Things you didn’t know about Bilbo Baggins, the protagonist of The Hobbit
Many of you, as kids, spend a lot of time in an alternate world of fantasy. Many of your fantasies are fuelled and shaped by literature and movies. If you have a keen interest in fantasy novels, then you are unlikely to have missed The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings penned by author JRR Tolkien. Bilbo Baggins, the protagonist of Tolkien’s The Hobbit as well as a supporting character of the on-screen adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. The Hobbit was turned into a film trilogy, The Hobbit: The Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies', released in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Starting from Bilbo's home to his sword to the celebration of his birthday as Hobbit Day, there are many facts about this fantasy character, which we bet, you didn’t know about! Read on to know them.
Hobbits are fictional characters close to humans
In the world of Tolkien, the term Hobbit is attributed to the member of a fictional race akin to humans, diminutive in size and with hairy feet. Hobbits traditionally live in “hobbit-holes”. Hence, their name comes from the word ‘holbytla’, meaning ‘hole builder’. Tolkien endowed Hobbits with qualities such as calmness and simplicity who live in warm houses, and have traits such as bravery and resourcefulness.
Bilbo’s house was inspired by the farmhouse of Tolkien’s aunt
If you have watched The Hobbit trilogy, it is difficult to miss Bilbo’s home, Bag End. Tolkien spent his childhood in rural Warwickshire, England. He initially resided near Sarehole Mill in 1896 and later on, near Edgbaston Reservoir in Birmingham. Interestingly, Bag End emerged from the name of the house where Tolkien's aunt Jane Neave stayed in Worcestershire in Dormston, England.
Bilbo had a knack for home decor
Remember the entry of Bag End? It was a perfectly round green door with a brass knob at the centre. The entry was a tube-shaped corridor with panelled walls, a tiled floor, carpets and polished seats. There was an abundance of pegs for keeping hats and jackets too! The tunnel continued into the hill, with circular side entrances. Bedrooms, baths, cellars, several pantries, wardrobes, kitchens, and dining areas were all on the same level. The rooms left to the passage were sought after with their deep-set round windows and inviting views of the garden and meadows.
Bilbo got his famous sword from the wizard Gandalf
Gandalf, one of the protagonists in both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and a wizard too, gave Bilbo a dagger-like blade as an important addition to his arsenal. Gandalf found this leaf-shaped sword on a cave floor. It was said to have a spiral design and gently-curved edges. It used to shine blue, creating quite a spectacle! Bilbo developed a unique bond with the sword and named it Sting. Though a small dagger by the standards of the elves, Sting made a great short-sword for Bilbo Baggins.