[Wisdom of Wizardry]

Saucepan and Squatter have done an admirable job of defending Bilbo's accomplishments, and defining the true nature of his heroism.

I will just add that Bilbo's reception at Rivendell, and the respect with which he is regarded, probably have more to do with the One Ring than with anything he did in his long-ago adventures with Thorin and Company.

After all, by the time we arrive at Rivendell to see how Bilbo is treated, Elrond is well aware of the significance of the Ring; and of Bilbo's part in its aquisition.

The fact that Bilbo is a serious student of the Elvish Language, and a well-respected poet in that language, is another factor.

Just my opinion... [img]smilies/cool.gif[/img]