When I was a young kid, in the 70's, I happened to be over my cousins house, and a cartoon came on. This one.
I loved it. The characters, the humor, the animation. It all hooked me.
Upon finding out it was based on a book, I ventured into our school library. And found this.
Did that say "prelude"? There was more? I searched the library.
And then had to get my own copies.
I wore those copies out with how many times I read them. Thus began a lifetime love affair with fantasy. Tolkien started it all for me.