In the previous essay regarding the meaning of a Biblical hero, the word “hero” is never truly defined. Rather, the essay explores the three pinnacle qualities a hero must not have. These three title-stripping characteristics were the possession of hate for their enemies and lack of discernment. Thus, if a person, elf, dwarf, or hobbit does have these qualities, then they are not a hero. The prior essay leaves no definition for what qualified someone as a hero if they pass the preliminary character test. For the sake of our understanding, the word hero is defined as someone who completes virtuous deeds at their own expense, and does not possess any of the anti-hero traits listed before.Throughout the essay, this definition will apply.
The Hobbit is a fantasy novel written
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Since it has been substantiated that Bilbo does not possess any anti-hero qualities, the focus will solely be on the fact that Bilbo completes virtuous deeds at his own expense. One can clearly observe this in the two prior instances cited-- namely, when he spares Gollum’s life and hands the Arkenstone over to Bard. In both occurrences, Bilbo sacrifices something to do what is virtuous; reprieving an unarmed Gollum for his troubling actions, positions Bilbo in a potentially fatal predicament, and relinquishing the Arkenstone leaves Bilbo on bad terms with Thorin and possibly nothing to bring home. Of course, Bilbo does not die, Thorin forgives and respects him, and he acquires two chests of silver and gold to carry home. Virtuous actions unwittingly earns Bilbo more than he ever bargained for, but these are not the details one should focus on. Bilbo did not suffer much, but he certainly could have. He knowingly situated himself in unfavorable positions for the welfare of others without expecting anything in