Question 1: Bard’s Heroism in Tolkien’s The Hobbit

Tolkien develops his heroes according to both the medieval and modern perceptions of
what a hero should be. Characteristics such a sense of justice, prowess in battle and self-
sacrifice play an important role in establishing the theme of heroism in The Hobbit. Although
both Bard and Bilbo are heroes in different ways, they complement each other in dragon-
slaying. Modern and medieval heroic elements are contrasted to create an interesting read for
modern readers. In the traditional sense, Bilbo is not the hero.
Bard the Bowman slays the dragon and is eventually recognized as the king of Dale. He
does not accept the title even though the people of Lake-town demand him as king (Tolkien
170). His aim as the king is to improve the lives of his people, which rightfully grants him a
heroic status. It is a good idea for Tolkien to delay the true hero until late in the book because
it enables the reader to understand Bard’s true heritage. Furthermore, his slaying of the
dragon is a firm demonstration of both Christian and folklore perceptions of a hero. Since the
dragon is associated with pride in Europe’s folk tradition, Bard’s victory is translated as a
true heroic act. Jones, a scholar who explores the medieval legends behind J.R.R. Tolkien’s
The Hobbit posits that “the slaying or the taming of a dragon becomes the quintessential
miracle to be performed by a saint” (Jones 125).

Surname 2

Works Cited
Jones, Leslie Ellen. Myth & Middle-Earth. Open Road Pub, 2002.
Tolkien, John Ronald Reuel. The hobbit. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012.