In a world where countless people have read JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit, it makes sense that one might feel compelled to ask: Is Bilbo Baggins an intelligent and respected hero or is he a fearful and timid hobbit? The answer is that Bilbo is certainly a hero for many reasons: he acquires a weapon, saves his friends from danger, and demonstrates many heroic characteristics. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Bilbo receives two valuable items: a sword and the ring of invisibility. Bilbo discovers abilities that were previously unknown to him when he kills a spider using the sword and the ring of invisibility. "Somehow killing the giant spider, all alone in the dark, without help from the wizard, the dwarves, or anyone else, made a big difference to Mr. Baggins. He felt different, much fiercer and bolder despite his empty stomach. Even the sword-wielding dragon Smaug fears Bilbo's existence when he dreams of him as "a warrior, quite insignificant in size but with a bitter sword and great courage." Bilbo could have participated in the Battle of the Five Armies and played the role of warrior, but Bilbo denies the conflict. He only uses the sword and ring for protection, which is when he saves his friends from spiders. One of his characteristics as a hero is also his quick and quick thinking. Later in the story, Bilbo encounters a skinny, slimy, dark creature named Gollum while lost in a network of tunnels in a mountain whose intention was to devour him. After Gollum tries to devour him, Bilbo decides to play a game of puzzles with him in order to save time. Gollum would promise to show him the way out if Bilbo asked a riddle that Gollum couldn't answer. But if Bilbo couldn't answer a riddle posed by Gollum, Gollum would consume him. After alternating various riddles, each one becoming more and more difficult, it was ultimately Bilbo's mind that won out. Ask “What do I have in my pockets?” » This left Gollum perplexed, leading him to show Bilbo the exit. His encounter with Smaug is very similar to that with Gollum. This time, however, Bilbo finds a much scarier creature. Proclaiming that these are luxury treasures, Smaug attempts to ambush Bilbo. Bilbo, who knows better, sees Smaug through, flatters the dragon and speaks in riddles. For example, Bilbo teaches: "This is of course the way to speak to dragons, if you do not want to reveal your own name and do not want to exasperate them with a flat refusal." »Bilbo defines himself through this strategy as being capable of defeating his enemy through battles not of pure power, but of spirit and intelligence. It is true that he is not the athletic or muscular character that we imagine a hero to be. Bilbo is about three feet tall, and he doubted his own skills at the beginning of the novel and was afraid of leaving his house, let alone going on adventures far away. But through his heart and courage, he is a true hero, as seen when he spares Gollum's life or saves his friends from danger. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Bilbo is a small individual with a huge core who changes the world using a different approach than fighting or brute force. He displays excellent character, courage and intelligence. Bilbo is a hero where the world is made a better place through his excellent character and peace. Works Cited: Clark, AE and, 42(6), 539-555., 42(7), 625-638.