Summary

Bree is an unusual place in Middle-earth for it is home to both Hobbits and Big People (humans). Frodo and his companions arrive in Bree at nightfall. After a bit of questioning by the gate-keeper, they are allowed into the city and go directly to an inn called The Prancing Pony owned by Barliman Butterbur. The inn is alive with guests from all over and Frodo, Pippin, and Sam decide to join the gathering in the drinking hall. While there, Frodo notices a man watching him from the shadows. Butterbur explains that he is a Ranger, a wanderer named Strider. Having noticed Frodo’s questioning, Strider calls him over to talk. Meanwhile, Frodo notices that Pippin is about to give away the name Baggins and begins to sing a song to distract the audience. In...