Summary

The novel begins with the announcement of Mr. Bilbo Baggins eleventy-first birthday. He is an extremely generous man who adopted Frodo Baggins, who happens to share the same birthday. Through various gossips, we learn that Bilbo is somewhat of a legend in the Shire and is also considered rather queer due to his associations with the Dwarves, Elves, and the Wizard Gandalf. Nevertheless, his party is considered the event of the century and the people of the town are filled with excitement for the special day. After dinner, Bilbo makes a curious speech and disappears in a flash of light. Bilbo uses a magic ring to make himself invisible, a ring he has kept secret from everyone but Gandalf. He walks to his room making arrangements to leave the Shire forever. Gandalf walks in...