TolkienThe Lord of the Rings – Chapter 1: A Long-expected Party (B1–B2 Adapted)
When Mr. Bilbo Baggins of Bag End announced that he would soon celebrate his eleventy-first birthday (that is, 111 years old), and that he would give a large party to mark the occasion, there was much talk and excitement in Hobbiton.
Bilbo was very rich and very curious in the eyes of his neighbors. For sixty years he had been the wonder of the Shire, ever since his mysterious disappearance and his sudden return, with bags of gold and silver, and many unusual tales.
The riches that he brought back were still remembered in Hobbiton. So were the endless stories about his adventures, though most hobbits did not really believe them. Adventures were dangerous and unpleasant things, and they upset the order of daily life. Hobbits preferred peace and quiet, and they were not fond of changes.
Bilbo’s wealth had not run out. His house, Bag End, was full of treasures and strange things. He remained generous, cheerful, and—most surprising of all—he remained unchanged by age. Time seemed to pass him by. Now, at 111 years, he looked much the same as he had for decades. This was considered unnatural, and many shook their heads, whispering that something odd was going on.
Still, Bilbo was popular. He gave good presents, and he was kind to children. Frodo Baggins, his younger cousin and heir, lived with him in Bag End. Frodo was about to celebrate his thirty-third birthday, which, among hobbits, meant “coming of age.” His birthday was on the same day as Bilbo’s, so there would be double reason for celebration.
Preparations
All Hobbiton was soon busy with gossip. The invitations were written in Bilbo’s neat, clear hand and delivered by messengers to every corner of the Shire. There were hundreds of them. Responses came back quickly, with most hobbits eager to attend.
Workmen began to arrive at Bag End: tents were set up, food and drink were brought in by the cartload, and barrels of ale rolled in every day. Fireworks arrived too, in secret boxes, which only Gandalf the wizard could touch.
Everyone knew Gandalf by sight, for he had visited the Shire many times. He was tall, with a long grey beard and a staff in his hand, and he was famous for his fireworks. Children in Hobbiton would always run after him, begging for a display.