Bilbo Baggins as a Hero Essay

In todays world the word hero is used very loosely to describe many different types of people. Some for example think that a flight attendant who expresses his frustration with passengers in an unconventional way is a hero. Another person might be considered a hero for simply returning a lost item to its owner. While heroism may have a broader meaning today than it did 50 or 100 years ago, it can still be described by some core characteristics which are found in many adventure stories. J.R.R. Tolkien The Hobbit describes the adventure of a true hero, Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo displays characteristics of a hero in that he accepts a challenge to leave his comfort zone, grows in judgment and bravery, and perseveres in adversity to reach his desired goals. Bilbo who initially lived a life of comfort and simplicity grows in confidence and wisdom by partaking in the adventures and challenges of the world. In the process he becomes a hero in his personal growth and to those characters in the story who would not have survived without his skills and participation.

Bilbo Baggins is just like any other ordinary hobbit. He likes to remain plain and quiet with no adventures interrupting dinner time. But one day Gandalf the wizard stops by Bilbos hobbit hole and gets him to go with him and 13 dwarves on an adventure. They are on a journey to retrieve a treasure in a mountain guarded by a dangerous dragon. Bilbo initially hesitates to commit the trip even though he will receive some of the treasure but Gandalf convinces him to go. When Bilbo is late the next day for meeting the dwarves he apologizes and is worried that he is unprepared. Dont be precise, said Dwalin, and dont worry! You will have to manage without pocket handkerchiefs, and a good many other things, before you get to the journeys end. (42) This is precisely how the story plays out Bilbo does miss the comforts of home many times but continues on the journey anyway. By continuing to meet the challenges he faces he grow into a more courageous person. It is doubtful that he would have developed this sense of fulfillment by sitting at home.

When the hobbit goes on the journey there are many difficulties. The dwarves are dependent upon Bilbo to get them out of various dangerous situations. In Chapter 8, when Bilbo uses his sword to free himself from the spider web, he is described as feeling differently about himself, an indication that he is growing in self-awareness. At this point, he names his sword, as many legendary heroes have done, and it is clear that he is developing qualities of heroism and leadership. The next stone went whizzing through a big web, snapping its cords, and taking off the spider sitting in the middle of it, whack dead" (157). He rescues the dwarves by throwing rocks at the spiders. This shows that Bilbo cares about the dwarves and does not want them to be harmed. This is one example that presents why Bilbo Baggins is a true Hero.

Bilbo performed several other heroic acts. He saved the dwarves yet another time when they got captured by the elves. Bilbo came up with a great plan to rescue the dwarves. While the elf guard was sleeping he stole his keys while wearing the magic ring that made him invisible. He then freed each dwarf one by one and led them safely out of the palace. With each challenge his courage as a hero grew.

A third characteristic of Bilbo heroism is his willingness to complete the journey in spite of all the adversity. Bilbo was not only essential in recovering the treasure from the mountain but he also created a plain to make the groups about to go to war with each other talk it out. He did this by taking the powerful Arkenstone of Thrane to an opponent group. This unexpected gesture kept them from going to battle with one another. On hearing this news Gandalf exclaimed Well done! Mr. Baggins! he said, clapping Bilbo on the back. There is always more about you than anyone expects! By sticking with the difficult journey he grew in character beyond the expectations of others.

While it is difficult to thoroughly define heroism, some specific characteristics that make Bilbo Baggins a hero are quite apparent. Bilbo moved beyond his comfort zone, grew in bravery and wisdom and stuck with his challenge to its completion. Had Bilbo stayed in his hole of comfort he would have missed the opportunity to become a more resilient hobbit. Bilbo was a true hero because he chose the hard road of growth over the easy path of clinging to the comfort of his ordinary life.