The Hobbit is the perfect example of a formulaic hero’s tale. Bilbo Baggins begins his journey as a painfully ordinary man, most comfortable in routine and unwilling to disband from it. Only through the supernatural persuasion of a mentor (Gandalf), does he feel the compulsion to embark on a journey, knowing fully well that he will never be the same afterwards. This “refusal to call” and “crossing of first threshold” are critical elements in the primary stage of the heroic adventure.
The second phase- initiation- begins as they journey through the wilds to Rivendell, and Bilbo immediately feels the difference between his old mundane life and the unexpected perils of adventure. He constantly reflects on his desire for leisure and luxury, and for many people this must make Bilbo a fairly relatable character. He is pushing himself out of his comfort zone and at first it is scary and only makes you long for a time when everything was in your control. As Bilbo progresses through the journey’s trials, though, he slowly begins to see his worth as a member of the team and as an individual. When they reach the Lonely Mountain, Bilbo is able to play the role he was hired for: to act as a sort of spy/thief. He steals the golden cup as well as the Arkenstone, gathers intel about Smaug’s weak spot, and tries to make peace among races through negotiation. After war erupts and Thorin is at the end of his life, Bilbo receives atonement for his actions through the declaration of friendship. This allows the “apotheosis” phase to help Bilbo realize how much he has grown. He has accepted the changes within himself and embraces the return phase, where he does return to his daily routine but he has undoubtedly been changed for the better and earned the respect of many. This is a classic ending to a heroic tale, one used to satisfy the reader and make them feel as if they too can journey to find the hero within.
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