Discuss Bilbo’s development as an archetypal hero. What kind of hero is Bilbo by the end of the book? PDF

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Discuss Bilbo’s development as an archetypal hero. What kind of hero is Bilbo by the end of the book?...

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The hero described in Tolkien's The Hobbit is different from other common heroes in modern English literature: Hercules, Thor, and Achilles, all of whom are strong males and warriors. However, Bilbo is a small hobbit with a stronger mind than muscles while still changing the world into something better. According to Tolkien, a hero is a sensitive character rather than a mighty warrior. Bilbo was once a timid and close-minded hobbit until Gandalf, and the 13 dwarves developed him into the real hero he was supposed to be. Bilbo displayed his heroic qualities when he fulfilled the journey to join the dwarves to recollect the treasure stolen by the dragon Smaug in the Lonely Mountain. The Hobbit is not a book about a solitary hero, but it shows friendship as a core value. Bilbo's development as a hero began with a little sword he got from the trolls' cave. He used the sword for self-defense while he was lost alone in the dark tunnel, where he met Gollum. "Who are you?, he said, thrusting his dagger in front of him" (Tolkien, 68). In the books, Bilbo previously did not have the courage to use a weapon against someone or use his sword correctly; he only kept the sword with him without knowing it or using it. The quote, "the little dagger that he got from the trolls, and that he had quite forgotten" (Tolkien, 66), shows that Bilbo had even forgotten that he was carrying a sword. He could use the sword to defend himself when the goblins caught him and the dwarves, yet he does not use it until he is all alone in the dark against Gollum. This indicates a change in Bilbo's personality that he is becoming more of a hero for himself by using the sword for self-defense. Even though Bilbo is not built like a hero, he is a hero by his courage, wisdom, and ethics, shown when he spares Gollum's life. He is courageous because he was ready to fight Gollum to defend himself. His ethics of a fair fight with or without weapons and his wisdom for mercy towards Gollum are what make him a hero. Another evidence of Bilbo’s heroism is when he sacrifices himself to save Bombur. When "Bilbo noticed that some spiders had gathered round old Bombur on the floor" (Tolkien, 150), he shouted and moved towards the spider courageously. He bravely killed the spider and took all the risks to save his friend. If we compare his actions from earlier, for example, when the dwarves were fighting with the trolls, he hid in a bush and did not make a noise. This is shown when "Bilbo up in a bush, with his clothes and his skin torn, not daring to move for fear they should hear him" (Tolkien, 38). But later in his journey, he develops courage and kills the spider without hesitation in order to protect his loved ones. He had the dagger in his hands and was ready to be in the battle among the dwarves. Also, Bilbo showed his determination and willingness to risk his life when he and the dwarves were trapped inside the tunnel that connected the Lonely Mountain to the dwarves' kingdom. Bilbo chose to "risk a third visit" (Tolkien, 214), which shows his sincerity to find a way out even though he wasn't sure if he could make it or not. Loyalty is Bilbo’s greatest strength and the essential part of his heroism. His firm commitment to his friends and staunch sense of selflessness is what elevates Bilbo to a level purely reserved for heroes. From rescuing the dwarves from the spiders to rescuing the dwarves from captivity in the Wood-Elves’ cave, Bilbo remains loyal to his friends. However, Bilbo’s most significant loyalty test is him handing over the Arkenstone to Bard on the verge of “the Battle of Five Armies.” Upon reception of the Arkenstone, Bard asks Bilbo if he is betraying his friends. This is anything but the case as Bilbo responds, “My dear Bard! I am merely trying to avoid trouble for all concerned.” (Tolkien, 272). Moreover, when the Elvenking advises Bilbo to remain by them in fear of Thorin’s wrath, Bilbo replies, “Thank you very much, I am sure, but I

don’t think I ought to leave my friends like this, after all, we have gone through together.” (Tolkien, 273) As the Elvenking predicted, Thorin takes anger upon Bilbo by stating that he has “been betrayed” by a “descendant of rats” and a “traitor.” Thorin has failed to see that Bilbo was only looking out for all parties’ well-being. This event is Bilbo’s most significant challenge and his career’s pinnacle, not as a burglar, but as a hero. A hero must understand and retain the vision that war should be avoided at all costs, even if it means going against your close ones. Bilbo goes on an adventure to find his true self, and with the help of the dwarves and Gandalf, he achieves it. Bilbo was described as a naive, stubborn, easily frightened hobbit living as a peaceful character obeying his community's rules before joining the adventure with the dwarves. As the adventure begins, Bilbo doesn't show his willingness to join the venture. Therefore, he often wishes to be at home and regrets his decision. However, as time goes and he overcomes the obstacles, he slowly evolves into a better version of himself as a hero. The adventure makes him more active as a leader even though he is chosen as the burglar. He gains his ability of leadership and gains the trust of the dwarves. Bilbo is considered a hero because of his bravery, determination, wisdom, and willingness to protect his friends. His cunning intelligence, quick thinking, courage, and loyalty to his friends establish Bilbo as an indisputable hero. He shows that not all heroes are courageous from the start; some are shaped into heroes through their journeys....