[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

Well said, Saucepan. Bilbo's actions become more heroic throughout the story, culminating in what I think is the supreme act of heroism: the theft of the Arkenstone.

To rescue one's friends may be heroic, but to defy them for their own good is even more so. Let's not forget the 'Dragon sickness' that comes over many of the characters towards the end of the story. Thorin is all set to bring about open war with those who should be his allies when Bilbo passes to the other camp the one thing that might make him negotiate; voluntarily relinquishing both his share of the dragon's hoard and the friendship of his companions in so doing. His actions probably make the difference between the utter destruction of everyone by the Goblin horde and the victory that they eventually share in the Battle of Five Armies. Bilbo's role in the physical fight doesn't have to be that great. He has played his part in the victory before the first blow has even been struck. Without Bilbo's unselfish action, the area around Erebor at around the time of the War of the Ring would have been dominated by Orcs, and the co-operation of Dwarves and Elves, particularly the likes of Gimli of Erebor and Legolas of Mirkwood would be completely impossible.

All of which demonstrates the great importance of reading a book all the way through before voicing opinions about it. It really is worth persevering with it to the end.