In the novel, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, the main character, Bilbo, embarks upon both a literal journey with a physical destination and a personal journey where he experiences intellectual growth and personal maturity. Gandalf the Grey enlists Bilbo to assist a band of thirteen dwarves led by Thorin to reclaim the dwarf kingdom in the Misty Mountains. While on the journey to the Misty Mountains, Bilbo experiences several instances of personal growth. These experiences fortify and increase the characteristics of intelligence, bravery, and responsibility. Intellectual growth occurs when Bilbo is accidently left behind by Gandalf and the dwarves after they battle with a horde of goblins. Inside the mountain, Bilbo stumbles upon the One Ring, who then keeps it in his pocket. After some time, Bilbo runs into Gollum who challenges him to a game of riddles. After Bilbo smartly asked Gollum what was in his pocket, Gollum realizes that “his precious” was missing and assaults Bilbo. Bilbo further demonstrates his intelligence by putting the ring on which made him invisible and is able to escape Gollum. Bilbo’s encounter with the ring and Gollum increases his characteristic of intelligence.
The second example occurs when Bilbo and the dwarves struggle to navigate through the dark and twisted Mirkwood
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Throughout the journey, the dwarves and Bilbo were assisted by elves and men, who both sought compensation for their aid. When Thorin refuses to pay any compensation, Bilbo assumes responsibility and escapes in order to negotiate with the elves and men. At first, Thorin chastises Bilbo for his actions, but soon forgives him. “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