The Unexpected Epic Of Bilbo Baggins s The Odyssey

Rachel Johnson British Literature October 15, 2015 Period 2 Bilbo Baggins: The Unexpected Epic Hero Praised for his or her brave deeds and noble qualities, a hero has distinguished courage and ability. An epic hero is a unique type of hero who is often depicted in an epic poem. Homer initiated the concept of an epic hero in the person of Odysseus in the epic poem The Odyssey. Through his works and other author s works, the traits of an epic hero emerge. An epic hero embodies certain traits or characteristics; a strong love for their people, courage and being humble. The hero also grows stronger through a journey that benefits more than just the hero; a selfless act. Bilbo Baggins who is a hobbit who lives in a small house, small town in a small hole. No one would have thought he would become one of the greatest Epic Heroes in literature, because of his size and because he isn t well known. Some call him the unexpected hero, but there is no doubt that he has many of the characteristics of an Epic Hero. He does not exactly have an exigency to go on the journey at first, but as the story unfolds, Bilbo Baggins portrays traits of an epic hero. One of the traits of an epic hero is the love for their people or people in general. This type of love is illustrated through the hero s actions, through the love of people around them and the sense of being a team player. Bilbo invites strangers into his house and feeds them. Bilbo says I am just about to take tea;