Chapter 1. An Unexpected Party. On a Wednesday in April, Bilbo Baggins is surprised in his cozy, little hobbit hole by the arrival of Gandalf, the wizard, who invites him to take part in an adventure. The following day thirteen dwarves arrive and make a merry party, singing of far-off lands and wrongs that need righting. Despite some serious misgivings, Bilbo decides to join the dwarves in their quest to reclaim the mountain and the treasure that the dragon Smaug stole from Thorin’s ancestors. Gandalf has assured the dwarves that Bilbo is the perfect treasure hunter or “burglar” they need. Gandalf gives them a map and a silver key to a secret entrance in the Lonely Mountain where the dragon resides.

Chapter 2. Roast Mutton. The next morning the party of fourteen sets out. The first of many complications arises, however, when the weather takes a nasty turn and Gandalf disappears. The little party is cold, wet, and hungry. The dwarves spot a campfire and send Bilbo to investigate. Approaching stealthily, Bilbo sees three voracious trolls, roasting meat. Bilbo decides to pick one of the troll’s pockets to prove himself an audacious burglar, but the troll, Bill, catches him and rouses his companions. When the dwarves try to rescue Bilbo, they all end up in sacks. Luckily Gandalf returns and, confusing the trolls by imitating their voices, saves the day. When dawn breaks, the trolls turn to stone, and the adventurers raid their cave. They find food, two swords and a dagger, and a hoard of gold. They bury the gold nearby, planning to retrieve it on the return journey.

Chapter 3. A Short Rest. The party proceeds in the direction of the Misty Mountains. Before the adventurers reach the forbidding mountains, however, they are welcomed in the Last Homely House in the fair valley of Rivendell, a setting in stark contrast to the forbidding mountains ahead. Their host, Elrond the elffriend, offers food, rest, and security for fourteen days. One midsummer morning they set out for the Misty Mountains.

Chapter 4. Over Hill and Under Hill. The party follows the mapped path up the steep mountainside and gets caught in a fierce thunderstorm. They take shelter in a large cave. While they are sleeping, a crack in the back of the cave opens and goblins stream out. They snatch up everyone except Gandalf, who manages to let off a bolt of lightning and escape. The dwarves and Bilbo are taken prisoner and interrogated by the Great Goblin. Again Gandalf comes to their rescue, slaying the Great Goblin with the magic goblin-killer sword. The dwarves run through the caverns with goblins pursuing. Bilbo falls on a rock and loses consciousness.

Chapter 5. Riddles in the Dark. Bilbo wakes up in a dark tunnel and, crawling along, finds a metal ring which he slips into his pocket. Alone now, Bilbo, in a
pivotal scene, bravely decides to go forward. He meets a small, slimy, dark creature named Gollum. Mumbling the words “my precious,” Gollum speaks a strange sort
of lisping baby-talk patter. At first Bilbo is able to keep himself from being eaten by Gollum by trading riddles with him. Eventually Bilbo runs away and discovers that the ring he found was lost by Gollum and has the power to make its wearer invisible. Bilbo uses the ring to elude Gollum and at last manages to squeeze through the back door of the cave.