Was Bilbo really needed

[Haradrim]

I was just wondering if people thought Bilbo was really needed. I mean yes he found the ring but thats just backsight(or whatever you call it) Was he important to the quest? Ill answer after I hear you guys.

[BeardofPants]

Well, hobbit sensibility and practicality can't be under-written. I wonder if, had not Bilbo stumbled across the ring, the ring would have found it's way to an erstwhile young hobbit who, with a little help from his friends (ooh, I get by with a little help from my friends....) had the gumption to march up to the front door of the baddie, and drop his ring down a fiery crack of doom. Interesting.

Bilbo also provided the "heads-up" to Gandalf with regards to it being an ring of power. I wonder if Gandalf would have noticed as soon (!) as he did if the ring had not come to the shire?

[Haradrim]

but without knowing about the ring. Put yourself at the very end of the adventure. Is Bilbo necessary. Dont think about the ring thing. THough actually now that I think about ti if not for Bilbo the dwarves would be with the spiders or in the clutches of the Elf king. So I proved myself wrong. Hehehehehe I guess he was necessary.

[Lizra]

Quest or story? Bilbo makes the story...( very amusing! ) The last bit, without Bilbo is rather dry and boring.

[Haradrim]

well he is needed for both quest and story.
The quest wouldnt have suceeded if he hadnt freed them from the Elven kingdom and from the spiders.
Also you are right the story woul dhave been pretty dry without him

[Radagast The Brown]

Bilbo was, IMO, the most important in this story, except Gandalf and Thorin. What about the dragon? Without him, I bet the dwarves wouldn't have done anything, scared to wake up the dragon. (with reason, though )
Plus, you mentioned all the things Bilbo did in Mirkwood.

[elixir]

Also that part when Bilbo takes the Arkenstone and gives it to Bard and the Elven-king. I mean with that he bought extra time for both sides, but if there had been no Bilbo then the people of Lake-town and elves might have attacked Thorin and Company before the bad guys ever get there. Though they would never have got rid of Smaug without the help of Bilbo, me thinks.

[BeardofPants]

Yes, that is right, Rad! Tolkien mentions somewheres (I ferget where) that that quest was deliberately started by Gandalf to get rid of the dragon. Thus, Bilbo the burglar was thoroughly essential to the greater story of the ring, because if the Quest of the Ring had been undertaken without first taking out Smaug, they would have had a dragon breathing down their necks!

[Radagast The Brown]

Originally Posted by BeardofPants

Yes, that is right, Rad! Tolkien mentions somewheres (I ferget where) that that quest was deliberately started by Gandalf to get rid of the dragon. Thus, Bilbo the burglar was thoroughly essential to the greater story of the ring, because if the Quest of the Ring had been undertaken without first taking out Smaug, they would have had a dragon breathing down their necks!

In UT, Yes, Gandalf was afraid Smaug would join Sauron, so he decided to aid Thorin in his journey. Who knows what would have happened if Bilbo wasn't there.

[Haradrim]

Yeah I also thought he took Erebor because he was afraid that Sauron might try to send forces to RIvendell and that he wanted there to be a barrier in the way. It is mentioned that the men of dale and the dwarves of Erebor were fighting as well. Also remember when I think Gloin related the story of the ringwraith who had come by asking questions. So I think there were many reasons for taking Erebor back.

[Valandil]

OF COURSE Bilbo was important, silly! Without him the book would not be called 'The Hobbit'!

[Haradrim]

well there is that. Imagine if he hadnt gone what would Tolkien have called the book. Maybe Gandalf and the 13 dwarves. hehehehehehehe. Gandalf east an evil apple at the enbd but the prince kisses him and they live happily ever after. :b

[BeardofPants]

Originally Posted by Radagast The Brown

In UT,

Tya, that's the one.

[Elvengirl]

Originally Posted by Valandil

OF COURSE Bilbo was important, silly! Without him the book would not be called 'The Hobbit'!

hehe very insightful Val

[Haradrim]

Wh y Bilbo though. What made hims specialer than all the other Hobbits? and why did the dwarves allow it? I wouldnt have let him come if I had met him only once and was supposed to put my life in his hands some times.

[BeardofPants]

Because of his genetics, Bilbo was more inclined toward adventuring... something that is not a naturally occuring habit for hobbits! They trusted him because Gandalf told them to trust him, and I'm guessing that they trusted Gandalf. As for why? Well, hobbits make the perfect burglars when they're not bungling about. They're quiet, and are not easily spotted by giant lugs like us.

[Haradrim]

But still. Even if someone you really trusted told you to bring a long what seemed to be a liability and you might have to put your life in his hands would you do it? I know I wouldnt

[BeardofPants]

Well, I think after the episode with the spiders, and getting 'em out of the prison, Bilbo proved that he was more than capable of gettin' the job done.

[Telcontar_Dunedain]

And it was Bilbo who found then dragon's weak spot.

[Haradrim]

yes yes both true but Thorin nor any of the dwarves knew that would happen. SO to them in the very beginning why would they trust themselves to Bilbo simply because he is lucky 14?