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Copyright: Invitation, ‘Bilbo Baggins Birthday Invitation.’ Creator: Emma K. Created: November 18, 2024. License: May not be reproduced without permission of this pages creator.

Invitation to Bilbo Baggins’ Birthday Party

• Originally Created by Frodo Baggins
• est. 3001
• Shire, Middle Earth
• 3001.023.045

Bilbo Baggin’s 111th Birthday Party was a significant event in the Shire. It involved everyone in the Shire, and even Gandalf took part in providing fireworks, a show that was appreciated, and mesmerizing to the Hobbits. Bilbo’s birthday party represents the end of an era as Bilbo makes his exit from the shire, and the beginning of a new one as he sets Frodo up for his own adventure.

Bilbo Baggins’ birthday party was incredibly significant as it was the symbol of an end of an era and the beginning of a new one. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Return of the King, it begins with Bilbo writing the story of his adventure, which was when he came across the ring. As long as Bilbo held on to the ring, he would continue to age with grace. Bilbo’s birthday party was extremely significant in many ways, one being his age itself. Bilbo had become the oldest Hobbit in the Shire at 111 years old, and despite the Shires common opinion of him and his changed self after he returned from his adventure, it was an event that could, and would not be missed by members of the Shire. While this party was in celebration of Bilbo’s impressive age, it also marked the beginning of his decline and fragility. Even though they did not realize at the time, the celebration of Bilbo’s life accomplishments was followed by his physical and mental deterioration once the Ring is no longer in his possession. Bilbo strategically used his party to bid a final farewell to the Shire and Hobbits he knew, and accept that it was time to move on. The Hobbits in the Shire were examples of the Hobbit that Bilbo was prior to his adventure, making his decision to finish his life with the Elves logical. Prior to his adventure, Bilbo was just like the other Hobbits, however the adventure changed him, and this party was another reminder that he was no longer the same as any other Hobbits in the Shire, and the others knew it too. Bilbo’s party was not only the celebration of a new age, but also Bilbo’s final farewell from his old life, and old self.

Bilbo’s party did not only represent him letting go of his past life, but also the passing along of adventure to Frodo. The party marked the beginning of Frodo’s adventures as when Bilbo departs, he reluctantly leaves the Ring behind for Frodo. Despite the risks that come with carrying the Ring, Bilbo had a positive experience with it, Frodo would not be so lucky. Instead of gifting Frodo with a positive tool, it ends up becoming a burden to carry. Prior to the party, Frodo had known the story of Bilbo’s adventure and the way the Ring had helped him, however Bilbo had never expressed the dangers, and the significance of the burden it put upon those who bore it. Frodo had grown up in the Shire, making the place, and the people the only part of the world that Frodo truly knew from experience. The birthday party represented the innocent and simple life that was lived in the Shire before he must leave it behind. At the party, we see Bilbo acting strangely, a result of knowing his plan for the evening, and the long-term effects that the Ring has had on him, and foreshadow the struggle that Frodo will face when the Ring is in his hands. Bilbo’s Party is a light hearted celebration on the surface however, underneath it represents the ending of one journey, and the beginning of an even larger one. The events that occurred at this party and the decisions that were made surrounding it all set the tone for the rest of the adventure. Despite the Bilbo’s birthday party seeming like a minor event in the novel, it proves to be the first step that outlines the entire journey of Frodo, and the Ring.