2. “The Hobbit” is the first major work of author J.R.R. Tolkien, completed and published in 1937 Follows the story of a young hobbit named Bilbo Baggins in his quest to assist a group of dwarves in reclaiming their treasure from the dragon Smaug Inspired by works such as Beowulf and the Old Nordic sagas Seen as a parable of World War I

3. J.R. Tolkien, witnessing the effects of the WWI firsthand, crafts a story where the hero is plucked from an idyllic home and thrown into a war where traditional values of heroism are shown to be futile Hobbiton as the English countryside Gandalf is a god figure, caring and gentle, seeing the strength in those who seem least likely to lead and emboldening them to lead and do great things.

4. Refusal of call Entering the Underworld

5. Gandalf: Extremely powerful wizard. Sees strength in the the seemingly weak and calls on them to do extraordinary acts. Transformational, relationship-oriented Thorin Oakenshield: Son of King Thrór, heir to the Kingdom Under the Mountain. War leader. Charismatic, fearless, strong, but at times strong-headed, delusional, and abrasive. Transactional, task-oriented Biblo Baggins: Son of the legendary Belladonna Took. Easily frightened and lives a life of comforts, until called by Gandalf to be a “burgler” for the dwarfs led Thorin Oakenshield. Ultimately the leader that we all wish to see. Transformational, relationship-oriented

6. As shown in a countless number of books, films, and myths, we all want leaders that embody traits of humility, self- sacrifice, intelligence, and strength in the face of hardship. Those who are best suited to lead often have little interest in leading.

7. “True courage is not about knowing when to take a life, but when to spare one.” “Let’s have no more argument. I have chosen Mr. Baggins and that ought to be enough for all of you. If I say he is a Burglar, a Burglar he is, or will be when the time comes. There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself. You may all live to thank me yet.” “There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” Gandalf