In J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit,” Gandalf the Grey is a powerful wizard who chooses Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit from the Shire, to join him and a group of dwarves on a journey to the Lonely Mountain to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug. But why does Gandalf choose Bilbo for this important task?

One potential reason for Gandalf’s choice is Bilbo’s bravery and resourcefulness. Despite being small and unassuming, Bilbo has a strong sense of adventure and is not afraid to take risks. He demonstrates these qualities early on in the story when he stands up to the dwarves who have invaded his home and later when he volunteers to be the burglar of the group. Gandalf may have seen these qualities in Bilbo and believed that he would be an asset on the journey.

Another potential reason for Gandalf’s choice is Bilbo’s exceptional skill as a thief. While hobbits are generally peaceful and domestic creatures, Bilbo has a natural talent for stealth and deception, which proves to be valuable on the journey. He uses these skills to successfully sneak past guards, steal keys, and retrieve the Arkenstone, a valuable jewel that is crucial to the dwarves’ plans. Gandalf may have chosen Bilbo for his expertise in these areas, knowing that they would be useful in the quest.

In addition to these factors, Gandalf may have chosen Bilbo because he believed that the hobbit needed the adventure. Bilbo is a comfortable and predictable creature, but Gandalf may have sensed that he was longing for something more. The journey offers Bilbo the opportunity to step out of his comfort zone and discover his own strengths and capabilities.

Overall, there are many potential reasons for Gandalf’s choice of Bilbo for the journey to the Lonely Mountain. His bravery, resourcefulness, and skill as a thief, as well as his need for adventure, all contribute to Gandalf’s belief that he is the right hobbit for the job.