Heroic Journey: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Heroic Journey: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

I think that J.R.R Tolkien is way too hyped. Both his main stories, The Hobbit, and, The Lord of the Rings, and almost the same story. In Each, vertically challenged individuals walk to a mountain, giant eagles save the day, and then they walk home to write a book about their adventures.

I am of course joking about these too epic legacies of genre defining storytelling, and will seek to explain in simple words why The Hobbit is an excellent story well worth reading. (I would cover the Lord Of The Rings as well, but lack a copy on me and would probably just end up fan-girling over the contents anyway.) The Hobbit is a children’s book first and foremost. The tale can get grim and sad, but the tone and focus is always more upbeat and meandering. This truly is a book that is meant to be read out loud. The writing style puts you in the mind of a grandfather leaning back in his chair weaving together a tale to his grandkids. The way the story digresses on certain points and wanders down unnecessary paths before snapping back to the action really captures the feeling.

The story itself captures the various aspects of the journey well and really details the evolution of Bilbo’s character from nervous wreck longing for home, to stalwart friend and wise ally. One of the things I like most about the story is that there is so little fighting actually shown or experienced. Unlike the films or other “adventure” stories, Bilbo uses stealth and quick thinking to outwit his foes, whether a quick escape for him and his companions from the elven stronghold or it’s a battle of words with Gollum in a dark cave, Bilbo does best with his words and wits, not his sword. He also strives for peace and compromise, giving the Arkenstone to Bard to force the dwarves to trade with the men for peace. This is why it’s a great kids book. The protagonist is bold but even-tempered, courageous but witty, and above all trusts his friends and needs them as much as they need him. Other adventure stories emphasize violence and independence in their lead characters. Simple put, Bilbo will probably lose a fight with anyone competent. That is why he is a great hero.

Finally, The Hobbit, was a new and defining moment for the genre of fantasy. It added epic world building and new classic races. Orcs or Elves became staples of the series. Huge conflicts and political dealings came into being. It also popularized a new fantasy away from witches, Knights and Arthurian legends.

The Hobbit and its big brother Lord Of The Rings, may be responsible for setting the new standard for what is generic fantasy, but at the time, they weren’t generic fantasy the same way Star Wars wasn’t generic Sci-Fi. Both have defined their genres for generations to come. I cannot recommend reading The Hobbit to your kids enough. It will draw you closer together and you might just enjoy yourself as well.