Bilbo Baggins In 'The Hobbit, Or There And Back Again'

Cover page

Abstract

Introduction
"The Hobbit, or There and Back Again" is a fantasy novel written by English author J.R.R. Tolkien. It tells about adventures of a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, who was introduced by wizard Gandalf to thirteen dwarves that will accompany him in the journey. The goal of their quest is to reclaim the Lonely Mountain - home of the dwarves - with its treasures in it, which is now guarded by a dragon Smaug.

The book's success encouraged the authour to write a sequel which resulted in a three-volume novel "The Lord of the Rings". The novel has met a huge praise from critics and usual readers and is now considered a classic in a fantasy genre. Many references were made in literature and other works of art. The Lord of the Rings has inspired, and continues to inspire, artwork, music, films and

This journey of maturation, where Bilbo gains a clear sense of identity and confidence in the outside world, may be seen as a Bildungsroman rather than a traditional quest.[91] The Jungian concept of individuation is also reflected through this theme of growing maturity and capability, with the author contrasting Bilbo's personal growth against the arrested development of the dwarves.[3] Thus, while Gandalf exerts a parental influence over Bilbo early on, it is Bilbo who gradually takes over leadership of the party, a fact the dwarves could not bear to acknowledge.[92] The analogue of the "underworld" and the hero returning from it with a boon (such as the ring, or Elvish blades) that benefits his society is seen to fit the mythic archetypes regarding initiation and male coming-of-age as described by Joseph Campbell.[89] Chance compares the development and growth of Bilbo against other characters to the concepts of just kingship versus sinful kingship derived from the Ancrene Wisse (which Tolkien had written on in 1929) and a Christian understanding of