How Does The Hobbit Present Gandalf As A Fatherly Figure

Gandalf is a wizard who seeks out and acts like a fatherly figure to Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Bilbo is half Baggins and half Took, but his Baggins side does not like new things while his Took side is very adventurous. The relationship between Bilbo and Gandalf is unique because Gandalf can act as a fatherly figure when with Bilbo, support Bilbo’s growth while away from him, and believe in him. Gandalf shows what it is like to have someone care for you and wants you to never give up. Tolkien does an excellent job of showing this in many different scenarios throughout the novel.

One of the ways that Gandalf shows his relationship with Bilbo is as a fatherly figure. For the duration of the novel Gandalf supports Bilbo against

Bilbo wishes he could turn around, go back home, sleep in his bed, and eat his own food. The dwarves also feel as if the burglar is worthless at the beginning of the novel. Gandalf quickly shuts down all accusations and lets everyone know that Bilbo will be very helpful in this mission. In chapters four and five, the group of fifteen finds themselves in a mountain filled with goblins. On their way out a goblin finds them, so in shock, a dwarf drops Bilbo. Bilbo becomes unconscious and the dwarves and Gandalf leave the mountain. After a long, verbal battle, Bilbo finds his way out of the mountain and to his companions. He overhears the dwarves groaning and begging not to have to go back and find him. Gandalf says, “I brought him, and I don’t bring things that are of no use. Either you help me look for him, or I go and leave you here to get out of the mess as best you can yourselves. If we can only find him again, you will thank me before it is all over.”(86) This shows that Gandalf believes in Bilbo and knows he will be useful during this adventure. Gandalf is also looking out for Bilbo while the others could care less about