The Adventures of Bilbo Baggins by Kristofer

The Adventures of Bilbo Baggins by Kristofer - April 2014 Scholarship Essay

Bilbo Baggins was hobbit from Bag End. He lived a very simple life filled with leisure and food. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, not a single mealtime was missed in his hole in the ground. Bilbo was at peace with his life choice. But one day, an old wizard came to Bilbo's little home and because of Gandalf (who at this point is still Gandalf the Grey)Bilbo was besiged by dwarves ready to take back their ancient home from a fearsome dragon. The Took side of Bilbo (the more adventurous family of hobbits) wanted to go and so he went off on an adventure. Sad to say with the films now out and being milked for money, many will not read "The Hobbit" as I have. Bilbo was more of a hero in that version than just someone who is tagging along.

Bilbo inspired me with his conviction and courage. He was living an easy life, much as I was, until he went on a grand adventure. I too have been on many adventures. I have traveled all over the continental United States, I am working for the Muskogee Renaissance Festival, and I have loved and lost, as have many others. The truth is Bilbo's tale is a bit like all of our own. You can never tell what tomorrow will bring and there's never a guarantee that it will even be a good thing, but you go and you take what life gives you. You take it by the reigns and you make it your own, much as our dear Bilbo. You may get an adventure of a lifetime as I have now being far away from home and getting my education, or you may just have a small walk in a quiet forest. There are curveballs to say the least, just as Bilbo had to rescue his friends from spiders, I had to rescue myself from sadness when my girlfriend dumped me.

In the end though, our dear Bilbo grew up a bit and he started truly appreciating what his life had to offer having seen the misfortunes and dangers that could be had. I too have matured from my ordeals and trials in my own way and I am ready to take on whatever adventure happens next. The plan one day is to travel to a distant land not quite unlike our dear friend Mr Baggins did.