For this week in Literature of Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy; we learned about the literary formula of the Hero’s Journey. This is primarily based off Joseph Campbell’s diagram, and is used in many fantasy media we have today. Part of the duration of our class we watched “The Hobbit”, and I also chose to read the novel. I will be analyzing how “The Hobbit” by J.R.R Tolkien integrates the Hero’s Journey into its story.
To begin with, the story of “The Hobbit” uses childhood innocence at the introduction- the first aspect of the Hero’s journey. Bilbo, the main character, lives peacefully in his Hobbit hole without any problems or conflicts. This is the epitome of innocence, and it shows that Bilbo has no motivation or any experience on adventures. That is until Gandalf enters, which is a call to adventure. Gandalf the wizard and a group of dwarves intrude Bilbo’s home at this point. And Gandalf asks Bilbo to join his journey to reclaim the dwarve’s homeland. This is obvious that Bilbo has the opportunity to go on an adventure.
The next aspect, is the refusal to call. The “Baggins” side of Bilbo’s blood yearns for the peaceful, happy life. So at first, Bilbo turns down Gandalf’s request to be the burglar. Not until his “Tooks” blood kicks in, and the supernatural aid of Gandalf persuades Bilbo to join the adventure. This is how Biblo “crosses the first threshold”.
Following, are the road of trials and tests Bilbo faces. For example, Bilbo’s first task was to steal the trolls’ money purses. It initiated his role of the burglar, which he grows throughout his experiences. This applied to every encounter he had, including Wargs/wolves, goblins, elves, etc. At the end of these tests, was the Initiation, in which is when the group encounters the mountain and find a door.
Bilbo and his group then had to face the final challenge, the Ordeal. This is the apotheosis, or the climax of the story. Bilbo confronts the dragon that has been guarding its treasure to distract it, and the dwarves come in for the kill. The dwarves receive an award which is the gold. At the end of the story, Bilbo returns home- after being long awaited for the entire time. Bilbo is happy to return, but also has changed drastically from his experience and will never be the same. Bilbo is welcome to any new adventures to come.
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