What was the name of J.R.R. Tolkien’s first published fantasy novel?

The Hobbit was J.R.R. Tolkien’s first published fantasy novel.

Published in 1937, The Hobbit introduced readers to Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who leaves the Shire with thirteen Dwarves and the wizard Gandalf. Their goal is to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its treasure from Smaug. The book’s success established Tolkien as a significant fantasy author before The Lord of the Rings appeared.

Tolkien had already created extensive mythology, languages, and stories connected with Middle-earth, but much of that material remained unpublished during his lifetime. The Hobbit therefore served as the public entry point to the wider world, even though its original style was aimed partly at younger readers.

The novel’s later connection to The Lord of the Rings became stronger through revisions and Tolkien’s expanded conception of the One Ring. The Lord of the Rings was not published until 1954–1955, while The Silmarillion appeared posthumously in 1977.