The Hobbit, by JRR Tolkein, is the first in a very long saga that involves the journey of a family of hobbits and their role in the saving of the world. Bilbo Baggins is the protagonist, with strong secondary (and archetypical) characters in Gandalf, Smaug, Gollum, and an assortment of dwarves, elves, trolls, and orcs. Initially, the group visit Bilbo Baggins to attempt to elicit his help in stealing back the dwarves' gold that has been stolen by Smaug, the dragon. During their travels, Bilbo wrestles with a creature named Gollum and stumbles upon the one true ring of power, which he takes. Using it he infiltrates the dragon's lair and learns of the dragon's weak spot. This allows the dragon to be killed. There is a struggle between Elves and Dwarves over the treasures in Smaug's lair. Just as it is about to come to blows they are attacked by goblins. Coming together to fight a common foe, the dwarves, elves, and hobbits (and Gandalf) fight off the goblin hordes and realize the folly of fighting each other. Bilbo makes it back to his home just in time to find all of his things being auctioned off. He manages to get most of everything back and settles back into life as a simple hobbit. He hides the ring.
