the Hero’s Journey: Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ as Fantasy Quest

Introduction

In this essay, I will delve into the relationship between Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey model and its application to J.R.R. Tolkien's novel, "The Hobbit." To provide a comprehensive analysis, it is essential to address several pertinent questions: What defines the fantasy genre, and how does "The Hobbit" fit into it? What is portal quest fantasy, and how does it contribute to world-building in the narrative? What constitutes a hero, and what type of hero does Tolkien present in "The Hobbit"? This exploration will reveal the intricate ways in which Tolkien’s narrative aligns with Campbell’s storytelling framework, despite being written before Campbell formalized his theories.

Understanding Fantasy

Fantasy is a genre characterized by imaginary worlds, magical elements, and mythical creatures. It often serves as a means of exploring complex themes through allegory and metaphor. "The Hobbit" belongs to the subgenre of high fantasy, which typically features an entirely fictional world distinct from our own. Within high fantasy, "The Hobbit" can be classified as portal quest fantasy, where characters traverse a threshold from a familiar world into a fantastical realm. This transition is crucial for setting the stage and immersing readers in a world where anything is possible.

Farah Mendelsohn’s classification further distinguishes between immersive fantasy, entirely set in a secondary world, and portal fantasy, where the protagonist crosses a boundary into a fantastical domain. In "The Hobbit," Bilbo Baggins embodies this crossing, moving from the mundane Shire to a world filled with adventure and danger. This transformation is facilitated by Gandalf, the mentor figure, echoing Campbell’s concept of the call to adventure.

Defining the Hero

A hero, in literary terms, is often an individual who embarks on a journey, faces trials, and returns transformed. Tolkien’s depiction of Bilbo Baggins as a hero deviates from the typical archetype. Bilbo begins as an ordinary hobbit, comfortable in his predictable life. His heroism is not defined by physical prowess but by his growth, courage, and moral choices. This aligns with Campbell’s idea of the hero as someone who undergoes self-achieved submission to a cause greater than themselves.

Bilbo’s journey from a hesitant and timid hobbit to a courageous and selfless leader highlights his evolution. His decisions, such as showing mercy to Gollum and sacrificing his share of the treasure for peace, underscore his transformation. This makes Bilbo an ideal ordinary hero, relatable and grounded, yet capable of extraordinary deeds.

The Hero’s Journey in "The Hobbit"

Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, also known as the monomyth, is a narrative template that outlines the typical adventure of the hero. It consists of three main stages: departure, initiation, and return. "The Hobbit" exemplifies this structure, although it was written before Campbell’s theories were published, suggesting the universality of these narrative elements.

Departure

The journey begins with the protagonist's departure from the familiar world. In "The Hobbit," Bilbo’s departure is marked by Gandalf’s arrival, offering the call to adventure. Initially, Bilbo refuses, clinging to his comfortable life in the Shire. However, Gandalf’s persuasion and the unexpected arrival of the dwarves propel Bilbo to accept the challenge. This phase aligns with Campbell’s steps of the call to adventure, refusal, and eventual acceptance.

Initiation

The initiation phase involves the hero’s trials and transformation. Bilbo’s adventures, from encountering trolls to outwitting Gollum, serve as trials that test his resourcefulness and bravery. The discovery of the Ring and his encounter with Gollum mark a turning point, symbolizing his crossing of the first threshold. These experiences catalyze Bilbo’s growth, aligning with Campbell’s concept of the hero’s initiation into the world of the magical and the fantastic.

Bilbo’s actions during these trials exemplify his development. His cleverness saves his companions from trolls, and his compassion spares Gollum’s life, unknowingly altering the fate of Middle-earth. These moments reflect the road of trials and the hero’s gradual transformation.

Return

The return phase involves the hero’s reintegration into the ordinary world, changed and enriched by their experiences. Bilbo’s return to the Shire, though physically unchanged, reveals his internal growth. He has gained wisdom, courage, and humility, embodying the hero’s journey’s ultimate goal of transformation and self-discovery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tolkien’s "The Hobbit" intricately follows the Hero’s Journey model, despite predating Campbell’s formalization of the concept. The narrative structure of departure, initiation, and return is evident throughout Bilbo’s adventure, highlighting the timeless nature of this storytelling framework. Bilbo Baggins emerges as a quintessential ordinary hero, whose journey from the Shire to the Lonely Mountain and back underscores the universal themes of courage, growth, and selflessness.

This essay has explored the alignment of "The Hobbit" with the Hero’s Journey, emphasizing the importance of fantasy as a genre for exploring human experiences and the enduring appeal of Campbell’s monomyth in understanding the narratives that shape our world. Through Bilbo’s journey, Tolkien invites readers to embark on their own adventures, challenging them to grow and transform in the face of the unknown.

Did you like this example?

406

17