Is Bilbo A Hero In The Hobbit

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What makes a hero? The word hero does not have a concrete definition. It is more an opinion, but according to Merriam Webster a hero is someone who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities. Many would agree with that definition but add that a hero is also admired for good deeds that they have done for selfless reasons. Bilbo Baggins from the story “The Hobbit” by J. R. R. Tolkien has the qualities of a hero. In “The Hobbit” we are introduced to Bilbo, a peaceful hobbit living in his cozy hobbit hole. A mysterious wizard by the name of Gandalf comes to Bilbo with a job of sorts. Gandalf has pulled together a group of dwarves to take back the lonely mountain and its treasures from a dragon named Smaug. Bilbo at first declines but after some convincing from the group of dwarves his fathers nature in him convinces him to go. Obviously Bilbo displayed bravery in the novel however there are those who believe Bilbo is not a hero. He was a hero in the book because he preforms great acts, exemplifies fine qualities and acts selflessly. …show more content…

About midway through the journey the group is attacked by giant spiders and everyone is tied up save for Bilbo. Bilbo waits for the spiders to let their guard down and attacks. Later on the accompaniment makes their way to the lonely mountain and it is time for Bilbo to do what they brought him for. Sneak into the mountain and gather knowledge about the inner workings and the location of Smaug. Everyone must agree that walking straight into a dragons keep requires courage. A final courageous act of Bilbo Baggins is after Smaug has been killed and the lonely mountain has been retaken by the dwarves the nearby humans and elves show up to claim their stolen treasure. But the leader of the dwarves, Thorin, refuses to let them in. So Bilbo leaves the safety of the mountain on his own to attempt to negotiate peace. Putting himself in danger to protect his

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