The Hero’s Journey in J.r.r. Tolkien’s The Hobbit

Introduction

The hero's journey, it's like this classic storytelling template that shows up everywhere, right? We see it in books, movies, you name it. One really cool example is J.R.R. Tolkien’s "The Hobbit." In this story, Bilbo Baggins—just an ordinary hobbit—gets swept up into a big adventure that changes him completely. This essay's gonna dig into how Bilbo's journey follows the hero's path. We'll see how he grows and transforms through all these wild challenges he faces.

The Hero's Journey in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit"

The Call to Adventure

So, let’s talk about the “Call to Adventure.” That’s when the hero gets invited to step out of their normal life and into something totally new. In "The Hobbit," this happens when Gandalf and a bunch of dwarves show up at Bilbo’s door in the Shire. At first, Bilbo's like, "No thanks," because he loves his comfy little hobbit hole and isn’t too keen on risky adventures. I mean, who wouldn’t be? But Gandalf is pretty convincing, not to mention those dwarves have some epic stories about reclaiming their home. Eventually, Bilbo gives in and decides to join them on their quest. This whole scene sets everything else into motion and pushes Bilbo way outta his comfort zone.

Crossing the Threshold and Trials

Once Bilbo says yes to the adventure, he leaves the Shire behind—that’s him crossing the threshold into this unknown world full of crazy stuff. He starts running into all sorts of tests that really challenge him. One major one is meeting Gollum down in those creepy tunnels under the Misty Mountains. Here’s where he finds the One Ring and has to play this nerve-wracking riddle game with Gollum. Talk about tense! But he uses his smarts to win—showing us he's got more guts than we thought. Throughout his journey, whether he's fighting giant spiders or dealing with Smaug the dragon, each challenge helps turn him from a nervous hobbit into a quick-thinking hero.

The Transformation and Atonement

Now onto transformation—this is where Bilbo really steps it up as a leader and becomes a legit hero. His bold moves start earning him respect from everyone around him, which is pretty sweet to see. The big test comes when they face Smaug; here Bilbo’s cleverness and bravery totally steal the show. Plus, his willingness to broker peace during the Battle of Five Armies shows just how wise he's become—it ain't just about swinging swords anymore! By the end of all this craziness, Bilbo's made peace with who he is now; he goes back home changed for good.

Conclusion

You know what? Bilbo Baggins’ journey in "The Hobbit" nails what a hero's journey is all about. From getting pulled into an adventure against his better judgment, facing loads of trials head-on, then transforming big time—Bilbo goes from being this hesitant guy to a full-blown hero we can root for. His adventures aren’t just fun—they’re deep explorations of growth and change that resonate long after you close the book. Tolkien did such an amazing job showing us that even someone unexpected can become heroic—and that's a reminder we could all use sometimes!

References

• Tolkien, J.R.R. (1937). The Hobbit. George Allen & Unwin.
• Campbell, J. (1949). The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton University Press.
• Curtis-Wendlandt, L., et al., eds (2015). Tolkien Studies: An Annual Scholarly Review Vol XII. West Virginia University Press.
• Pearce, J., & Polhemus, R., eds (1998). Tolkien: A Celebration - Collected Writings on a Literary Legacy. HarperCollins Publishers.
• Purtill, R.L. (1974). Lords of the Elves and Eldils: Worlds Beyond Middle-earth. Zondervan Publishing House.