Social Question

SABOTEUR's avatar

What led Gandalf to believe Bilbo Baggins was qualified for "an adventure"?

Asked by SABOTEUR (12444points) December 29th, 2012

It’s not as if Bilbo Baggins was the only hobbit in Middle-Earth. What made him so special, and how did Gandalf know it?

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

8 Answers

newtscamander's avatar

Gandalf had been to the Shire before, he seems to have known Bilbo’s mother Belladonna, a Took, he recognized that Bilbo had a strong “Tookish” side to him (Tooks being mainly of Fallohide Hobbit Stock and more adventurous with a reputation for unusual behaviour).
He also found Bilbo to be more inquisitive than other Hobbits.

SABOTEUR's avatar

@scuniper Thanks. I’m sure that was explained early on and I didn’t pay any attention to it. Seems like I would have finally picked up on it having recently listened to the audiobook version.

newtscamander's avatar

@SABOTEUR I had “The Hobbit” lying next to me, so I snuck a few peeks. You’re welcome.

Berserker's avatar

damn it where’s Seek_Kolinahr

Frankly I have absolutely no idea. Read the book way too long ago, so if they mention why Gandlaf picked him, I frankly don’t remember. But in the movie, he does mention that he believes that, ultimately, it’s the small things that change and accomplish matters, and a hobbit would be perfect for that. They’re carefree beings, but with very good hearts, and I think I remember Gandlaf saying in the LotR books at one point that among all the races he knows about, Hobbits are most likely the ones with the purest hearts.
As well;
Bilbo, unlike other hobbits, had a sense of adventure as a child, which is a trait extremely rare in hobbits. Hobbits hate adventure and any kind of turmoil, and would rather stay still and lead a peaceful life. Gandlaf knew Bilbo ever since the latter was a kid, so perhaps this is a reason why he sensed that he would be good for this task; Bilbo’s adventurous tendencies, although only visible when he was little, made him stick out from most other hobbits.

SABOTEUR's avatar

Thorough explanation, @Symbeline. Thank you.

ucme's avatar

After careful consideration i’m going to conclude that it was in the script.

SABOTEUR's avatar

O…kaaaay @ucme. Thanks for that careful consideration.

ucme's avatar

You’re not welcome, although it was a plain fact.

Answer this question




to answer.
Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther