Literature
The Mystery Behind Bilbos Hidden Ring in The Hobbit
The Mystery Behind Bilbo's Hidden Ring in The Hobbit
Bilbo Baggins, the titular character in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, came across a ring that would change the course of his life when he was tasked with reclaiming the lost treasures of Thorin Oakenshield. This ring, initially titled the Phial of Galadriel, was later revealed to be the Dark Lord Sauron's One Ring. However, its first appearance and subsequent mystery play a pivotal role in the narrative. This article delves into the reasons behind Bilbo's decision to hide the ring and its implications on his story and character.
Why Bilbo Hid the Ring from Gandalf and the Dwarves
When Bilbo discovered the ring in the Stone of Erebor, he was initially thrilled with the treasures he had found. However, upon returning to the Shire with his newfound wealth, he realized the true significance of the ring. There were two major reasons for Bilbo's desire to keep the ring a secret:
Displaying Burglary Skills
Bilbo, an oft-described as a respectable member of the Hobbit community, was eager to showcase his burglaries to his peers and superiors. Specifically, he feared that discovering the ring's true nature would lead to him being seen as a failure or an incompetent member of the party. He wanted to display his proficiency in thievery to garnish praise and admiration. By hiding the ring, he maintained the facade of a successful burglar, thereby boosting his ego and self-worth.
Shame and Adversity
Bilbo's guilt about how he obtained the ring was also a significant factor in his decision to hide it. When the ring was first discovered, a creature named Gollum accused Bilbo of being a thief. This simple interaction left a lasting impression on Bilbo, and he felt ashamed of his actions. He did not want the ring to remind him of his own dishonesty, and by keeping it hidden, he could maintain a sense of moral integrity.
The Cooking up of a Cover Story
In an attempt to make sense of his discovery and to avoid further embarrassment, Bilbo concocted a fabricated tale. According to his story, he had won the ring fairly in a riddle game against one of the elves who had stashed them for safekeeping. This cover story allowed Bilbo to provide a plausible explanation for the ring's origins without directly acknowledging the implications of the One Ring. It also served to placate any inquiries or suspicions from others, such as Gandalf and the dwarves, who might have noticed the ring's unusual properties.
The Ring as a Tool of Convenience
Upon returning to the Shire, Bilbo found that the ring served a practical purpose as well. The ring's ability to make the wearer invisible was incredibly useful. Bilbo used the ring in various instances to avoid unwanted visitors and passers-by, thus ensuring his peaceful and unbothered life. This application of the ring helped reinforce his desire to keep it hidden, as it was a source of his personal power and independence.
The Implications of Hiding the Ring
By keeping the ring hidden, Bilbo was not only concealing its true nature but also increasing the danger posed by its existence. The ring's power grew in strength as it remained in possession of someone who did not understand its full potential. Gandalf's subsequent discovery of the ring's true nature marked a turning point in Bilbo's life and the larger narrative of Middle-earth. It was Bilbo's unconscious segregation of the ring that allowed for the vast consequences that would unfold in the subsequent volumes of the Hobbit trilogy and the future of the world.
Conclusion
The motive behind Bilbo's decision to hide the ring is multifaceted, spanning from self-preservation to shame and personal power. His actions, while orchestrated to maintain his status and an unbothered life, ultimately led to a series of events that would shape the world of Middle-earth. Understanding Bilbo's hidden ring can provide deeper insights into his character and the larger narrative of Tolkien's masterpiece.