By Jake from Lewisham Branch
Howdy kids. I'm back again with a look at an author I have previously covered for the grown ups! I think that it's best that you know that I am quite the fan of Fantasy Fiction. There's something about fantastic races, magical creatures and all of it that I love.
Released in 1937 The Hobbit is considered one of the finest pieces of Fantasy Fiction of all time.
It's also the first published book by J.R.R. Tolkien. We find ourselves
in the beautiful Shire, home to the diminutive Hobbits, to start off
with. A short, hairy footed people who live a comfortable life in their
Hobbit Holes, these halflings prefer the better things in life, food,
drink, warmth, good company and a nice quiet life. Nothing too
strenuous.
We're introduced to Mr Bilbo Baggins of Bag End. A very normal hobbit.
Enjoying the sunshine in his garden Bilbo notices a large traveller
drawing closer to his gate and politely wishes them Good Morning. The
trouble with wishing good morning to unknown people is that they could
potentially be a Wizard. The wizard introduces himself as Gandalf the
Grey, promptly criticises Bilbo's manners and, despite the obvious
discomfort of Mr Baggins, manages to bag himself an invite to tea.
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| Map of the Hobbit from Jake's personal collection |
After putting in a reasonable effort Bilbo waits patiently for Gandalf to arrive, yet five o'clock rolls around and The Wizard hasn't arrived. Time ticks on, five, ten, fifteen minutes go by before he gets a knock at the door. Grumbling at the lateness of Wizards, Bilbo opens the door not to Gandalf, but to two dwarves. The brothers Dwalin and Balin. Puzzled, Bilbo being the amazing host he is, shows them to a seat and starts to find out what they fancy.
This however is interrupted by another knock, and more dwarves. Bilbo just gets these comfortable before another knock, and more dwarven arrivals. Eventually Gandalf arrives with the last of the Dwarves, and we are introduced to Dwalin, Balin, Kili, Fili, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, and last but no means least Thorin Oakenshield, the exiled King Under The Mountain. Gandalf and Thorin run with the pitch.
The ancient dwarf stronghold of Erebor, The Lonely Mountain has long been under the dominion of Smaug The Golden/Magnificent/Ferocious, the last of the Dragons. The Plan is dead simple - go to Erebor, get rid of Smaug, reclaim the mountain and Dwarf treasure. Jobs a good 'un. They even have a burglar to help them out according to Gandalf, young Mr Baggins. Bilbo passes out at this point, all this talk of Dragons and adventure isn't good for a hobbit, not coming to until the morning. Bilbo however wakes up with his curiosity piqued after finding a note left for him by Gandalf, Thorin and company telling him when/where to meet them if he's down for the quest. Hurriedly gathering his stuff together Bilbo rushes to meet them, setting off on his first adventure.
The ancient dwarf stronghold of Erebor, The Lonely Mountain has long been under the dominion of Smaug The Golden/Magnificent/Ferocious, the last of the Dragons. The Plan is dead simple - go to Erebor, get rid of Smaug, reclaim the mountain and Dwarf treasure. Jobs a good 'un. They even have a burglar to help them out according to Gandalf, young Mr Baggins. Bilbo passes out at this point, all this talk of Dragons and adventure isn't good for a hobbit, not coming to until the morning. Bilbo however wakes up with his curiosity piqued after finding a note left for him by Gandalf, Thorin and company telling him when/where to meet them if he's down for the quest. Hurriedly gathering his stuff together Bilbo rushes to meet them, setting off on his first adventure.
It's a fascinating journey, seeing us meet Trolls, Giants and Goblins. Giant Eagles, Men, Elves and Skinchangers. It takes us from the beautiful slopes of the Shire, to the deep dark forests of Mirkwood, the high passes of The Misty Mountains, to Lake-Town and finally The Lonely Mountain. It's beautifully written, every sentence makes you imagine this breathtaking world and its curious people. You get epic battles, daring feats of courage and to cap it all off a MASSIVE DRAGON.
It also teaches you a valuable lesson. Bilbo is not the biggest, the strongest or fastest person/Hobbit in the world. When he starts on his journey he's a bit timid, and not that confident. Yet every time he is faced with a challenge he steps up and faces it. He might doubt himself, but he does not hesitate to rise up to face it.
As the story goes on Bilbo realises that adventures aren't that bad. He even discovers he can face all the things that scared him. Bilbo shows us that you don't have to look like a hero to have the heart of a hero. That even if you're not the biggest, or tallest, or strongest, or fastest that anyone can be brave, because that's all heroes really are. People brave enough to face any challenge.
This book is quite frankly awesome and definitely worth reading, who knows? You might end up falling in love with Fantasy Fiction too.
Jake's Rating: 10/10. Absolutely amazing book. I still read it now.
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| Entry from the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography |
here or here
https://llc.overdrive.com/media/150134
or ebook https://llc.overdrive.com/media/235104 to listen to on our E-Library.
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Did
you know that we have an online Reference Library which can help you do
your homework? With your library card, you have free access to Encyclopedias, Newspapers from as far back as
1710, magazines, comics and books too.
Visit www.lewisham.gov.uk/elibrary with your library card to find out more.
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