Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors
used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
Named Swords
Throughout epic literature, swords with names and lineages
are the marks of great heroes. One of the most famous examples is
King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur. The swords named Orcrist and Glamdring
that Thorin and Gandalf win from the trolls symbolize their heroic
deeds. Bilbo’s decision to name his short sword Sting after killing
the spider is a major turning point in his quest—it symbolizes his
bravery and initiative, and presages his transformation into a hero.
Hobbits
Though the thematic importance of hobbits is highly debatable, Tolkien
himself acknowledged that the nature of hobbits was based on the
rural, middle-class English people among whom he lived. This symbol
enables Tolkien to explore the contrast between ancient and modern
worldviews as the modern-minded Bilbo travels the ancient world
of Middle-Earth.
