This fanfiction tale transports literature's beloved small hero, Bilbo Baggins, and his adventurous company into new, uncharted territories within and beyond Tolkien's Middle Earth.

"A Time-Traveling Hobbit," as this fanfiction has been titled, involves Bilbo Baggins receiving the One Ring in a different manner. Rather than discovering it in Gollum's cave, it is found in the wreckage of a strange, metal flying machine that crashed into the Shire. Possessing the ring enables Bilbo not only to turn invisible, but also to travel through time.

The New Fantasy - Scifi Fusion

This unorthodox twist transcends borders of pure fantasy by building elements of science fiction into Tolkien's hobbit folklore. Bilbo, along with characters like Gandalf, Thorin and the other dwarves, experience Earth's history firsthand, from witnessing gladiatorial games in Ancient Rome to supporting Allied forces in World War II.

The addition of this science-fiction theme opens up possibilities for a fresh plot trajectory, unexpected challenges for the characters, but most importantly, it maintains the tone of adventure and awe intrinsic to the original story.

The Character Arcs

The character development takes different turns due to alterations in events and timelines. Bilbo becomes even more courageous as he navigates different eras of history, employing his wit and the Ring's power to pacify or evade conflicts. Gandalf's wisdom transcends realms, and Thorin's rigid, proud persona softens as he gets exposed to different cultures and epochs, helping his character to evolve.

The dwarves experience various transformations through their time-traveling adventures, their individual personalities come to the foreground more prominently as they embrace the unfamiliar realities of different timelines. The depth added to these characters makes them more relatable, without endangering their core essence.

The Reception

"A Time-Traveling Hobbit" has received fantastic feedback from Tolkien's fervent fan base. According to fanfiction.net, a renowned platform for hosting and promoting fanfic narratives, the story ranks highly in popularity and comments. Critics appreciate the innovative fusion of genres and the informed, respectful manipulation of Tolkien's characters.

It poses thought-provoking questions like how the characters of middle earth would react to world history, proves to be imaginatively stimulating, and honors the original work, which is the most crucial criteria for any successful fanfiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "A Time Traveling Hobbit" a lengthy read?
With a word count slightly exceeding 1500, this fanfiction isn't too lengthy to digest. It is split into manageable chapters, each marking a significant transition in time and space.

Does this fanfiction change the end of the original story?
"A Time-Traveling Hobbit" aims to provide an entirely new perspective, but it aligns with the basic resolution of the Hobbit, with Bilbo returning to the Shire. Majority of changes occur throughout the journey.

Can this fanfiction be read without having read the original story?
While the story can be enjoyed by readers unfamiliar with the original Hobbit, having a prior understanding of the characters and their motivations could significantly enhance the reading experience.

Resources

1. 'A Time-Traveling Hobbit' can be found and read at fanfiction.net.
2. Information about the original Hobbit story and its characters can be found in 'The Hobbit,' a novel by J.R.R. Tolkien.

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