Examples Of Bilbo's Transformation In The Hobbit

“This is a story of how a Baggins had an adventure, and found himself doing and saying things altogether unexpected. He may have lost the neighbours’ respect, but he gained -- well, you will see whether he gained anything in the end” (Tolkien 2). The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien presents an unlikely hero, a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins. Gandalf, a wizard and old family friend, forces Bilbo out of his comfort zone onto a journey to recover the dwarves home and gold from the evil dragon, Smaug. Bilbo fulfills the archetypal hero’s journey with the help of his magical talismans, a ring and a sword, and facing his final ordeal illustrating the theme of character development. Throughout Bilbo’s journey, without the assist of his magical ring, he
For example, when the group was attacked by the giant spider, Bilbo: “somehow the killing of the giant spider, all alone by himself… he felt like a different person, and much fiercer and bolder…” (Tolkien 155). This demonstrates how Bilbo himself and the dwarves can see the changed with Bilbo becomes more courageous after killing the spider. He even names the sword sting in honor for slaying the spider. Another example, is when he uses sting to save the dwarves from the spider webs and letting them escape while he held the spiders back. “The spiders swelled with rage, and spluttered and frothed, and hissed out horrible curses; but they had become mortally afraid of Sting….” (Tolkien 164). The moment he save the group from the webs, his status change from a follower to a leader. This event was like an evolution for Biblo. In summary, the moment he named his sword Sting, it was a turning point for Bilbo to show how he's capable of being a
For instance, his final ordeal is when he negotiated with the Elvenking and Bard. He shows them the Arkenstone: “This is the Arkenstone of Thrain...I give it to you. It will aid you in the bargaining” (Tolkien 270 - 271). Bilbo gives the Arkenstone to Thorin’s rivals since Thorin doesn’t want to give them any part of the treasures which can cause a war. Bilbo doesn't want to see any violence between the dwarves, elves, and Bard; he emphasize how important the Arkenstone is to Thorin as he makes the decision for the group. He even admitted “I gave it [to] them!” (Tolkien 274). Though Bilbo respect his relationship between Thorin, he tries to make the right choice in order to keep peace. Although Bilbo gives Bard the stone to keep all the trouble away, Thorin ends his relationship with Bilbo due to greed. Furthermore, Bilbo gains more knowledge and begins to sacrifices something valuable for the