Similarities and differences between two types of heros and skills they have acquired.
Heroes have developed in our minds as these fierce, male, and brute characters. That is the case for what is known as a traditional hero,in this novel, “The Hobbit”, that would be Thorin Oakenshield. Being born in the royal family, he was destined to one day become king. He is physically strong and gains the respect of alot of dwarves. Then there is another type of hero, which has ever so changing characteristics but don’t portray the characteristics of a traditional hero. In this novel, that would be Bilbo Baggins. He started out as a lazy and calm character. Gradually, Bilbo develops traits that would make him more of a hero, but definitely not with
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his physical strength. The main purpose of this essay is to show the similarities and differences between two types of heros, and how they have acquired skills become who they are through; determination played in their destiny, leadership and selflessness . Most notable between the two heros, is their destiny. Both characters were destined to become a hero, but only through their own determination, they fulfill that destiny. Bilbo was destined if he wanted or not, to become the burglar. It was Gandalf who writes his destiny as he says "You asked me to choose the fourteenth man of this expedition and I chose Mr. baggins." (Tolkien,23 ). It was clear from the start that he did not wish to become the burglar or even venture on this journey. Even members of the company questioned his acceptance into the journey."Will he do, do you think?...he looks more like a grocer than a burglar. "(Tolkien,22) Even after, his acceptance into the journey he still questioned himself many times of becoming the burglar. Eventually, Bilbo stayed with the company and he showed us that he was at least determined to stay. This determination shined most when the last light of Durans day shined off, while everyone else gave up on the journey and it was thought to be all lost except Bilbo. Bilbo stays as he was determined to open the entrance of Erebor. With Bilbo's quick adaption to the journey he acquires all the necessary skills to compete the journey. When even thinking about reclaiming Erebor, Thorin would be the first one you would think of. His destiny was to reclaim the mountain,and the his goal to reclaim what was his. Through determination, he ran the dragon out of Erebor. Even when they seemed like at one moment they were all trapped. Thorin was determined that their journey would never end until he was himself was physically finished. Most differential topic would be the heroism and leadership of the two heros.
They both ultimately displayed leadership but in different ways and taking full control of their different strengths. Bilbo wasn't always described as a hero, it was through a vast development stage, throughout the journey that guides himself towards his leadership. I see his heroism shine when naming his sword "Sting" after killing the spider, after this moment Bilbo felt different about himself. I feel it was this the turning point of his journey.”He felt a different person, and much fiercer and bolder.”(Tolkien, 181) Bilbo does engage in a physical battle between a orc, attempting to save Thorin. Even though this would be a task of a traditional hero, Bilbo uses what little physical strength he possesses, and to develop his heroism. Bilbo also demonstrates his quick thinking and leadership by leading the dwarves out of the elvish city of Esgaroth. You may argue that with Thorin's lack of decision making and his greed for wealth makes him a bad leader. That is not totally true, according to Balin, he retells a story at the battle of the mines of Moria, he sliced off the hand of Azog (an opposing leader). With this victory, he gave the dwarves hope and they soon won the war. He may not make all the right decisions but he is a good role model for the other dwarves. With this physical strength the dwarves give him a lot of respect. Both Bilbo and Thorin are leaders, but with different …show more content…
strengths and weakness. In order to become a hero you have to be willing to put yourself ahead of others.
Acts of selflessness, could overall help in completing the goal in hand. With the sacrifice of your life. Bilbo demonstrates that in any encounters in the journey. One encounter with the trolls Bilbo takes the first stride. Bilbo also takes the tasks and roles of others to accomplish the primary goal. Once again, being the traditional hero, Thorin takes a sacrifice with his physical strength and might. Even Though sometimes he goes a bit overboard and exposing to much of himself to danger that could of gotten him
killed. One point was when after being chased down by the orcs thorin decided to challenge Azog. Even though Azog was strong, Thorin thought that if he were to defeat Azog right there it would’ve given a bit of hope to the other dwarves that the orcs could be defeated. As he succeeded his he regained hope in the dwarves and they soon engaged into the fight. This was a risky move with a sacrifice that was Thorin’s life, but ultimately inspired the dwarves to fight. Selflessness is a common trait that both Biblo and Thorin share that excels them to become excellent heroes. Throughout the story, the two heroes progressed and acquired skills that would benefit them overcame obstacles of their journey. Even at points where they thought it was all over, the heroes are the ones adapting to the task and executing their plans. In both types of heroes they returned as a different person gaining leadership, selflessness, and fulfilling their densities with their determination. With both heroes starting out as nothing extraordinary; a lazy and calm hobbit and a king who has lost his castle. They have both gained many skills to further fit their position in the journey. This proves the fact, that anyone with any sort of skill set could seek on an adventure and with determination, a destiny to one day be fulfilled , heroism, leadership and selflessness they have the possibility to accomplish great things.
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 cleverly eluded Smaug’s temptation, spared the life of foul creature Gollum, and demonstrate courage more and more throughout his journey. These exquisite traits made Bilbo into the revered character that was loved and respected for generations of readers. Throughout the book, Bilbo’s character had changed. At first, he was the ordinary hobbit who described adventures as “Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things” (4) but by the end of his journeys stated to Thorin, “I am glad that I have shared in your perils” (290). Bilbo’s ability to fight evil, make new friends, and to look beyond his maps and books enable him to become a hero. As Gandalf once said at the very beginning, “There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself” (19). Gandalf was right. What appeared to be an uneasy hobbit who fainted at the thought of adventures, turned out to be a brave leader, a compassionate friend, and an inspiring
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 starts off as a hobbit scared of the world and never wanting change in his life to ever become a great hero and adventurer. As he starts off his great journey he showed change for the first time and that he is willing to risk his life. As Bilbo embarks on this journey and continues helping the dwarves many traits form from this experience such as bravely as he stood up to the trolls. Shows the heroism that everyone has inside them even if they don't know
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...
Varying from time, location and person, what it takes to be considered a hero has remained for the most part unanimous and throughout time has been represented in multiple ways. Most present in dated writing, a hero 's image and pride make up a big portion of most heroes. Their heroes aren’t so humble and they aspire to keep their title of "hero". On the contrary, most heroes in literature today are quite modest and don 't expect to be viewed as or considered heroes (more often than not they themselves do not classify with being heroes). As is the case for Beowulf and Katniss Everdeen, both different and yet also similar in terms of action, motives and thought (their personality being what really separates the two). Perhaps the biggest part of how a hero is treated and acts depends on what their society is like. Throughout time, the overall qualities of a hero have remained very similar. What has changed, is
Thorin is courageous because he didn't hesitate fighting the trolls and the goblins. Like when they were all being captured by the trolls Thorin “ Jumped forward to the fire, before they could leap on him….and so the fight ended”. I found that the closer they got to the treasure the more greedy Thorin would become, he was obsessed with wealth. It was consuming him and changing him to become irritated more quickly. Thorin is greedy because he wanted the treasure all to himself, without sharing it with the dwarves and Bilbo.
Finally, the hero learns from the shadow’s strengths and weaknesses as they are the qualities that helped them succeed and ultimately the reason why they fail. In The Hobbit, Bilbo learns from Thorin’s characteristics. From the strengths side, Bilbo has learned from Thorin’s confidence and leadership. Once again, because of Thorin’s example Bilbo was able to recover more of his Took side. As demonstrated in chapter 8, during the road of trials, the battle with the spiders. This battle was the first time Bilbo really displayed his role in the quest. He showed leadership as explained in the quote: “Bilbo saw that the moment had come when he must do something” (Tolkien, 183). Bilbo also presented confidence by insulting the spiders with his lyrics. He has also learned from Thorin’s undesirable traits. Greed. From Thorin’s outcome, Bilbo sees how easy it is to give into greed. This encouraged Bilbo to make the right decisions, like handing over the Arkenstone and taking only a small amount of treasure home with him. Moreover, this also happens to be the case in Star Wars. Similar to The Hobbit, Luke also sees the consequences of the dark side through Darth Vader, and from this he learns to make better choices. Through Vader’s strengths, Luke can learn the sense of loyalty to your master. Vader had said: “You don't know the power of the dark side. I must obey my master” (Return of the
This story begins with a small fellow by the name of Bilbo Baggins. This fantasy story was written in 1956 by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is about a hero’s journey through the dangers and wonders of Middle Earth. Although it was not meant to become such a well-known book, it is filled with much literature. Throughout the book, Tolkien uses literary devices such as repetition, similes, and metaphors to develop the theme of cunning and cleverness.
Every hero goes through certain stages in their valorous journey. Some stages are more important in a hero’s journey compared to others. In The Hobbit, the most important stage of the hero’s journey is stage 6, tests/challenges. This is because the hero, Bilbo (a friendly hobbit), learns how to make decisions based on his mistakes and work individually, he learns new tactics and strategies and he earns possessions and answers after accomplishing them. Bilbo learns to make his own decisions when he sees trolls ahead in their way and he must decide whether to warn the dwarves or steal from the trolls. We see Bilbo learn new tactics and strategies when he must win a riddle-contest against Gollum. Bilbo earns an answer when he plans and outsmarts
Bilbo Baggins changes a lot in the novel The Hobbit. In the beginning he is a small peaceful Hobbit who lives in Hobbiton. He loves to keep things in order, and hates things that are disorganized. “Please be careful,” and “Please don’t trouble. I can manage” (Tolkein, 12). Then one day a wizard by the name of Gandalf comes and gives Bilbo the opportunity to go on an adventure. Bilbo turns his offer down, but the next day thirteen dwarves come to his house. They have meals together and they sleep at Bilbo’s house. Gandalf then convinces him to go on an adventure with them. Bilbo is many things, in the very begging he is flat, static, main, and he is the protagonist. By the end of the story he is round, dynamic, main, and he is still the protagonist. By the end of the story, Bilbo is a changed Hobbit.
A hero, as stated before, selflessly thinks about others’ well beings before his or her own. Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit who was enlisted to help the dwarves retrieve Thorin’s family treasure, does the same thing when he decides to take matters into his own hands, and end the fight between Thorin, the lake men, and the woodelves. Bilbo decides to give the Arkenstone, a p...
Bilbo was a hobbit that didn’t do very much, but when Gandalf comes to ask him to go on an adventure he didn’t know if he wanted to go. When bilbo says that he’ll do it he seems to be a little shaky at first, but as the book keeps going bilbo gets braver, and saves the dwarves from danger on the way to the Lonely Mountain. Like when the dwarves ask him to go and get the treasure from the dragon. Such as the quote ” Now is the time for our esteemed Mr. Baggins(Bilbo), who has proved himself a good companion
Finally, as the novel is coming to an end, it is apparent how much Bilbo Baggins has changed throughout The Hobbit. In the introduction of the book, Tolkien displays Bilbo as a fearful creature afraid to follow his Took roots. As the book continues, Bilbo sees things that change him and make him a stronger hobbit than the old Bilbo. By the end of the book, Mr. Baggins finally gained his well earned respect and found out that being an adventurer is not an awful thing to be. So, it seems as if the theme of change in The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien was shown through Bilbo’s character.
...y a little fellow, Gandalf hints that even he was impressed by the large role Bilbo played in their journey, adding irony to the theme of heroism. Bilbo was the perfect character for Tolkien to express the theme of heroism because he was just the average, everyday character with a kind heart. He wasn’t some wizard or renowned warrior, but a hobbit, a simple hobbit who didn’t ask for heroism. Bilbo would much rather stay in the quite of his own home, but fate would have him do much more, even though Bilbo wouldn’t say so himself, he was indeed…a hero.