An Unexpected Party is the first chapter of J.R.R Tolkien's The Hobbit.
Plot
Hobbits are introduced, and Bilbo Baggins receives a visit from the wizard Gandalf. The next day, Gandalf returns with thirteen Dwarves. After eating, they discuss the recovery of the treasure that the dragon Smaug took from Erebor, and Bilbo is hired as their "burglar," despite his protests.
Summary
Bilbo Baggins meets Gandalf for the first time. Bilbo quickly recognizes Gandalf when the wizard mentioned Bilbo's mother, Belladonna Took. But when Gandalf invited Bilbo to a journey, the hobbit immediately refuses the wizard. the sad old wizard leaves, but unknown to Bilbo, Gandalf placed a mark on his newly-painted door.
The next day, as Bilbo is about to have his lunch, the doorbell rings. He assumes it is Gandalf but a dwarf named Dwalin immediately makes his way inside the house. Not wanting to be rude, Bilbo welcomes the dwarf despite not knowing him. After a few more moments, dwarves started to arrive. When everyone is present, Gandalf himself finally arrives with the leader, Thorin Oakenshield.
Gandalf volunteers Bilbo to be the Company's "burglar", something Bilbo instantly refused. As Bilbo protests, Gandalf brings out a map of the Lonely Mountain with a secret entrance. He shows Thorin the key to the said entrance, but no one knows where or how to find it. When Bilbo demands of their objective, Thorin stated that his grandfather was once the King under the Mountain. He has a great love for treasures and it attracted unwanted attention: the attention of the dragon Smaug. The dragon attacked and claimed the Lonely Mountain as his own, forcing Thorin and what's left of his people in exile. Thorin and his Company set out to reclaim their land, albreit being unsure what to do when faced with Smaug.
Bilbo pays no attention to the adventure. His Baggins side only wants to stay but his Took side wants him to join the expedition. Finally, Bilbo goes off to bed and spends the night with troubled dreams.
Appearances
| Characters | Species and creatures | Locations | Factions, groups and titles |
| Events | Objects and artifacts | Miscellanea |
Characters
Dramatis personae
Other characters
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Species and creatures
Locations
Events
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Objects and artifacts
Portrayal in adaptations
In Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Thorin doesn't arrive along with Bombur, Bofur and Bifur. He arrives on his own, later that night, claiming to have been lost, twice.
Songs and Verses
- Far over the Misty Mountains Cold
- That's what Bilbo Baggins hates
