Bilbo was nearly over his strange conversation with Gandalf the previous day when his doorbell rang. It was almost tea time and at that moment he remembered his ill-conceived invitation to the Wizard for tea. To the Hobbit's deep surprise it was not Gandalf at the door but a Dwarf (Tolkien describes in detail each color the Dwarf wore--I think Peter Jackson's Dwarves may keep some of these elements but look rather different; to that end I'll include a link to pictures of PJ's versions). The Dwarf announced himself Dwalin with a courteous "at your service" to boot.
"'Bilbo Baggins at yours!' said the hobbit, too surprised to ask any questions for the moment. When the silence that followed had become uncomfortable, he added: 'I am just about to take tea; pray come and have some with me'" (p. 15, The Hobbit). I just picture this Dwarf and Hobbit staring awkwardly at each other; hilarious. Of course Dwalin obliged and just as they sat down the doorbell rang again. And too Bilbo's disappointment/surprise it was still not Gandalf. Another Dwarf, this one a clearly older Dwarf named Balin. He saw Dwalin's hood and was pleased to see the others were arriving as well. That particularly comment flustered Bilbo rather badly. "He liked visitors, but he liked to know them before they arrived, and he preferred to ask them himself. He had a horrible thought that the cakes might run short, and then he -- as the host: he knew his duty and stuck to it however painful -- he might have to go without" (p. 16, The Hobbit). That's a good man right there; stick to your duty no matter how painful. That is a bit a wisdom to tuck away and apply.
Bilbo fetched all their food and drink requests and Dwalin and Balin were talking as old friends (brothers actually). But no rest for the weary and the doorbell rang again and this time two young Dwarves came in: Kili and Fili. All the Dwarves began talking about adventerous matters such as gold, dragons, and goblins (Orcs). Once again the doorbell rang. By now Bilbo was desperate for Gandalf to arrive but it was five more Dwarves at his door. Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, and Gloin (father of Gimli). The big challenge for Peter Jackson in his movies will be giving each of the Dwarves their own personality--for Tolkien only gave key features to a few.
As Bilbo rushed to play to host he heard the door one more time. Although this time it was someone banging on it with a stick rather than the doorbell itself. As Bilbo angrily opened the door four more Dwarves fell into his home on top of each other: Bifur, Bofur, Bombur (who was "immensely fat and heavy"), and of course Thorin Oakenshield. "And there was Gandalf behind, leaning on his staff and laughing. He had made quite a dent on the beautiful door; he had also, by the way, knocked out the secret mark that he had put there the morning before" (p. 18, The Hobbit). Clever Gandalf as usual.
Thorin was quite haughty (and upset for having Bombur fall on top of him) and was the only Dwarf not to acknowledge Bilbo. And being all together now the food requests came pouring in. I love Gandalf's request: "'A little red wine, I think for me'" (p. 19, The Hobbit). Finally the eating died down and being the dutiful polite host Bilbo felt obligated to ask his unexpected party to stay for dinner and to his dismay Thorin accepted. The great Dwarf then called for cleaning up and the other Dwarves sprang into action tossing and throwing, cleaning, and drying in such a frenzy Bilbo was beside himself. This delighted the Dwarves and they began an impromptu song: "'Chip the glasses and crack the plates! Blunt the knives and bend the forks! That's what Bilbo Baggins hates--Smash the bottles and burn the corks!'" (p. 20, The Hobbit). Of course they didn't actually break anything but were only giving poor Bilbo mini heart attack. Quite the beginning for our Hobbit's unexpected journey.
Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2941 (April 26th)
Today's reading comes from: The Hobbit, pages 15-20
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