Bilbo: A True Hero

“A true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart” -Hercules. In the book The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins had to make many decisions, which could be considered to be heroic, but he isn’t necessarily considered to be a hero because of his physical strength. What does it mean to be a hero? In the book Beowulf, many considered Beowulf to be a hero because of his strong, and prideful personality, and his large, and mighty size. Bilbo on the other hand was quiet and generous, and he was also only three feet tall, which made people question his bravery, and strength. Bilbo’s heroic qualities couldn’t always be easily notices, but were definitely always there. Through many of his experiences his bravery, kindness,

Many heroes are brutal in order to show their manliness or strength. Bilbo was strong because of his good heart and mind. He showed his kindness through his generosity, his level head, and his loyalty. Many would believe Bilbo agreed to the quest because of the treasure he knew he would receive. He did indeed earn the treasure, but out of the goodness of his heart, Bilbo heroically gave up all of it and shared with the people in need (44). Not only was Bilbo generous, but also he was always determined to right. Bilbo always was sure to think through every decision he made to make sure he was doing the best for others and himself. He took into consideration the well being of others and not just what they thought about him (47). Bilbo showed his kindness not only by putting others first, but also through his loyalty. He chose to give the precious Arkenstone away to Bard, and return home to his friends. He said, “I don’t think I ought to leave my friends like this, after all we have gone through together” (244). Bilbo was kind to everyone he was loyal and generous, which all show his

He made a decision when he received his sword, which was that he would not be violent with it unless he needed to be. He chose to only use it for self-defense, which showed he was a gentle hero. Bilbo put his decision to the test when he was over Gollum with his sword raised ready to strike, but stopped himself after thinking before acting. He realized that had no defense, nor had he given any threat on Bilbo’s life. A merciless warrior would have killed Gollum the way that Beowulf killed Grendel, but instead Bilbo showed one of the most heroic qualities one could possess. He showed mercy (80). Bilbo’s merciful spirit also shined through when he refused to fight in the Battle of Five Armies. The thought of violence repels him. “Bilbo’s heart fell, both at the song and the talk: they sounded much too warlike” (236). Bilbo was not violent. He was gentle, and in Bilbo that was a heroic quality. Bilbo was a hero. Although Bilbo did not necessarily have the same qualities that cause Beowulf to be considered a hero, he had his own special characteristics. He was brave, kind, and gentle. He proved himself a hero because of his thoughtfulness and consideration of others. Bilbo was a perfect example of a true hero. Through his actions he shows others it is possible to be brave but still kind, and fierce but still merciful. The definition of hero depends on the actions and motive of the hero, and what their decisions show