Beyond the Shire

A HOBBIT’S TIMELESS LESSONS FOR GEN Z

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit is a timeless classic that has captivated the hearts and minds of readers for generations. It is a tale of an unassuming hero, Bilbo Baggins, embarking on a grand adventure to restore the Misty Mountains and previous homestead to a clan of dwarves led by the company of Thorin Oakenshield. It resonates with the essence of courage, curiosity, and character development. You could even say it parallels Gen Z, a generation coming of age in a world marked by rapid technological advances and unprecedented social changes.

While these digital natives might tell you they fear missing out, are anxious, and are indecisive (this isn’t an exhaustive list by any means), there is more to them than they or the culture perceives them to be. Bilbo finds himself breaking out of his stereotype through an unlikely invitation from a wizard offering dramatic adventure, odd because hobbits are known for their fondness for the comforts of home, suspicion of outsiders, and anything that disturbs the peace.

AN ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT

Bilbo’s initial response to such adventure is a definitive no to the wizard’s request. “I’m sorry Gandalf… you’ve got the wrong hobbit.” Like his unexpected journey, Gen Z also yearns for experiences beyond the ordinary. The generation can be perceived as apologetic, compliant, or even lazy, yet they have an underlying desire for unique and unconventional adventures. Bilbo’s encounter with mythical creatures mirrors Gen Z’s pursuit of diverse experiences to challenge the status quo and seek fulfillment outside the norm. 

Society often labels Gen Z as needing constant guidance. Their quest for adventure showcases a spirit of independence and a willingness to explore the unknown.

Gen Z seeks authenticity in their experiences in a world saturated with information, drawing inspiration from influencers and evaluating a myriad of options before settling. Like Bilbo, lost in his comforts and concerns of home, doilies, and his mother’s dishes, he forsakes the curiosities and adventure of his youth, initially giving into the culture’s definition of a hobbit and his own. There’s more to Gen Z than stereotypes may suggest. They’re carving their own path in a very uncertain world, juggling their desire to seek adventure wherever they can with their need for stability by saving for a rainy day.

LOST ALONG THE WAY

Even after careful thought, Bilbo finds himself rushing to the dwarven company, seeking adventure. Barely into the journey, however, Bilbo shouts, “STOP! We have to turn around. I forgot my handkerchief.” Gandalf reminds him that he must manage without his pocket handkerchief and many other things. A moment where Bilbo was told no, even in our culture, has become more of a foreign concept than a reality. It’s something this generation is having a more challenging time facing: being told something hard out of love for something greater than having one’s favorite handkerchief.

Even while pursuing these new ventures, Bilbo faces dilemmas on his journey, reflecting on doing what is right and what is easy. Not long after, Bilbo finds himself missing the comforts of home, resolves that he doesn’t belong, and heads back home. After nearly falling from the ledge of a cliff, Thorin uses the moment to state, “He’s been lost ever since he left home.” He saw through the hobbit’s desire for the comfort and safety within the Shire.

“Whether you’re embarking on a quest for treasure or fighting for a more just society, remember that, like Bilbo, your journey is uniquely yours. It can be full of unexpected twists and turns.”

AN UNEXPECTED PARTY

Remember that cliff from earlier? Bilbo needed the help of his companions to pull him up from disaster. He had to rely on the company he kept, who differed from him, to reach their goal. Gen Z, too, believes in forging connections across cultures, backgrounds, and identities, much like the fellowship that formed around Bilbo. It might seem honorable to be a truly independent individual who has seemingly got it all together, but more gets accomplished when done with others. 

RIDDLES IN THE DARK

The journey required adaptability and resourcefulness, traits shared by Gen Z in the face of a rapidly changing landscape. Bilbo relied on his wits amidst the heat of situations, one of which was while trying to save stolen ponies from giant mountain trolls. Gen Z leverages technology and resources to solve problems by emphasizing quality over the experience, taking a sensible approach, evaluating options meticulously, and making informed decisions. Driven by a sense of pragmatism and security, Gen Z exhibits conservative spending habits, seeks stable employment, and makes wise investments, which echo Bilbo’s cautious approach to his adventures, ensuring a balanced and secure journey through uncharted territories.

Bilbo showed more signs of ingenuity when he was lost in the troll’s secret cave because he had to navigate on his own. He stumbled upon Gollum, an inhabitant deep within. This strange cave dweller presented a challenge of solving riddles to gain assistance for a way out or risk being eaten. 

Sidebar: See if you can solve this riddle Gollum gave:

What has roots as nobody sees,
Is taller than trees,
Up, up it goes,
And yet never grows?

The story of this unlikely hero and Gen Z’s may seem worlds apart from us, but the parallel journey reveals a shared spirit of adventure, resilience, and the desire to make a mark on the world. Whether you’re embarking on a quest for treasure or fighting for a more just society, remember that, like Bilbo, your journey is uniquely yours. It can be full of unexpected twists and turns. None of this happens overnight. Sometimes, it takes encouragement from a wise old wizard to move forward. Gandalf understood there was more to Bilbo than Bilbo himself.

He may have lost his neighbors’ respect but he gained so much more: transforming from a timid homebody, living quietly in his hobbit hole in the Shire, to a hero at the center of a dangerous adventure. It took action to leave the comfort of his home in the first place, breaking out of what’s culturally expected, to experience going beyond the ordinary into the unknown.

What about you?

[By the way, the answer to the riddle is: a mountain.]