Byron's Babbles

Bilbo Baggins was a sort of antihero in J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. Bilbo begins the story as a rather naive and reluctant character who grows into his role. Sound familiar? How many of us would say that is how we were? So maybe I should say Bilbo was a reluctant leader instead of an antihero. He grew into being both a leader and hero.

“Now that he has proved himself many times over, the dwarves look back on Bilbo’s cluelessness with fondness” (Corey Olsen, Exploring J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, p. 201).

Bilbo’s occasional cluelessness in The Hobbit teaches us several valuable lessons. Bilbo reminded us that everyone has moments of uncertainty or lack of knowledge, and that’s completely okay. It emphasizes the importance of humility and being open to learning, even when we’re faced with unfamiliar situations. Bilbo’s mistakes and missteps during the quest often lead to growth and new opportunities, reminding us that errors are just part of the journey toward success.

Bilbo’s ability to adapt, remain resourceful, and eventually find courage underscores that sometimes, not knowing everything initially can be an important step toward discovering our own strengths. These moments of Bilbo’s cluelessness remind us to be patient with ourselves and others as we navigate life’s quests and adventures.

Sometimes we need a little reminder of what is important. At the end of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins’ and Gandalf stop to visit the elves. We they arrive the elves are singing a song. Here is part of it:

The stars are far brighter

Than gems without measure,

The moon is far whiter

Than silver in treasure;

The fire is more shining

On hearth in the gloaming

Than gold won by mining,

So why go a-roaming?

O! Tra-la-la-lally

Come back to the Valley. O!

Where are you going,

So late in returning?

The river is flowing,

The stars are all burning!

O! Whither so laden,

So sad and so dreary?

Here elf and elf-maiden

Now welcome the weary

With Tra-la-la-lally

Come back to the Valley,

Tra-la-la-lally

Fa-la-la-lally

The elves were pointing out that the night around them that particular evening in May contained far more beauty than the hoard of riches ever could. The elves ask a simple question: since the stars, the moon, and the elves’ fire all surpass the shining brightness of riches, then “why go a-roaming?” The elves are highlighting that the forest glade by the river is not only more lasting and permanent than anything in human society, but it is also more lovely and desirable than its greatest marvels.

The elves were reminding Bilbo, just as we need this reminder sometimes, that as Corey Olsen pointed out in Exploring J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit “The things ‘that men trusted’—war, power, strength, wealth—are all ephemeral things and will always fail in the end. The small things—the leaves and grass and silly elf songs—will endure, for they are ever renewed” (p. 290). I love Olsen use of the word “ephemeral” here. I also love the application from Tolkien to our own lives. No, we cannot isolate ourselves from the global society around us and we need to take an active part, but we need to remember the things that are lasting.

The elves’ reflection suggested that true value and fulfillment come from things like natural beauty, warmth, and inner light. Those elements surpass material riches. From this, we can take away the importance of appreciating simple, genuine joys and seeking meaning beyond material wealth. I believe Tolkien was giving us a reminder encouraging us to prioritize experiences, connections, and inner growth over superficial possessions. True brightness comes from within and from the natural world around us. Embracing this perspective can lead to a more enriching and meaningful life.