A sweet revenge on Smaug the Tremendous is all that Bilbo and the dwarves desire, but Smaug is a ruthless killer that should be left alone. Bilbo got chosen to go on a perilous journey to seek the stolen treasures. When they are in trouble, Gandalf guides and helps them throughout the journey. Heroism is shown through Bilbo’s actions like rescuing his friends from the spiders in the forest. On the other hand, Smaug uses his trickery to deceive Bilbo and the dwarves. “The Hobbit” relates to the hero’s journey in numerous ways like the character’s archetypal roles, and in “The Hobbit”, Gandalf represents the mentor, Bilbo represents the hero, and Smaug represents the shadow.
Even though Bilbo makes a few mistakes, he shows that
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he has the qualities of a strong leader. His sharp eyes have helped the dwarves navigate the terrain without trouble. In “The Hobbit”, it says, “ ´Twelve yards! I should have thought it was thirty at least, my eyes don't see as well as they used to a hundred years ago´ “(The Hobbit, Page 156). Baggins adds a great benefit to the journey because he fills in where they lack skill on the team. Also, Bilbo shows that he represents a hero when he displays his cleverness with Gollum, and he helps rescue his team in the fiery trees. Using his wits and luck, he escapes the grasp of Gollum. For example, “The Hobbit”states, “ ´ All right! ‘said Bilbo, not daring to disagree, and nearly bursting his brain to think of riddles that could save him from being eaten”(The Hobbit, page 82). Like Bilbo, heroes who start off as an ordinary human being make an even more powerful hero. For instance, “The Hobbit”explains, “This hobbit was a very well to do hobbit, and his name was Baggins”(The Hobbit, Page 4). Trusting BIlbo was hard in the beginning for the dwarves, but Bilbo proves that he is a true leader at heart. Baggins compares to the archetype of a hero because he helps the dwarves regain their possessions. Also, Gandalf has the archetype of a mentor because he guides the travelers and rescues them from trolls, goblins, and the wargs.
Gandalf persuades Bilbo to go on the journey because he knows Bilbo is essential to the death of Smaug, So, Gandalf marks Bilbo’s door which attracts the thirteen dwarves. “ ‘You asked me to find the fourteenth man for your expedition , and I chose Mr. Baggins ‘“(The Hobbit , Page 22). Disappearing and appearing in critical situations seems to be Gandalf’s specialty that impacts the dwarves for the better. He helps Bilbo and the dwarves when they run into trouble. By training and teaching Bilbo, Gandalf shows the qualities of being a mentor. “ ´ Also, ´ went on Gandalf,’I forgot to mention that with the map went a key, a small and curious key’” ( The Hobbit, Page 24). Because Gandalf provides information and materials, the dwarves and Bilbo had a more likely chance of killing Smaug. Somehow, Gandalf can tell that Bilbo does not need Gandalf’s presence to lead the dwarves. In addition, Gandalf says, “ ‘There is a lot more in him than you guess and a deal more than he has any idea of himself’”(The Hobbit, Page 23). Defeating Smaug will not be an easy ride, but Gandalf helps Bilbo realize he is needed on the …show more content…
team. In addition, Smaug represents the shadow because his main incentive is to destroy. Their biggest fear has always been Smaug, and the dwarves only want their stolen treasures back from Smaug. Smaug proves he has the qualities of cleverness, and he clearly points out that they have no chance against him. “‘He was only pretending to sleep! He was watching the tunnel entrance ‘“ (The Hobbit, Page 241)!
Walking in confidently, Bilbo knows that the dragon is asleep, but as Bilbo makes his was in, he discovers that the dragon was only waiting. Shadow illustrates the archetype of Smaug because they both represent Bilbo’s biggest fear, and they both have a cruel heart. Because Smaug has a huge reputation of being vicious, Bilbo fears smaug. “‘I kill where I wish and none dare resist’”(The Hobbit, Page 245). Smaug blatantly tells Bilbo that he will kill and eat all of his dwarf friends. Thirteen dwarves and Bilbo come all this way to defeat the Great Smaug. Pride has a big part in Smaug’s heart because he believes that no one can beat him. “‘My armour is like the tenfold shields, my teeth are swords, my claws spears, the shock of my tail a thunderbolt, my wings a hurricane, and my breath death ‘“(The Hobbit, Page 245)! His greed for gold knows no end, and he defends the treasures with teeth, claws, and fire. The shadow and Smaug share lots of the same qualities like destroying, giving fear and having
greed. Each character in “The Hobbit” represents an archetype in the hero’s journey such as Gandalf representing the mentor, Bilbo representing the hero and smaug representing the shadow. Bilbo represents the archetype of a hero because he saves his friends from trouble, and he shows heroic actions and personalities. To prepare Bilbo, Gandalf mentored and taught Bilbo about the world outside of the hobbit hole. A shadow from the hero’s journey and Smaug have similar intentions like viciously killing civilians, and Smaug deceives Bilbo a few times. J.R.R Tolkien followed the hero’s journey when writing “The Hobbit”. Gandalf, Bilbo, and Smaug fill the archetypal roles of mentor, hero, and shadow. Within “The Hobbit”, there are many instances of archetypes that represent a certain character in the book.
Perseverance is a skill that takes a long time to develop. In J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, Bilbo is the one who gains this skill over the course of the book. He undergoes many struggles along the way, including giant spiders, and armored dragons. These test his loyalty to his group, as well as to the cause. The cause being to take back the mountain stronghold that the dwarves lost long ago. Seeing their journey, one theme is evident. Bilbo Baggins' motivation to continue to the stronghold in the mountains changed from annoyed to driven over the course of his travels.
Many showed up in groups of three or four, so that Bilbo couldn’t just turn them all down. They later asked him to come on their adventure with them. The dwarves had told Bilbo about their treasure that was stolen and Bilbo suggested that they go to Lonely Mountain to reclaim it. Bilbo really doesn't want to but feels forced to go. They left a piece of Bilbo's notebook paper on his mantle under a clock showing all the dangers he might encounter. Gandalf had come to tell him that he was going to be late if he did not leave soon to be with the dwarves, causing him to feel forced to go. In the movie, however, Bilbo Baggins is presented with a contract from the others involving his burglar services that he will use on the journey with them. He grabs a backpack before he runs out to catch up with the others. This makes the movie more realistic because no normal person would go on an adventure without grabbing anything for the long journey ahead. Bilbo now had a few items from his hobbit hole that would remind him of his home. The book shows Bilbo as more of a reluctant hero. In the book, Bilbo finds the letter on the mantle and decides to go at the last minute. He seems to have felt pressured, resulting in just running out of the hole and not grabbing any of his belongings. He leaves
When Bilbo encounters the strange creature Gollum, he enters into a game of riddles with the creature in order to buy more time. Bilbo’s wit enables him to prevail as he asks the final question, at first to himself, “What have I got in my pocket?” (78). Another example of Bilbo’s cunning wit would be his encounter with the great dragon Smaug. Smaug is a much more daunting opponent this time. As Smaug attempts to lure Bilbo into his hall, Bilbo proceeds to flatter the dragon and talk in riddles. “This is of course the way to talk to dragons, if you don’t want to reveal your proper name (which is wise), and don’t want to infuriate them by a flat refusal (which is also very wise)” (223). Bilbo’s cunning tactics establish Bilbo as being capable of conquering his enemies not with total force, but with the clever use of
Every story has characters with different roles, and each of them are important to make the story complete. Three characters, Bilbo, Gandalf, and Smaug represent three archetypal roles in this story. Their guide Gandalf, represents the mentor, Bilbo represents the hero, and Smaug represents the shadow. Smaug symbolizes fear to the characters, and the dragon represents one of the characters that are most often causing the most terror and trouble to the other characters in the story. The hobbit symbolizes the hero of the story, because he sacrifices himself throughout the book. Mr. Bilbo Baggins learns more and more each day, and he tries to always do the right thing. Gandalf symbolizes the guidance and help as a mentor, and he provides training and motivation to the characters. These three important characters greatly explain the
Within J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, Tolkien uses the character of Bilbo Baggins to reveal to the reader the constant struggle between heroic and anti-heroic qualities within Bilbo and ourselves.
The Hobbit, Bilbo went with Gandalf. He was brave because he was part Turk. He wanted to find out if their was any Turk still left in him, He realized his strength, he was kind even though they came to his house without asking and tore up his house. Gandalf saw something in Bilbo and no one else saw potential in him. He wanted to show them that he was strong and that he was not only a Baggins, but a Turk as well. That's why he signed the
After the dwarves have gone to sleep, Bilbo begins to have second thoughts about going on the adventure, “The Tookishness was wearing off, and he was not now quite sure that he was going on any journey in the morning” (Tolkien 27). Bilbo does not know if he wants to go on this adventure that Gandalf is planning, but changes his mind during the Acceptance of the Call. The next morning, Gandalf shows Bilbo the note under his clock, and Bilbo leaves to meet up with the dwarves to go on the adventure, “To the end of his days Bilbo could never remember how he found himself outside, without a hat, a walking-stick or any money” (Tolkien 30). This leads right to the third part of The Departure; Supernatural Aid. Gandalf the wizard, is Bilbo’s Supernatural Aid, he mentors and assists Bilbo and the dwarves on their quest. “They had not been riding very long, when up came Gandalf very splendid on a white horse. He had brought a lot of pocket-handkerchiefs, and Bilbo’s pipe tobacco” (Tolkien 31). While this does not indicate Gandalf’s supernatural abilities, it does; however, show that Gandalf will be there for, and assist the group in any way
(Tolkein, 227) This shows that Bilbo’s character really changes because he is insulting Smaug, but underneath his breath. After the conversation, Bilbo heads back to the dwarves and tells them everything. This is a very brave thing that Bilbo has done. All in all, Bilbo has changed a great deal in The Hobbit.
Smaug is depicted as being equally obsessed with wealth and treasure. Thorin describe Smaug as the average dragon when he says, “Dragons steal gold and jewels, you know, from men and elves and dwarves, wherever they can find them; and they guard their plunder as long as they live, and never enjoy a brass ring of it” (23). As the dwarves cannot delight in the treasure, Smaug chooses to not do anything with the wealth. Although it is under Smaug’s control, he becomes possessive over it. After Bilbo steals a cup from the Smaug’s hoard to take back to Thorin to prove that there is treasure in the mountain, Smaug awakens and notices that the cup is gone. Immediately, he becomes furious. Tolkien writes, “His rage passes description – the sort of rage that is only seen when rich folk that have more than they can enjoy suddenly lose something that they have long had but never before used or wanted” (200). Because Smaug devotes his life to things that cannot satisfy, he becomes possessed by them. Smaug cannot stand to have one small piece of useless treasure taken away from him, because he values worldly riches over life itself, which causes his
...s. Bilbo is the one that gives the precious Arkenstone to Bard to help stop a war from starting. If it was not for Bilbo’s courage, Thorin would still be fighting for the Arkenstone and might have also been hurt. Bilbo also helps the dwarves by being a good leader and helping them find a way out of Smaug’s lair. Without Bilbo, the dwarves would not have the audacity to try finding a way out of Smaug’s cave. Bilbo, like a real hero, always makes sure that he finishes the task he sets out to do. Without Bilbo, the dwarves would not be able to finish all the tasks that they want to finish. Bilbo is also the reason why the dwarves are still alive. Bilbo saves the dwarves from many different disasters. The disasters range from the spiders to Smaug. Through good or bad, Bilbo has been able to show the characteristics that a real hero should be able to show.
At the beginning of The Hobbit, Bilbo was sensible and when it came to his actions he was cautious, as well as being wise in thought. “We are plain quiet folk, and I have no use for adventures” (4). This was Bilbo's response when Gandalf mentioned going on the adventure with him. The idea of going outside of the Shire scared him. Gandalf basically
Bilbo assumes that he is an inadequate companion for the adventure, and that idea is apparent as he and the dwarves equally doubt his skills that Gandalf is so confident about. " 'I have chosen Mr. Baggins and that ought to be enough for you...There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself. '" (Tolkien 33) The dwarves allow Bilbo to join their company, but they do not completely take Gandalf 's word and have a difficult time becoming accustomed to the hobbit. The party describes him during the journey as being "more trouble than use so far" and wished Gandalf had "chosen someone with more sense" (119). However, once they realize that in spite of how traumatic a situation is for Bilbo, he still finds a way to help them when they can 't defend themselves, and because of that they accept him as a friend and stay loyal to him until the end of the quest and the
Bilbo begins his long journey with the dwarves, who at the time were still skeptical of Bilbo’s abilities. The dwarves didn’t see why they needed such a small incompetent hobbit with them along their journey. Gandalf tells them to stop complaining and to trust that there is more to Bilbo than meets the eye (Tolkien 6). Bilbo soon shows his courage and heroism for the first time in the story when they run into their first obstacle, three large trolls huddled around a campfire. Bilbo, who was once a shy, non-adventurous type, begins to develop into a hero as he tries to steal one of the trolls’ money purses. This is a dramatic scene in the novel because it was Bilbo’s very first act outside his comfort zone. It was this...
The book begins with Bilbo Baggins celebrating his one hundred and eleventh birthday. Many "Hobbits" show up at his party including his third cousin, Frodo, which is the main character of the novel and a powerful wizard named Gandalf. Biblo possed a powerful ring known as the "Ruling Ring" which gives "Supreme Power" to whoever has possession of it. At the end of the party, Bilbo uses his magical ring to turn invisible and stun his guests. Gandalf, the powerful wizard, then meets up with Biblo at his house and takes the ring from Bilbo, which is corrupting him. Gandalf examines it, realizing that the ring Bilbo has is the powerful "Ruling Ring". Knowing that the forces of evil are in search of the ring, Gandalf sends Frodo, a relative of Biblo, to destroy the ring in the only place it can be destroyed, "Mt. Doom". Overhearing the talk between Gandalf and Frodo, Sam, a "Hobbit", that is good friends with Frodo is forced on the quest to aid Frodo.
Later in the story the group is back together and make it to the mountain. Bilbo goes on invisible while wearing the ring and ends up taking the Smaug's golden cup from one of his piles of treasures. Bilbo's theft does not go unnoticed by the Smaug who takes careful account of his treasure and when he wakes up he noticed that the cup is missing. He flies around the mountain breathing with blasts of flames. The Smaug can't track Bilbo because of the ring, so instead he smells him and greets him mockingly. Bilbo then rushes back up the passage outrunning the dragon's angry flames. The dwarfs and the hobbit hears the dragon roar and shuts the door from the passage right before avalanche comes down upon it. Now they're trapped inside the mountain. Bilbo determines that the beast is gone. Thorin leads the group down the passage. They still have no idea what to do if the Smaug returns. Bard is the on who has killed the dragon as time passes by and the others are still going thru the mountain passage. Bard meets up with them and tells the group he has killed the Smaug. Bard asks if the dwarfs are generously considering to sharing the wealth of the mountain because Lake Town has been destroyed. Thorin