Epic Fantasy Novel

I recently read the epic novel the Hobbit by JRR Tolkien. It’s a fantastic epic that explores a main character and the character’s psychological growth. The main hero, Bilbo Baggins, is given a simple description to establish his character. He is a hobbit originating from Baggins and Took descent. These names define 2 characteristics about Bilbo. He has a dominant desire for peace, food and happiness as well as an innate desire for adventure. As the story progresses, I was fascinated by how the author was able to have the character make choices within the confinement of the established character.

Bilbo who is portrayed as a weak creature was able to follow through many challenging acts because of his wit and courage. Bilbo is able to learn and grow from his adventures and still remain true to his character in the end. He still loves to eat and enjoy peace. Many of his decisions he makes throughout his journey can be derived from these natural callings. For example, when the humans have seiged the dragon’s castle leaving the dwarves and Bilbo trapped, Bilbo is able to put aside desire for treasures and go to the humans to give them the dwarves treasured Arkenstone. With the Arkenstone, the humans were able to negotiate with the stubborn dwarves.

Another example of a character who makes choices limited to his character is the dwarf character named Thorin. In the novel, Tolkien establishes that Dwarves cherish gold above anything else. Thorin’s motives throughout the novel cater toward his goal of reclaiming his treasures from the dragon Smaug. Even when he is held captive by the elves, he is unwilling to share where his ultimate destination in fear that the elves would want a share. Later on when his fortress is besieged by the humans, he is unwilling to turn over the treasures to help repair the village that he accidently unleashed havoc upon in pursuit of his treasures.
These archetypes Tolkien uses help create characters that are easily relatable. As an audience member I find it enjoyable to be able to empathasize with these characters and be able to experience the rewards that they gain in their shifts in character arcs and the decisions they make.