Bilbo Baggins (Rankin-Bass)

'This article focuses on the animated version of Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo Baggins 'is the main protagonist of the 1977 animated film, The Hobbit and a supporting character in The Lord of the Rings and The Return of the King.

Appearances

 * The Hobbit
 * The Lord of the Rings (1980 film)
 * The Two Towers (1980 film)
 * The Return of the King (1980 film)

Beginning
Bilbo first appears smoking outside of his hobbit hole when he is approached by Gandalf, who tells the hobbit he is looking for a burglar to hire and hopes Bilbo will join them on an adventure. However, the hobbit attempts to decline, but Gandalf has enough and reveals who he is, while Bilbo realizes that it is the same one who had been friends with Bilbo's mother, Belladonna Took.

An Unexpected Party
Bilbo is introduced to Thorin Oakenshield and his band of twelve dwarves, as they all proclaim their service to Bilbo. The Hobbit allows them to be housed in Bag End, but becomes very terrified when they begin throwing his objects around the room while singing "That's What Bilbo Baggins Hates."

After hearing the dwarves' song of the mountain, Gandalf realizes Bilbo's taste for adventure, and the hobbit admits that the song moves him to see mountains and the world beyond The Shire. Finally, Thorin reveals their purpose after Bilbo makes it clear that he doesn't know what they are fighting for and why he is needed as the burlgar. Thorin reveals that they are seeking a treasure, the treasure of the Lonely mountain.