The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Written after Bilbo Baggins' return in III 2942 from the Quest of Erebor
Origins
The diary of Bilbo Baggins, containing his own account of his travels with Thorin and Company
Race
Culture
Family
Settlements
Written at Bag End in Hobbiton
Meaning
A reference to Bilbo's journey to Erebor, and his subsequent return to Bag End
Other names
Subtitled A Hobbit's Holiday; generally known in modern times as The Hobbit

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 15 September 2019
  • This entry is complete

There and Back Again

Bilbo's title for the story of his Quest

"...Bilbo was sitting in his study writing his memoirs - he thought of calling them 'There And Back Again, a Hobbit's Holiday'..."
From The Hobbit 19
The Last Stage

The title chosen by Bilbo Baggins for his account of the Quest of Erebor, the adventure that took him from Bag End through the Misty Mountains and Mirkwood to Erebor in the distant East. The name There and Back Again was retained for this story when it became part of the Red Book of Westmarch, and was thus passed down through history.

Bilbo's account, of course, formed the fictional basis for the book The Hobbit, which is itself subtitled There and Back Again. So, within the context of Tolkien's universe, the subtitle of The Hobbit represents the actual title given to the work by its original author, Bilbo.


See also...

A Hobbit’s Holiday

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 15 September 2019
  • This entry is complete

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