End of Return of the King

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Galadriel55

No, well, there's the happy side to it - everyone has peace, everyone prospers, etc. But don't you feel there's a bit of child in you dying when Bilbo says his poem, and Gandalf comments that "he is not the hobbit that he was" (or something to that effect). It's sad to see Bilbo comprehend, collect, and put into words all the wisdom he acquired on his journey, even though on it's own it's a good thing.

Personal growth need not be a "death".

Bilbo was always odd for a hobbit, and his experiences just enhanced his "oddity" and gave him a greater perspective beyond the rustic insularity of life in the Shire. Fundamentally, he was still the same in spirit.