Bilbo Baggins: The Unlikely Hero of Middle-earth

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous fantasy universe of Middle-earth, there are many characters that leave an indelible mark on the reader’s mind. From the powerful wizard Gandalf to the epic hero Aragorn, there are many heroes whose stories are told and retold. However, there is one character who stands out for his unassuming nature and the way he stumbles into adventure: Bilbo Baggins.

Bilbo is introduced to readers in the first book of Tolkien’s epic trilogy, The Hobbit, where he is portrayed as a quiet and unremarkable hobbit living in his comfortable hobbit hole in the Shire. He is content with his simple life and enjoys his peaceful routine, which includes second breakfast, afternoon tea and evening supper. However, Gandalf the wizard has other plans for Bilbo, and he enlists him to be the “burglar” for a group of dwarves who are on a mission to reclaim their lost kingdom in the Lonely Mountain.

From the outset, Bilbo is hesitant and unsure of himself. He is not a warrior or a skilled fighter, and he has never ventured outside the Shire. However, as he embarks on the journey with the dwarves, he discovers that he has hidden strengths and talents that he never knew existed. He uses his quick thinking, resourcefulness, and wit to help the dwarves escape danger, overcome obstacles, and ultimately succeed in their mission.

One of the main reasons Bilbo is such a compelling character is that he is not a traditional hero. He is not physically strong or courageous in the traditional sense, and he has many flaws and weaknesses. He is prone to procrastination, self-doubt, and even cowardice at times. Yet, despite these flaws, Bilbo manages to rise to the occasion and become a hero in his own right.

One of the most memorable scenes in the book is when Bilbo encounters Gollum, the twisted creature who possesses the powerful ring that becomes the centerpiece of the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy. In this scene, Bilbo uses his cleverness and his knowledge of riddles to outsmart Gollum and win the ring, setting in motion the events that will ultimately lead to the defeat of the dark lord Sauron.

Bilbo’s personality is also a defining factor in his heroism. He is kind-hearted, compassionate, and always looking out for others, even when it puts him in danger. He forms a strong bond with the dwarves, and he becomes their loyal friend and ally throughout the journey. He also shows compassion and empathy towards the other creatures they encounter, such as the giant spiders and even the dragon Smaug.

Ultimately, Bilbo’s journey is not just a physical one but an emotional and psychological one as well. He learns to face his fears, confront his weaknesses, and discover his inner strength. He also learns the importance of home, family, and belonging, and he returns to the Shire a changed hobbit who has transformed into a true hero.

In conclusion, Bilbo Baggins is one of the most unique and beloved characters in fantasy literature. He is a true underdog who finds his own path to heroism, and he inspires readers with his kindness, compassion, and inner strength. His journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit, and it reminds us that heroes can come in all shapes and sizes.

Quest'articolo è stato scritto a titolo esclusivamente informativo e di divulgazione. Per esso non è possibile garantire che sia esente da errori o inesattezze, per cui l’amministratore di questo Sito non assume alcuna responsabilità come indicato nelle note legali pubblicate in Termini e Condizioni
Quanto è stato utile questo articolo?
0Vota per primo questo articolo!