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J.R.R. Tolkien's first voyage to Middle-earth revolved around a fuzzy Halfling named Bilbo, and launched readers into a fantastic new world. A primer.
Bilbo Baggins
The little hero of the book's title is fat, hairy, and fond of his quiet
life in the village of Hobbiton. But when the wizard Gandalf persuades
him to help 13 dwarves reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug,
Bilbo sets off, confronting trolls, magical elves, and giant spiders on
an epic journey.
Smaug
A centuries-old dragon who can breathe fire and speak, Smaug stole the
dwarves' treasure when he took over their stronghold, Lonely Mountain.
He unwittingly reveals a weak spot in his scales to Bilbo and dies by an
arrow to the breast — but not before laying waste to the human settlement
Esgaroth.
The Ring
Bilbo finds an enchanted golden band in the caves of the Misty
Mountains, home to the creature Gollum, who calls the ring his
''precious'' and wants to eat the hobbit. Fortunately, Bilbo slips the
ring on and disappears. Decades later, he passes it along to his
relative Frodo, who, in the 'Rings' trilogy, must destroy it to save
Middle-earth.
Gandalf
A powerful wizard with a white beard, Gandalf has long been a friend to
hobbits. He persuades the dubious dwarves to trust Bilbo as their fellow
dragon hunter. Weaving in and out of the story, Gandalf often shows up
just in time to help his do-gooders out of life-threatening binds. He
reappears in the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy.
Thorin Oakenshield
The grandson of the dwarf king Thrór, Thorin is a proud warrior who
leads his brethren and Bilbo in their fight against Smaug. He's haughty
and stubborn, and even clashes with Bilbo. But the two make peace before
Thorin dies, fatally wounded in the Battle of Five Armies.
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