The Fellowship of the Ring Book 1: Chapter 3-4 Summary/Review

Summary

Chapter 3

2 months later, Gandalf returns and informs Frodo to go to the House of Elfrond. Frodo Baggins slowly prepares to leave his home Bag End. He sells it to a family relative who has been wanting his hole for many years. He has some family helping him pack and he also hosted a small party to celebrate his shared birthday with Bilbo on September 22nd.  Frodo and his two companions, Sam and Pippin, begins to leave to the woods. Frodo overhears a conversation between a mysterious figure and Sam's father. The stranger wants Bilbo Baggins, but Sam's father told them that Bilbo has already

Dark Riders

left. Frodo and his friends quickly leave. On the second day, Frodo sensed danger and he told Sam and Pippin to climb up into the trees. A tall figure in a black cloak that conceals his face, riding on a black horse, approaches. Frodo also has a sudden desire to put the ring on. The figure leaves and Sam informs Frodo that the figure is the same figure who questioned his father last night. The hobbits moved on cautiously and they once again hide from the dark figure. The dark figure immediately leaves after it hears elves approaching and singing. Frodo knows how to speak the elves language, and the elves told him that the Black Riders are servants of the Enemy and must be avoided.

Chapter 4

Farmer Maggot

The hobbits wake up and the elves have disappeared, but they sent word to allies about the hobbit's journey. The hobbits slowly continues on through the dense underbrush. They eventually walk into the fields of Farmer Maggot. Frodo is scared because Maggot once caught Frodo stealing his mushrooms. However, Maggot warmly greets them and helps protect them from the Dark Riders. Maggot also offers to carry them in his covered wagon  to the Brandywine River ferry. When they got there, their friend, Meriadoc Brandybuck, gets ready to take them across the river over to Buckland.

Review

Like many epics, The Lord of the Rings is a huge quest and the chapters so far were just the starting line. Tolkien's experience with reading several fiction books helps allow him to firmly ground his main characters. For example, The Sword in the Stone by T.H. White begin with Sir Ector and his two sons: Kay who is biological child, and Art (Wart/Arthur) who is an adopted orphan. White introduces his characters and gradually tells the story of how Art will pull out the enchanted sword in the stone becoming the legendary King Arthur.  

Tolkien also uses these two chapters to bring a lot of suspense and tension between the Dark Riders and the hobbits. Tolkien also makes it very clear on who is good and who is evil. The dark cloaked Dark Riders has evil written all over them. The elves and their singing immediately appears to be good. Sauron and his One Ring represent the corruption within ourselves and the Elves represent our purity. These two conflicts balance each other out.

The One Ring also seems to be in the middle between good and evil. When the Dark Riders are nearby, Frodo has the sudden desire to put on the ring. This is an impulse of Frodo giving in to the the One Ring's power. Even Gandalf in the previous chapters refuse to wear it because he fears that the ring's seductive power will overwhelm him. In other words, the One Ring is the gap between the powers of good and evil.

The Fellowship of the Ring Book 1: Chapter 1-2 Summary/Review

Summary

Chapter 1

Frodo Baggins

It has been many years since Bilbo's epic journey with the dwarves and a wizard towards the Misty Mountains. Bilbo Baggins is now the most famous hobbit in Hobbiton because of the stories and wealth he brought back. He recieves visits from the elves, dwarves, and his old wizard friend, Gandalf, in his hobbit hole, Bag End. However, Bilbo Baggins, strangely hasn't aged at all after all those years. Bilbo is having his 111th birthday and invited many hobbits as well as his old friend, Gandalf. Bilbo also takes care of his orphaned cousin, Frodo Baggins. In the party, Bilbo announces that he is leaving to explore outside the Shire, and he uses his ring to sneak away back to his home. Gandalf approaches Bilbo and tells him that Bilbo should leave the ring. Bilbo at first is reluctant, even thrashing at Gandalf, but he eventually gives in. Bilbo drops the ring and leaves on a adventure with three dwarf companions. Frodo comes into Bag End and Gandalf tells him that Bilbo left the ring for Frodo. However, Gandalf also warns Frodo to NEVER use the ring and keep it a secret.

Chapter 2

17 years had passed since Gandalf's warning and Frodo Baggins is nearly fifty years old. He hears odd rumors about an ancient evil power growing in the land of Mordor as well as tales about orcs, trolls, and other evil creatures. Gandalf suddenly returns realizing that the ring Bilbo left behind for Frodo is more powerful than he thought. The ring is one of the Rings of Power created by Elven-smiths ages ago. He tells Frodo about it and proves it by throwing the ring into the fire. When he retrieves the ring from the flames, it is cooled to the touch. Then letters of Mordor appear on the ring. It reads...

The One Ring

"One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them."

Gandalf informs Frodo that the ring once belongs to the Dark Lord, Sauron. The ring grants Sauron an immense amount of power as well as control over the other Great Rings. Long ago, 3 rings were made by the elves, 7 from the dwarves, and 9 from humans. Sauron used the ring and nearly conquered all of Middle Earth. He was stopped when his finger wearing the ring was chopped off by the son of a Westernesse king, Isildur. Isildur took the ring for himself but was later killed by the Orcs. The One Ring was lost in the Great River where it wouldn't be found until many year later by a young boy from a Hobbit-like race named Déagol. Sméagol was next to Déagol wanted the ring as a birthday present.

 When Déagol refused, Sméagol killed him. Sméagol discovered that the ring grants the wearer invisibility and he was later shunned by his family for the thievery and spying he did. Sméagol became a miserable creature. That creature is the same creature as Gollum and the ring wouldn't be stolen again until a young Bilbo Baggins arrived. Gandalf knows all of this because after Bilbo's birthday, he went to find Gollum. His only mistake was letting Gollum go who ran toward Sauron. Sauron is now aware about his One Ring is in the Shire, particularly to the name Baggins, and he will do anything to retrieve his ring back.

Review

I really enjoyed how Tolkien explained the mystery behind the ring that Bilbo found. The fact that the One Ring also has the power to control the other Great Rings is mind blowing. Tolkien also introduces a new conflict, Sauron, who owns the ring that Bilbo left behind. This ring in The Hobbit may look like any other magic ring, but it is actually an evil artifact. The ring makes us curious and wonder what exactly is this ring and what kind of role will it play throughout the story. We also can wonder if the ring effects will also affect Frodo Baggins throughout the story. The ring also has a lot of power. We know this because of its ability to control other rings which can explain why Isildur, Gollum, and Bilbo had a hard time giving it up. What is really surprising is that Bilbo's will was strong enough to abandon the ring. This proves that some people are able to overcome the ring's powers.

Introducing "The Lord of the Rings" and The Fellowship of the Ring: Prologue Summary/Review

Introduction

After Tolkien wrote The Hobbit, his publishers asked him to create a sequel. This sequel is The Lord of the Rings. The novel itself was written so  that it was separated into 3 sections. They are The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Lord of the Rings continues after 100 years from Bilbo's return from his epic journey to the Misty Mountains. This novel has been highly approved by many readers and was the greatest book in poll run by major British booksellers in 1997. This book's medieval places its characters and its readers on a collision course with modern moral dilemmas of knowledge and power.

Prologue

Summary

The novel reintroduces the hobbits and how they love the countryside. The hobbits are beings who are short, curly-haired, and have hair on their feet. Hobbits are also known to have a light feet and are able to sneak into places really quietly. The prologue also reveals how much has changed in Middle-Earth and the Third Age is no more. Hobbits have also remained entirely on the margins of historical events that have occurred since their migration. The prologue reintroduces Bilbo Baggins who is well-known throughout the world and is now an old hobbit. Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who went on a journey with several dwarves and a wizard to the Misty Mountains. During the journey, he encounter a being who calls himself Gollum. Gollum is obsessed with a ring which Bilbo steals and accidentally discovers that wearing the ring grants its user to become invisible. After the journey, Bilbo wrote his stories, but Gandalf was skeptical about Bilbo's ring. He later questions Bilbo who reveals the truth.

Review

Hobbits have not changed since The Hobbit, they still don't wear shoes because of their rough skin on their feet and they enjoy the pleasures of living in their hobbit holes. I also spot that the confrontation between Bilo and Gollum as well as the the mysterious invisibility ring will play a central role throughout The Lord of the Rings. Bilbo believes in simple deeds and he isn't used to verbal complexity that will determined his life. Miraculously, Bilbo was able to escape his doom by asking a straightforward riddle "What have I got in my pocket?" which stumps Gollum because it was so simple. It is a riddle after all and Gollum was not able to solve it. This eventually ends to Bilbo's success. Overall, I am excited on what will happen in The Lord of the Rings and how everything will turn out.

The Hobbit Chapter 19 Summary/Review

The Last Stage

Summary

Bilbo returns with his share of treasure

Bilbo and Gandalf are riding on their ponies back toward Bilbo's homeland. Bilbo can still hear the wood-elves singing and several wood-elves revealed themselves and led them to the house of Elfrond.  From there, Gandalf shared stories to the elves and his old friend Elfrond about their epic adventure through the Misty Mountains. Bilbo remained quiet and learned that the reason Gandalf left the company was to attend a meeting with the other white wizards. He helped participate with the good wizards on driving out the Necromancer from his dark hold in Mirkwood. Gandalf tells Elfrond that the dark magic user will not be around anymore and that peace will be restored. Bilbo and Gandalf spends the night in Elfrond's and they later departed saying goodbye to Elfrond. They dug up several more gold and other treasures that the trolls hid when the company first passed through here. They filled their bags with gold and walked the whole way back. Bilbo has changed a lot especially

when he stopped and sang about his journey with the dwarves and Gandalf.

"Gandalf looked at him. “My dear Bilbo!” he said. “Something is the matter with you! You are not the hobbit that you were.”

Gandalf tells Bilbo that he is no longer the hobbit Bilbo once was. The journey changed Bilbo from the hobbit who loved the comfort of home to the the more experience hobbit that slay Giant-Spiders and experienced a huge battle. Gandalf and Bilbo sees hobbits in the middle of holding an auction on the presumably believed deceased Bilbo. Bilbo had to spend a lot to regain his furniture. Bilbo also lost his reputation because the adventure changed him. The elves, wizards, and dwarves who came to visit Bilbo respected him, but the his neighboring hobbits didn't except his relatives from the Took side. One day, Gandalf and Balin came to visit Bilbo. Bilbo openly invited them in and they share stories. Bard has refunded Lake Town and the friendship between humans, dwarves, and elves is still strong as ever.

Bilbo's stuff is being auctioned

Review

Bilbo has changed a lot from the journey. Before, he loved the comfort of his home and would stay in there. The journey to the Misty Mountains with the dwarves allowed Bilbo to overcome that personality. This personality was replaced with a more adventurous and courage. Bilbo also played a key role throughout the book. If Bilbo had not agreed to join with the dwarves, the dwarves would have died throughout the journey, Smaug would never have been killed, the treasure would never be reclaimed, the goblins will still be roaming in the Misty Mountains, and the renew alliance between dwarves, humans, and elves will never happen. Even Gandalf was surprised because he never foreseen the importance of Bilbo's role in the journey. 

I think that this change can somewhat reflect Tolkien's experience after the Great War. As I have repeated many times, Tolkien was part of the British army during World War I. And like most veterans of the war, Tolkien lifestyle was completely changed. He must have known that the war changed him. So he incorporated the same change on Bilbo's experience of his adventure.

I think that his mother's Took side allowed Bilbo to continue on and not give up through out the journey. The Tooks were known for the only hobbit family who loved adventures and had some desires to seek them. Bilbo Baggins is a Took and a Baggins, but his personality was forever changed into a Took's. This will also explain why the other hobbits (except the Tooks) never believe in Bilbo because they were too comfortable in their homes and didn't really want to go out. Bilbo's journey with the dwarves has finally came to an end.

Overall, The Hobbit is a great book to read. I give it a 10/10 and hope that people who haven't read this book actually try it out.

Battle of Five Armies Review

Review

Bilbo's little betrayal shows the uniqueness of the story compare to other mythological and legend literature. In most epic literature, loyalty to the leader are one of the paramount virtues, but Bilbo is different. Bilbo makes a independent moral choice because he believes of a greater outcome rather than Thorin's ideals.

A lot of things happen during the Battle of Five Armies. A couple major characters from the company died against the forces of evil. In this case, the evil forces are the goblins and the Wargs. I think that Tolkien created this major battle to reflect World War I. World War I was a war between six major European powers who separate into 2 alliances. The Triple Entente (Britain, France, and Russia) and The Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy). For Tolkien, he uses the dragons, goblins, and other creatures from European mythology to reflect how many people sees them as the evil creatures in stories. He shows that the humans, elves, and dwarves have to unite together to protect each other which also recalls how the three were peaceful neighbors who worked together and helped each other.

During the Battle of Five Armies, the eagles enter the battlefield. The eagle could also reflect the US entering the Great War because in The Hobbit, the eagles arrived into the battlefield when the forces of good were struggling against the forces of evil. The eagles also represent the one great and pure race who wouldn't fight for gold, but the goblin's involvement brings out their cry for good. They came down the mountaintops in large numbers and helped change the tide of the battle. The Battle of Five Armies also shows the power of nature. Even though evil can be powerful, the essential nature of the world is good.

Thorin's dying breath was to show his regrets for greed corrupting him and that he now recognizes the value of race like the hobbits (more particularly towards Bilbo) which he had contempt in the beginning of the book.

 "If more of us values food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." 

This quote from Thorin talks about that there should be more people like Bilbo who had these qualities in the beginning of the book. The Battle of Five Armies was a huge and epic battle that helped reunite the neighboring forces of good. This battle also showed some understanding of the importance of other races which Thorin was able to recognize and respect before he died. Overall, I really thought that The Battle of Five Armies was an epic battle that allowed races to coexist with one another.

The Hobbit: Battle of Five Armies

Chapter 17 and 18

Bard reveals the Arkenstone

The story continues the following morning with Bard and two other men tries to form a peace agreement with Thorin. Thorin refuses to share his treasure so Bard reveals the Arkenstone, a gem that Thorin has been seeking for awhile. Thorin rages on Bilbo who reveals that he founded the Akenstone and never told Thorin. Thorin is about to turn violent on Bilbo until Gandalf reveals himself and stops Thorin.

"“You! You!” cried Thorin, turning upon him and grasping him with both hands. “You miserable hobbit! You undersized—burglar!” he shouted at a loss for words, and he shook poor Bilbo like a rabbit." (page 276; paragraph 9)

Gandalf allows Bilbo to explain himself about the burglar contract which only specify that he could take whatever her wants as payment. This forces Thorin to agree and bitterly give 1/14 of the treasure to the humans and elves. However, Thorin secretly hopes that his dwarf army led by Dain will be able to come and take the stone by force before the arrangement begins.

The dwarf army arrives in large numbers and they threaten the elves and humans. Before both sides could wage a war, a dark force looms toward them and Gandalf announces that Bolg of the North has come. Bolg of the North leads an army of Wargs and goblins hoping to take the treasure in the mountain. The humans, elves, and dwarves joined forces to fight off against the Wargs and goblins.
This battle is called the Battle of Five Armies. Both sides fight fiercely against each other.

The Battle of Five Armies

"It was a terrible battle. The most dreadful of all Bilbo’s experiences, and the one which at the time he hated most...." (page 283; paragraph 3)

The elves and dwarves are able to make the goblins flee, but the Wargs keeps forcing them to fall back. Thorin and his small group of dwarves fight alongside the humans with lots of courage and bravery. The enemy slowly gains land and Bilbo is forced to retreat to the mountain. Believing that they will lose, Bilbo feels terrible for his dwarf friends who will eventually be overwhelmed and slaughtered. However, when all hope was just about to be lost, Bilbo spots the Great Eagles joining the fight. Bilbo keeps on yelling "The Eagles" and later loses consciousness after a stone hit his head.

"“The Eagles! the Eagles!” Bilbo cried, dancing and waving his arms. If the elves could not see him they could hear him. Soon they too took up the cry, and it echoed across the valley..."
(page 287; paragraph 1)


Bilbo regains consciousness and sees that they have won the battle. A man tries to search for Bilbo and Bilbo had to take off his ring to reveal himself that he is still alive. Bilbo returns back to a delighted Gandalf who thought Bilbo's luck had run out. Bilbo is sent to a mortally wounded Thorin. Thorin asks Bilbo to forgive him for his harsh actions and wishes him well as he dies.

"“Farewell, good thief,” he said. “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, I wish to part in friendship from you, and I would take back my words and deeds at the Gate.”"
(page 290; paragraph 1)

Bilbo cries after the loss of his friend and king under the mountain. He later learns the the Great Eagles arrives to help out after the eagles saw suspicious goblin activity in the mountains prior the battle. The great Eagle of Misty Mountain rallies a large number of eagles to aid the humans, dwarves, and elves. However, they were still outnumbered, until Beorn charges in out of nowwhere. Together, they managed to chain the tide of the battle into their favor. Beorn arrives and carries Thorin's body and they buries him deep beneath the mountain.  Bard also places the Arkenstone onto Thorin's chest.

Thorin's deathbed with the Arkenstone

The dwarf, Dain, becomes the new king of the dwarves. Of the twelve dwarves who journey with Thorin, only ten remained.  Bilbo learns that Kili and Fili died by Thorin's side defending him for Thorin is their mother's elder brother. The others were fighting alongside Dain. One fourteenth of the treasure was split towards the elves and the humans. Bard uses the gold to rebuild the destroyed Lake Town. Bilbo was rewarded with two small chests. One is filled with silver and the other is filled with gold. Bilbo then departs and says goodbye to his dwarf friends. The group of friends told each other to visit anytime they want.

"“Farewell, Balin!” he said; “and farewell, Dwalin; and farewell Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur! May your beards never grow thin!” And turning towards the Mountain he added: “Farewell Thorin Oakenshield!And Fili and Kili! May your memory never fade!”....“Goodbye and good luck, wherever you fare!” said Balin at last...." (page 293-294; paragraph 1-2)

Bilbo and Gandalf takes the long way back. They stopped by Beorn's cottage to rest. Eventually, they head back towards Bilbo's homeland.

The Hobbit: Chapter 15-16 Summary/Review

Summary

Chapter 15

The thrush returns to the company and has a raven translate telling the dwarves that Smaug is dead. The dwarves were overjoyed, but it was short-lived when the thrush informs them that an army of elves and humans are marching toward their location. They all want to have a share of the treasure especially the struggling Lake Town townspeople. Thorin is greedy and believes that the treasure is his inheritance. Bard and some elvin representative asks Thorin to be generous enough to share the treasure since Thorin and his dwarves took hospitality in Lake Town. Thorin strictly refused, but Bard gives Thorin time to reconsider.

“You put your worst cause last and in the chief place,” Thorin answered. “To the treasure of my people no man has a claim, because Smaug who stole it from us also robbed him of life or home..... nothing will we give, not even a loaf’s worth, under threat of force. While an armed host lies before our doors, we look on you as foes and thieves." (Page 265-266; Paragraph 4)


After they left, Thorin told his dwarves that they will fight for their treasure and make sure no one gets it. Bombor, Fili, and Kili are the only dwarves that do not believe Thorin's idea.

Chapter 16

Bilbo hands the Arkenston to Bard and Elven Leaders

Thorin continues to search for the missing Arkenstone not knowing that Bilbo has it. The other dwarves worries about the army of humans and elves camped outside their doorstep. Bilbo believes that he must take it himself to prevent a war. Bilbo sneaks out using his ring and hands the Arkenstone to Bard and the Elven leaders. He tells them to use the Arkenstone as a peace offering so both sides don't start a war with each other. Amazed by Bilbo's courage and bravery, Bard takes the Arkenstone, and asks Bilbo if he would like to stay with them. Bilbo refuses and returns to the mountain. Bilbo meets Gandalf who is proud of Bilbo's actions. Bilbo, believing he did the best thing for both sides, walks back into the mountain.

Review

Tolkien showed the power of greed is destructive and can corrupt one's mind. Thorin's lust for the treasure and the Arkenstone proves this. Thorin turned on the people of Lake Town and the elves who helped him and his dwarves throughout their journey. Instead of paying them back with some treasure to help rebuild the destruction of Lake Town, Thorin told the once friends to scram. In Middle-Earth, humans, dwarves, and elves should stay allies because they are considered the "good guys". I think that Bilbo's act of wanting peace reflect to Tolkien wishing that World War I could end. Tolkien served in the British military and he wished that it would end.

Chapter 17 represents that the greatest thing to prevent war is peace. Although Bilbo is friends with the dwarves, he believes that the only way to prevent a war is for both sides to have a peace agreement. I have to agree to this myself because it is unwise to betray an ally or allies who had already helped you so much. Overall, I believe that Bilbo did the right thing.

The Hobbit: Chapter 13-14 Summary/Review

Summary

Chapter 13

The Arkenstone

Smaug flies off to Lake Town in vengeance after solving Bilbo's riddle and believes that the villagers there are responsible. The dwarves, unable to contain their curiosity, slowly sneak into Smaug's chamber where they find piles of golden treasure. Unable to contain their excitement, they scurry towards the treasure after Bilbo was sure the dragon left. Bilbo finds the Arkenstone which is a gem that Thorin wants, but he keeps it for himself. He also keeps a coat of mail made from mithril. After the excitement dies, Thorin leads the group out and they wonder what are they going to do when Smaug returns. They are also starving so they travel down the river to an old cavern where they rest, eat, and wonder.

Chapter 14

The story's setting switches to Lake Town where the people gather archers to shoot the dragon and buckets of water to extinguish the flames. Smaug sets the roofs on fire and the arrows bounce harmlessly of his diamond-like skin.

"Fire leaped from thatched roofs and wooden beam-ends as he hurtled down and past and round again, though all had been drenched with water before he came. Once more water was flung by a hundred hands wherever a spark appeared....Another swoop and another, and another house and then another sprang afire and fell; and still no arrow hindered Smaug or hurt him more than a fly from the marshes." (page

A thrush lands on one of the archers who is the captain. The archer's name is Bard and the thrush tells him about Smaug's Achilles's heel in a small spot of its left breast. Bard shoots his last arrow and it flies towards the weak point killing Smaug. Smaug crashes into the town completely destroying it. The surviving townspeople thought that the dwarves were dead and realized that there is an empty mountain filled with treasure that they can take. News of the unguarded treasure spread like wildfire bringing the Elvenking and his army who came to help the humans. Together, they march towards the mountain where most of them believed that no one is in there.

Review

Chapter 13 reveals a gem called the Arkenstone and Bilbo finds it, but we do not know what does he want with it. What we do understand is that the dwarves recklessness caused him to do it. The narrator tells us that dwarves are greedy when it comes to treasure which reflect Tolkien's inspirations
of creating them based on old European legends. I also think that the reason Bilbo is alive is because of his wits. If the company had taken another warrior, this warrior would had fallen against Smaug easily. Thus, Gandalf did a very smart move to add a hobbit into the journey.

When Smaug was burning the town, it is just like every legendary dragon story. A dangerous dragon with armorlike scaled hide, fire-breath, and a love for treasure. It attacks the helpless people and in every story...there is a hero. For Tolkien, this hero is the archer captain, Bard. Bard was told by a thrush about Smaug's weakness. Tolkien says that there are certain birds used as messengers who have an ability to talk to people.

Destruction of Lake Town

Overview of the Hobbit: Chapter 1-12

Overview

Character Development

Bilbo Baggins

Throughout The Hobbit, I am impressed with Tolkien building up character development for his characters especially Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo was living a comfortable and cozy life in his hobbit hole. Bilbo at first was a bit stubborn and sheepish. He was too comfortable in his little hobbit home and didn't believe that  After he decided to joined the dwarves and Gandalf, Bilbo Baggins gradually gained courage and bravery as he journeys with the company. Unlike the other characters, Bilbo actually faced life-threatening situations and had to solve most of them by himself.

For example, when the dwarves and Bilbo were surrounded by Giant Spiders who were about to eat them. Bilbo single-handedly fought and killed one of them, and drew the rest of them away from the poisoned dwarves. This shows that Bilbo was forced to develop some courage and determination that he lacked.

Thorin Oakenshield

In the beginning, Thorin was determined to recover his kingdom that was stolen by the dragon, Smaug. He also doubted and judged Bilbo because he thought that Bilbo did not had what it take to journey with the dwarves and become the burglar to steal the treasure from Smaug. This determination eventually turned to stubbornness and greed as he got closer to the Misty Mountains.

For example, when the company reached the mountains. Thorin wanted Bilbo to sneak inside the mountain and get pass Smaug just so Bilbo can steal some treasure. This frustrated Bilbo because Thorin was blind with greed of the danger of Smaug melting Bilbo with his fiery breath. Bilbo nearly died when Smaug breathe blazing hot fire at him and he barely escaped. When he did return, the dwarves, especially Thorin, were more focused on the mass amount of treasure. When Bilbo told Thorin that Smaug is going to destroy the people of Lake Town mistaking Bilbo as one of the villagers, Thorin did not really care about it.

The Journey....so far....

Another thing I enjoyed about The Hobbit was the entire journey from Bilbo's hobbit hole to harsh journey towards the Misty Mountains. I enjoyed how Tolkien used his war experience on his character Bilbo. He set up the story of a comfortable hobbit minding his own business to the same hobbit slaying Giant Spiders and sneaking pass a deadly fire breathing dragon. This is just like how he lived a peaceful life in his home and was later forced in battle in foreign lands. I also enjoy the inspirations Tolkien had on European mythology to create his Middle-Earth dwarves, elves, goblins, trolls, etc.

What I think about it

Overall, The Hobbit so far is turning out to be a really interesting and extraordinary novel to read. I really enjoy it and I can see why Tolkien was asked to write another one. I like The Hobbit and I am sure that I will enjoy the following chapters.

The Hobbit: Chapter 11-12 Summary/Review

Summary

Chapter 11

The company finds that Smaug has burned all the green life of the Lonely Mountains. They investigated the main entrance on the south side and Bilbo eventually finds a narrow passage which happens to be where the secret door. However, they realized that they forgot the riddle on how to open the door that Elfond revealed in the moonlight. They try to break it open, but it doesn't budge. Later on, Bilbo remembers how to open the door and tells the others what it is. They wait for the sun's last light to where a single ray of light centers on a specific area on the door. A rock falls revealing the keyhole and Thorin quickly inserts the key. The door unlocks and the company stares at the depths of the mountain.

Chapter 12

The company enters the secret door. Thorin volunteers Bilbo to inside at scout around the area. Bilbo wears his ring allowing him to become invisible. Bilbo sees a red gold dragon with a fiery breath, sharp claws, and diamond strong skin. Smaug is asleep and Bilbo takes a golden cup to show the dwarves.While Bilbo show the dwarves the magnificent golden cup, Smaug takes a careful account of his treasure and he goes on a huge rage when he discovered that the cup was missing.

Stolen gold cup

Smaug finds ponies at the foot of the mountain. He chases and devours them causing Bilbo and the dwarves to be frightened. Smaug goes back to sleep and Bilbo goes back to the lair only to find that Smaug was faking it. However, Smaug can only smell Bilbo, and Bilbo talks in riddles to lower Smaug's anger. The hobbit was able find a small patch on the dragon's underbelly that has no scales protection and he manages to escape Smaug's flames. Bilbo tells the dwarves what he saw and how Smaug will target the city of Lake Town after solving the riddles. Smaug roars loudly in anger and Thorin keeps repeating "the Arkenstone". The dwarves manage to close the door just as the avalanche falls down causing them to be trap.

Review

The dwarves are more stubborn than they usually are. They are determined to get inside and get their gold back. Their greed almost kills Bilbo and caused them to be trap inside the mountain. I think that this will cause Bilbo to not only develop more courage and heroism, but also will frustrate him to the point of having doubt on the dwarves. I believe that Tolkien created the dragon Smaug because of the the European mythological stories that he read and studied. He also used Bilbo's near-death experience with Smaug to allude how Tolkien near deaths in WWI.

"It was an unfortunate remark, for the dragon spouted terrific flames at him....Luckily the whole head and jaws could not squeeze in, but the nostrils sent forth fire and vapour to pursue him, and he was nearly overcome, and stumbled blindly on in great pain and fear." (page 227; paragraph 3)

I believe that Tolkien wrote this to represent his personal experience of WWI. Tolkien uses phrases like "sent forth fire and vapour" and "great pain and fear" to show a small glimpse of what near-death felt like during WWI. Overall, I believe these two chapters is just the beginning of a much larger story.

The Hobbit: Ch. 9-10 Summary/Review

Summary

Chapter 9

The other dwarves get captured and questioned by the King of Elvenking. He tries to force the dwarves to reveal where are they going but the dwarves refuse. The elf king later sends the dwarves to the dungeon with Thorin. Meanwhile, Bilbo is still wearing his ring allowing him to become invisible and he follows the captured dwarves to the dungeon where they are plotting an escape. Bilbo manages to steal a sleeping guard's keys and free the dwarves by hiding them in barrels and pushes them into the river. Bilbo also hops into a barrel and escapes the elf castle with the dwarves to Lake Town.

Chapter 10

Bilbo and the dwarves are in the barrels floating away to Lake Town. Lake Town (Esgaroth) is a human city built on Long Lake in the southern side of the Lonely Mountains. Thorin proudly declares himself a descendant of the King under the Lonely Mountains and the villagers cheered because they heard story of gold flowing down the river when the dwarves ruled the mountains. Thorin and the dwarves then quickly return to the Lonely Mountains and face the dragon Smaug with extra supplies they picked up from Lake Town.

Review

The introduction of the elf king is really fascinating. However, I keep wondering what would happen if the dwarves reveal to the king where they were heading. What would the king do? Will he prevent the dwarves or aid them? My best guess is that the elf king most likely will say something like it is unwise to reclaim their homeland that is guarded by the same dragon who drove them out. Then the dwarves will ignore the king's idea and escape to Lake Town because they are too stubborn.

Based on what I read, I believe that the only person who can get pass Smaug without the dragon knowing is Bilbo. Bilbo wears the One Ring that grants him invisibility. This advantage will allow Bilbo to sneak pass the dragon and maybe do something that gives the dwarves an advantage. The other dwarves will either stay behind and wait for Bilbo to come back so Bilbo can tell them where Smaug is or they will barge in and fight the dragon. I believe that their attack on the dragon will fail and they will be force to retreat and have help from the villagers of Esgaroth.

Smaug the Dragon

Let's face it, a group of dwarves and a hobbit by themselves will be vaporized by a full sized dragon. That's like fighting trying to fight Darth Vader with a wooden stick. The dwarves will need help if they want to defeat Smaug and reclaim their homeland. I read The Art of War by Sun Tzu. One of Tzu's advices of battle is:

"It your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is tempermental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected."

– Sun Tzu, The Art of War

This means that it is smarter to fight an enemy with strategy than to rush into their territory. Overall, I believe that the company will eventually find a way to reclaim their homeland and overthrow Smaug.

The Hobbit: Chapter 7-8 Summary/Review

Summary

Chapter 7

Beorn

The company is escorted by the Great Eagles to a safe area far from the goblins. Gandalf leads the company to his friend, Beorn. Beorn is a half-man, half bear creature who gives food and other supplies that the dwarves need on their trip. Beorn scouts ahead and find out that the goblins are creating a attack party to kill the dwarves so they can avenge the Great Goblin's death. He advises the
company to travel the the northern pass where they can bypass the more dangerous southern pass. He also warns them the the northern pass between the Mirkwood is also not safe and they should never stray from the path. Gandalf leaves the company again and the dwarves head into the forest.

"....for I have heard that it carries enchantment and a great drowsiness and forgetfulness. And in the dim shadows of that place I donít think you will shoot anything, wholesome or unwholesome, without straying from the path. That you MUST NOT do, for any reason." (page 132; paragraph 1)

Chapter 8

Great Spiders of Mirkwood

The group goes into the woods and keep seeing strange eyes watching them. They later had to carry Bombur who fell asleep on a boat they found and can't wake up for days. The dwarves and Bilbo saw lights and decide to ignore the warnings and stray off the northern pass. The lights suddenly snuff out and the company gets lost from each other. Everyone gets separated and Bilbo falls asleep exhausted. Bilbo wakes up tied up with sticky webs and really big spiders coming towards him. Bilbo frees
himself with his sword and slays the spiders. After the victory, Bilbo names his sword: Sting.

"I will give you a name," he said to it, "and I shall call you Sting." (page 156; paragraph 2)

Bilbo led the spiders away wearing the ring and later frees the poisoned dwarves. They managed to cross into Elvin territory, but are shock that the leader Thorin is still missing. Meanwhile, Thorin is taken prisoners by the elves and refuse to tell them where he and his dwarves are going so the elves hold him in a prison.

Review

I want to talk about Bilbo's newly name sword: Sting. I believe that Tolkien wanted to give the main character, Bilbo, a sword with a name that is unique from all the other legendary swords such as Excalibur and Hrunting. The sword, Sting, is a really unique weapon. Unlike other weapons, Sting is considered more of an Elvin dagger than a sword. However, this dagger also fits well with Bilbo because of his height and size. The sword Sting was named like this because the spiders Bilbo were fighting were getting stung with Bilbo's sword. Bilbo's sword is a ancient Elvin dagger forged and created by weapon-smiths in Gondolin. This little short sword also glows blue when goblins are nearby. Unlike your typical and more famous swords, Sting was never used in battle until it killed several spiders. I believe that this sword be important to Bilbo in the future and will later be use for something even greater.

Bilbo Baggins's sword: Sting

The Hobbit: Chapter 5-6 Summary/Review

Summary

Chapter 5

Gollum

Bilbo wakes up in a darkness and find a metal ring on the floor.  He meets a wandering and hungry creature name Gollum and points his sword at him. Gollum challenges Bilbo in a riddle game. If Gollum beats Bilbo, he eats him, and if Bilbo wins, Gollum will show him the way out of the mountain. Bilbo and Gollum exchange riddles. Bilbo finally wins by asking Gollum...

"What have I got in my pocket?" (page 78; last paragraph)

and Gollum could guess the 3 chances he was given. Gollum tries to use his last option and eat Bilbo by using his "precious" a.k.a. the Ring. Bilbo manages to escape wearing the ring which renders him invisible.

Chapter 6

Bilbo escapes the mountain and overhears Gandalf and the dwarves deciding if they should ditch Bilbo. Bilbo reveals himself to be alive after he slips the ring off and put it into his pocket. Bilbo tells them that he found his way out of the mountain, but didn't tell them about Gollum and the ring. The company then quickly create a head start from the goblins who can't stop them because of sunlight. The goblin's wolflike allies, Wargs, help the goblins corner the company to a tree. Gandalf tries his best to kill most of them. Luckily a friend of Gandalf's, Lord of Eagles, saves them with his eagles and flies them to safety. They provide new supplies and rest before the company ahead toward the doorway.

"There was a howl of anger and surprise from the goblins. Loud cried from the Lord of Eagles, to whom Gandalf had now spoken. Back swept the great birds that were with him, and down they came like huge black shadows." (page 107; second to last paragraph).

Review

Okay, let me just say that my foreshadowing guess was right. Tolkien revealed the ring in Chapter 5 just as I thought. Tolkien was influenced by many literature works to create the fun riddles that Gollum says. He also used his personal experience of war to show Bilbo's uncomfortableness in his present surroundings. Tolkien was a ranking soldier in WWII. He lived in a calm life before he was forced to engage in harsh environments. Tolkien experienced a lot of huge explosions and I think he used some of that personal experience into Chapter 6.

"He gathered the huge pinecones from the branches of his tree. Then he set one alight with bright blue fire, and threw it whizzing down among the circle of the wolves. It struck one on the back, and immediately his shaggy coat caught fire, and he was leaping to and fro yelping horribly. Then another came and another, one in blue flames, one in red, another in green. They burst on the ground in the middle of the circle and went off in coloured sparks and smoke."

This shows Tolkien's personal experience of seeing explosions during his time at war and was able to recreate them into a work of art.

The ring

In Chapter 5, I thought of it as a extremely essential part of the story. I mean, think of this...why would a creature name Gollum be so obsessed with the ring? The ring so far has the ability to allow the user to become invisible, but there should be more information about this mysterious ring. I also know that this ring has a evil presence. This is because Gollum is sort of insane. What kind of creature lives under a mountain for who knows how long and is obsessed with a ring to the point of insanity. The ring has a dark evil screaming out and will continue to reveal more about it.

The Hobbit: Ch.3-4 Summary/Review

Summary

Glamdring

Chapter 3

The dwarves, Gandalf, and Bilbo begins traveling into the Misty Mountains. The journey is rough,
but they eventually found a place to rest in Rivendall. In Rivendall, a elf name Elrond, who is a old friend of Gandalf's, lets them stay for 14 days. During these 14 days, he helps recognizes the two swords that Gandalf and Thorin took from the troll's cave. The names are Glamdring (Gandalf's) and Orcrist (Thorin's) He also interprets the map by using moonlight to reveal the hidden hint of how to cross the the hidden pathway to the Lonely Mountain. The hint tells the user to stand by a stone near a thrush and wait for the Sun to set on Durin's Day. The dwarves leave and travels deeper into the Misty Mountains

Chapter 4

Great Goblin

The dwarves continue their journey into the mountains. Gandalf is dubious about the pathway because he knows that the land has become evil and dangerous. As they continue traveling, they decide to sleep, but encounter the goblins who ambushed and captured all of them except Gandalf who escaped. The goblins take them to the Great Goblin and recognized the the sword Thorin carries. Gandalf arrives and saves everyone. The dwarves counterattack and kill several goblins as well as the Great Goblin. The dwarves, Bilbo, and Gandalf make a run for it. Bilbo is being carried by Dori and accidentally falls off, strikes his head on the ground, and knocks himself unconscious.

Review

Chapter 3 is an important aspect of the the novel, The Hobbit, because I think it will help lead to a much bigger role into the story. In Chapter 3, I wasn't surprised to see that the dwarves will meet Elrond. I knew that they would need help with some guidance with the map to find the hidden door. Chapter 3 reveals that the two swords that Gandalf  and Thorin took from the troll cave happens to be use to kill goblins and were associated with Smaug. I believe that Tolkien was influenced by stories and legends like Beowulf and King Arthur particularly their famous weapons such as Excalibur and Hrunting. Tolkien probably wanted to do the same thing for his own weapons.

Chapter 4 I believe is a just a small conflict in The Hobbit. The goblins were just a small antagonist in this chapter. The goblins and the Great Goblin only slowed down the dwarves journey to the hidden passageway. However, even though this chapter was just a small conflict, I believe that it has an important in the entire story. In The Hobbit, Bilbo describes the goblins to be incredibly ugly, short, and have a personality of being cruel and wicked. The goblins seem to be also greedy when they took the supplies and some of them were messing around with it. Also, Bilbo accidentally fell off and lost consciousness which could mean that the next chapter will reveal The One Ring.

The Hobbit: Ch 1-2 Summary/Review

In my entire life, I have read many well-written books from many writers. Moby Dick, The Little Prince, etc. When I was a little kid, I had already watched the movie Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. However, I never thought about actually reading the two novels. Let me just say, that if feels like J.R.R. Tolkien is literally right in front of me and he is telling the story to me.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Unexpected Journey

The Unexpected Journey reveals the main character, Bilbo Baggins, who is a hobbit. A hobbit is a...well, they're hobbits. A fictional race half the height of an average human. They have a big appetite, love nature, and have big, hairy feet. Bilbo Baggins meets the famous wizard, Gandalf, and several dwarves accompanying him on the journey. Their names are: Bifur, Bofur, Bombar, Oin, Gloin, Fili,  Dori, Nori, Fili, Ori, Dwalin, Balin, and Thorin Oakenshield (the leader of the dwarves). Gandalf believes that Bilbo is meant to join the team and journey through Middle Earth to help with the dwarves quest. However, a majority of the dwarves believe that Bilbo is not right for the task to steal the treasure back from the dragon.

Gandalf

"That's right," said Gandalf. "Let's have no more argument. I have chosen Mr. Baggins and that ought to be enough for all of you. If I say he is a Burglar, a Burglar he is, or will be when the time comes. There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself. You may (possibly) all live to thank me yet. Now Bilbo, my boy, fetch the lamp, and let's have a little light on this!" (page 19; paragraph 3)

The dwarves are the some of a group of survivors who barely escaped Smaug's attack on their homeland. They used to live in the mountains with lots of gold treasure until Smaug the dragon drew them out. They want to return and take back the treasure they lost and their home. Thorin has a map that will lead them to an invisible door that is a secret gateway to their homeland.

Bilbo Baggins

Chapter 2: Roast Mutton

As the story continues with Bilbo Baggins waking up and quickly decides to join Gandalf and the dwarves on the journey to steal the treasure from Smaug. Bilbo manages to catch up and join the team. Bilbo misses his homeland and a heavy rain causes the dwarves to feel bad-tempered. Bilbo spots three giant trolls and tries to prove to everyone that he is worth something by stealing from the trolls. He gets captured and eventually so does the dwarves. Gandalf saves the day by stalling time and letting the sunlight shine upon the trolls turning them to stone.

"Dawn take you all, and be stone to you!" said a voice...(page 41; paragraph 7)

The gang later takes the troll's supplies in their cave such as food and beverages. They also take two good conditioned swords and Bilbo takes a knife that fits his size to be a sword. Thorin and his dwarves continues further with Gandalf and Bilbo.

Review

Chapter 1 and 2 fit extremely well in the story. J.R.R. Tolkien did a REALLY good job on introducing his fictional created race, hobbits. I love the way hobbits are unique from the other mythical creatures of fantasy. I especially love that although most hobbits love to stay at home, only a few of them dare venture out of their homeland. I never really thought that reading The Hobbit would be so interesting and exciting. I love how Tolkien uses his influence on Nordic legends and myths to make the story exciting to read. The first time I read about Gandalf, my mind immediately thought about Odin. I really have to thank J.R.R. Tolkien for helping to increase the popularity of fantasy books. Overall, The Hobbit is one of the most exciting books I have read in quite a long time.

Influences

Two dwarves of Norse mythology

Chapter 1 and 2 show Tolkien's influence in Nordic mythology. I can understand why Tolkien created the character Gandalf to have similar qualities with the Norse deity, Odin. He also created dwarves and trolls that came from Norse mythology. You see, dwarves according to Norse mythology live in
mountains just the dwarves of Middle Earth. In fact, Tolkien's dwarves have a similar appearance to the Norse dwarves. The mountain trolls in Middle Earth are also similar to trolls of Norse folklore. Both of them are usually big creatures who live mostly in the dark. If they are exposed to sunlight, they will turn to stone.

J. R. R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien

Background

John Ronald R Tolkien was an English writer and poet born in Bloemfontein, South Africa on January 3, 1892 to September 2, 1973. His father, Arthur Reuel Tolkien, died when Tolkien was 3 years old and his mother gave Tolkien many different types of literature to read. Tolkien grew up loving to read especially European myths and legends. However, Tolkien was force to join the army as a common soldier and later a lieutenant during World War I. Tolkien was injured one time and took some notes that later created the roots of his world, Middle Earth. Tolkien became a professor after the war and taught Old and Middle English. These languages helped inspire him to write and publish The Hobbit in 1937. Tolkien's big success on the book made his publisher ask Tolkien to write a sequel which took Tolkien 10 years to complete the novel The Lord of the Rings. This book was so big that it was separated into 3 parts: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Tolkien helped raised the popularity of fantasy literature that helped other fantasy writer let their books be known.

Influences

Religious Influences

Tolkien's works on the two books, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings has some Christian influences. Many people believe that Tolkien has some religious influences because of the themes in the stories. These include: death and immortality, repentance, justice, hope, authority, and self-sacrifice. Tolkien mentions the Lord's Prayer in The Lord of the Rings to relate with Fredo's struggle against power hunger of the One Ring.

Nordic Influences

Odin

Tolkien was greatly influence by Norse/Nordic mythology and legends. Tolkien used to read and translate Old Norse. He got the idea of the One Ring by listening to Richard Wagner's opera series, Der Ring des Nibelungen which was talks about a ring and a broken sword. Nordic influences allowed Tolkien to create his famous Middle Earth elves and dwarves. The elves and dwarves of Middle Earth were inspired by several opera song such as the Völuspa. Tolkien The famous character, Gandalf the Grey, was inspired by the Norse god, Odin. Gandalf is really similar to Odin such as Odin's belief of justice, knowledge, truth, and insight.

Warfare Influences

Lieutenant J.R.R Tolkien

Tolkien served in the British Army during WWI and later became the second lieutenant. Before the war, Tolkien lived a peaceful life without any trouble. However, when he was sent out to battle in WWI, his life experience changed. Tolkien was tossed from his comfortable life to a dangerous and hostile surroundings. This will reflect to Tolkien's character in The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who lived a fun and peaceful life in Middle Earth. But then he joined Gandalf and a group of dwarves and encounter many dangers in his journey. When Germany invaded Poland and started WWII, Tolkien served as a British codebreaker. Tolkien uses the start of WWII and its damage to the European world to echoed with his character Sauron who is trying to take over Middle Earth in The Lord of the Rings.