Dustin Hon
Mrs. Borihane
English Honors 1
15 February 2023
Bilbo’s Archetype What is an archetypal hero? An archetypal hero is a protagonist who endeavors daunting challenges and accomplishing remarkable feats of valor, bravery, and virtue. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, the characterization of Bilbo Baggins both challenges and reinforces the traditional archetype of the hero in various ways. Bilbo’s unconventional heroism challenges traditional hero archetypes by perceiving as an ordinary and unadventerous hobbit while also reinforcing the archetype with selflessness and emphasizing empathy over physical strength. Bilbo’s character challenges the traditional archetype of the hero by presenting Bilbo as an unlikely protagonist while Odysseus
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Bilbo is confronted by Gollum in the goblin caves. Bilbo wielded a dagger which he “thrusted [it] infront of him” (Tolkien 34). Gollum lacked weapons giving Bilbo the greater advantage but because Bilbo sympathized with Gollum, he decided to spare Gollum’s life and negotiating peace with the enemy rather than engaging in violence. Rather than killing Gollum, Bilbo embraces the irregular heroic quality of empathy. Bilbo develops a sense of affinity for the dwarves and their quest after seeing their “fierce and jealous love, the desire of the hearts of dwarves'' (Tolkien 8), which drives his aspirations to aid them rather than seeking glory for himself. This withdrawal from the traditional hero who seeks fame and glory, offers a refreshing perspective of the definition of a hero. Similarly, Odysseus possesses qualities similar to Bilbo. However, in The Odyssey by Homer translated by Robert Fagles, Odysseus’ heroism is based on several qualities and actions. Odysseus is known for his cleverness and ability to think on his feet. When Odysseus and his men were trapped inside Polyphemus, the cyclops' cave, Odysseus devised a plan to blind the monster and escape. He convinced Polyphemus that Odysseus' name was “Nobody - so my mother and father call me ' (Fagles 223). Odysseus’ smart interactions with Polyphemus demonstrates his ability to …show more content…
Bilbo embodies this traditional feature of a hero risking his life multiple times to help his companions. Although faced with many challenges, he never gives up even in the face of great danger. Bilbo has reach the climax of his journey leading him to confront Smaug the dragon. Despite saving the dwarves multiple times, he still continues with his original assignment appointing “[himself to] go and have a peep at once and get it over” (Tolkien 96). Bilbo is chosen as the burglar and continues to fulfill his job. He could have bailed and ran away the first chance he had but rather he stayed and assisted the dwarves in their quest. Not only did Bilbo help the dwarves in one of their last acts, he also saves his companions from being held hostage by the Elvenking. Bilbo risked his own life and “did not wish to desert the dwarves'' (Tolkien 80). Bilbo is selfless and willing to risk his life to save his friends, even when the odds are against him. He put himself in harm’s way to rescue them. Bilbo Baggins embodies the heroic archetype of selflessness by putting others' needs before his own. Similarly, Odysseus posses alike qualities as Bilbo. When Odysseus and his men land on the island of the Lotus Eaters, they are given a plant that makes them forget their homes and families. However, Odysseus realizes the danger of staying on the island and takes it upon
While Bilbo and the rest of his group were trying to find a way out of the forest of Mirkwood. All the dwarves were captured by the armed wood elves, and since Bilbo had the ring, he became invisible so he was not captured. Bilbo had followed all of the dwarves hidden from the elves and from the Elvenking who threw all of the dwarves into separate cells. Bilbo had shown dedication of bravery by hiding and staying with the dwarves for a week or two when others would have left. Having the bravery to try his best, by giving messages to his company while they were all locked up when he knew he was risking the fact of being caught and thrown into a prison cell.
Bilbo Baggins finds another side of himself he is the one leading the group of dwarves. In chapter 8 Mr. Bilbo Baggins shows real bravery by been able to set himself and the dwarves free from the spiders. In chapter 9 Mr. Bilbo Baggins shows intelligence by been able to devise a plan to set the dwarves free from the wood elves prison. In chapter 12 it is Mr. Bilbo Baggins alone that goes into Smaug dragon’s lair and he is also able to find Smaug’s vulnerable spot. In chapter 16 Mr. Bilbo Baggins is willing to give up his share of the wealth to bring peace to the humans, dwarves, and
Even though this part of the hero’s journey was portrayed pretty similarly, there is still a bit of a difference. They both used their instincts, but Bilbo was influenced a bit by the dwarves. His Took side had shown while the dwarves were contemplating whether he was fit for the adventure or not. This made him want to prove himself to them. Instincts aren’t normally the cause of the call to adventure, but for some reason, these two very different novels are similar this way.
Bite them! Gnash them! Take them away to a dark holes full of snakes, and never let them see the light again.”(pg. 71) Goblins did not like the hobbit and showed pure anger Bilbo had to fight to save his life. After Bilbo had to face all of these people it was on the the main event, the
In The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien challenges the traditional epic hero archetype ingrained in classic characters like Odysseus from Homer’s, The Odyssey. Following trials eliciting his hidden heroic qualities, Bilbo pursues the initiate hero archetype. Contrastingly, Odysseus follows the traditional epic hero archetype and does not depend on events from the plot to draw out these qualities. His preexisting fame for his god-like quick thinking strikes fear and respect in the hearts of others, whereas Bilbo gains the respect of his friends as gradually as his skills build up. Later in the story, he betrays his friend, whereas Odysseus stays true to the traditional epic hero archetype by staying loyal to his crewmates.
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,
Bilbo unfairly defeats him, and Gollum attacks him and tries to eat. Bilbo then hides and uses the ring and Gollum as a guide to leave the cave. This point in the story changes and develops Bilbo's character because it is the first time we see him acting on his own. Also in this chapter we can see Bilbo's bravery. We see his
Without considering anything, Odysseus told Polyphemus his name and exactly what he did, in hopes that when others heard the word, they would believe he was
Typically, stories feature their protagonists taking on a heroic role. However, in The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien challenges the traditional idea of the hero by depriving Bilbo Baggins of characteristics ingrained in classic heroes like Odysseus from Homer’s The Odyssey. Violating the classic epic hero archetype the famed Odysseus follows, Bilbo is unfamous. Odysseus’ pre-existing fame strikes fear and respect in the hearts of others, whereas Bilbo gains the respect of his friends.
In the story “The Hobbit” Bilbo can be seen as the hero when he sacrifices his family’s name to be a part of the quest to get Thorin's gold back Bilbo's first approach is his attempt on stealing the trolls’ treasure. He later is met by the goblins, Gollum, elves, and spiders. Each fear he faces develops Bilbo as a hero, getting him ready for his greatest quest, stealing the treasure from Smaug.. Another example of Bilbo putting others before himself is the treasure he willing to give in order to bring peace to the men, elves, and dwarves. Last, but not least, Bilbo is willing to sacrifice his life for a cause bigger than himself.
For example, he must use his intellect and resourcefulness to survive when confronted by trolls, goblins, and gigantic spiders. In addition, he must compete in a riddle-solving contest with Gollum, the creature who possesses the Ring that will become central to "The Lord of the Rings" narrative. In each situation, Bilbo demonstrates courage and intelligence, outwitting his opponents despite his diminutive stature. When Bilbo confronts the dragon Smaug, he displays one of the most courageous acts of his life. Bilbo infiltrates the dragon's lair and challenges him to a game of wits, using his knowledge of the dragon's vulnerabilities to trick him into divulging his weak spot.
Bilbo risks his own life to save the dwarves many times during the adventure, which in turn gains him the respect he deserves. This new respect that Bilbo has acquires gives him plenty of confidence in himself to get the job done, whatever it may be. This clearly shows that Bilbo's change from being ridiculed and doubted by the dwarves to being very highly respected is a dramatic one and deserves recognition. All Bilbo needed is a chance to prove the dwarves wrong, and that is what he gets when those same dwarves appear on his doorstep that sunny afternoon. Along with Bilbo Baggins becoming a braver and more respected hobbit, he also develops the most important change in the story; he changes from being incompetent to very resourceful.
To begin, Bilbo steals the Arkenstone from Smaug. When Bilbo goes back into Smaug's Lair he pockets the Arkenstone making excuses to himself for the theft. This shows a heroic behavior because one of the main goals of their journey was the Arkenstone and Bilbo goes down and gets all by himself. In addition to that another one of his heroic behaviors is when he found the Keyhole on the side of the mountain so they could enter Smaug's lair. While they were waiting Bilbo remembers the moon runes from Elrond and shouts out to the dwarves and suddenly a ray of the setting sun shines on the wall, which cracks to reveal a keyhole.
Along the way, they overcome many obstacles that threaten their lives and put their trust for one another to the test. Bilbo learns that there is more to him than he realizes and through hard work and dedication, he can accomplish almost anything. Overcoming these problems and learning more about himself helped Bilbo change from an ordinary, self-doubting hobbit into a clever, courage-filled, loyal hero. In the beginning, Bilbo has no desire to go on an adventure of any kind, but he quickly learns about the cleverness he obtains when he is forced to make quick decisions.
Gandalf calls Bilbo to adventure at the beginning of the story, and Bilbo is forced to realize that “adventures are not all pony-rides in May-sunshine” (Tolkien 33). Bilbo’s journey to a hero begins with gaining an understanding that he must expose himself to uncertainty in order to help his group. After Bilbo crosses the first threshold with help from Gandalf, he finds himself in the ‘belly of the whale’ with