“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” Beowulf was hero because he showed bravery, kindness, and most importantly sacrifice in his story but now we ask the same question but direct at Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo Baggins is like any other Hobbit and like any other hobbit does not like adventures or more accurately venturing outside their comfort zones. However, Gandalf, the Grey Wizard, forces a most unexpected adventure onto Bilbo where he finds himself helping a company of dwarves reclaim their home. Like Beowulf, Bilbo meets what i believe to be the required qualities of a hero, which are bravery, kindness, and sacrifice.
“True bravery is about knowing not when to take a life but when to spare one” Gandalf the Grey.
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Humorously, from the beginning Bilbo sacrifice much of his food to feed all the dwarves and then sacrificed the comfort of his home to join the Thorin and his company on their quest to retake their home. Bilbo’s greatest sacrificed was the potential to be hated by his new friends for the rest of his life. Thorin was addicted to the Arkenstone and Thorin regarded to be “is worth more than a river of gold itself, and to me beyond that price. That stone of all the treasure I name unto myself, and I will be avenged on anyone who finds it and withholds it.”, Bilbo withheld the stone knowing full well the consequeces of his deception. Bringing the Arkenstone to the Elven King, Bilbo wanted to bring peace and hoped this would help the Elves negotiate but this would demolish his friendship with the dwarves completely if he was found out. Cataclysmically, Bilbo confessed to giving the Arkenstone and in an outrage, Thorin almost killed him but still shunned him completely and treated him as a traitor. Sadly, after a tremendous battle of the 5 armies, Bilbo was called to Thorin’s side where he lay badly wounded. Thorin recalled everything he said at the moutain and told Bilbo of how his kindness and bravery were need greatly in world. While this may have turned out better than Bilbo originally thought, Bilbo still sacrificed his entire friendship even if only for a brief moment with Thorin and his company the moment he gave away the
For example, Bilbo fits the role of the hero, because he sacrificed and helped all the characters along the journey. Stated in the amazing book, The Hobbit, the author wrote, “It was at this point that Bilbo stopped. Going on from there was the bravest thing he ever did. The tremendous thing that happened afterwards were are nothing compared to it. He fought the real battle in the tunnel alone, before he ever saw the vast danger that lay in wait” (Tolkien, J.R.R., The Hobbit, page #233). Bilbo had basically sacrificed himself, so all of the other characters and himself could get through the journey safely. Their hero, Bilbo became braver each and every day while he tried to help and support them. Written in the fantastic book, The Hobbit, the author has written, “‘I have no idea at the moment-if you mean about removing the treasure. That obviously depends entirely on Smaug. Getting rid of dragons is not all in my line, but I will do my best to think about it. Personally I have no hopes at all, and wish I was safe back at home’” (Tolkien, J.R.R., The Hobbit, page
He went from being a reluctant hero to an epic hero just from a few slight changes. Bilbo was almost forced out the door to begin his journey with the dwarves by Gandalf. He did not want to go on the journey and certainly did not feel the need to be a hero, although he reluctantly ended up being one in the book. In the movie, on the other hand, he had many opportunities to become the hero and he took these opportunities, becoming an epic hero. While change can greatly impact some things, it can also take away from important pieces of the
Bilbo Baggins, having a diminutive stature but, a heart bigger than than Hobbittown. People may begin to wonder would Bilbo be considered a hero? Being heroic is portraying qualities that are helpful, selfless, and brave. Bilbo possessed these character traits in The Hobbit. Gandalf exclaimed that there is more to Bilbo than meets the eye, I feel like that statement is true because Bilbo has went through many heroic events that he could have easily backed down from. In The Hobbit, while still wearing the ring Bilbo “beats the creature off with his hands-it was trying to poison him to keep him quiet as small spiders do to flies-until he remembered his sword and drew it out to cut his legs loose. After that it was his turn to attack” (154) This shows how courageous Bilbo was when he could have gotten eaten alive, I think what changed in Bilbo was when he came in contact with the spiders, he be...
A hero not only needs to be physically outstanding, but he also needs to have integrity, moral values and needs to act without thinking in his own benefit. Beowulf has many characteristics of a hero but he also has some defects that make me think that he wouldn’t be considered a hero in today´s world. A hero concept evolves with a culture, Beowulf has many things that the Anglo-Saxons viewed as heroism but he misses many things that are important for a modern hero.
Beowulf displayed great courage and honor throughout his journeys and battles; he was an epic hero. An epic hero is a person who is viewed as larger than life and possesses values of a certain society. From the time of Beowulf’s battle with Grendel to his brawl against the dragon, he has showed everyone what being an honorable hero looks like. His heroism is revealed through both youth as a young warrior and wisdom as a reliable king. He never backed down and didn’t give up when situations were tough. Beowulf had obligations to fulfill and went about every aspect of his life with courage and strength. He cared for his people and was willing to take on anyone that threatened them or his kingdom. He sincerely was the hero of his time.
Bilbo’s noblest moment in The Hobbit, a fantasy book by J. R. R. Tolkien, is when he gives up the Arkenstone, a precious jewel. He is commended by some for his graciousness of giving away such a treasure, for everyone was rushing to try to get it for themselves. Yet, Bilbo gave the stone to the Elvenking and went against of his friends to attempt to protect lives.
Late that night Bilbo went to a corner of the inner chamber and drew the Arkenstone from his bag. The hobbit then took Thorin’s most prized possession , the Arkenstone, down the mountain to give to the Elvenking and Bard. This action showed Bilbo’s cleverness because he gave up his portion of the treasure just to stop the dwarves and the elves from going to war.
As the book, The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien begins to conclude, Thorin Oakenshield sees the goodness in Bilbo Baggins and apprehends the most significant parts of life. Since the beginning, Thorin’s principle objective is to become the King under the Mountain and to have all the gold and treasure. While Thorin is on his deathbed he tells Bilbo, "There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." Unlike the dwarfs, Bilbo cherishes friendship and merriment over gold and wealth. He shows this by placing his life in danger numerous times by escaping ferocious goblins and killing giant spiders to save Thorin and the other dwarfs. Bilbo cares more about others than himself, and Thorin notices how fortunate they are to have such a wise individual as a friend.
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 theme of bravery is something that is shown in different types of intensity. There are characters like Bard who have no doubts about their courage or ability. He represents the human armies, confronts Thorin, and fights during the Battle of Five Armies where he also shoots Smaug with a bow and arrow. However, while Bard is openly brave, Bilbo is courageous without knowing what he’s going against. He’s most vulnerable and least experienced character in the novel, but he is also the one most willing to walk into the unknown by himself. He shows this by facing down Gollum in the goblin tunnels and approaching and talking to Smaug in the Lonely Mountain.
Throughout the whole book, Thorin just displayed a complete lack of respect for human life. When Bard and the Elvenking asked for a share in the gold, Thorin would not even give them a measly twelfth of it to avoid war. Additionally, it would only have been fair to give them some of the treasure after all he put them through. That just shows how little he valued life and how much he valued money. A twelfth of that amount of gold would be a lot, but it is small compared to the eleven twelfths of it that he would get and would still be more than anyone could possibly need in their lifetime. Thorin also didn’t want to tell the Elvenking why they were wandering in the forests when they were captured. He was in jail a long, long time, and it all could have been avoided if he just told them their plans. At that point, he wasn’t even really invested in that treasure. He still wanted it and went all that way to get it, but he wasn’t even close to getting it yet. He could have just made a deal with the elves and split the treasure with them in exchange for their help, but he wouldn’t even do that. Instead, he kept it a secret and stayed in prison with the small hope they could get the treasure in addition to the small chance that Bilbo could help them escape, which he eventually did
...ting points of the plot also relied on Bilbo’s courage. If Bilbo did not have such a valuable trait, the story of the Hobbit would’ve been fairly short.
A hero is someone that helps others no matter what the situation. There are many qualities that a hero must posses such as bravery, courage, strength, intelligence and honor. These qualities alone are not enough to make a hero. They must also be pure at heart, fight for the good of mankind and only fight when it is to protect the people and not out of revenge. Beowulf is everything a hero should be, but contains a few qualities that a hero should not posses. When Beowulf sailed with his men to Herot he had one goal, to rid the hall of Grendal. Beowulf was under no obligation to destroy Grendal and never asked for anything in return for his services. A true hero would never ask for money or anything of value. He put his life at risk to save the people of Herot, who he didn’t even know, out of his own good nature Great strength has been a trait that has been identified with heroes in many stories and legends. Than he saw hanging on the wall, a heavy Sword, hammered by giants, strong And blessed with their magic, the best of all weapons But so massive that no ordinary man could lift... (II. 1557-1560) Beowulf possessed great strength that separated him from other men. Being able to use a sword that no ordinary man was able to carry gives the feeling that Beowulf is something more than a human being. It makes him special and causes him to stand out from all other men. Fame is something that makes a hero more noted. Beowulfs popularity had spread all over the world. He never let this go to his head and he never thought that he was better than everyone else because of it. “Your fame is everywhere, my friend,/Reaches to the ends of the earth, and you hold it in your heart wisely...” (II.1704-1706). A hero should not be foolish or full of himself. Unferth said: You’re Beowulf, are you- the same Boastful fool who fought a swimming Match with Brecca, both of you daring and young and proud,exploring the deepest Seas, risking your lives for no reason But the danger? (II. 506-511) A hero should not have to prove to himself or to anyone else that he is brave, fearless or courageous. If he is pure a heart and his intentions are good then he can be considered a true hero.
“Heroism is a matter of integrity- becoming more and more at each step ourselves.” (Joseph Campbell) The Hero’s Journey is the basic template for all great stories. It includes the start to an adventure, a mentor, initiation by trials an and challenges, victory, and return. In The Hobbit, a fantasy novel by J.R.R Tolkien, the tale depicts the quest of protagonist Bilbo Baggins, a humble hobbit who plays the role of the burglar as he must help dwarves bring back their home held captive by the dragon Smaug. As he makes the quest to the Lonely Mountain he changes, grows, and develops as the inner “Took” personality grows within himself. The major transforming events test his abilities late causing Bilbo to evoke and reveal his true heroic nature.
He is kind to others. After Beowulf fights the dragon, he speaks to Wiglaf his final words and wishes. Beowulf requests, “Now that I have bartered my last breath to own this fortune, it is up to you to look after their needs” (807-809). Even during Beowulf’s last moments, he still cares for his people and makes sure to take care of them. This action shows true strength and shows that Beowulf is a hero. On the other hand, Beowulf is not like a hero. In this story, Beowulf goes to Hrothgar to kill the Grendel. The reader may think this is a heroic act, but it is not. A typical hero goes and slays the monster to help the people, but Beowulf does this for fame. In order to gain fame during this period, one must do something “heroic” like killing a monster. So, when Beowulf kills the Grendel, the people praise him. “Slowly toward Herot again, retelling Beowulf’s bravery as they jogged along” (537-538). Also, toward the end of the poem after he kills the dragon, Beowulf demands to have a barrow on the coast and name it after him. This way, there will be stories about Beowulf and his bravery. Even Tolkien himself expresses in his speech that this plot is not about heroism but “men on earth” (Monsters and the Critics). All men will die and their works will follow. Heroes do kind acts and earn their fame, not to desire fame and will do kind