Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit and a definite homebody, is surprised by a visit from an old acquaintance, the wizard Gandalf. Bilbo remembers magical fireworks Gandalf used to create Midsummer's Eve when he was a boy. Hobbits are not known for their adventurous nature, but Gandalf knows Bilbo has some Tookish blood in hima bit of adventurous ancestry on his mother's side of the family. Gandalf has come to take Bilbo on an adventure. Bilbo is not having it. In his desperation to get out of having tea, he tells Gandalf to come back for tea anytime, even tomorrow. Gandalf makes a strange, probably magical sign on Bilbo's door, and the next day 13 dwarves and Gandalf appear for tea. (read more)