Fantasy Heros Unit 9

Fantasy

Imaginative genre with magic, mythical creatures, and unreal worlds; focuses on adventure and moral lessons; creates Middle-earth — immersive, believable, and rich in history.

Secondary World

A self-contained imaginary world with its own logic and rules; helps readers 'suspend disbelief'; The Hobbit takes place entirely in Middle-earth (not a dream).

Bilbo Baggins as Unlikely Hero

An ordinary and reluctant character who learns bravery and independence; readers relate to his growth — shows courage through learning.

Hero’s Journey (Monomyth)

Universal pattern consisting of departure → trials → return; common in adventure tales; Bilbo leaves home, faces trials (Gollum, Smaug), and returns transformed.

Call to Adventure

The hero’s invitation to begin the journey, often resisted at first; Bilbo initially refuses Gandalf’s offer due to fear of danger.

Mentor / Supernatural Guide

A wise helper or protector who guides the hero; Gandalf pushes Bilbo forward, saves him early, then steps aside for Bilbo's growth.

Adult–Child Dynamic

An adult figure helps, then steps aside for independence; Gandalf leaves, allowing Bilbo to act on his own.

Home–Away–Home Pattern

Adventure structure: leaves home, faces danger, and returns changed; symbolizes growth and experience; 'There and Back Again' signifies Bilbo’s full circle journey.

Adventure vs. Comfort

Adventure represents freedom and courage, while comfort symbolizes safety and routine; Bilbo learns to value both — courage brings real growth.

World-Building

Creating detailed worlds (maps, language, history) to make fantasy feel real; Tolkien’s runes, songs, and myths immerse readers deeply.

Reader Participation

The story invites active involvement; in Chapter 5, Bilbo's riddle game with Gollum encourages problem-solving and engagement.

Childlike Skills as Strength

Childhood play becomes survival skill; Bilbo uses stone-throwing (childhood game) to defeat spiders, demonstrating that creativity and cleverness matter more than strength.

Bilbo’s Growth (Bildungsroman)

A story of personal development where Bilbo progresses from timid to brave; models self-discovery for young readers.

Epic / Mythic Influence

Draws on legends and ancient hero stories, focusing on deeds rather than emotions; songs and group identities (Elves, Dwarves) reflect mythic tradition.

Storytelling as Power

Telling stories shapes fate and identity; Bilbo’s tale helps defeat Smaug (thrush overhears him), promoting literacy and imagination.

Brother-Battle / Shadow Self

Confronting the darker version of oneself; Gollum represents Bilbo’s potential for greed; Bilbo’s mercy demonstrates moral strength.

Apotheosis (Transformation)

'Death and rebirth' where the hero becomes a new self; Bilbo faces fear before Smaug — earns new names (Ringwinner, Barrel-rider), marking completion of his growth.

Return & Reintegration

The hero comes home changed; Bilbo, presumed dead, returns wiser and more content, balancing adventure with appreciation for home.

Hospitality and Rest

Safe, comforting pauses between adventures; examples include Rivendell, Beorn’s house, and Lake-town, symbolizing warmth, kindness, and recovery.

Main Themes

Growth through courage and imagination; value of adventure and home; storytelling as a source of power; fantasy as moral and imaginative education.