Catholic Summary of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Background

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, or There and Back Again is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, infused with the moral and spiritual insights of Tolkien’s deep Catholic faith. Written while Tolkien was at Pembroke College, Oxford, and published on September 21, 1937, the novel reflects not only his experiences as a soldier in World War I but also his belief in providence, sacrifice, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The climactic Battle of the Five Armies, for example, can be seen as reflecting both the complexities of wartime alliances and a Catholic understanding of the necessity of moral courage in the face of evil. Set in the richly imagined world of Middle Earth, The Hobbit follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a reluctant hero who matures through his adventures, guided by grace and a growing sense of his vocation. The narrative, told from a third-person omniscient point of view, allows for a detailed exploration of Middle Earth’s inhabitants and moral landscape. Smaug, the dragon antagonist, symbolizes the dangers of greed and the destructive power it holds over the human soul, echoing Catholic teachings on the perils of avarice. The success of The Hobbit laid the foundation for Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, further deepening his exploration of Christian virtues in a fantasy setting.

Plot Summary

Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who enjoys the peaceful life of the Shire, is unexpectedly thrust into an adventure when Gandalf, a wizard embodying the role of a providential guide, introduces him to thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. The dwarves seek to reclaim their ancestral home and treasure from the dragon Smaug. Although Bilbo is initially hesitant, he is eventually drawn into the quest, reflecting the Catholic theme of responding to a call beyond oneself.

The journey begins with Bilbo meeting the dwarves at a local tavern, leading to a series of perilous encounters. They are captured by trolls but are saved by Gandalf’s clever intervention. In Rivendell, they learn of a secret passage to the Lonely Mountain, which is reminiscent of the hidden paths of grace. However, they are soon captured by goblins in the Misty Mountains. During their escape, Bilbo finds a ring of invisibility, a symbol of both temptation and the potential for moral corruption, which he uses to outwit the creature Gollum and rejoin his companions.

As they continue their journey, Bilbo faces further trials, including encounters with giant spiders and wood-elves. He repeatedly uses the ring to save the dwarves, symbolizing the Catholic understanding of how even flawed instruments can serve a greater good. Upon reaching Lake-town, they are hailed as heroes destined to defeat Smaug. At the Lonely Mountain, Bilbo sneaks into Smaug’s lair, discovers the dragon’s weak spot, and relays this information, leading to Smaug’s death at the hands of Bard the archer.

With Smaug defeated, the men of Lake-town and the wood-elves demand a share of the treasure. Thorin’s refusal, driven by his greed, leads to a standoff, which is interrupted by an attack from goblins and wolves. In the ensuing Battle of the Five Armies, dwarves, elves, and men unite against the goblins, symbolizing the Catholic theme of unity in the face of evil. Thorin, mortally wounded, reconciles with Bilbo before dying, a moment of repentance and redemption. Bilbo declines the full treasure offered to him, returning to the Shire with only a modest portion, embodying the Catholic virtue of detachment from material wealth. Later, Gandalf and Balin visit him, bringing news of peace in Middle Earth.

Click here for a full list and description of the characters.

Key Themes

1. A Rite of Passage: Bilbo Baggins starts as a content, comfort-loving hobbit, but the unexpected arrival of Gandalf and the dwarves pulls him onto a journey of spiritual and moral growth. This adventure serves as Bilbo’s rite of passage, where he matures through challenges, suffering, and sacrifice, ultimately achieving wisdom and virtue. Joseph Pearce, a Catholic commentator, notes that Bilbo’s journey illustrates how uncomfortable experiences are necessary for personal growth and spiritual maturity. Bilbo’s evolution reflects the Christian understanding of life as a pilgrimage, where growth in virtue is essential. Despite his transformation, Bilbo’s enduring love for the Shire underscores the value of home and the peace it offers, reminding readers that while adventure is necessary, it doesn’t diminish the importance of a simple, faithful life.
2. The Power of Language: Language in The Hobbit is not just a means of communication but a tool for transformation. Bilbo’s growing confidence is mirrored in his command of language, from his riddles with Gollum to naming his sword “Sting.” This development symbolizes his progression from a timid hobbit to a resourceful adventurer. In Catholic thought, words are powerful and can be used for both good and evil. Bilbo’s increasing mastery of language reflects his moral and spiritual growth, illustrating how words can shape one’s reality and identity.
3. Greed vs. Trust and Fellowship: The Hobbit explores the destructive nature of greed, which is seen as a grave sin in Catholic teaching. Characters like Smaug and Thorin become consumed by their desire for treasure, leading to isolation and moral decay. However, Tolkien contrasts this with the redemptive power of trust and fellowship. The characters’ ability to unite against a common enemy emphasizes that true wealth lies in community and mutual respect rather than in material riches. Thorin’s deathbed realization that peace and friendship are more valuable than gold encapsulates this theme, highlighting the Catholic message that love and fellowship are the true treasures of life.
4. Heroism: The Hobbit redefines heroism to include not just physical strength but moral integrity and collaboration. Bilbo’s journey from a reluctant participant to a brave and clever hero demonstrates that true heroism involves self-sacrifice, humility, and the willingness to work with others. Unlike traditional heroes who rely solely on their physical abilities, Bilbo’s heroism is rooted in his cunning, bravery, and moral strength, echoing the Catholic ideal of the humble servant who achieves greatness through virtue. Tolkien suggests that heroism is not a solitary endeavor but a collective effort, reflecting the Catholic belief in the communion of saints working together for the greater good.
5. Home and Birthright: The concept of home is central to The Hobbit, reflecting the Catholic understanding of the importance of family, community, and belonging. For Bilbo, home represents comfort and peace, while for the dwarves, the Lonely Mountain symbolizes a lost birthright that must be reclaimed. However, Tolkien complicates this idea by showing how the desire for home can lead to possessiveness and conflict. Characters like Thorin become so attached to their home and treasure that they lose sight of hospitality and generosity. Bilbo’s journey teaches him to value home without becoming possessive, reflecting the Catholic teaching that true home is found in God and that earthly attachments should not overshadow spiritual responsibilities.

Symbols

1. The Ring: The ring that Bilbo finds under the Misty Mountains is a powerful symbol of temptation and the corrupting influence of power, echoing Catholic teachings on the dangers of sin and the need for vigilance against evil. Its origins in earlier epic traditions, such as those seen in Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle and the Nibelungenlied, where rings symbolize the corrupting influence of power, are reinterpreted by Tolkien to reflect the Catholic understanding of the struggle between good and evil. Gollum’s obsession with the ring and his subsequent moral and physical decline serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the loss of one’s soul. Bilbo’s ability to use the ring without succumbing to its power reflects his relative innocence and moral strength, highlighting the Catholic belief in the power of grace to protect against sin.
2. The Misty Mountains: The Misty Mountains serve as a classic symbol of the hero’s journey, representing a rite of passage where personal growth occurs in tandem with a literal descent into darkness. In Catholic thought, such journeys into the unknown often symbolize the soul’s struggle with sin and the journey towards redemption. Bilbo’s encounters with Gollum and the goblins, and his subsequent transformation from a timid hobbit to a confident adventurer, echo the Catholic understanding of the necessity of trials and suffering in the path to spiritual maturity.
3. Sting: Sting, the dagger that Bilbo finds in the trolls’ lair, becomes a powerful symbol of his transformation throughout the novel. Though small for a troll, the dagger is a perfect sword for a hobbit, symbolizing how even the most ordinary things can have hidden potential—a theme resonant with Catholic teachings on the dignity of every person and the potential for greatness through God’s grace. When Bilbo names his sword “Sting” after using it to defeat the giant spiders in Mirkwood, it marks a turning point in his journey, symbolizing his acceptance of his role in the larger battle between good and evil. Just as Bilbo renames his sword, he also renames himself, taking on titles that reflect his newfound courage and identity in the fight against evil.

Each of these symbols—The Ring, The Misty Mountains, and Sting—contributes to the deeper themes of The Hobbit, illustrating the transformative power of adventure, the corrupting influence of power, and the hidden strengths within ordinary individuals.

Other links:

• “Good morning” – A Transubstantiation of Words in The Hobbit
• Art and the Transcendentals
• Bilbo’s Journey: Discovering the Meaning of The Hobbit by Joseph Pearce, St. Benedict Press, 2012.
• LitCharts Summary of The Hobbit
• Homily on The Hobbit: Comfort VS. Adventure.