Question

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy novel, The Hobbit, the hero is the Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo’s “Ordinary World” is his hobbit hole in Bag End in the Shire. At first glance, Bilbo Baggins seems to be the most comfortable hobbit in all of Hobbiton. However, after hearing the dwarves' song, a part of Bilbo begins to long for adventure. His “Call To Adventure” comes when the wizard, Gandalf, approaches him and asks if he wants to go on an adventure. Bilbo, at first, refuses to go with Gandalf on the adventure (“Refusing the call”). Gandalf puts a sign on Bilbo’s door and a band of dwarves come to his house and eat all his food. This is extremely unnerving for Bilbo (bad things happening after refusing the call). Gandalf serves as Bilbo’s “Mentor” throughout the story. Bilbo agrees to go with the dwarves to try and reclaim the treasure from a place called Lonely Mountain (“Crossing the Threshold”), and they begin their journey. One of Bilbo’s “Tests” is his encounter with the trolls in the woods. When they capture the dwarves, he must rescue his friends. The elves (“Allies”) in Rivendell take care of Bilbo and the other dwarves and prepare them for the journey ahead. They will also face various “Enemies” who want to prevent them from finishing their goal. Bilbo’s “Ordeal” is his journey to the heart of the goblin mountain and his encounter with Gollum, a twisted character, who he must outwit to save his own life. His “Supreme Ordeal” is when he participates in ‘the Battle of Five Armies,’ and his side succeeds. Bilbo’s “Reward” is his share of the dwarves’ treasure from the mountain.

Question:
Which of the following is true about "The Hobbit"?
A. It has all the components of the Hero's Journey.
B. It follows the Hero's Journey except for having a "Supreme Ordeal."
C. It follows a structure other than the one described by Campbell.
D. It is not considered a Hero's Jorney as Bilbo doesn't save anyone.

Answer 1

A. It has all the components of the Hero's Journey.

This statement is true because "The Hobbit" includes all the essential elements of the Hero's Journey as described by Joseph Campbell. Bilbo goes through various stages such as the Call to Adventure, Refusal of the Call, Meeting with the Mentor, Crossing the Threshold, Tests, Allies, Enemies, the Ordeal, and the Reward, among others. Therefore, it captures the complete Hero's Journey structure.