In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort. Bilbo Baggins was a very well-to-do hobbit, and his life was contented, peaceful, and free of adventures. Adventures, after all, were messy, unpredictable things, and hobbits preferred a calm existence. But this was not to be Bilbo's fate. His peaceful life in the Shire would soon be upended by the unexpected visit of Gandalf, a wizard, and thirteen dwarves. And so begins the tale of *The Hobbit*, a story of unexpected courage, ancient treasures, and thrilling dangers. An Unexpected Party One fine morning, as Bilbo was sitting down to his first breakfast, there was a knock at his door. To his great surprise, it was Gandalf. After a brief exchange of words, Bilbo found himself unwittingly hosting a gathering of thirteen dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, who intended to reclaim their lost kingdom of Erebor from the dragon Smaug. The dwarves needed a burglar, and Gandalf had recommended Bilbo for the job, much to his own astonishment. Though hesitant, Bilbo eventually agreed to join their quest. The dwarves spoke of their plan to journey east, across the Misty Mountains, through the dark forest of Mirkwood, and to the Lonely Mountain where the dragon had made his lair. They carried with them an ancient map and a key, and it was Bilbo's task to help them retrieve their treasure. Despite his reservations, Bilbo's curiosity and a small part of him that yearned for adventure won out, and the next morning, he set off with them.