Bilbo Baggins

Origin

The son of Bungo Baggins and Belladonna Took, Bilbo was born and raised in the Shire. His family was one of the wealthiest and most respected in Hobbiton.

Creation

Bilbo was originally created by J.R.R. Tolkien for his book The Hobbit. He also appears in Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series.

Major Story Arcs

The Hobbit

Bilbo, middle-aged and living at his ancestral home of Bag End, is conscripted by the wizard Gandalf to accompany him and thirteen dwarves on a quest to remove the dragon Smaug from the Lonely Mountain and reclaim the treasure there. On their journey they pass through Rivendell and the Misty Mountains. In the Mountains, Bilbo encounters the creature Gollum, and a magic Ring of mysterious properties and origin. He is able to best Gollum in a riddle game, and escapes from the Mountains, rejoining the dwarves.

They travel into the Mirkwood, where Bilbo rescues his companions first from the giants and then from the Wood-elves. They at last reach the Lonely Mountain, where the group sets up in Lake-town. The group sneaks into the Mountain via a secret entrance, and Bilbo scouts the cave, stealing part of the treasure and learning of Smaug's weakness. His report of the weakness is passed to Bard, and the dragon is slain. After the Mountain is reclaimed, Bilbo steals the Arkenstone, a gemstone heirloom belonging to Thorin Oakenshield's family and attempts to use it to prevent a brewing war between the forces of Oakenshield, the Lake-men and the Wood-elves. He is banished by Oakenshield, but reconciles with him as Oakenshield lies on his deathbed after the Battle of Five Armies. Bilbo is given a small portion of the treasure, and returns to the Shire, becoming one of the few hobbits to set foot far beyond his hometown.

The Fellowship of the Ring

Sixty years after his return from his adventure at the Lonely Mountain, Bilbo is celebrating his eleventy-first birthday. During this time he has continued to possess the mysterious Ring, unaware of its true nature and using it mainly to avoid annoying relatives. It unnaturally extends his youth, as well as causing him to feel worn-out and ill. He decides to retire and leave the Shire, leaving all of his belongings to Frodo Baggins, a relative whom he had adopted some years previously after Frodo was orphaned. During his eleventy-first birthday party he uses the Ring to vanish in front of his startled guests and returns to Bag End one last time. He prepares to leave, and is confronted by Gandalf, who urges him to leave the Ring behind as well. Bilbo initially reacts poorly to this, but is eventually talked into leaving behind the Ring, becoming the first person to have abandoned it voluntarily. He travels to Rivendell, where he takes up a peaceful life as a scholar.

Seventeen years later he encounters Frodo and the other hobbits as they pass through Rivendell on their way to destroying the Ring. When he sees the Ring, he attempts to take it from Frodo, but manages to restrain himself, breaking down into tears and apologizing to Frodo for the burden he has been forced to bear.

The Return of the King

After the destruction of the Ring, Bilbo accompanies Frodo, Gandalf and many of the Elves to the Grey Havens, where they travel across the Sea to the Undying Lands. By this time he has reached the age of 131, making him the oldest known hobbit in Middle-earth.

Powers and Abilities

Bilbo is capable with a sword. He is of notable intelligence, and capable of speaking and translating Elvish. He had an extended lifespan and youth due to the influence of the One Ring.

Other Media

Film

The Hobbit

Bilbo appears as the main character of this loose adaptation of the book.

The Lord of the Rings

Bilbo appears as a minor character in Ralph Bakshi's animated adaptation of the Lord of the Rings series. He is voiced by Norman Bird.

The Lord of the Rings Series

Bilbo appears as a minor character in Peter Jackson's film adaptation of the Lord of the Rings series, appearing in two films in the series. He is played by Ian Holm.

The Hobbit

Bilbo appears as the protagonist in Peter Jackson's film adaptation of The Hobbit. He is played by Martin Freeman.

Literature

The Hobbit

Bilbo was originally created for The Hobbit.

The Lord of the Rings Series

Bilbo makes a minor appearance in the Lord of the Rings series of books. He has appeared in two books in the series, as well as in supplemental material.

Radio

The Hobbit

Bilbo appears in the 1968 BBC Radio adaptation of The Hobbit. He is played by Paul Daneman.

The Lord of the Rings

Bilbo appears in the 1981 BBC Radio adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. He is played by John le Mesurier.

Television

The Hobbit

Bilbo appears as the protagonist in this made for television animated musical adaptation of the book. He is voiced by Orson Bean

The Return of the King

Bilbo appears as a minor character in this made for television animated adaptation of The Return of the King. He is voiced by Orson Bean