Bilbo Baggins
I like your definition of Bilbo being brave, noble, and loyal as a hero should be. He certainly proves this through his perseverance to find the treasures that are located within the Lonely Mountain. Also, your example of Bilbo refusing to fight Gollum due to an unfair fight is an interesting perspective. He surely shows nobility by not taking advantage of his invisibility, especially because Gollum was left without a weapon.
I agree that other aspects of an epic were incorporated into this novel, including settings of far distances and endeavors that took great courage. However, one of the elements of an epic, according to Harmon’s definition, was not included. Bilbo Baggins was not essentially of great importance before his journey. He
was known as a character that was afraid to leave his hobbit-hole at Bag End. Surprisingly, Bilbo’s mother, Belladonna Took, came from an adventurous family. We could assume that Bilbo was destined for adventure, even if it was out of his comfort zone.
I agree that other aspects of an epic were incorporated into this novel, including settings of far distances and endeavors that took great courage. However, one of the elements of an epic, according to Harmon’s definition, was not included. Bilbo Baggins was not essentially of great importance before his journey. He
was known as a character that was afraid to leave his hobbit-hole at Bag End. Surprisingly, Bilbo’s mother, Belladonna Took, came from an adventurous family. We could assume that Bilbo was destined for adventure, even if it was out of his comfort zone.