An Unexpected Journey

A Warm Welcome - After the dwarves recover from the uncomfortable trip downriver, Thorin presents himself to Lake-town's Master and describes his mission. The Wood-elves challenge Thorin, saying that the group is made up of escaped prisoners and should not be welcomed. However, the citizens of the town press the Master to give the dwarves a positive reception. The Lake-people remember the songs and tales of old, and they are enamored with Thorin and his group. When the Master gains knowledge that some of the treasure is hidden in the mountain, he accepts the dwarf band, and they receive two weeks of food and provisions. Once they leave, the Master is glad to have them out of his domain.

Barrels Out of Bond - As the dwarves desperately seek to find a way out of the forest before starving, they are taken prisoner by the Wood-elves. Bilbo Baggins quickly puts on the ring, so the elves never know he is there. He follows the elves into their cave and watches as they interrogate the dwarves. The dwarves do not reveal they are on a treasure hunt. Thorin and the other dwarves do not want to share their treasure with anyone, even if it means freedom. For two weeks Bilbo searches for a way to rescue his friends. Finally he devises a plan. He gets the keys from drunken guards to rescue the dwarves from their cells. By the banks of an underground river sit empty wooden barrels. These containers are filled with food by the Lake-men, sent down the river to the elves, and then sent back to be refilled. Now they will serve as escape vehicles for the dwarves.

Flies and Spiders - The group enters the dark and dreary forest. The farther along they go, the more downcast and hopeless they feel. They come to a river across the path. It is much too wide to try to wade or swim across, and they heed Beorn's warning to not touch or drink any water in the forest.

Queer Lodgings - The eagles take the group as far south as possible to the Carrock. Gandalf tells them of his plans to leave soon, but first he takes them to "the Somebody," who happens to be a skin-changer named Beorn. He is human by day and a big black bear by night.

Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire - After escaping the goblins, Bilbo catches up with the rest of his friends. He retells the story of his escape with great vigor—but leaves out the details of the ring. Gandalf reminds them the goblins will begin searching for them as soon as the sun goes down. They hurry along but are soon surrounded by wolves.

Riddles in the Dark - Bilbo awakens to find himself alone in the dark. In the turning point of the adventure, he finds a tiny ring as he feels around on the ground, trying to find his way. He pulls out the little sword he had taken from the trolls' storeroom. This sword had also been made in Gondolin for the goblin wars; its elvish blade lights the way.

Over Hill and Under Hill - The journey becomes quite difficult as the group gets caught in a mighty storm—a "thunder-battle" filled will rain, lightning, hail, and giants who are throwing boulders that destroy the forests. The two young dwarves, Fili and Kili, are sent to search for a safe place to lie down, and they quickly return. The cave Fili and Kili select appears to be perfect; in the middle of the night, however, the back wall opens, and out pour goblins who take all the ponies and capture the dwarves and Bilbo.

A Short Rest - The dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf continue their journey to Lonely Mountain and come to the edge of the Wild. Gandalf suggests they try to get to the Last Homely House west of the mountains—a perilous journey through ravines on narrow, slippery paths.

Roast Mutton - Bilbo is sent to explore a warm light shining through the woods and comes upon three man-eating trolls cooking their mutton. Bilbo knows he has three choices: warn his friends, kill the trolls, or steal from them. He chooses to steal from the trolls, but he is instantly caught.

An Unexpected Party - Bilbo Baggins is a simple hobbit with a simple life. His quiet life is interrupted when a group of dwarves and a famous wizard, Gandslf, show up at his home with a treasure map in hand.