Hobbit Symbolism
"The Hobbit"
By Arthur Chen
In The Hobbit, names are more than just coincidences or appellations - they are symbolic of characteristics embodied by the characters to whom they belong. Not only do their names portray their characteristic, but their actions do as well. Some characters supporting this idea are Gandalf and Gollum. Gandalf literally means " wand-elf." A "wand-elf" is an elf who is using a magical device to enhance his magical powers, bringing him to a higher echelon. Therefore, Gandalf is a higher being with immense power. However, Gandalf is a wizard as well, which is a "wise man" or mentor. Gandalf's role as mentor is supposed to be one who guides his students, Bilbo and the dwarves, but only helps on certain occasions. This is seen many times, such as when he guides them to Rivendell, through the Misty Mountains, and finally to Mirkwood. Also, these occasions are when his "students" encounter an obstacle that they cannot solve by themselves. Such as the encounters with the trolls, the Goblins, and the Wargs. During each of these instances, Gandalf disappears right before they encounter problems. This is to test if they are capable of fending for themselves and only appears at the very last moments to save them. As a mentor, Gandalf only guides his students until the main task is at hand, where he is to let his students experience it with no assistance as all. This is seen shortly after the incident with the Wargs when Gandalf leaves Bilbo and the dwarves once they reach Mirkwood. From this point on the most difficult, and severe part of the adventure begins. Even though Gandalf isn't seen for a long time, his role as a mentor doesn't end here. During the Battle of the Five Armies the Wargs and Goblins are slowly gaining ground. But, Gandalf comes to save not only his "students" but the dwarves, elves, and humans with reinforcements. The reinforcements are the eagles, the deciding factor in the Battle of Five Armies. Having two names, one of
By Arthur Chen
In The Hobbit, names are more than just coincidences or appellations - they are symbolic of characteristics embodied by the characters to whom they belong. Not only do their names portray their characteristic, but their actions do as well. Some characters supporting this idea are Gandalf and Gollum. Gandalf literally means " wand-elf." A "wand-elf" is an elf who is using a magical device to enhance his magical powers, bringing him to a higher echelon. Therefore, Gandalf is a higher being with immense power. However, Gandalf is a wizard as well, which is a "wise man" or mentor. Gandalf's role as mentor is supposed to be one who guides his students, Bilbo and the dwarves, but only helps on certain occasions. This is seen many times, such as when he guides them to Rivendell, through the Misty Mountains, and finally to Mirkwood. Also, these occasions are when his "students" encounter an obstacle that they cannot solve by themselves. Such as the encounters with the trolls, the Goblins, and the Wargs. During each of these instances, Gandalf disappears right before they encounter problems. This is to test if they are capable of fending for themselves and only appears at the very last moments to save them. As a mentor, Gandalf only guides his students until the main task is at hand, where he is to let his students experience it with no assistance as all. This is seen shortly after the incident with the Wargs when Gandalf leaves Bilbo and the dwarves once they reach Mirkwood. From this point on the most difficult, and severe part of the adventure begins. Even though Gandalf isn't seen for a long time, his role as a mentor doesn't end here. During the Battle of the Five Armies the Wargs and Goblins are slowly gaining ground. But, Gandalf comes to save not only his "students" but the dwarves, elves, and humans with reinforcements. The reinforcements are the eagles, the deciding factor in the Battle of Five Armies. Having two names, one of