The HobbitThe Hobbit, written by John RR Tolkien, is a fantasy novel published on September 21, 1937. It was written as a prelude to the famous Lord of the Rings series, written seventeen years later. The Hobbit introduces the reader to an incredibly immersive fantasy world, which enriches the reader in its epic plot. The story takes place in a land called Middle-earth, a land full of enchanting surprises and magical wonders. It was the perfect playground for Tolkien to develop his main character Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo Baggins was a little hobbit, who at first, unaware, would play an important role in the plot. It is through this character that Tolkien implements the theme of heroism in the story. Bilbo's unexpected adventure with the dwarves and the wizard gave him the opportunity to become the definitive hero of Tolkien's tale. Bilbo's epic journey to become the hero of the story begins when Gandalf, the wizard, tells Bilbo of an expedition that would soon change his life forever. Bilbo begins his long journey with the dwarves, who at the time were still skeptical of Bilbo's abilities. The dwarves did not understand why they needed such a small and incompetent hobbit with them on their journey. Gandalf tells them to stop complaining and trust that there is more to Bilbo than meets the eye (Tolkien 6). Bilbo soon shows his courage and heroism for the first time in the story when they encounter their first obstacle, three large trolls huddled around a campfire. Bilbo, once a shy and unadventurous guy, begins to transform into a hero as he tries to steal one of the trolls' purses. This is a dramatic scene in the novel because it was Bilbo's first act outside his comfort zone. It was this... middle of the paper... little friend, Gandalf implies that he too was impressed by the important role Bilbo played in their journey, adding irony to the theme of heroism. Bilbo was the perfect character for Tolkien to express the theme of heroism because he was just the average, everyday character with a kind heart. He was not a wizard or a famous warrior, but a hobbit, a simple hobbit who did not ask for heroism. Bilbo would much rather stay in the quiet of his home, but as fate would have it, he would do much more, even if Bilbo wouldn't say it himself, he truly was... a hero. Works Cited Tolkien, JRR The Hobbit, Or, There and Back Again. New York: Ballantine, 1982. PrintWeber, Ann. "WHAT MAKES A HERO? Ordinary people put their lives at risk to help others." La Lama [Toledo] 19 April 2009, City Final ed., Toledo Magazine section. Premier of academic research. Network. October 29. 2010.