Examples Of The Hero's Journey In The Hobbit

Written by J.R.R. Tolkien in 1937, The Hobbit has become an award winning novel, that was able to influence modern day literature. Tolkien’s story follows the hero, Bilbo Baggins, and his quest to cease the long lost treasure. Through his quest, readers have the opportunity to witness the hero’s journey through Bilbo’s adventure. A Hero’s Journey lays out the path that most heroes and protagonists follow throughout their trek, in order to reach their goal. Divided into three main acts, the hero’s journey has 13 key steps, and The Hobbit demonstrates all of them. Three archetypal steps from the main sections that exemplify the hero’s journey in The Hobbit include the Call to Adventure from the Departure, Test Allies, and Enemies from Initiation,

One example from the text is, “Far over misty mountains cold, to dungeons deep and caverns old, we must away ere break of day, to seek to pale enchanted gold” (The Hobbit, page 17). Hence, this quote shows Bilbo receiving his call to adventure from the dwarves, through song. Stanza one explains to Bilbo what his search entails, and thus being his call to adventure. Corresponding to this, the author states, “Then something Tookish woke up inside of him, and he wished to go and see the great mountains, and hear the pinetrees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick” (The Hobbit, page 19). By including this quote, the author proves that, even if he doesn’t know it yet, Bilbo is accepting his call to adv, and he knows he can complete the tasks that lay ahead. Also, the author writes, “We are met to discuss our plans, our ways, means, policy and devices. We shall soon before the break start on our long journey, a journey from which some of us, or perhaps all of us (except our friend and counsellor, the ingenious wizard Gandalf) may never return” (The Hobbit, page 20) As a result of including this quote, the author gives Bilbo and the readers more insight to the adventure Bilbo and the dwarves will embark on soon. From the departure, Call To Adventure illustrates a key part of The Hobbit’s hero’s

For example, the author writes, “I am sorry to say that he did not mind. He was quite content; and the sound of the kettle one his heart was ever more musical than it had been before in the quiet days before the Unexpected Party” (The Hobbit, page 327). Not only does this quote shows that Bilbo’s life changed back to the way it was prior to the journey, but it also shows that his life has improved because of it. Based on, “The Tookish part was getting very tired, and the Baggins was daily getting stronger. ‘I wish now only to be in my own arm-chair!’ he said” (The Hobbit, page 319), Status Quo is also proved. Therefore, this elucidates the impression that Bilbo has come to an end with his quest, and he now wishes to return to the comfort of his normal life. Similarly, “One autumn evening some years after Bilbo was sitting in his study writing his memoirs- he thought of calling them ‘There and Back Again, a Hobbit’s Holiday.’- when there was a ring at the door. It was Gandalf and a dwarf; and the dwarf was actually Balin” (The Hobbit, page 328). With attention to this, the quote depicts the fact that although Bilbo lives his mundane life once again, he stills cares about and cherishes his past. Status Quo is an important factor in the