Archetypes In The Hobbit

The Heroism Within Middle-Earth

The stereotypical hero is typically depicted with motivation, intelligence, and kindness which are evident throughout Bilbo Baggin’s adventures through Middle-Earth. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel The Hobbit, Tolkien reinforces the hero archetype. Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit, transforms into a courageous and resourceful hero, affirming that heroism encircles determination, wit, and selflessness.

Bilbo Baggins demonstrates determination as he overcomes obstacles and exemplifies his bravery against evil to reach the Lonely Mountain for the dwarves. The hobbit awoke to find that he was alone in the goblin tunnels of the Misty Mountains. He thought to himself, “‘Go Back?...No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!’ So up he got and trotted along with his little sword held in front of him…” (69). Traditional heroic archetypes commonly surround the theme of perseverance in terms of accomplishing a goal, exemplified by Bilbo’s drive to reach the Lonely Mountain. Bilbo exhibited diligence after being motivated to find a way out of the mountain, trying to reunite with the dwarves. After being trapped inside the cave,

His quick thinking and resourcefulness are also key heroic traits that help him succeed on his journey. Additionally, Bilbo's selflessness is perhaps his most heroic trait because he is willing to put himself in harm's way to protect others, even if it means sacrificing his own safety or comfort, exemplified by the time he tried creating peace between Bard and the dwarves. Tolkien reinforces the traditional archetype of the hero through Bilbo's determination, wit, and selflessness, which are all essential elements of heroic behavior. His actions serve as a model of how one could prioritize the needs of others above their own and can inspire people to do the