hobbits (fictitious characters)

Bilbo Baggins, a respectable, well-to-do hobbit, lives comfortably in his hobbit-hole until the day the wandering wizard Gandalf chooses him to take part in an adventure from which he may never return.

A response to our fractured political discourse, Hobbit Virtues speaks to the importance of "virtue ethics" by examining the fiction of J.R.R. Tolkien--with particular attention to his hobbits. Tolkien's works resonate with so many readers in part because Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin demonstrate Classical, Judeo-Christian, Medieval, and even Hindu and Confucian virtues. Tolkien ennobles the small, the humble, and the marginalized in his Middle-earth writings and presents leaders who are hesitant to exercise power, are courteous, and value wisdom and learning. Each chapter in Hobbit Virtues consists of a wide-ranging discussion of a single virtue, exemplified by a character in Middle-earth, explaining its philosophical or theological roots and how the virtue is still relevant in a modern democracy.

Tells the story of the finding of the One Ring by Bilbo, a simple hobbit, his adventures with dwarves, elves, and a dragon, and the quest of his heir Frodo, who with his companions battles against evil to save Middle Earth and all that is good in it.

As the Shadow of Mordor grows, the companions find their way through danger and mystery as they defeat the Dark Lord and celebrate Aragorn's ascent to become King of the West. Includes appendices containing genealogical and historical information that form the background of the story.

Bilbo Baggins, a respectable, well-to-do hobbit, lives comfortably in his hobbit hole until the day the wandering wizard Gandalf chooses him to take part in an adventure from which he may never return.

The discovery of the One Ring ignites the great war between good and evil in Middle-earth, as a courageous group of adventurers embarks on a perilous quest to destroy the dangerous artifact.

Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit who just wanted to be left alone, embarks upon a dangerous journey with thirteen dwarfs and the wizard Gandalf, eventually coming into possession of a very magical ring.

The dark forces of Mordor spread throughout Middle-earth and the fellowship forged to destroy the One Ring of power is broken, leaving Frodo the hobbit and Sarnwise Gamgee alone to return the ring to Mount Doom.

Bilbo Baggins, a respectable, well-to-do hobbit, lives comfortably in his hobbit-hole until the day the wandering wizard Gandalf chooses him to share in an adventure from which he may never return.

As the Shadow of Mordor grows, the companions find their way through danger and mystery as they defeat the Dark Lord and celebrate Aragorn's ascent to become King of the West. 'Includes appendices containing genealogical and historical information that form the background of the story.