Week+1+Discussion

1) Family history is important to Thorin Oakenshield. What part does his family's past play in motivating him to undertake this quest? What do you think about that motivation? In your own life, how much do you let your past influence your present? What are some healthy ways in which the past influences us? What might be some unhealthy ways?

2) When Gloin challenges Gandalf's choice of Bilbo, Gandalf replies, "There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself." Gandalf sees potential in Bilbo that others do not. A recurring theme in the Bible is God's choice of unlikely people to do God's will. Can you think of any Biblical examples? Why might they be considered unlikely candidates for serving God? Why do you think God chose them anyway?

3) Throughout the course of the first chapter, Bilbo seems to be having an internal struggle between his "Took" side and his "Baggins" side. What is that struggle about? Which side comes more naturally to Bilbo? Have you ever been in a situation where you feel out of your comfort zone- to the point where there is an internal "war" going on inside of you? Imagine yourself in Bilbo's situation- what would you have done?

4) The dwarves seem to enjoy music a great deal in the first chapter. How does their music affect Bilbo? Why do you think it has that effect? Can you think of a time when a song or music style had a great effect on you? What is it about music that makes it have such an impact on those who hear it?