There and Back Again: A Classic Journey of a Hero

The Hobbit is arguably the most recognizable piece of fantasy literature in the world, probably only bested by Tolkiens other work The Lord of the Rings. The Hobbit takes place in Middle-Earth and features a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins as the main character. Bilbo is taken on an adventure, the likes a hobbit has never seen, by the wizard Gandolf. He is not going alone however, he is accompanied by several dwarves lead by Thoren to kill a dragon and reclaim the mountain home. The call to adventure comes when the dwarves and Gandolf hand Bilbo a contract of employment and he decides to go on an adventure. I would say he reaches the threshold when the trolls are turned to stone and he obtains the sword Sting. I would argue this because this is when he first has a real taste of adventure and death. The challenges and transformation he faces is when he is face to face with the creature Gollum and finds the ring. The atonement for all is the battle of five armies and the defeat of the dragon Smaug, and makes peace with the dwarves. Then he finally makes his return, a changed man, back to the Shire.

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