- "This book is largely concerned with Hobbits, and from its pages a reader may discover much of their character and a little of their history."
- —First words of the "Prologue"
The Prologue is the opening section of The Lord of the Rings, containing background and exposition on a number of different topics related to both the subsequent story and The Hobbit.
Contents[]
"Concerning Hobbits" details the history and characteristics of the race of hobbits, including their journey from the Vales of Anduin to becoming residents of the Shire, and a discourse on their appearance and lifestyle.
"Concerning Pipe-weed" covers the origins of pipe-weed and its usage by hobbits; explains differences between the varieties of Old Toby, Longbottom Leaf, and Southern Star.
"Of the Ordering of the Shire" details the geography of the Shire, including the divisions of the four farthings as well as Buckland and Westmarch. Also describes the structure of the Shire's governance from the Thain to the Shirriffs.
"Of the Finding of the Ring" gives an overview of and additional insight into Bilbo Baggins' finding of the One Ring.
"Note on the Shire Records" describes the means by which the major events of the latter part of the Third Age were recorded.