The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Main Plot

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who enjoys a quiet and uneventful life in the Shire. His peaceful existence is disrupted when the wizard Gandalf and a group of thirteen dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, arrive at his doorstep. They enlist Bilbo to join their quest to reclaim the dwarves' homeland and treasure from the dragon Smaug. Reluctantly, Bilbo agrees and sets off on an adventure that takes him through treacherous landscapes, encounters with trolls, goblins, and other creatures, and the discovery of his own courage and resourcefulness. Along the way, Bilbo also comes across a mysterious ring that grants him the power of invisibility, setting the stage for future events. The journey is filled with challenges and tests of loyalty, as the group strives to overcome obstacles and reach their ultimate goal.

Characters

• Martin Freeman plays Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who joins a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug.
• Ian McKellen plays Gandalf, a wise wizard who recruits Bilbo Baggins for a quest to help Thorin Oakenshield reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug.
• Richard Armitage plays Thorin Oakenshield, the determined leader of the dwarves on a quest to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug.

Ending Explained

At the end of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the company of dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins, successfully reaches the Lonely Mountain, where the dragon Smaug resides. After a series of challenges and encounters, they manage to infiltrate the mountain and find the treasure hoard. Bilbo, using his cunning and the power of the One Ring, confronts Smaug and steals a valuable artifact, which leads to the dragon's wrath. The climax occurs when Smaug, enraged by the theft, flies out to attack Lake-town, seeking vengeance. This event sets the stage for the larger conflict that will unfold in the subsequent films. The dwarves, having reclaimed their home, must now prepare for the consequences of their actions, as Smaug's attack on Lake-town will bring about significant turmoil. The ending resolves the immediate conflict of reaching the mountain and reclaiming the treasure, but it also introduces new tensions, particularly the impending threat of Smaug and the desire of various factions to claim the treasure for themselves. This sets up the overarching narrative of the trilogy, highlighting themes of greed, courage, and the struggle for power, while establishing Bilbo's growth as a character who will play a crucial role in the unfolding events.