The Hobbit Bilbo's Journey

Tolkien’s The Hobbit tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who leaves his hometown to help a group of dwarves regain their treasure, which had been stolen by a dragon named Smaug. The group encounters many obstacles while on their journey to the Lonely Mountain. Once they reach it, Smaug is killed and they are encircled by five different armies, all coming together to battle for rights over the treasure. Bilbo goes through an entire transformation while on his journey. When being thrown into extreme situation while on his journey, which he would have otherwise not had to overcome, Bilbo evolves from a comfortable little Hobbit with no aspirations for greatness, to a crucial part of a revolutionary adventure, thereby becoming a hero, in …show more content…
When they began their journey, he was the one who did not want to go on the adventure and now he is the only one who has the spirit to continue. His opinion about adventures has completely changed. In the tunnel, that leads to Smaug, Bilbo does “the bravest thing he ever did” (200). He has to fight a battle with himself and face his fear. He wins the battle and is able to continue. This demonstrates how strong his character has become and how he can find it within himself to do whatever is required of him, without having to rely on anyone else to bail him out. In this part of the story, Bilbo becomes a real hero because he saves the lives of many by preventing the battle between the dwarves, the men and the elves, so that they can later fight united against the goblins. Being as his hobbit nature is very peace-loving, he wants to prevent fighting and develops a plan. He has become skilled in finding ways to tactfully overcome obstacles and “as the weariness of the days grew heavier, the beginnings of a plan had come into his little head” (247). In the conversation between Bilbo, Bard and the Elvenking, it becomes evident that Bilbo has become a great speaker, another important quality that a hero must have. He now has a good bit of self-confidence and is able to negotiate cleverly. Even the Elvenking admits that Bilbo has become a great person by telling him “you are more worthy to wear the armour of elf-princes than many that have looked more comely in it” (251). This is such a huge compliment that even Gandalf tells him “well done” (252) as well. When Bilbo receives commendation from the Elvenking, a hero in his own right and Gandalf, the original hero for Bilbo’s group, it becomes obvious that Bilbo has joined their ranks and can be considered a hero as