to create a grander, more serious prequel to the War of the Ring. The Narrative Core: Bilbo’s Awakening
Gandalf and thirteen rowdy Dwarves invade Bag End, testing Bilbo's patience, singing songs of their lost home, and extending an offer to join their quest.
The company is captured by Tom, Bert, and William. Bilbo stalls them with a cooking debate until Gandalf exposes them to sunlight, turning them to stone.