The Heroism of Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit by JRR Tolkein

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A hero. Today, by definition, to be a hero is to have abundant power, the ability to have defiance, attain fame and wealth, and to have the intrepidity to conquer something difficult in order to help the ones who cannot defend for themselves. However, Bilbo Baggins, the protagonist of The Hobbit, by Johan Ronald Reuel Tolkein, is shown to be a hero without possessing any of these qualities. Although he is an indolent hobbit, he is offered to partake in an adventure as a burglar to help reclaim the Dwarves’ homeland from the dragon Smaug. Bilbo’s adequacy and heroism are shown in the adventure through his latent cunningness and courageous acts, and through the loyalty and devotion he shows to his company.

Through Bilbo’s metamorphosis, he undergoes many dangers on his path that changes him to become more cunning and courageous when he met Smaug. For example, when Bilbo confronted Smaug, he was more prepared because of his growth in judgment, and knowledge; he gained these devious skills, especially when he was able make the creature Gollum feel baffled by challenging him with a harder riddle question. Smaug attempts to tell him that there were lots of treasures; however, Bilbo, being as intelligent as he can, resists the temptation and proceeds to wit him with a conversation of riddles. Moreover, Bilbo lets readers know that, “This is of course the way to talk to dragons (which is wise), if you don’t want to reveal your proper name (which is also very wise), and don’t want to infuriate them by a flat refusal.” Bilbo used this tactic so that he was able to establish himself to become capable of conquering Smaug through witty words and riddles rather than by sheer force. Furthermore, when he noticed Smaug’s vulnerable spot, inst...

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...bo was always supporting the dwarves’ decision; however, this took place before Thorin had an excessive and rather destructive interest in the treasure. Bilbo believed that it would have been the best for the dwarves to share the treasure with the lake people and elves, and even offered his share to make peace. Furthermore, when the Elvenking asks Bilbto to remain with them in order to prevent Thorn’s wrath, Bilbo thanked him but didn’t want to leave his companions after all that they have been through. When Thorin took wrath upon him, he failed to see that Bilbo did this for their benefit. This was a challenging choice for Bilbo to make. Overall, Bilbo made a heroic action by understanding and retaining the foresight that a battle should always be avoided. So clearly, these examples provide evidence that one of Bilbo’s greatest strengths was the loyalty he showed.

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