The Hobbit Bilbo Character Analysis

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In J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel, The Hobbit, (1973) a group of thirteen dwarves set off to reclaim the treasure stolen from their ancestors by the dragon Smaug. The widely known and highly respected wizard Gandalf agrees to assist the dwarves on their mission and lead them through Wilderland with his wisdom. He plays an important role in the book, and has many features about him that support his significance. On the journey, Gandalf is the leader at the beginning, has a God-like quality, and leaves just before Mirkwood and puts Bilbo in charge. When the journey starts off, the dwarves and Bilbo look to Gandalf as their leader because of his limitless wisdom. Gandalf is the brains behind the entire expedition and has thought ahead for everything. …show more content…
Gandalf’s reasoning for leaving is that he has to take care of “ ‘...some pressing business away south…’ ” (136). He leaves right before Mirkwood and does not return until the Battle of Five Armies. During Gandalf's absence, Bilbo has to fill the leader position when the dwarves get in trouble. Bilbo has to be courageous and act quick when the dwarves get captured by spiders, imprisoned by elves, and refuse to face Smaug. At the mountain, Bilbo is left to figure out how to open the door and get rid of Smaug. Doing all these tasks significantly improves Bilbo’s role in the book of the protagonist. Bilbo’s acts of bravery in Mirkwood and the mountain even out the amount of heroic deeds performed by Gandalf and Bilbo. By the end of the Battle of Five Armies, the dwarves have equal respect for the two heros. Gandalf plays a key role in Tolkien’s The Hobbit by leading the group in the beginning, having a quality to know when he is needed, and giving Bilbo the opportunity to become a hero when he leaves. Gandalf agreeing to help the dwarves on their mission lead to a successful and character building experience for Bilbo and the dwarves. He built Bilbo up to the hobbit he has become by the end of the book. Gandalf teaches the group priceless knowledge not just about fighting opponents, but about good friendships and the true values of
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