeks out Bilbo for the quest, particularly because of a memory he had of his mother. According to Gandalf, he was impressed by Belladonna Took, because of her adventurous spirit and personality, and he hoped that side would come out if Bilbo joined them on an adventure.

In the film, Gandalf reminisces about knowing Bilbo as a young boy, who adored the thought of danger, excitement, and adventure. The change isn't a huge one, but it does say a lot about Bilbo's character as he appeared in the book, versus the film adaptation. Either way, it's an opportunity for Gandalf to deliver one of his best lines of the trilogy .

The Dwarven Contract

Another one of the biggest differences between The Hobbit book and movie is the dwarven contract. The nature and details of the dwarven contract with Bilbo Baggins are never explicitly specified, which is why it's so comical to see the film version go on forever when unrolled. It was Jackson's way of injecting some comedy into the film, especially at such an early start to the story. In the book, the contract is a simple note left on his mantle, with two short paragraphs acting as content. That's a stark contrast to the film version, and one of the few changes Jackson made that actually helped make the story better.

Bilbo Leaving Bag-End

Even the way that Bilbo leaves Bag-End contrasts in the case of The Hobbit book vs movie. This change was small, but noticeable, and it occurs when Bilbo finally decides to make a go of it and join the dwarves on their adventure. In the film, he races after them with a backpack full of stuff and catches up with them before they get too far down the road. In the book, it is said that Bilbo left Bag-End without even a handkerchief in his pocket. In truth, Jackson's change was probably for the best, as any Hobbit would never run off without a few of the comforts of home.

Knowledge Of The Necromancer

Sauron is a mystery to those who only watched the movies , but changing Gandalf's knowledge of the Necromancer arguably broke canon when it comes to The Hobbit book vs movie. In The Hobbit films, Gandalf learns of the Necromancer when he speaks to Radagast, which is what Peter Jackson used as the reason for Gandalf leaving Thorin and company. However, in the book, Gandalf is already well aware of the Necromancer. In the book, Gandalf has already visited Dol Guldur, and heard of the Necromancer, as it was there that he encountered Thráin, the father of Thorin Oakenshield, and received the map and key that he later gives to Thorin.

Dwalin's Beard

Though it was not a massive change that impacted the plot, there was one element of Dwalin's appearance that classifies as one of the differences between The Hobbit book and movie. Interestingly enough, the book says, " It was a dwarf with a blue beard tucked into a golden belt, and very bright eyes under his dark-green hood. " This is a stark change from how Dwalin is shown in the movie, with a brunette beard and dark eyes.

While some readers have argued over the ages that it wasn't meant to literally be blue, others believe Dwalin's beard really was meant to be that way, in order to seem "otherworldly." When the script was written for the Hobbit film, Jackson opted to take out a lot of the whimsy to make it more in line with The Lord of the Rings , meaning Dwalin's blue beard was one of the first things to go.

Contacting The Eagles For Help

Another one of the biggest changes in the case of The Hobbit book vs movie sees Gandalf acting when he canonically did not. When Azog and his orcs descend upon the party at the end of the first Hobbit film, Gandalf contacts Gwaihir, the Lord of the Eagles, via a carrier moth. This was done primarily to act as a nod to the first Lord of the Rings film, where Gandalf escapes imprisonment from the rooftop of Orthanc, in much the same way.

In the book, however, Gandalf never makes the attempt. Rather, Gwaihir himself notices the ruckus from afar, and soars through the skies to come to their rescue. It's hard to tell which version is better, but given Gandalf's relationship with the Eagles, the film version is probably the better one, despite the small change made to Tolkien and Lord of the Rings canon.

Thranduil's Face

More key differences between The Hobbit book and movie see Thranduil adding backstory that isn't in the novels. Interestingly, Thranduil is never referred to by name in The Hobbit book, but is simply called "the Elvenking." However, there's an even bigger difference between the text and the movie, which is Thranduil's burned face that he hides with magic.

Thranduil attributes this to the "fire serpents in the North," but this is not mentioned at all in the book, nor is there any record of elves being able to hide old wounds or scars in this manner. For that reason, it was primarily added to give Thranduil a more menacing and obsessive character, even though he proves himself to be one of the most powerful heroes in The Hobbit .

Tricking The Trolls

The great The Hobbit book vs movie debate also sees a cunning act perpetrated by Bilbo originally belonging to Gandalf. In The Hobbit movies, it is Bilbo Baggins who cleverly tricks the trolls as they discuss the best ways to cook the dwarves. Eventually, the sun rises, and they are caught unawares, leading to their permanent demise. In the book, it is Gandalf who actually deceives the trolls by throwing his voice, pretending to be one of them, and making them argue among themselves until dawn arrives, and turns them to stone. In the films, Gandalf was not present during the scene.

The White Council

Differences between The Hobbit book and movie also see the inclusion of the White Council. The Hobbit movies feature the White Council, with both Saruman and Galadriel present in Elrond's home of Rivendell. However, neither Saruman nor Galadriel are mentioned in The Hobbit book, and the White Council does not meet during the narrative. Though this is different from the book, it does act as fan service, as it means that viewers got to see some more of their favorite characters from The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, as well as adding some more depth and drama to the plot. In truth, however, it was never this dramatic.

Arguably the most glaring change brought up in The Hobbit book vs movie debate is the length. The Hobbit is a rather short book, especially in comparison to the intimidating size of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. The question remains as to why Jackson or the studio would ever think it was a good idea to flesh the story out across three films. By placing various amounts of filler in between established moments from the book, Jackson tried to fill in the blanks and create a stronger story. In truth, the entire tale could have been told in two parts, avoiding unnecessary filler and focusing on a tight narrative.

The Prologue

One of the most welcomed differences between The Hobbit book and movie was the addition of a prologue. The world of Lord of the Rings is particularly complex, which is why the prologue in Fellowship of the Ring was so effective. Audiences were given something very similar at the start of The Hobbit , and even though it didn’t occur in the book, it did actually help establish the narrative moving forward. Middle-earth lore was built across many books, with plenty of interesting details only appearing in footnotes. With such a wellspring of detailed information, these prologues helped create exposition and further pull audiences into the magnificent fantasy world.

The Presence Of Radagast The Brown

In The Hobbit , Tolkien mentions the wizard Radagast The Brown only a handful of times as one of the five wizards of Middle-earth. In the movies, Peter Jackson greatly expands his role, allowing the character to interact with the likes of Gandalf and Bilbo, while starring in his own scene in which he helps avert a group of goblins from catching up to the main characters.

He also provides comic relief as an innocent, eccentric, and bumbling character who hides a deep, vast power. The expanded story of Radagast's character is another welcome change in The Hobbit book vs. movie debate. Obviously, these parts of his personality never came across through Tolkien’s brief mention of his existence, but it was nice to see another wizard besides Gandalf and Saruman on Middle Earth.

The Presence Of Tauriel

Sometimes new characters work, but Tauriel's addition is another one of the differences between The Hobbit book and movie that had audiences scratching their heads because of the way Jackson handled her arc. Played by Lost’s Evangeline Lilly, Tauriel is a character exclusive to the film adaptation of The Hobbit, and she isn’t in any of The Lord of the Rings films, the first The Hobbit movie, or the book, at any point.

This was one of the more controversial additions to the film trilogy, and one many fans felt was unnecessary. She was seemingly created to provide a strong, relatable female character that doesn’t really exist in The Hobbit book, and also to act as one part of a tragically romantic love saga between herself, and the dwarven character Kíli. It also led to what seemed like a Hobbit plot hole, due to her character's unfinished story arc.

The Presence Of Azog

The topic of Azog in The Hobbit book vs movie debate causes an issue, as his presence in the film speaks to a timeline problem. The character of Azog is one of the most powerful villains in the Hobbit/LOTR universe , and he does exist in Tolkien's established lore, but he was beheaded by the character Dain long before the events of The Hobbit took place. As such, the character was essentially lifted from the pages of Middle Earth history, and deposited into the trilogy to act as a principal antagonist.

With one arm missing, Azog proved to be an effective and intimidating villain that could act as a counterweight to Thorin Oakenshield's character. His story arc ended in suitably dramatic fashion during a final showdown between the two, in the third and final film. However, some readers took umbrage that Azog was included as another antagonist when he didn't originally have a part in the central story of The Hobbit .

The Presence Of Legolas

One of the more debated negative differences between The Hobbit book and movie was the inclusion of Legolas. Peter Jackson wanted to establish some consistency between The Hobbit and Lord Of The Rings , even if the former was a prequel. As such, audiences see Legolas appear in both The Desolation of Smaug, and The Battle of the Five Armies . However, Legolas doesn’t appear in the book at all, and it feels as if he was deposited into the film trilogy as a way to bring back an audience favorite. In truth, he added little to the overall story, and in some cases, actually deprived other characters of the limelight.

The Barrels

It might not be as important as many other differences between The Hobbit book and movie, but the barrel scene is nevertheless worth mentioning. When the dwarves escape the hall of the elven king, they float down a river using barrels as boats. In the books, these are sealed, rather than open with the characters sticking out. This allowed for a more visual connection to the scene, as it established the dwarves' presence, and also the battle that followed shortly thereafter. It also added more tension and excitement to the story, by introducing such a chaotic battle.

The Dwarf Deaths

One of the most heated points of debate in the case of The Hobbit book vs movie has to do with Kíli, Fíli, and Thorin. One piece of storyline consistency between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings is the death of Kíli, Fíli, and Thorin. However, the manner in which they died in the movies quickly became a point of contention among readers of Tolkien's works. The movies show the three being slaughtered rather brutally during a fight with Azog and his orcs. The book finds them charging into a battle that they know they won’t survive, dying as brave heroes as a result.

The Frodo Cameo

More scrupulous readers of Tolkien's works were a little put off by Frodo's inclusion in The Hobbit book vs movie debate. It can be argued that one of the more pointless moments in The Hobbit was Elijah Wood’s cameo appearance as Frodo Baggins. It occurred when Bilbo told him a very rough version of his original adventures. Since Tolkien would not write The Lord of the Rings until many years after The Hobbit, Frodo was not even a concept.

In fact, Tolkien’s version of this was the reverse, something that only further upset readers. At the start of The Fellowship of the Ring , it is likely that the opening scene of the shire was built around the aging Bilbo, in order to glean some connection to the previously released Hobbit book. Therefore, it wasn't worth bringing Frodo into the Hobbit films at all, and the cameo scene felt similar to what Jackson was trying to accomplish with including Legolas.

The History Of Sting

The act of Bilbo finding, choosing, and naming his sword Sting was an important piece of development for the character, given its status as one of the most iconic weapons of Tolkien's works . Of course, this also turns out to be one of the biggest differences between The Hobbit book and movie. In the movie, he is simply given it by Gandalf, after the wizard finds it on the floor of the troll hoard. The entire scene of the company finding the dwarven weapons seems a bit lazy in comparison to the books. It was more of a convenient way to establish the presence of the blades, with very little exposition or attention given to each of them.

Bilbo's Age Difference

One of the biggest issues audiences had about the Hobbit trilogy was the changing of lead actor Ian Holm to Martin Freeman. This wasn't due to a dislike of the latter, but rather, a complete contradiction of Bilbo's character from the books and by far the biggest sin cited in The Hobbit book vs movie debate. It is clearly established that Bilbo's possession of the One Ring meant that he maintained his youthful appearance for decades after finding it. Yet, the stark contrast in physicality between the two actors pretty much robs the story of that fact and creates a gaping plot hole.

The Best Quote From Each Middle-earth Movie

"It's mine. My quote. My precious."

Juggernaut fantasy franchises are aplenty in the modern landscape of blockbuster-focused filmmaking, but Peter Jackson 's Middle-earth Saga will forever be incredibly hard to top. Taking place in the intricately complex and richly expansive world created by J.R.R. Tolkien , these six movies are full of fascinating world-building, compelling characters, beautifully written storylines, and, of course, highly memorable and quotable dialogue.

From The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey to The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King , the characters of Middle-earth have a very particular way of talking. Lines of dialogue in these films are often poetic and always full of rich meaning ; not a single word is wasted. Of course, though, there is always one quote in each film that stands out above the rest as the most impactful. And while each fan might have their favorite line, few can deny these quotes are the best in their respective movies .

Warning: There are spoilers ahead!

6 "All We Have to Decide Is What to Do With the Time That Is Given to Us."

'the lord of the rings: the fellowship of the ring' (2001).

The one that started it all, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is still considered one of the best-ever first films in movie franchises . It's about Frodo Baggins, a meek Hobbit from the Shire, who sets out with eight companions on a journey to destroy the One Ring to save Middle-earth from the rise of the evil tyrant Sauron. It's an incredible way to start a trilogy full of fascinating world-building but also riveting stories that perfectly stand on their own two feet.

One of the movie's most powerful and thematically important scenes is a moment of rest before the relentlessly suspenseful action that takes place in the Mines of Moria. Here, Frodo is sorrowful about how the Ring has impacted his life, wishing "none of this had happened." In one of his usual inspirational speeches, Gandalf gives him words of encouragement , delivering this insightful and poignant line. He invites him to find comfort in the prospect that, perhaps, it was fate that put him in the spot he's in and to think of how to make his struggles worth it. The line is profound and somewhat esoterical , very much in keeping with the trilogy's themes.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

*Availability in US

Not available

5 "There's Some Good in this World, Mr. Frodo, and It's Worth Fighting For."

Samwise gamgee (sean astin) - 'the lord of the rings: the two towers' (2002).

With some moments of exhilarating action and others of profound emotion, as well as one of the franchise's most underrated scenes , The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is one of the best middle films in any movie trilogy. The story sees Frodo and Sam edge closer to Mordor with the help of the shifty Gollum while the rest of the Fellowship takes a stand against Sauron and Saruman.

Some would argue (and deservedly so) that the single best moment of dialogue in the whole saga is Sam's stirring speech at the end of the movie. Here, in a beautifully written monologue, Sam lays out the themes of the narrative and the causes that make their struggle worth the pain , ending by telling Frodo why they must keep going: Because "there's some good in this world," "and it's worth fighting for." Flawlessly delivered by Sean Astin , one of the many actors robbed of an Oscar nomination for his performance in the trilogy, it's a terrific speech that works as the perfect transition to Return of the King .

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

4 "my friends, you bow to no one.", aragorn (viggo mortensen) - 'the lord of the rings: the return of the king' (2003).

One of the movies with the most Oscar nominations in history , tied as the one with the most wins, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is the trilogy's rousing conclusion. In it, Gandalf and Aragorn lead the armies of Men to fight Sauron so that Frodo and Sam may approach Mount Doom unnoticed and destroy the One Ring.

Of the movie's numerous moments of emotion and excitement, few are as touching as the scene in the third act where Aragorn is crowned in Minas Tirith after Sauron is finally defeated and Middle-earth is in peace. Here, seeing the four Hobbits bow to him, Strider tells them, "You bow to no one," and the entire congregation bows to them instead. It's a beautiful moment that makes it hard not to shed a few tears , watching the praise of these four brave men who proved that their size didn't determine their worth.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

3 "i've found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk, that keeps the darkness at bay. simple acts of kindness and love.", gandalf (ian mckellen) 'the hobbit: an unexpected journey' (2012).

Nine years after the Lord of the Rings trilogy, fans were eager to return to Middle-earth; The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey scratched that itch. Not many would call it one of the best prequels of all time , but it certainly brought lots of interesting things to the table, as well as offering the thrill of returning characters and familiar locations. Sixty years before the events of The Lord of the Rings , it's about a Hobbit who joins a wizard and a party of dwarves on a quest to reclaim the dwarves's home from the dragon Smaug.

When the White Council gathered in Rivendel to discuss how to handle the situation of Sauron's supposed return, one of the old familiar faces that viewers get to see is Lady Galadriel. Here, Galadriel asks Gandalf why he chose Bilbo to join their company. Unsure, Gandalf answers that he finds tremendous power in the "everyday deeds of ordinary folk" like Bilbo and that the Hobbit gives him courage in their dark times. It's a touching line, as well as a reminder of the core message at the heart of the whole saga : surprising amounts of courage lie in even the most unexpected of people.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

2 "if this is to end in fire, then we will all burn together", torin oakenshield ii (richard armitage) - 'the hobbit: the desolation of smaug' (2013).

The Hobbit trilogy is filled with memorable and iconic lines of dialogue , and The Desolation of Smaug is no exception. This sequel follows the dwarves, the hobbit Bilbo and the wizard Gandalf on the continuation of their quest to reclaim Erebor from Smaug the dragon. Meanwhile, Bilbo grows more familiar with his newly acquired mysterious ring.

In one of the film's most pivotal scenes, after narrowly escaping Smaug's deadly fire, the dwarves and Bilbo find themselves trapped in a room full of dead dwarves. "The last of our kin," Balin mutters. Though the team wants to play it safe and hide in the mines, Thorin refuses to die, "clawing for breath," instead ordering his friends to help him fight the dragon in the forges, delivering this rousing sentence that could bring chills to anyone. Despite its seemingly inspiring nature, this line speaks to the arrogance of this dwarf who shook the fate of Middle-earth and to the terrible effect that dragon sickness had on his heart.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

1 "if more people valued home above gold, this world would be a merrier place.", torin oakenshield ii (richard armitage) - 'the hobbit: the battle of the five armies' (2014).

Even if it's typically considered the weakest installment in the Middle-earth saga, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies still has an awful lot to offer those who love Tolkien's Legendarium. Marketed as the epic conclusion of the franchise, it's about Thorin's company being forced to take part in a war against an array of combatants to keep the Lonely Mountain from falling into the hands of the rising darkness.

The film is fun and action-packed, particularly if one watches the R-rated extended edition . It brings the arc of all major characters to a satisfying close—including those that are poignantly tragic. This includes Thorin Oakenshield, who dies in combat against Azog, the Orc-lord. The last person he sees is Bilbo, in whose arms he takes his last breath. His last conversation with the Hobbit is deeply moving , telling him to return to the comfort of the Shire and praising his valuing of "home above gold," which encapsulates one of the driving themes of the Hobbit trilogy .

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

NEXT: The Best Quotes from 'The Lord of the Rings' Trilogy, Ranked

IMAGES

The Hobbit: Book Review
The Hobbit
The Hobbit (Essential Modern Classics) by J. R. R. Tolkien (Paperback
The Hobbit Book Review
THE HOBBIT: Official Movie Guide
The Hobbit (The Lord of the Rings, #0) by J.R.R. Tolkien

VIDEO

The Hobbit Narrated by Andy Serkis Review- JRR Tolkien
THE HOBBIT / Andy Serkis Audible Narration / Why You MUST Get It! Book Review /J. R. R. Tolkien
Review 249: The Hobbit 1977
book review of The hobbit @for book worms only
How much "The Hobbit" book costs?📖 #interestingfacts #booktube #books #money
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien -Audiobook Review

COMMENTS

The Hobbit (The Lord of the Rings, #0) by J.R.R. Tolkien
The prologue to a great trilogy, simple and charming, The Hobbit is a great book by itself. Finally, this review is of a re-visit to The Hobbit, after a hiatus of perhaps 30 years. I rarely will re-read a book, there are just so many great books and so little time - but The Hobbit is one of those special works that can be savored and enjoyed ...
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien: writer, artist, scholar, linguist. Known to millions around the world as the author of The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien spent most of his life teaching at the University of Oxford where he was a distinguished academic in the fields of Old and Middle English and Old Norse.His creativity, confined to his spare time, found its outlet in fantasy works, stories for children ...
The Hobbit, Part One by J.R.R. Tolkien
February 23, 2018. ***The Hobbit is a fantasy novel written by J.R.R. Tolkien, the same author responsible for the well known 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. The story takes place in an alternate world of magic and dragons referred to as 'Middle Earth'. Our Main protagonist is a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins who loves nothing more than peace and ...
"The Hobbit": One Book to Rule Them All
Saruman is Mussolini. The Fellowship is the Allies. The One Ring is the Atomic Bomb. The ghastly battles of Minas Tirith and Helm's Deep are drawn from Tolkien's own service in the trenches ...
A Summary and Analysis of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit
By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University) The Hobbit is one of the biggest-selling books of all time. An estimated 100 million people have read Tolkien's classic children's novel since it was first published in 1937. The story of its origins, and Tolkien's supposed invention of the word 'hobbit' (of which more below), are well-known.
The Hobbit Review: An Exciting Fantasy Story
The Hobbit Review. The Hobbit is a high fantasy novel that was published in 1973 and follows the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, and a group of dwarves. The party sets out to retake the dwarves home, The Lonely Mountain, from Smaug the dragon who is currently in possession of their treasure. They face many perilous dangers along the way ...
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: Book Review
Owner and Editor of The Fantasy Review. Loves all fantasy and science fiction books, graphic novels, TV and Films. Having completed a BA and MA in English Literature and Creative writing, they would like to go on to do a PhD. Favourite authors are Trudi Canavan, Steven Erikson, George R. R. Martin and Brandon Sanderson.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
This book shows what real bravery and friendship is. It is a brilliant story, especially if you like fantasy and adventure. I found that J.R.R. Tolkien made up a lot of new and strange words, for ...
The Hobbit at 80: What Reviewers Said About Tolkien in 1937
3 minute read. W hen the first edition of The Hobbit: or, There And Back Again was first published — 80 years ago, on Sept. 21, 1937 — C.S. Lewis famously called the book a "marvellous ...
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Bilbo Baggins is a small and hairy hobbit, who lives in his comfortable hobbit-hole in bag-end. When a wizard arrives on his doorstep with 13 dwarves, he invites them all in for tea. Little does ...
The Hobbit Book Review
Kids say (135) age 8+. Based on 30 parent reviews. Serafina C. Adult. March 17, 2024. age 12+. J. R. R. Tolkien's classic left a lot to be desired with one-dimensional characters and a repetitive plot. J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is loved by many, but I honestly can't believe we read the same book.
The Hobbit, J.R.R Tolkien
(9th grade +) Order your copy today. Introduction "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit." With this famous opening line, J.R.R. Tolkien invites readers into the cozy yet adventurous world of Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit.As a lifelong booklover and former English major, I consider this beloved classic essential reading for young and old alike.
The Hobbit: Full Book Summary
The Hobbit Full Book Summary. Bilbo Baggins lives a quiet, peaceful life in his comfortable hole at Bag End. Bilbo lives in a hole because he is a hobbit—one of a race of small, plump people about half the size of humans, with furry toes and a great love of good food and drink. Bilbo is quite content at Bag End, near the bustling hobbit ...
Classic Review
Review. One of the general challenges of approaching The Hobbit is untangling its legacy from that of its sequel.The Lord of the Rings Trilogy was originally published in England between July 1954 and October 1955 and its legacy completely subsumed that of its predecessor, which has become known as its little brother, a mere children's novel, compared to Tolkien's epic masterpiece.
Review
Hello everyone! I have been trying to be a part of this group on Goodreads, ⋆.ೃ࿔࿐ྂfaith & fantasy⋆.ೃ࿔࿐ྂ, by participating in their Book-of-the-Month discussions. I have been having a blast reading and discussing the books with them. January's Book-of-the-Month was "The Hobbit" By: J.R.R. Tolkien. Which was a reread for ...
Book Review: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
From Goodreads: "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort. Written for J.R.R. Tolkien's own children, The Hobbit met with instant critical ...
The Hobbit Book Review
The Hobbit follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit in the Shire in middle earth. Hobbits have a very peaceful life that I assume most everyone wishes they had themselves. Upon the arrival of a grey wizard named Gandalf, his world is turned on it's head. With the introduction of 13 dwarves.
The Hobbit: Book Review
The Hobbit book review. There may be many great children's novel but one that takes the throne for me is The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. Everything from the world building to the adventure style of the novel make it a great read. And the great characters that have stayed with us since the book was first released in 1937.
Book Review
MY REVIEW. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien is a classic fantasy novel, which is also the prequel to the very famous Lord of the Rings series written by the same author. In this book, we meet Bilbo Baggins, a little hobbit living in his hobbit-hole, and Gandalf, who arrives one morning on his doorstep and tells him that he needs him for an adventure.
The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbi t. Written by J.R.R. Tolkien. Ages 10+. Publisher: ‎ Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. We may have a ten-year-old boy to thank for the publishing of The Hobbit. When the manuscript ended up in the hand of the publisher Stanley Unwin (George, Allen & Unwin), he gave it to his son to write a report about whether or not it should be published.
The Hobbit: 20 Differences Between The Book & The Movies
The Hobbit is a rather short book, especially in comparison to the intimidating size of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. The question remains as to why Jackson or the studio would ever think ...
Obada's review of And Every Morning the Way Home Gets ...
Alice Menzies (Goodreads Author) (Translator) Obada 's review. Apr 17, 2024. it was amazing. A brilliantly written short novel that does not fail to get the reader invested in all of its characters despite its conciseness. By the end of it, you'll empathise with all of the characters and feel like you have known them deeply for a while.
Dotty's review of A Cowboy's Growing Grace (Sweet View ...
A Cowboy's Growing Grace (Sweet View Ranch Western Cowboy Romance Book 2) (Sweet View Ranch Western Christian Cowboy Romance) by. Jessie Gussman (Goodreads Author) Dotty 's review. Apr 17, 2024. it was amazing. this story is well written and has wonderful characters. I would not expect anything different from Ms. Gussman.
The Best Quote From Each Middle-earth Movie
My quote. My precious." Juggernaut fantasy franchises are aplenty in the modern landscape of blockbuster-focused filmmaking, but Peter Jackson 's Middle-earth Saga will forever be incredibly hard ...
Untuk Nama Yang Tak Berani Kusebut Dalam Doa
Bertanya-tanya apakah mungkin kamu yang Allah catat dalam lembar Luh Mahfuz-ku. Meski tidak ada namamu, Allah pasti tahu kepada siapa doa-doaku dimaksudkan kerana tidak ada tabir rahsia antara hamba dan Tuhannya. Biar Dia yang memilih, mana pilihan terbaik yang paling layak untuk kita. Show more. 231 pages, Paperback.

“The Hobbit”: One Book to Rule Them All

Books & Fiction

By J.R.R. Tolkien

Bilbo Baggins as a Hero in The Hobbit

The Hobbit Book Review: Tolkien's Enduring Children's Fantasy Novel

About Emma Baldwin

Block Member?

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: Book Review

Book Reviews for J. R. R. Tolkien’s Legendarium

Latest Fantasy Blog Posts

Exploring the Elven Languages of Middle-Earth

The Ultimate Middle-Earth Reading Guide

The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy Review • Harriet’s Book Reviews

The Hobbit Is Turning 80. Here’s What Reviewers Said About It in 1937

More Must-Reads From TIME

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien - Review

Most viewed

Or browse by category:

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

Common Sense Selections for Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

Explaining the News to Our Kids

Celebrating Black History Month

Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads

Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

A Lot or a Little?

Educational Value

Positive Messages

Positive Role Models

Violence & Scariness

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Parents Need to Know

Where to Read

J. R. R. Tolkien’s classic left a lot to be desired with one-dimensional characters and a repetitive plot.

Is It Any Good?

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Suggest an Update

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Finding Nemo

The Dark Crystal

15 Mar The Hobbit – J.R.R Tolkien

Introduction

Bilbo Baggins

Gollum (Sméagol)

The Dwarves

Fili and Kili

Dori, Nori, and Ori

Oin and Gloin

Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur

Analysis & Evaluation

About the Author

Where to Buy

Spoilers/How Does It End

Publication History

Reception and Legacy

Themes and Motifs

Illustrations

Share this:

Content Guide

There and Back Again: The Story of Bilbo Baggins

On Greed, Growth, and Death

Catholicism and The Worldweariness of Our Heros

On Fairy Stories and Universality

The Bottom Line

Tyler Hummel

Review | “The Hobbit” | By: J.R.R. Tolkien