For generations, authors have communicated to the reader through fictional stories known as myths. These myths, set in a fictional place or time, identify difficulties within the given theme which are directly relatable to societal issues today. The popular novel The Hobbit is a great example of a myth that correlates to society today. Although it takes place in a fantasy land and has several creatures that do not exist, it analyses how we as humans should live our lives as well as defining what it means truly means to become a hero.
The Hobbit encourages us to take risks and experience new paths which will ultimately make us have a better character. A hobbit is a peaceful creature that enjoys the security of a hole in the ground; not a dirty one, but rather clean, organized, and well-kept. Bilbo was a common hobbit from the Bagginses family. People considered them, “very respectable, not only because most of them were rich, but also because they never had any adventures or did anything unexpected: you could tell what a Baggins would say on any question without the bother of asking him (pg. 3-4).
Based on his family and those before him, Bilbo was a traditional hobbit. There was nothing specifically unique about him or his characteristics. Bilbo was living the good life and thoroughly enjoyed it. So naturally, when Gandalf came about to tell him about the journey, Bilbo responded by stating, “We are plain quite folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can’t think what anyone sees in them” (pg. 6). The text quoted above reinforces the depiction of Bilbo, and more importantly his plain behavior.
He appreciates structure and tidiness. When requested to journey on an adventure, he was reluctant and made up excuses. Bilbo initially refused change within all aspects of his life, and was only familiar with his complacency. This attitude demonstrated by Bilbo relates to how people act in the world today. There are many people who are content with the way they live and deny possible change within their lifestyle. To some, a dramatic life-adjustment would only allow the possibility of challenge, conflicts, and problems to arise. This mindset is engrained within our culture today.
Reluctant as Bilbo was, he does go on the adventure, and that is when Bilbo starts undergoing his transformation. One specific instance is when he encounters the trolls. Bilbo is referred to as “the burglar”. Since Bilbo is the burglar, he must go and pickpocket the trolls. He is extremely cautious on the method he used, since he is inexperienced in the task; and unfortunately, he gets caught. As a captured prisoner, he is visibly afraid. When asked who he was, Bilbo replied, “shaking all over, and wondering how to make owl-noises before they throttled him (pg. 4)”. Having never experienced this kind of event before, it was no surprise he was scared. Bilbo was fortunately able to talk his way out, though he was frightened the whole time.
A while later, Bilbo is found the caves near the goblins where he gets trapped and lost in a dark cavern. He is approached by a small, creepy creature called Gollum, but this time he was not as afraid as the former incident. Bilbo was still slightly anxious when he heard Gollum, “The hobbit nearly jumped out of his skin (pg. 69). Bilbo pulls out a sword against him, only to sheath it shortly after. He then exchanged riddles with Gollum to survive, and was able think clearly thanks to his relatively calm state. This was the first challenge Bilbo definitively conquered. These two events indicate Bilbo’s gradual transformation in both confidence and bravery. The instance with the trolls may have frightened Bilbo, but when faced with Gollum, he used previous experience to be brave and think his way out of a dangerous situation. People today are no different than Bilbo in their behavior.
Since many people are not comfortable facing new adventures and potential risks, they are shy away from the challenges that come along with it. Most people would rather back out of a risk they begin to take if they are initially afraid because they aren’t familiar with the new lifestyle they encounter. This directly relates to the first point because the fear of risks and challenges influence one’s comfort zone. Bilbo however, continues on, determined in his journey and learns bravery and confidence through it. Bilbo refused to back out right away like some would in this day in age.
People today must keep pushing forward with the choices they make and risks taken, because without them, nothing is gained. As Bilbo grows in bravery and confidence, he also develops as a leader. This specifically takes place when Bilbo is dealing with the spiders. After awakening from his slumber by noticing something sticky land on his hand, he sees a spider attempting to capture him, and decisively kills the spider with his sword. The moment of, “killing the giant spider, all alone by himself in the dark without the help of the wizard or the dwarves or anyone else, made a great difference to Mr. Baggins (pg. 44). ”
The difference made him feel, “a different person, and much fiercer and bolder in spite of an empty stomach (pg. 144). ” This is a key moment for Bilbo as he rescues the dwarves. He was able to kill a spider and save all the dwarves without the help of Gandalf. This situation matures him as a leader and a hero since he had to act on his own, make independent decisions, and lead everyone to safety. He had no help besides himself. This quote also explains that he gradually felt different about himself. This can relate to people in the world today because new experiences can create new opportunities.
If people in the world today take the initiative and get out of their comfort zone, they have an opportunity to grow as a leader because they are exposed to so much more than if they stayed with the life where they lived comfortably. After the adventure is completed and the battle subsided, Bilbo’s life is not the same as it was when he first departed. Since his absence, “He had lost his reputation. It is true that forever after he remained an elf-friend, and had the honour of the dwarves, wizards, and all such folk as ever passed away; but he was no longer quite respectable (pg. 275).
The other hobbits in the area did not care for him anymore, since he was influenced by the events within his journey different. He grew to appreciate the freeing feeling of adventure, which is unlike the traditional hobbit way. Bilbo had lost the respect of the hobbits because of his decision to act differently and pave a unique path for himself. This feeling correlates to our thoughts and actions in the present day. Venturing out of a comfort zone and experiencing something new will change the course of the individual’s life. Whether this results in good or bad, life won’t be the same.
Depending on the situation, some friends and acquaintances are lost. Reputation could possibly be ruined and perspectives of others may shift. On the other hand, radical life change provides opportunity to gain closer relationships with new individuals. Additionally, it is possible to gain reputation from others met along the way. Just like Bilbo, a life can be turned completely around, for he went from “very respected” to no other hobbit caring for him. The whole adventure of Bilbo and his transformation is closely correlated to our world.
He experienced obstacles that many face today. First, he initially refused the quest because it would take him out of his comfort zone. People nowadays are just as comfortable where they are, and dislike the possibility of change. Most individuals are nervous and afraid of stepping beyond their boundaries, but overcoming obstacles leads to transition, just like how Bilbo did within his journey. Secondly, people must understand that new experiences may be frightening at first, but eventually they can strengthen and build their character.
Bilbo was terrified in the beginning of his trip, like his encounter with the trolls for example. There will be times where events become daunting and it seems like a good idea to turn around. This is rarely the right choice. Those moments are exactly when persistence is necessary. Through them, the individual is strengthened in character, similar to how Bilbo continued on in his time away from the traditional hobbit lifestyle. Lastly, anyone can be a hero. Bilbo was a prime example of this, since he was a common hobbit and had nothing special about him.
Even though he was as traditional as the next hobbit, Bilbo was able to become a leader and grow into a hero amongst the dwarves he was with. Nowadays, people live as if there is nothing unique about them and they have no defining characteristics. With this mentality, of course nothing spectacular will be accomplished. Being a hero does not necessarily mean soaring into save lives. Becoming a hero can be as simple as leading others and encouraging them when given the chance to do so. People need to recognize this and live through it, but if they become overly comfortable, they will never experience this lifestyle.
No one was born a hero; rather through individual experiences and persistence comes the traits of a hero. The Hobbit is an excellent example of encouraging the reader to take risks and gain new experiences in order to build character and change the conventional lifestyle. Bilbo was no different than a common man, yet Bilbo seized an opportunity and persisted through his adventure. This dramatically changed the character of Bilbo for the better. If people can follow the example of Bilbo, they too will mature as a person and learn from the challenges they face throughout all of life.
