Chapter 2, Roast Mutton, depicts the first day of Bilbo's Unexpected Journey. The morning his expedition was supposed to begin, Bilbo woke up rather late and was surprised by Gandalf, who rushed Bilbo into a quick packing and sent him out with not nearly enough food, clothing, or commodities for his journey. Soon though, he meets the dwarves at the Green Dragon Inn and his supplies are provided.
The Chapter is recognized for presenting Bilbo with the major obstacles he will face throughout the course of his journey. This is, the tasks and uncomfortable commodities of traveling, the starving diets and eating habits, the weather, the nature, and most importantly, the different creatures, both menacing and friendly... in the case of Ch. 2, not friendly at all...
"They were trolls. Obviously trolls. Even Bilbo, in spite of his sheltered life, could see that: from the great heavy faces of them, and their size, and the shape of their legs, not to mention their language, which was not drawing-room fashion, at all."
Despite the rushed evolution in tone from mysterious and adventurous to panic and alarming, Tolkien beautifully maintains comic relief through this scene (and many others).
"What are yer?"
"Bilbo Baggins, a bur - a hobbit..."
"A burrahobbit? What's a burrahobbit got to do with my pocket anyways?"
"And can yer cook 'em?"
So the dialogue between the trolls discusses whether they will skin and bone Bilbo, or make him into a pie, or cook him... Eventually the dispute ensues into a fight. The dwarves arrive after hearing the distant noises and while Bilbo hides in a bush, they are captured and put into sacks.
Gandalf arrives, and takes part in the troll's dialogue to confuse them and spark another argument.
"Shut up!"
"Shut up yerself!"
"You're a booby!"
"Booby yerself!"
Gandalf then places an enchantment on the trolls, instantly turning them into solid rock. They obtain a key that leads to their cave and use it for shelter. In the cave they find much food and several weapons and treasury.
Gandalf and Thorin take the famous swords of Orcrist and Glamdring. Weapons manufactured by the ancient High Elves of the West. Bilbo takes a long knife, which serves him as a good sword in length to his shorter size. This sword is a key element in the transformation of Bilbo as an adventurer, and will later become known as the famous STING, the sword he passes on to Frodo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings.
The first two Chapters provide beautiful and rich opening scenes, with humorous and captivating dialogue, and a fast ensuing plot with an intriguing story you don't soon dismiss!
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