Introduction
The Shire a quaint, peaceful land situated on the North Western borders of middle earth. Welcome to Hobbiton, an age old village populated by the fun (and food) loving Hobbits (or Halfling's). The Tale begins with the finding of a magical ring by an unsuspecting Hobbit who goes by the name of Bilbo Baggins of Bag End (a luxurious Hobbit home dug into the ground as is the way with Hobbits). The ring has the power to render its wearer invisible to the natural eye........(Read the Hobbit)
It is almost the time of Bilbo's and his Nephew's (and heir's) Birthday Frodo (who the story is primarily based upon) will be 50 years old and just coming of age as is the Hobbits way! All of Hobbiton is buzzing with activity, for the two bagginse's birthday promises to be a monumental occasion and all of Hobbiton is invited.
Gandalf an old wizard and friend of the Hobbits is putting on the entertainment (consisting primarily of a fireworks display the likes of which no Hobbit has ever seen before!) There will be food aplenty (this is very important to Hobbits) and singing and dancing that will go on long into the night.
During the festivities Bilbo makes a speech announcing that he will be leaving the Shire probably forever! Whereupon he vanishes in a flash of light and explosion (much to the unsuspecting Hobbits surprise) His Nephew, Frodo Baggins inherits the old Hobbits entire assets including Bag End and Bilbo's Magic Ring!
On receiving the ring Frodo's world will be plunged into chaos and adventure the likes of which no Hobbit could ever imagine. His journeys will take him into deep deserted mines? and over mountains, he will encounter Elves, and Dwarves and Orcs and a whole cast of colorful companions and creatures. It will be a journey that him and his friends will never forget.....
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone
Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie."
As quoted by Gandalf to Frodo in the fellowship of the ring p64 in my edition.
The prancing pony is where Frodo, Pippin, Merry and Samwise meet Aragorn (Strider).
The Prancing Pony
