The Courage of Bilbo Baggins
Bilbo Baggins's character in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" exemplifies the strength of fortitude in the face of adversity. Bilbo ultimately demonstrates himself as a courageous and resourceful hero whose bravery inspires those around him despite his initial reluctance to embark on a dangerous journey.
According to the lore of Middle-Earth, the Hobbits are a race that loves to live a quiet and peaceful life. They live in the Shire, the homeland and safe heaven of Hobbitkind. Most of the Hobbits will not go out of Shire. Hobbits that love to travel or adventure look like black sheep among the other Hobbits. And Bilbo, too. He displays the stereotypical traits assigned to hobbits, such as a love of food, smoking from
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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's fortitude in the face of such a fearsome foe is genuinely remarkable, and it sets the stage for Lake-town's ultimate victory over Smaug.
However, Bilbo's fortitude transcends mere physical bravery. He also demonstrates moral fortitude, which is equally essential. For instance, when the dwarves become consumed by their desire for the treasure and begin to turn against one another, Bilbo confronts them and insists that they work together for the common good. He also demonstrates compassion and generosity towards those in need, such as when he gives his food and provisions to the famished men of
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Upon his return to the Shire, he finds that his home has been taken over by the greedy and ruthless Sackville-Bagginses. Despite the danger posed by confronting these powerful enemies, Bilbo stands up for what is right and manages to reclaim his home with the help of his loyal friends.
Bilbo's example also serves as a source of inspiration for future generations of hobbits. In "The Lord of the Rings", his nephew Frodo is faced with an even greater challenge: the task of destroying the Ring of Power and saving Middle-earth from darkness. Frodo draws on the example of Bilbo's courage and uses it to fuel his own journey, ultimately succeeding in his mission despite the overwhelming odds against him.
In conclusion, the character of Bilbo Baggins serves as a timeless reminder of the power of courage in the face of adversity. His journey from a timid and comfortable hobbit to a brave and resourceful hero is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for growth and transformation. His example inspires us to face our own fears head-on and to believe in ourselves, even when the odds seem insurmountable. Whether in literature or in life, Bilbo Baggins remains a true hero, whose courage will continue to inspire and uplift us for generations to
Finally, the bravest moment of Bilbo Baggins is when he gives the Arkenstone to Bard and the Elven King in order for his friends to accept the deal that was to be made. This is brave because he was risking getting abandoned by his friends in order to
Throughout Bilbo's journey in The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Bilbo is showing the ability of his personal growth. Bilbo Baggins and a Wizard with the name of Gandalf and others have set off to go on an adventure, but Bilbo is very timid and feels as if he has to prove himself. The traits Bilbo gains on his journeys such as courage, bravery, and wisdom lead to his success. Before one can begin a new era and develop courage, he has to make a choice he would have never made before and leave his place of comfort, by leaving his hobbit hole.
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
The author even writes that all of the dwarves consider Bilbo as their leader because of his greater courage. Some people might argue, however, that a hero like Bilbo will not show courage and rationality only when he intends to, like in the cave with Smaug. This is a good point, especially since most actions are made voluntarily, but it is incorrect. From the text, Bilbo acts instantly on impulse without thinking about going and helping save the dwarves from both the spiders and the elves. He displayed courage and quick-thinking without thinking about it.
J.R.R Tolkien uses the Hero’s archetype to give details about the character of Bilbo Baggins by characterizing him during this stage. During this stage, Bilbo Baggins is described as a brave and bold hobbit. Page 157-173 of the book displays Bilbo’s brave actions while he follows the elvenking and rescues the dwarves. In this situation, we can see that Bilbo decided to take a chance and save the dwarves. When faced with a death situation, most hobbits would hide in fear.
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
He did not show any heroic qualities, and he was nothing other than an “average Joe”. He lived alone in a hobbit hole at the foot of The Hill. He followed a normal, everyday routine and enjoyed his own company. Bilbo’s biggest adventure was going into town for groceries. He was the ultimate example of a homebody.
Bilbo returns home with the portion that was bestowed on him from the dwarves but only a small amount because he does not know any use for these riches. “In the end he would only take two small chests, one filled with silver, and the other with gold, such as one strong pony could carry.” (337) When Bilbo finally reaches his home back in Bag End, he witnesses other hobbits auctioning off his possessions as he is presumed dead. (347) Bilbo’s family, the Bagginses, were a respectable family because the never left for an adventure. (4) Bilbo loses his respectable reputation as a Bagginses as he is labelled ‘queer’ among the other hobbits in the area for making the choice to leave his hobbithole for something unexpected.
Bilbo puts on his magic ring and purposely sneaks into the shelter of the Lake Men and Elves. He takes off the ring to get caught because he wants to talk to Bard. Bilbo threatens the guards who find him, even though he is outnumbered and overpowered. “But if you wish ever to get back to your woods from this cold cheerless place,” he answered shivering, “you will take me along quick to a fire, where I can dry—and then you will let me speak to your chiefs as quick as may be”(Tolkien 215). Bilbo’s pride is revealed when he purposely unveils himself to Elvish soldiers.
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.
At the beginning of the story, Bilbo seems very cowardly, but soon proves that he is indeed brave. Bilbo is very tied up in his very boring, monotonous life and he really does not want to go on the adventure that he is
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.
A hero is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. In Tolkien's novel, The Hobbit, the protagonist Bilbo Baggins shows us that people are not born heroes, but they are forged through hard work and bravery. This story brings us through the development of Bilbo not being a hero, to him becoming a hero, and finally him being a hero. Bilbo starts off the story with almost no qualities of a hero, which is mostly because he is a hobbit. Hobbits are quiet creatures, who offer keep to themselves.
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.
The company faces many challenges while Gandalf aids them. Eventually, Bilbo becomes forced to take charge and lead the company to the mountain. The experiences Bilbo encounters throughout his journey define and shape him into the hero he becomes. The Hobbit follows the story of Bilbo by mirroring the heroic journey, showing Bilbo’s dramatic change from the Hobbit he once was.