The Lord of the Rings | The Fellowship of the Ring (Book 1, Chapter 1) : A Long-Expected Party

Eccentric hobbit Bilbo Baggins has announced his 111st birthday party will be a very special one, and the town of Hobbiton in the Shire is abuzz with the news. Bilbo is known to be generous and thought to have a secret cache of treasure from his previous adventures, and so the residents of Hobbiton believe the party will be quite grand. The September 22 birthday is shared by Bilbo’s nephew Frodo, who came to live with Bilbo at Bag End after his parents’ deaths, and their custom has been to share birthday celebrations. This year, Frodo will be turning 33—the “coming of age“ for hobbits. In addition, rumor has it Gandalf the wizard will be setting off the fireworks for the celebration. There is much to anticipate, and the residents of Hobbiton watch supplies arrive at Bag End with growing excitement. Amidst the preparations, Gandalf and Bilbo have a private talk about Bilbo’s plan to leave the Shire following the party. Gandalf encourages Bilbo to stick to the plan. On the day of the party, tents and pavilions populate a large field, and the guests arrive to presents (hobbits give others presents on their birthdays), abundant food, exciting entertainment, and flowing drink. Gandalf’s fireworks are remarkable and magical. After supper, Bilbo gives a short speech, then suddenly places a magic golden ring on his finger and vanishes, to the surprise and consternation of all. Invisible, Bilbo walks back to Bag End, where Gandalf is waiting for him. Gandalf reminds Bilbo he promised to leave the magic ring with Frodo. Bilbo’s ring allowed him to avoid his greedy and annoying relatives, the Sackville-Bagginses, who continue to pester Frodo in the present. Bilbo reluctantly leaves it behind as he departs on his journey. Gandalf makes sure the ring passes safely into Frodo’s possession, but warns him to keep it secret and safe. Then Gandalf also leaves, and Frodo watches him walk down the road leading out of Hobbiton. Read by Phil Dragash If you wish to support him or check out more of his stuff, here’s a link to his website: Painting by Ray Gilronan, check out his other works :