How Does Bilbo Show Heroism

Heroes are not people who do something glorious, instead they fulfil their tasks faithfully and with dignity and are able to perform the most difficult tasks during uneasy conditions, putting the lives of others before themselves. The Hobbit, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an adventurous novel that discovers the expedition of an ordinary hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, as he disrupts the average society and goes on his quest. He shows heroism by conquering his fears, walking through dangerous lands and developing some uncomfortable alliances. Only an individual with aptitude can overcome such obstacles that come in their pathway to success just like Bilbo, a true hero. Bilbo Baggins, the central character of The Hobbit, can be considered an unlikely

How could you be a hero and a thief at the same time? Like Gloin the dwarf said “he looks more like a grocer than a burglar!” (Tolkien 18). Although Bilbo’s role in the quest is a thief, he exhibits honesty, integrity and intelligence by displaying his heroic characteristics. Well, Bilbo Baggins is an honorable thief. He is not greedy and like Thorin Oaksheild believed “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world” (Tolkien 259). Bilbo does value all those things above gold, as he proves when he sees all of the treasure and gold lying in Smaug’s den, he is not swept with greed. He only takes the golden cup which he gives to the dwarves, and the Arkenstone. A normal thief would stuff their pockets with all the treasure and gold they could find, but Bilbo is not a normal thief. Furthermore, Bilbo is honest and portrays integrity when he decides to give his fourteenth share of treasure, the Arkenstone, to Bard to stop a war. Bilbo shows honesty by confessing “I gave it to them!” (Tolkien 276). This demonstrates that Bilbo took the Arkenstone knowing Thorin wanted it, but he gives it up without any regret because he does not value the treasure as much as he values peace. Bilbo is willing to give his up his share of the treasure for the sake of avoiding war and for what he believes is the right thing to do. This is one of Bilbo’s greatest moments of heroism. Bilbo displays that he understands what is important for him and chooses peace before wealth since his stealing at the end is a non-selfish act. Bilbo further justifies integrity when the dwarves are passing by Mirkwood on their way to the lonely mountain. As the Elvenking imprisons the dwarves, Bilbo is left invisible with his ring trying to help the dwarves. There, Bilbo, only uses their supplies and steals some food to stay around the castle long enough to free his companions. He steals keys