Journal Post 6: The Theme of The Hobbit

I believe that the theme of The Hobbit is to only judge someone when you know them better. For example, in the first few chapters Thorin thinks that Bilbo is like most hobbits, a jolly and gluttonous farmer. However Thorin is proven wrong several times throughout the story. Bilbo's actions, such as saving the Dwarves from the Wood-elves and spying on Smaug caused Thorin to withdraw his judgement before he died. It relates to me very much because many people, especially at school, judge me because of my interests and my appearance. however they don't actually know me. Bilbo's judgement by Thorin and my judgement by my peers is very similar.

Journal Post 4: Writing With Topic Of Choice

Review: Lego Lord of the Rings, The Video Game

Those who have played other Lego video games by TT Games know how fun the games are. "Lego Lord Of The Rings: The Video Game" is one of the best examples. It's the second Lego game to feature an open world; once the main story is completed, you are allowed to roam Middle-Earth freely. The game uses dialogue tracks from the original the Peter Jackson movies rather than grunts and other noises used in past Lego games. This innovation makes the experience much more immersing. It includes many characters including key characters such as Frodo, Gandalf and Aragorn and extra characters which include ones from other Tolkien works such as Tom Bombadil, Bilbo Baggins and Gloin the Dwarf(he is seen in both Lord Of The Rings AND The Hobbit). Lego games are known for adding humour into their cutscenes, and this game has some of the best gags:

The game features phenomenal non-playable character combat choreography, which adds the effect of being in the center of the Battle Of The Pelennor Fields and the Battle of Helm's Deep. The one big downside is the fact that achieving 100% completion is somewhat impossible. This is because of all the puzzles and challenges in the open-world Middle Earth portion of the game. Overall, I give this game 9.5 out of 10.

Journal Post 3: Comparison to "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"

The movie "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is very similar to the novel, even though it covers only up to the beginning of chapter 8. However there are differences, some vital and some insignificant:

• Three characters that are simply mentioned in the book are key characters in the movie: Radagast the Brown, Azog the Goblin and The Necromancer
• The film features two prologues: The first features Smaug invading the Lonely Mountain and driving out the Dwarves. In the novel, this is explained by the Dwarves in the first chapter. The second prologue is set ten minutes before the scene of Bilbo's 111th birthday party in "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring". This event does not occur in the novel.
• In the novel, the Dwarves have different coloured hooded cloaks and come in an organized order. However in the film they do not wear any cloaks and the Dwarves almost arrive all at once.
• The Dwarves' beards are noted as being vibrant colours such as blue and yellow. In the film, their beards are standard human hair colours. 
• The morning after the gathering at Bag End, Thorin and the Dwarves leave Bilbo a short note on his mantle. In the film, Bilbo is given a long contract the day of the gathering.
• Bilbo meets up with the Dwarves at the Green Dragon Inn in the novel. however in the film, Bilbo catches up to them on their way out of Hobbiton.
• When the Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf encounter the three trolls in the movie, the trolls capture the Dwarves first then Bilbo. However in the book, it is in the opposite order..
• Gandalf saves Bilbo and the Dwarves by smashing a boulder with his staff, letting the sunlight through turning the trolls to stone in the movie. But in the book, Gandalf imitates their voices so that they would get into a fight with each other and not notice the rising sun.
• In the novel, Bilbo takes his new sword eventually to be named "Sting" form the Trolls' treasure hoard; in the movie Gandalf presents it to him.
• At Rivendell, Gandalf speaks with the other members of the White Council: Elrond, Galadriel and Saruman The White. This does not occur in the book.
• The Dwarves and Bilbo sneak out from Rivendell in the movie without Gandalf
• The Goblins in the film use a trapdoor in the cave to capture the Dwarves. In the book a crack opens at the back of the cave.
• When the Wargs attack Gandalf, Bilbo and the Dwarves in the novel, the trees magically fight back. In the movie, Gandalf lights pine cones on fire and throws them at the wargs.
• The eagles in the book can talk. They are mute in the movie however.

Despite these differences, they are both still great.

Joural Post 5: Changing Character

In "The Hobbit", Thorin Oakenshield the leader of the journey to the lonely mountain, changes drastically about his thoughts on bringing Bilbo with them. In the first few chapters, Before the incident with the Goblins, Thorin feels that Bilbo is more trouble than he is worth and would only slow them down. However he was proven wrong when he saw Bilbo emerge from within the mountain. He becomes very grateful that Bilbo came with Gandalf and the Dwarves when Bilbo saves the Dwarves and Thorin in Mirkwood from the spiders and the elves. Because of this, he trusts Bilbo with the job of sneaking into the main hall of the Lonely Mountain. When Thorin was on his deathbed, he withdrew his accusation that he stole the Arkenstone and told Bilbo that he was glad that Bilbo went with him.

Journal Post 2: The setting of The Hobbit

In J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit", the setting is Tolkien's signature setting of the land of Middle-Earth. Because the story is very specific to the setting, it cannot be applied in a different story, such as one that's more modern. Even though some locations have generic names like "Lake-town", "The Lonely Mountain" and "The Misty Mountains", the events that occur in these locations are specific. For example, if you go exploring a mountain range like the Rockies you will not find any Goblins nor a cave with a deformed creature that likes riddles....OR WILL YOU?

Journal Post 1: Interesting Quote

The quote I found interesting from The Hobbit is from chapter 19, "The Last Stage": "Roads go ever ever on, over rock and under tree, by caves where never sun has shone, by streams that never find the sea: over snow by winter sown, and through the merry flowers of June, over grass and over stone, and under mountains in the moon. Roads go ever ever on, under cloud and under star, yet feet that wandering have gone, turn at last to home afar. Eyes that fire and sword have seen, and horror in the halls of stone, look at last on meadows green, and trees and hills they long have known.(page 361)". Bilbo is not only summarizing his journey and referring to places he has been, but he is also saying that even after a very long time and a difficult journey a person will recognize their own home and be glad to be there. When Bilbo and Gandalf return to the Shire, Gandalf sees that Bilbo has changed greatly because of the events he witnessed on his journey. Bilbo realizes he is more brave than he thought, but still more of a homebody. I liked how it was somewhat philosophical and eloquent at the same time.

The Vocabulary of The Hobbit

1. Braces: "said our Mr. Baggins, and stuck one thumb behind his braces, and blew out another even bigger smoke-ring.(page 15)"  Braces: similar to suspenders, Braces are made of fabric or leather and made to hold up one's pants. e.x. Jack was incredibly embarrassed when he discovered his braces had come undone. 
2. Throng: "Let us join the throng! (page 20)" . Throng: a large group of people gathered closely together. e.x.: As John maneuvered through the throng inside the train station, he could see his Mother waving to Him.
3. Porter: "Some called for ale, and some for porter, and one for coffee, and all of them for cakes; so the hobbit was very busy for a while.(page 21)" Porter: a dark style of beer originating in 18th century London. e.x.: Because his bus hadn't yet arrived, Maxwell decided to pop into the pub for a quick bottle of porter.
4. Skriking: "Shrieking and skriking that followed were beyond description.(page 86)" Skriking: To cry. An onomatopoeic word that describes an irritating crying that gets on your nerves. e.x.: The baby's skriking was begin ning to annoy Samuel.
5. Meal: "Grinds hard stones to meal.(page 101)" Meal: a granular substance produced by grinding. e.x.: As Jim monitored the quarry, he could see the meal being excavated.
6. Antiquity: "He knew, of course, that the riddle-game was sacred and of immense antiquity.(page 104)" Antiquity: The quality of being old or ancient. e.x.: The baseball glove's antiquity increased its value.
7. Sorrel: "He nibbled a bit of sorrel, and he drank from a small mountain-stream that crossed the path.(page 124)" Sorrel: A European plant (genus rumex) of the dock family, with arrow-shaped leaves that are used in salads and cooking for their acidic flavor. e.x.: While in Europe, Seth bought some Sorrel seeds for his Mother.
8. Marjoram: "the thyme and the sage and the marjoram(page 124)" Marjoram: A southern European plant (organium majroana)of the mint family, used as a culinary herb. e.x.: Add the bay leaf, marjoram and thyme and cook gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Eyries: ""Farewell!" they cried, "wherever you fare. till your eyries receive you at your journey's end!"(page 143)" Eyrie: the nest of an eagle or other bird of prey, built in a high inaccessible place. e.x.: As David continued climbing the mountain, he began to find several eyries.
10. Tenfold: ""My armour is like tenfold shields"(page 274)" Tenfold: ten times as great or as numerous. e.x.: The exterminator needed to use a tenfold increase of pesticides to rid the house of termites.
11. Dubious: "dragon-slayings historical, dubious and mythical(page 277)" Dubious: not certain of outcome. e.x.: The status of her car made Susan feel dubious she would reach her destination..
12. Pallid: "Slowly it grew to a little globe of pallid light.(page 286)" Pallid: lacking vigour or intensity. e.x.: As Samuel turned on the UV light he expected it to be very pallid, but was wrong.
13. Flagon: "bones were upon the floor among flagons and bowls(page 291)" Flagon: a large container in which drink is served, typically with a handle or spout. e.x.: The bartender handed Johnson several shot glasses and a flagon filled with whiskey.
14. Parley: "I will not parley, as I have said(page 319) Parley: a conference between opposing sides in a dispute, especially of terms for an armistice. e.x.: Jacob and his wife were known to constanly have parleys.
15. Succoured: :"he has succoured the people of the lake in their need(page 319)" Succour to give assistance or aid to. e.x.: When Hurricane Sandy hit, the victims were succoured by the red cross foundation.

Chapter Summaries

The Following is a summary of the chapters of The Hobbit.

1. The story begins with a description of the Shire, its Hobbit-Holes, and the history of the Baggins family. It then has Bilbo having a conversation with the wizard Gandalf which ends with Bilbo accidentally inviting him to tea. The next day, Gandalf and 13 Dwarves arrive at Bilbo's house inviting him on a journey to help slay the dragon Smaug and take back the Dwarves' treasure for 1/14th of the treasure. Bilbo learns that it his job is to take the treasure from Smaug for the Dwarves. The Dwarves' leader, Thorin Oakenshield disagrees with Gnadalf's person of choice to be the burglar. Despite disliking some of the Dwarves, Bilbo accepts.
2. They begin their journey and at night they see a fire from a distance and send Bilbo to investigate. The fire was made by three trolls. Bilbo gets captured by them, and the Dwarves attempt to save him but also get captured. Gandalf saves them by turning the trolls into stone. They then raid the trolls' food and weaponry and continue their journey. From the weapons, Bilbo receives a shortsword, Thorin receives the blade Orcrist the Goblin Cleaver and Gandalf receives Glamdring the Foe Hammer.
3. Gandalf, Bilbo and the Dwarves stop in the Elven outpost of Rivendell. There the elf Elrond explains the moon-runes on the Dwarves' map and that the runes mention a hidden door in the mountainside. After a long rest there in "The Last Homely House" they continue on their way.
4. They venture up into the misty mountains and find a cave to rest in. However, the cave is a "front door" to the lair of the Goblin King. A crack opens at the back of the cave and the Goblins carry the Dwarves and Bilbo away. Gandalf saves them, but as they run away Bilbo falls off Dori the Dwarf's back into the darkness.
5. Bilbo wakes up to find himself in a large dark cavern and he finds a ring. He meets the creature named Gollum who is determined to eat Bilbo. Bilbo has a riddle contest with him which he has to win in order to not be eaten. After winning, Bilbo puts on the ring(which apparently belonged to Gollum) and learns it makes him invisible. Gollum then looks along the passageway out of his cave to see if Bilbo went that way. Bilbo follows Gollum back to the Goblins' cavern and escapes that too.
6. On the outside of the mountain, Bilbo reunites with Gandalf and the Dwarves and they slide down the mountain in a rock slide. They then get chased by large wolf-like creatures called wargs. Bilbo , Gandalf and the Dwarves are then forced to climb up trees. The Lord of all Eagles sees them in trouble, and sends eagles to save them.
7. The eagles take them to a place known as the Carrock. There they meet Beorn, a "skin-changer" who lives with his animals. He supplies Bilbo and the Dwarves with food and a warning: stay on the path in the forest of Mirkwood. Gandalf announces that he is no longer going to help them, as it is not his quest. They stay the night in Beorn's cabin and continue on their way.
8. Gandalf leads Bilbo and the Dwarves to the edge of Mirkwood forest, warning them to not stray from the path and then leaves. Along their way Bilbo and the Dwarves see Elves sitting around a fire feasting and talking off to one side of the path. The Elves fled when Bilbo and the Dwarves approached. The next morning the Dwarves find themselves captured by spiders and Thorin missing. Separated from the Dwarves, Bilbo manages to get free of the spider webs. He puts on his ring and goes to save his Dwarf companions. He kills many of the spiders with rocks and his shortsword and manages to cut the Dwarves loose. Bilbo names his shortsword Sting and then they go look for Thorin.
9. Attempting to find a way out of the forest, and the Dwarves get captured by Elves. Bilbo does not get captured as he put on his ring. He locates Thorin and the other Dwarves then looks for a way out of the Elves' fortress. he finds a large trapdoor that the Elves drop wine barrels into an underground river with. Bilbo smuggles himself and the Dwarves out of the Elves' fortress smuggling them inside of the barrels that are being dropped through the trapdoor and has to ride a barrel to free himself. 
10. The barrels flow down towards Lake-town and Bilbo gets a view of the lonely mountain. Bilbo gets the Dwarves out of the barrels and sees they are somewhat badly bruised. Thorin, Bilbo, Fili and Kili speak with the master of Lake-town, who offers them help. The Dwarves and Bilbo are nursed back to full health and are given horses and boats for their journey.
11. Bilbo and the Dwarves disembark the boats of the Lake-town Men and search the outside of the lonely mountain. They finally find the secret door by nightfall and open it with a hidden lock using a key Thorin had before the journey began.
12. Thorin sends Bilbo with his ring on, inside the mountain and Bilbo comes back with a small cup of their treasure. However when Bilbo goes back in again with his ring on, Smaug has awoken and can smell Bilbo. Bilbo then has a conversation with Smaug and tries to be cryptic about it, but Smaug sees it through and discovers that Thorin is with him on this journey.While having the conversation with Smaug, Bilbo notices a chink in Smaug's jewel-encrusted armour. He then notifies Thorin of this weakness but a bird overhears him and Bilbo freaks out because it's listening to him talk.
13. Bilbo and the Dwarves search the lonely mountain's halls while Smaug is away. Bilbo discovers The Arkenstone and puts it in his pocket. Bilbo is also given a vest of mithril chain-mail. The Dwarves and Bilbo fill their pockets with treasure before Smaug returns. They then return to the outside of the mountain and question where Smaug is. 
14. This chapter focuses more on Smaug than Bilbo and the Dwarves. Smaug smashed through the front doors of the lonely mountain two days prior to chapter 13 and flies to Lake-town. The Men of Lake-town see him coming and fight back led by Bard the bowman.  The old raven that listened to Bilbo tells Bard about the chink in Smaug's armour. Bard fires a black arrow and successfully kills Smaug. Unfortunately  the battle destroyed Lake-town and the people want to be compensated by the Dwarves with some of the treasure.  Meanwhile the elf-king of Mirkwood, Thranduil, journeys with his other Elves to the lonely mountain with intentions of taking some treasure.
15. The book now goes back to Bilbo, Thorin and the Dwarves. They learn that Smaug had been slain and that the Men from lake-town and the Mirkwood Elves were approahing the Lonely Mountain. The Dwarves send messages via ravens (who species are good friends with Dwarves) to other Dwarves scattered around Middle-earth for help. Bard the bowman (the man who killed Smaug and the makeshift master of Lake-town) and Thranduil offer a truce with Thorin. Thorin does not accept and Bard and Thranduil are forced to declare the Lonely Mountain besieged.
16. While keeping watch one night while the Dwarves are asleep, Bilbo puts on his invisible ring and takes The Arkenstone outside to Bard and Thranduil to assist them with negotiations. On his way back into the mountain he runs into Gandalf, who gives him a pat on the back for the brave deed he had just performed. Hoping that Gandalf will put some sense into Thorin, Bilbo goes back inside the mountain unnoticed.
17. Bard and Thrainduil attempt to use the Arkenstone as a means of truce, but Thorin is furious and realizes that Bilbo had it the whole time and declares him a betrayer. An army of Dwarves rallied by ravens arrives at the lonely mountains. Meanwhile Gandalf, warns everyone of the coming threat of Bolg the Goblin (the son of Azog, who killed Thorin's grandfather and father) and his army of Goblins, wargs and bats. Shortly after the battle begins, the Great Eagles come to the aid of the Dwarves, Men and Elves. During this battle, Bilbo is knocked out.
18. When Bilbo regains consciousness, the battle is over and the death toll is high. Bilbo is taken to Thorin, who lay dying from being wounded by the Goblins. Thorin tells Bilbo that he regrets his words accusing him of betrayal and departs the land of the living as a friend to him. Bilbo also learns that Thorin's nephews Fili and Kili, who were also on  the journey, died while protecting Thorin. Bilbo learns that Beorn had come to fights while he was unconscious. Thorin is buried holding The Arkenstone and his sword Orcrist. Thorin's second cousin Dáin Ironfoot honours Thorin's wishes of splitting the treasure primarily 14 ways: Thorin's original share went to Dáin, Fili and Kili's shares went to Bard and Thranduil and the remainder was shared among Bilbo and the surviving Dwarves of Thorin's company. Bilbo receives two chests, one full of gold and the other full of silver. Bilbo and Gandalf journey east towards the shire alongside Beorn and the Mirkwood Elves. Before going through the misty mountains, they stay with Beorn until they resume their return journey.
19. Bilbo and Gandalf stop in Rivendell for a while and then continue to the Shire to find people at an auction of Bilbo's things as he was "presumed dead". Bilbo reassures them he isn't dead and returns to his hobbit-hole. Several years later, Bilbo is visited by Gandalf and Balin and is told that things were going very well: Lake-town was rebuilt, Bard was the new master and things were much better. The story ends with Bilbo, Gandalf and Balin continuing their conversation.

Intro Post

"THE HOBBIT, OR THERE AND BACK AGAIN"
BY J.R.R. TOLKIEN

First copyright date: 1937

Published by HarperCollins Children's Books

Number of pages: 365

          Bilbo Baggins is whisked away from his comfy hobbit-hole by 13 Dwarves led by the wizard Gandalf the Grey on a quest to raid Smaug the dragon of the Dwarves' rightful treasure, which includes the fabled Arkenstone. The journey includes close calls with foes, a strange golden ring and a lost city within a "lonely" mountain.