Book 1, Chapter 1 Summary

The story begins with Bilbo Baggins and his upcoming one hundred eleventh-birthday party. Although Bilbo is getting old, he has not changed at all in 61 years, and many people notice and wonder about this. However, Bilbo's cousin and heir, Frodo Baggins, whom he adopted twelve years before, do not think this is unusual. Instead, Bilbo and Frodo are excellent friends and even share the same birthday, meaning that Frodo is turning 33—and coming of age—the same day that Frodo is turning one hundred eleven years old.

As the party draws nearer, Gandalf the wizard arrives, much to the excitement of the hobbits in The Shire. This is because he is carrying a cartload of fireworks for the party, and his fireworks displays are legendary. Eventually, the day of the party arrives and, following a magnificent display of fireworks and a...