Being Part of a Grand Story
In my study of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, I have been fascinated by Bilbo Baggins’ transformation. Bilbo Baggins is a gentle, humble hobbit. He enjoyed a simple life filled with comfort, good food, and quiet days. However, beneath his unassuming exterior, he possesses a curious and courageous spirit that leads him on an unexpected adventure beyond his cozy home. Throughout The Hobbit, Bilbo evolves from a cautious, reluctant participant into a brave and resourceful hero, discovering strengths and qualities he never knew he had. I already wrote about Bilbo’s development in From Timid to Trusted: Humble Leadership and
Courage and Wisdom Blended in Measure.
Interestingly, Corey Olsen also focused on Bilbo’s evolution in his great book, Exploring J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. He posited that, “At the beginning of the book, the narrator invites us to judge whether Bilbo ‘gained anything in the end.’ In Chapter Five [The Hobbit], we are still far from the end, but we can already begin to see what Bilbo is gaining. Bilbo has passed the turning point in his career. He has ceased to be a passive victim of his adventure, and he has embraced his new life. He has even come to take pleasure in seeing his own life as part of the great, grand stories that he listened to (with obvious pleasure, despite their Tookishness) even when he lived in Bag-End” (p.p. 108-109). Olsen went on to say, “Bilbo has come to see that, though adventures may in truth be “nasty . . . uncomfortable things” that “make you late for dinner,” as he said back in Chapter One [The Hobbit], it can also be rather grand to be a part of one of the great stories” (p. 109). Bilbo had discovered qualities in himself he never knew, reminding us to recognize and develop our own and our team’s potential.
One of my favorite lines in The Hobbit is toward the end of the book when Gandalf told Bilbo, “You are not the hobbit that you were” (The Hobbit, p. 338). While reading the book I was witnessing the changes in Bilbo, but this really drove it home. The “quest” had changed Bilbo, and for the better. Think about how many times this happens to us. When I think back to my time as a principal of a turnaround school, there were times when it was pure hell. But it was also some of the most rewarding and life-changing work I have ever done. I developed friendships I still have today and I am certainly a different and better person for having been on that quest.
Bilbo’s transformation in The Hobbit offers valuable lessons for leaders. Initially, Bilbo is cautious, comfortable, and somewhat hesitant to step beyond his familiar world. But through his journey, he developed qualities like bravery, resourcefulness, perseverance, and adaptability. Those traits, along with embracing challenges, thinking creatively under pressure, and growing through experience, are essential for effective leadership.
Bilbo also learned to lead with humility and kindness. My other favorite line in The Hobbit is, “Already they had come to respect little Bilbo. Now he had become the real leader in their adventure. He had begun to have ideas and plans of his own” (The Hobbit, p. 259). Despite his growth and developing into a leader, Bilbo remained humble and caring, qualities that foster trust and teamwork.
Bilbo’s evolution in The Hobbit can serve as an example to encourage leaders to have courage, be adaptable and flexible, and open to personal growth. Also, we need to always remember to inspire our teams to do the same.
Courage and Wisdom Blended in Measure
Yesterday as part of my study of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, I wrote about Bilbo Baggins becoming recognized as a leader in From Timid to Trusted: Humble Leadership. Toward the end of the book Gandalf told Bilbo, “You are not the hobbit that you were” (The Hobbit, p. 338). I loved this! It is such a great reminder from Tolkien that we are not the same person as we were before completing our most recent quest. For more about quests, read Quest or Adventure. We are ever changing, learning, and growing. Take a moment and reflect about the ways you are a different person today than five years ago.
Thorin told Bilbo, “There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure” (The Hobbit, p. 325) This also eludes to growth and change in Bilbo. Thorin believed that Bilbo’s true potential was greater than he understood, and he wanted to inspire confidence in him to face the challenges ahead. This moment underscores themes of self-discovery and recognizing one’s own worth.
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
~ Thorin, The Hobbit, p. 326
When Thorin said, “There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure,” he meant that Bilbo possessed the inner qualities of goodness, bravery, and intelligence.
Additionally, Thorin pointed out that Bilbo may not fully realize his own development. The phrase “blended in measure” suggested an harmonious combination of the qualities of courage and wisdom, balanced well within Bilbo. Thorin was acknowledging that Bilbo had the potential to be brave and wise in equal parts, and that those qualities are combined skillfully within him. It’s a heartfelt encouragement, emphasizing the inner strength and potential that Bilbo carries.
From Timid to Trusted: Humble Leadership
I am reading J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit right now and one of my favorite parts of the story is how Bilbo Baggins evolved from a humble hobbit into a brave and resourceful figure who takes on leadership qualities, especially as he led and assisted the dwarves during their quest to save Middle-earth. His growth into a leadership role is a significant part of his character development in the narrative. I love how Tolkien made Bilbo a humble leader.
Bilbo’s humbleness plays a significant role because it reflected his genuine character and growth throughout the story. His humility allowed him to stay grounded despite his unexpected heroism, making him approachable and relatable. It also enabled him to recognize his limitations, seek help when needed, and remain open to new ideas and challenges.
Moreover, his humility fostered trust and camaraderie among the company of dwarves and other characters, which was essential for their collective success. Ultimately, Bilbo’s humbleness highlighted that true leadership and heroism often stem from modesty, kindness, and a willingness to learn.
These qualities inspire others and lead to meaningful personal growth. One of my favorite quotes in the book is, “Already they had come to respect little Bilbo. Now he had become the real leader in their adventure. He had begun to have ideas and plans of his own” (The Hobbit, p. 259). Wouldn’t we all love to have this said of us?
This highlights the importance of humility and perseverance. Bilbo started as a humble hobbit but grew through his experiences. His journey, as created by Tolkien, showed that leadership and confidence can develop in unexpected ways, even in unlikely individuals. I really love that because, remember, I believe everyone is a leader. It also emphasized the power of cleverness, bravery, and taking initiative, as Bilbo’s ideas and plans proved crucial to the success of the adventure.
Leading With Love, Friendship, Purpose and Conviction
J. R. R. Tolkien did a masterful job of writing in a way that gives us lessons we can apply to our lives. I am a big believer in leaders showing love toward those we serve. That love is agape or charity. In The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle-Earth by Ralph C. Wood, Wood pointed out how Tolkien addressed friendship and love. First he points out a paradox, saying, “…when doing the most difficult things for the sake of the Good, they become astonishingly effortless.” Purpose and conviction can transform hardship into a noble, almost effortless pursuit.
“My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30)
Frodo’s journey to destroy the Ring is fraught with peril and hardship, yet his resolve is fueled by a desire to protect Middle-earth from evil. His commitment makes the difficult path seem less burdensome, as his motivation aligns with a higher purpose. Similarly, Gandalf’s sacrifices and bravery often appear effortless because they stem from his deep sense of duty and moral clarity.
The other important piece to this is how friendship and love come into play. Frodo’s friendship with Sam and Sam’s love for Frodo are also discussed. Sam described Frodo as a friend whose worth is beyond all estimate. This friendship is philia. In The Four Loves, C. S. Lewis pointed out that friendship is the one love that is not diminished when it is divided. I believe Tolkien was mixing two loves here reminding us the importance of relationships. In a friendship (philia) we also love in a charitable (agape) way wanting to help the other person be successful. I love how Tolkien showed how both loves can simultaneously be in practice.
It is also amazing that Tolkien had Sam actually say of Frodo, “I love him.” Merry and Pippin also get in on the act. Wood explained that in Merry said, “You can trust us to stick with you through thick and thin-to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours-closer than you keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo” (The Fellowship of the Ring, p. 115-16). We can learn from these characters that when undertaking challenging tasks driven by genuine goodness and in the company of friends, our efforts transcend mere struggle and feel almost natural.
Servant Leadership: Being Liberated From Self-Concern
Back in 2018 I wrote, Servant Leadership; Not Just Cliché. Still, with so many leadership buzzwords and corporate jargon, I worry that servant leadership has become undeniably a cliché. Everyone touts being human-centered, but are they really living up to what it means. I’m still reading through my notes and highlights from reading The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle-Earth by Ralph C. Wood. Wood argued that, “To be a servant is to be liberated from self-concern. It is to be so fully devoted to the common good that one hardly thinks of one’s own wants and needs at all.” That’s a really good definition!
Wood also pointed out that we have the ultimate example of servant leadership from God. Wood posited that “God did not assume the life of a ruler or king, a prophet or philosopher, but rather the role of a servant.” He goes on to point out that many of the characters in J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings lived by contentedly serving to unmake the Ring. Frodo and Sam, as well as Merry and Pippin, all served not for glory, but to make Middle-earth a better place.
“Christ Jesus, … though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:5-8).
Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin display humility by taking on the tremendous burden of destroying the Ring, often putting the mission above their own safety and comfort. Servant leaders prioritize the needs of others and are willing to make personal sacrifices for the greater good. A pretty good reminder on this Memorial Day Weekend as we honor those here in the United States who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Everyone Has An Errand & Everyone Undertakes A Journey
Yesterday I wrote Quest or Adventure about Gandalf’s distinction between adventure and the quests in Middle. I want to continue this inspired by reading The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle-Earth by Ralph C. Wood. Tolkien’s Bilbo believed that everyone has an “errand” or mission and purpose. This really resonates with me because I believe this to be true for each of us. We all are also on a journey every day of our lives. Wood reminded us we are all immersed in the “ever-rolling stream” of the river of time. I love how Wood put it:
“Legolas the elf declares this dark truth: ‘Few can foresee whither their road will lead them, till they come to its end’ (The Two Towers, p.95). The question-and thus the Quest — concerns how we shall travel the road and whether we shall complete our errand. Like Frodo, we are called not so much to find a treasure as to lose one. There is a huge difference, of course. While the Ring is evil and must be destroyed, our lives are good and must be preserved.”
By staying true to our purpose we can do as Bilbo taught us to “keep our feet.” In other words not be swept away by life’s great river.
“The Road goes ever on and on Down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, And I must follow, if I can, Pursuing it with weary feet, Until it joins some larger way, Where many paths and errands meet. And whither then? I cannot say” (The Fellowship of the Ring, p.p. 82-83).
I love how Wood points out that an earlier version of Bilbo’s song used “eager” rather than “weary.” Just goes to show that our errands do drain us at times. Staying eager in our purpose and mission involves nurturing our motivation and maintaining a clear sense of why we started. We need to regularly remind ourselves of the core reasons that motivated us to pursue our own quests (missions). Reflecting on our passion can reignite our enthusiasm.
Just like Bilbo surrounded himself with individuals who shared his vision. Their support and shared energy boosted Bilbo’s eagerness. We need to learn from this and do the same. Speaking of learning; we need to keep Learning and continuously seeking new knowledge and skills related to our errands (missions). Growth keeps things interesting and fuels our commitment and keeps us eager instead of weary.
Quest or Adventure
I just finished reading The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle-Earth by Ralph C. Wood. Now I am working my way through my study notes and highlights. One part that Wood dug deeply into was the “The Call to the Life of the Quest.” Wood helped foster our own ethical reflection by referring to Gandalf’s distinction between adventure and the quests in Middle-earth. This distinction prompts us to reflect on motives. The question is, are our actions driven by curiosity or a sense of duty? Leaders equipped with this awareness can make more ethical decisions aligned with their core values. Wood does a masterful job of navigating us through what we can learn from Middle-earth on this distinction, saying:
“Their stories are later remembered, Sam observes, because these folks-usually against their own wishes-were embarked upon a Quest, a mission whose outcome involved something immensely larger and more important than their own happiness. In explaining this matter to Frodo, Gandalf draws a fundamental distinction between a quest and an adventure. An adventure, he says, is a “there-and-back-again” affair. One undertakes an adventure as a matter of one’s own desire-often from boredom and a lust for excitement. Once the treasure is found and the adventure is over, one returns essentially unchanged by the experience. An escapist culture lives for adventures. A Quest, by contrast, is never a matter of one’s own desire but rather of one’s calling. Over and again, Frodo asks why he has been chosen for his dreadful task. His summons is not to find a treasure but to lose one-to bear the Ring back to the Cracks of Doom and there to cast it into the melting fires whence Sauron first forged it.”
An adventure is often spontaneous, unpredictable, and driven by curiosity or circumstance. It involves exploring new experiences without a specific end goal, emphasizing personal growth and discovery.
A quest, on the other hand, is purposeful and centered around a clear objective. It requires determination, planning, and a commitment to a greater good or mission.
We need to recognize the value of both the adventure and the quest. As leaders, we should understand that some situations call for the adventurous spirit. Adventure is the time for embracing innovation, taking risks, and fostering creativity. Other times, a focused, quest-driven approach ensures alignment with strategic goals.
Gandalf’s insight reminds leaders to distinguish between the spontaneous exploration of opportunities (adventure) and deliberate pursuit of meaningful goals (quest). Balancing both can lead to innovative, resilient, and ethically grounded leadership.
Leaders As Servants
I am loving and taking lots of notes while reading The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle-Earth by Ralph C. Wood. Yesterday morning I highlighted a passage about Tolkien’s Legendarium The Lord of the Rings characters that I believe we, as leaders, can learn from:
“Like Faramir and Sam-but unlike Boromir and Saruman- Galadriel is able to refuse the Ring’s magnetic lure. Bilbo had also used the Ring many times without permanent damage. Whence the difference? Why can some resist the fatal temptation while others yield to it? Boromir and Saruman both see themselves as leaders and heroes; their loves are disordered by their own lust and ambition. The others, by contrast, possess something akin to what Jesus calls purity of heart (Matt. 5:8). They have preserved their integrity of soul and conscience. They regard themselves as servants rather than lords. All four of them have properly ordered their loves to the Good.”
This is a profound reflection on human nature and morality. I love how Wood described the key differences of how each individual orders and prioritizes their loves and desires. Boromir and Saruman, driven by ambition and desire for power, allow their selfish loves to dominate, leading them astray from true virtue and integrity. In contrast, those (Galadriel, Faramir, Sam, and Bilbo) who possess “purity of heart,” as Jesus described, have their loves properly ordered — they seek the Good and place it above personal ambition or desires. This inner discipline preserves their integrity, making them servants of higher ideals rather than slaves to greed or pride. It’s a reminder that true heroism often comes from humility and fidelity to what is good and right within us.
I am now going to explore how Galadriel, Faramir, Sam, and Bilbo exemplify being servant leaders to higher ideals rather than slaves to greed or pride:
Faramir:
Faramir, the Steward of Gondor, embodies humility and wisdom. Unlike many who might seek personal glory or power, he recognizes the importance of serving his city and its people with integrity. His refusal to take the Ring, despite the temptation and the potential for heroism, shows he’s motivated by duty and the greater good rather than personal ambition. His inner discipline allows him to serve a noble cause, placing honor and justice above pride or greed.
Sam:
Samwise Gamgee is perhaps the epitome of humble service. His unwavering loyalty, kindness, and sense of duty drive his actions. Despite modest beginnings, he serves Frodo not out of desire for recognition but out of genuine friendship and a commitment to doing what is right. His actions demonstrate that true heroism comes from humility and a selfless desire to help others, rather than seeking fame or personal gain.
Bilbo:
Bilbo Baggins, initially a simple hobbit of the Shire, becomes a hero through acts of courage and cunning, yet he remains humble. His adventure is driven by curiosity and a sense of adventure rather than greed. Even when offered great treasure, he often chooses integrity over material wealth, recognizing that true worth lies in personal virtue and honest deeds. Bilbo’s journey reflects a servant’s attitude—serving higher ideals of bravery, friendship, and moral integrity.
Galadriel:
Galadriel is a classic example of a servant leader. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legendarium, she embodies wisdom, humility, and selflessness — key qualities of servant leadership.
Throughout her dealings with the Fellowship of the Ring, Galadriel demonstrates a willingness to serve others by offering guidance, sanctuary, and gifts that strengthen their resolve. Her leadership is characterized by her ability to inspire trust and provide support without seeking personal gain or dominance. She prioritizes the well-being and success of others, exemplifying humility and moral integrity—core traits of a true servant leader.
Conclusion
All four characters exemplify how true greatness often involves serving higher principles—such as loyalty, humility, and justice—rather than being enslaved by greed or pride. Their inner discipline and unwavering commitment to their values make them heroes in the truest sense.
Language Is Never Neutral
In The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle-Earth, Ralph C. Wood says, “The larger point to be taken is that, for Tolkien, language is never neutral. As our most precious gift, it is always loaded with implication, always employed for either good or ill.” Wood’s statement highlights J. R. R. Tolkien’s view that language is deeply meaningful and inherently powerful. When Wood says that “language is never neutral,” he means that words and symbols carry weight, implications, and moral significance—they can be used to build up or tear down, to inspire or corrupt. I always remain aware that language matters.
For Tolkien, language wasn’t just a tool for communication; it’s a vital force that reflects and shapes moral values. This idea underscores the importance of how we choose our words, recognizing that language has the capacity to influence both individual hearts and the broader world. This reminds us that language is a gift that should be used responsibly for good.
Justice Is Inherently Relational
In her outstanding response to Dr. Beitler’s lecture, “The Ring of Righteousness”: Justice in J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, Dr. Meitzner Yoder made the comment that “Justice is inherently relational.” As a person who believes relationships are the key to everything, this suggested that justice isn’t just about abstract rules or principles; instead, it emphasizes the importance of relationships between people. Essentially, justice arises through interactions—how individuals treat one another, fairness in relationships, and mutual respect.
For us as leaders, this means that fostering just environments goes beyond simply applying policies. We should pay attention to the nature of their relationships with team members and stakeholders, ensuring transparency, fairness, and empathy. By doing so, we create a context where justice is experienced and practiced through genuine connections, trust, and shared responsibility. This relational view encourages us to build inclusive, respectful cultures where everyone feels valued and treated fairly.
Byron's Babbles 
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