Frodo Baggins is 50 years old when he sets out on his journey to destroy the One Ring in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings books. Although he turns 33 at the start of the story, which is the coming-of-age year for hobbits (similar to 18 for humans), he waits 17 years before beginning his quest, making him 50 at that time

. In the films directed by Peter Jackson, Frodo appears younger, around 33, because the timeline is compressed and Elijah Wood, who played Frodo, was only 18 when filming began. The movies portray Frodo as younger to appeal to a younger audience, but the books clearly state he is 50 during the main events

. Frodo's birthday is September 22, the same as Bilbo's, who is 111 at his farewell party when Frodo turns 33

. Despite being 50, Frodo is described as appearing about 33 due to the influence of the Ring, which slows his aging

. In summary:

• Frodo turns 33 at the start of the story (hobbit coming-of-age).
• He is 50 years old when he begins the quest to destroy the Ring.
• He appears younger than his actual age because of the Ring's effects.
• The films depict him as younger (about 33) for storytelling reasons