Annotated Hobbit

Like Lord of the Rings itself, The Hobbit very closely follows the model of the hero's journey. Towards the opening of the book, Bilbo Baggins is extremely reluctant to go with Gandalf and the dwarves, but ultimately answers the call to adventure. Gandalf, in both Tolkien works, is the mentor character. The escape from the goblins marks the crossing of the threshold for Bilbo, and the suggestion of greater adventure, along with his first power gained, comes in the form of the ring which he pockets. He begins to prove himself further by outwitting Gollum and finding his friends on his own. The book sees Bilbo and his allies through many trials and enemies until they experience two great ordeals: the battle with the dragon, Smaug, and the Battle of the Five Armies. Finally, the Arkenstone, the object of the journey, is retrieved and laid to rest with Thorin Oakenshield, while Bilbo embarks home with a renewed understanding of life and The Ring, which is secretly an even greater elixir.