— Ch. 1 · Parallel Journeys Home —
Quests in Middle-earth.
~4 min read · Ch. 1 of 6
Bilbo Baggins leaves Bag End in the Shire to hunt for treasure. Frodo Baggins also departs from Bag End, but his goal is to destroy a ring instead of keeping it. Both stories follow a similar path through Middle-earth. They meet wise elves at Rivendell and travel through dark underground places like Goblin Town and Moria. Each group encounters men in settlements such as Esgaroth or Ithilien before reaching their final mountain goals. The Lonely Mountain stands where Smaug once slept, while Mount Doom waits as the site of the Ring's destruction. Bard returns to rule Esgaroth after the dragon falls, just as Aragorn claims Gondor later. Bilbo finds his home auctioned off upon return, while Frodo discovers the Shire has been ruined by Saruman's forces.
The Renunciation Mission
Frodo Baggins carries the One Ring toward Mount Doom with no intention of using its power. He does not seek to gain wealth or status from the object he holds. Instead, his mission requires him to give up everything the Ring offers. Traditional knights quest to obtain holy relics like the Holy Grail. Black Riders serve Sauron by trying to seize the Ring for themselves. Good characters must struggle to relinquish power rather than acquire it. Tom Shippey describes this as an anti-quest focused on renunciation. The hobbit dreads his journey yet feels compelled to fulfill its purpose. Mason Harris contrasts this with Bilbo's curiosity overcoming fear during his earlier adventure. Frodo wishes he had never seen the ring but cannot destroy it alone.Scouring The Shire