Bilbo Baggins; Zero to Hero
Bilbo Baggins; Zero to Hero
How does one define a “hero?” By classic definition, a hero is a man of great strength, valor and swordsmanship who fights evil even in the face of insurmountable odds to defend the lives of the innocent and those that can’t protect themselves. Indeed it is these very attributes which separate heroes from the common man. However, the word “hero” takes an entirely different connotation in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic tale The Hobbit, in which the hero of the story is a furry-footed, complacent, hole dwelling hobbit named Bilbo Baggins. At first glance, Bilbo is very much the “un-hero” and more like an everyday average person than a hero. Unlike the classic definition of a hero, Bilbo’s strength is not measured by the might of his sword (though “sting” does prove to be a formidable ally,) the number of enemies he’s slain, or his ability to protect the innocent (in fact, Bilbo needs a great deal of protection himself.) Instead, Bilbo’s strength and heroism lay in his cunning intelligence & quick thinking, courage and above all else his loyalty to his friends.
Bilbo’s quick thinking and cunning intelligence plays an integral part in his success in becoming a hero. Early on Bilbo encounters a creature by the name of Gollum whose intent as we come to find out, is to eat Bilbo. In an effort to buy more time, Bilbo enters a game of riddles with the creature of the dark. Both agree that if Bilbo should win, Gollum will escort Bilbo to the exit. However, should Gollum win, Bilbo’s fate is sealed as Gollum’s next meal. After exchanging numerous blows, it is Bilbo’s wit that prevails by asking the question “What have I got in my pockets?” (Tolkien, 78) Similar to Bilbo’s encounter with Gollum is his confrontation with Smaug. This time however, Bilbo is facing a far more formidable opponent. Smaug attempts to lure Bilbo into his hall by telling Bilbo that there is plenty of treasure to go around. Bilbo however, having knowledge of dragon-lore sees through Smaug’s frivolous attempt and proceeds to flatter the dragon and talk in riddles. “This is of course the way to talk to dragons, if you don’t want to reveal your proper name (which is wise), and don’t want to infuriate them by a flat refusal (which is also very wise.)” (223) It is through this tactic that Bilbo establishes himself as being capable of conquering his enemy through battles not of sheer force, but of wit and the use of riddles.
Courage is perhaps Bilbo’s second greatest strength and his only strength as characterized by the definition of the “classic hero.” While Bilbo’s courage is not immediately realized, there remains the fact that he has an innate desire for journey and courage; his “tookish” (15) side. Indeed what we see is a progression of heroic acts in which Bilbo’s valor is put to the test. Among these heroic acts include (but are not limited to) his run in with the trolls, his encounter with the spiders deep within the Mirkwood Forest, and what is perhaps his greatest act of courage, his confrontation with Smaug. Bilbo’s first act of courage comes about with his run in with the trolls. In an effort to prove to his companions that he is a capable burglar, Bilbo tries his luck at picking the pocket of a troll. “Bilbo plucked up courage and put his little hand in William’s pocket.” (36) While ultimately Bilbo’s tactics prove to be futile, his intentions took a great deal of courage. After all, everyone’s got to start somewhere. Another pivotal moment in Bilbo’s progression in courage is his encounter with the wicked spiders of Mirkwood. Facing the threat of being eaten alive, Bilbo finds enough courage to cut himself free (after being captured by the spiders) and kill the great spider which had been keeping watch over him and the other dwarves. After the killing of the great spider, there comes over Bilbo a great sense of accomplishment.
“Somehow the killing of the giant spider, all alone by himself in the dark without the help of the wizard or the dwarves or of anyone else, made a great difference to Mr. Baggins. He felt a different person, and much fiercer and bolder in spite of an empty stomach, as he wiped his sword on the grass and put it back into its sheath.” (156)
While there’s no doubt these acts are courageous, they pale in comparison to the amount of courage he musters up when he finally meets Smaug.