A hero. Today, by definition, to be a hero is to have abundant power, the ability to have defiance, attain fame and wealth, and to have the intrepidity to conquer something difficult in order to help the ones who cannot defend for themselves. However, Bilbo Baggins, the protagonist of The Hobbit, by Johan Ronald Reuel Tolkein, is shown to be a hero without possessing any of these qualities. Although he is an indolent hobbit, he is offered to partake in an adventure as a burglar to help reclaim the Dwarves’ homeland from the dragon Smaug. Bilbo’s adequacy and heroism are shown in the adventure through his latent cunningness and courageous acts, and through the loyalty and devotion he shows to his company.
Through Bilbo’s metamorphosis, he undergoes many dangers on his path that changes him to become more cunning and courageous when he met Smaug. For example, when Bilbo confronted Smaug, he was more prepared because of his growth in judgment, and knowledge; he gained these devious skills, especially when he was able make the creature Gollum feel baffled by challenging him with a harder riddle question. Smaug attempts to tell him that there were lots of treasures; however, Bilbo, being as intelligent as he can, resists the temptation and proceeds to wit him with a conversation of riddles. Moreover, Bilbo lets readers know that, “This is of course the way to talk to dragons (which is wise), if you don’t want to reveal your proper name (which is also very wise), and don’t want to infuriate them by a flat refusal.” Bilbo used this tactic so that he was able to establish himself to become capable of conquering Smaug through witty words and riddles rather than by sheer force. Furthermore, when he noticed Smaug’s vulnerable spot, inst...
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...bo was always supporting the dwarves’ decision; however, this took place before Thorin had an excessive and rather destructive interest in the treasure. Bilbo believed that it would have been the best for the dwarves to share the treasure with the lake people and elves, and even offered his share to make peace. Furthermore, when the Elvenking asks Bilbto to remain with them in order to prevent Thorn’s wrath, Bilbo thanked him but didn’t want to leave his companions after all that they have been through. When Thorin took wrath upon him, he failed to see that Bilbo did this for their benefit. This was a challenging choice for Bilbo to make. Overall, Bilbo made a heroic action by understanding and retaining the foresight that a battle should always be avoided. So clearly, these examples provide evidence that one of Bilbo’s greatest strengths was the loyalty he showed.
A hero is a person who is praised or admired for their phenomenal work done in a certain situation. Bilbo Baggins is considered to be a hero in the book The Hobbit, written by J. R. R. Tolkien. Although Bilbo is considered a hero in this book, he does everything unwillingly. In the movie, however, Bilbo is seen as an epic hero because of the way certain things are portrayed differing from the book. For example, the arrival of the dwarves at Bilbo’s home is different in the book than it is in the movie. Even though this scene does not have a major change involved with it, it loses a connection with the arrival at Beorn’s later on in the movie. Changes in the movie that affected the type of hero Biblo Baggins include the beginning of the journey,
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
It is shown that this story can convey a strong message that all readers should know. That when you believe in yourself that you could accomplish things that were only in your wildest dreams. Bilbo Baggins had been the one to overcome his fear of changing his daily life and become the hero that he should be known for. Even though he starts off as the most non-courageous person in the world into a great hero. He goes one to defeat spiders, goblins, and outsmarts doby into getting the ring.
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...
As evidence to illustrate, “ ‘This is the Arkenstone of Thrain,’ said Bilbo, ‘the Heart of the Mountain; and it is also the heart of Thorin. He values it above a river of gold. I give it to you. It will aid you in your bargaining” (Tolkien 272-273). Throughout the bargain, Bilbo sacrifices his relationship with Thorin and the other dwarves by bartering the Arkenstone to make sure the Lakemen and wood elves rightfully get their fair share of treasure found in Smaug's lair. Bilbo can be portrayed as a hero making personal sacrifices since he put the great good above his personal issues in life. Bilbo is the definition of a hero since he took action to resolve a conflict instead of being a bystander. In the long run, Bilbo Baggins may be a fictional hero, but has made personal sacrifices that the readers can relate to and deen him as a
In conclusion Bilbo the lazy hobbit became a hero.He gained bravery when he helped the dwarves escape the elves base.Bilbo gained strength when he fought the goblins.Bilbo gained agility when he ran from the goblins.Bilbo before his bravery,strength, and
...th heroes take are dangerous and difficult. Bilbo makes many mistakes but in the end he does mature and grow as a person. The hero is willing to put everything above themselves. Comparing Bilbo with Beowulf, it is clear that while Beowulf is an archetypal hero from a hero themed story, Bilbo is arguably more of a hero than him in some ways. Bilbo shows himself to not just a hero in skills and prowess but a hero in character, which Beowulf does not seem to show. Thorin even comments “Now is the time for our esteemed Mr. Baggins, who has proved himself a good companion on our long road, and a hobbit full of courage and resource far exceeding his size…” (198). However both heroes have acts of self-sacrifice and courage, while Beowulf uses his physical strength to achieve his heroics, Bilbo’s sense of honour, moral and courage proves himself equal to Beowulf in heroics.
(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.
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
“I wish I could be a hero!” Many adults in today’s society hear small children wishing they could become heroes. Children wish to be more like heroes for the reason that heroes are the type of people who risk their lives to help others. Throughout history, children have had a positive connotation with the word “hero.” The heroes many small children talk about are the fictional ones who protect cities from villains: Superman, Batman, Spiderman, and others. However, these are not the only types of heroes in today’s world. Firefighters and policemen are also considered heroes because they save the lives of those in danger. Many adults consider their inspirations to be heroes, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Michelle Obama. Heroes do not always have to be real; for instance, they can also be literary characters such as Atticus Finch, Jonas, and Odysseus. Heroes, fictional or not, only have one purpose, to help people in need. These motivating people are in the rare category of people who willingly spend their whole lives helping people achieve their dreams. Heroes are the people who unselfishly help people live their lives in a peaceful manner. Many children wish they could become heroes, such as Bilbo Baggins. In The Hobbit, J.R.R Tolkien explores how Bilbo Baggins matures and ultimately becomes a hero.
In The Hobbit, Bilbo is put through many situations where it is apparent that he is the last string of leadership left among the group of dwarves and himself. In these situations, his unknown abilities emerge when he is forced to accomplish tasks he would’ve never considered possible. Throughout this process, his identity emerges as he proves not only to others, but also himself that he is a valuable leader among the group. In the end of chapter seven Gandalf has enough courage in Bilbo to
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
...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.
“Hobbits really are amazing creatures… You can learn all that there is to know about their ways in a month, and yet after a hundred years they can still surprise you at a pinch,” explained Gandalf (Tolkien 62). Bilbo Baggins is a Hobbit from the Shire; hobbits are creatures that are half the size of humans, also known as Halflings. He was hired in the Company, a group of twelve dwarves and a wizard. The Company’s mission is to travel to the Lonely Mountain and reclaim the dwarves’ treasure from Smaug, a fire breathing dragon. Along the way, they run into trolls, goblins, orcs, and giant spiders. As they reclaim the mountain, Laketown is attacked by Smaug as retaliation for the Company’s actions. During the attack, the town was damaged and had casualties, so they demanded reparations from the dwarves’ treasure. In order to prevent war, Bilbo relinquishes his portion of the treasure. However, the orcs and goblins learn that the dragon has been slain and gather an army to take the mountain. There is a war after all and the armies battle until the orcs and goblins are defeated. After the battle, the adventure is over and Bilbo heads home. Although Bilbo Baggins is only half the size of a human, the way Tolkien develops his character in The Hobbit shows the complexity of human nature in Bilbo’s personality, physical strength, and ethics.