Tolkien The Lord of the Rings – Chapter 2: The Shadow of the Past (B1–B2 English)
Frodo stayed in Bag End after Bilbo’s sudden disappearance. He inherited the house, the land, and most of Bilbo’s belongings. At first, life continued almost the same as before. Frodo still went walking in the Shire, he still enjoyed the company of his friends, and he still listened to Bilbo’s stories in his memory. Yet something had changed.
Bilbo had gone away quietly, without a clear farewell, and Frodo sometimes felt a strange sadness. He often walked alone on the hills or through the woods, looking at the stars, as if he expected something to happen.
Seasons passed, and the years went by. Frodo grew older slowly, very slowly. People began to notice that, like Bilbo before him, Frodo did not seem to show signs of age. His friends joked that “Mr. Frodo is one of those Bagginses that live longer than most,” but some began to whisper again, just as they had whispered about Bilbo.
Sam Gamgee, the gardener’s son, grew especially close to Frodo. Sam loved tales of Elves and faraway lands, and Frodo encouraged him to learn more. They would talk together in the evenings about the old days, the wide world, and the possibility of seeing strange countries one day.
Still, the Shire remained peaceful, and nothing disturbed Frodo for many years. But Gandalf did not forget him. The wizard came and went, sometimes disappearing for years, sometimes appearing suddenly at Bag End with news from the outside world.
And so it was, on a quiet evening in spring, nearly seventeen years after Bilbo’s party, that Gandalf returned and sat with Frodo in the sitting-room. His face looked serious and older than Frodo remembered.
“Frodo,” he said slowly, “is it safe? Is it here?”
Frodo nodded. He went to a chest in the corner, unlocked it, and brought out a plain envelope. Inside was a small golden ring.
“Yes, it is here,” said Frodo. “But why do you ask? What is the matter, Gandalf?”
The wizard sighed deeply. “A great shadow has grown in the world, Frodo. I have been searching, reading, and speaking to many wise people. And now at last I know: this ring is no ordinary trinket. It is dangerous. It is the One Ring, made by Sauron the Dark Lord himself.”