A/N - This is supposed to be a mock newspaper article I wrote for an English assignment last year. It's supposed to be book cannon since it was part of a book report.

Young hobbit embarks on dangerous quest

Associated Press
9/27/3rd Age

Last night, a party of special magnificence was held for Bilbo Baggins's 111th birthday. During the last stages of the party, a strange phenomenon occurred, according to several eyewitness testimonies – Bilbo disappeared without a trace during his birthday speech. The old hobbit suddenly faded from sight before the entire crowd's eyes. The source of this was not discovered until this morning when a news crew interviewed Meriadoc Brandybuck, a resident of the Shire.

"Bilbo had some kind of ring," Brandybuck stated. "He was obsessed with it, really. Always petting it and stuff. He said it was magic and could turn people invisible. I always thought he was off his rocker."

Through careful analysis and investigation, it was indeed a ring that caused the disappearance. The news crew traced the ring to its current owner, Frodo Baggins. Apparently after his Uncle Bilbo's disappearance, Frodo inherited the ring and learned of its true power.

Baggins was seen leaving his cozy hobbit hole, Bag End, just this morning. News crews observed a horse drawn cart pilled high with packages and suitcases. When Baggins was interviewed, he was hesitant to explain his plans.

"I'm traveling to Mordor to cast this evil ring into the fires of Mount Doom," Baggins stated, brandishing a plain gold ring. "Forged by Lord Sauron, you know! Gandalf told me it would bring about the end of the world so I might as well get rid of it. Er, you won't tell anyone, will you? It's supposed to be a bit of a secret."

The mysterious story was out. Frodo Baggins was traveling to the land of Mordor to destroy the evil ring. The news crew also journeyed to Mount Doom to interview Sauron himself, who posed no comment. The news crew is now looking to sue the Dark Lord for threats of turning them into mindless minions.

Sources say eight other companions will join Baggins on his quest, but there are no definite details as of yet.