Related Literary Works to The Hobbit
Beowulf and Norse Mythology
The Hobbit draws significant inspiration from the Old English epic poem Beowulf, particularly in its dragon-slaying narrative and heroic themes.
ExampleLike Beowulf's confrontation with the dragon guarding treasure, Bilbo and the dwarves face Smaug, who hoards the wealth of Erebor. Both stories feature:
- A treasure-guarding dragon
- The theme of greed and its corrupting influence
- A heroic quest structure
- The importance of courage in face of overwhelming odds
Nordic and Germanic Folklore
Tolkien's creation of Middle-earth heavily borrows from Norse mythology:
- The names of the dwarves (Thorin, Balin, Dwalin, etc.) come directly from the Old Norse poem "Völuspá"
- The concept of a wise wizard (Gandalf) reflects Odin's wandering form
- The portrayal of elves and dwarves as distinct races with specific characteristics
Tolkien's academic background as a professor of Anglo-Saxon literature at Oxford significantly influenced his world-building and naming conventions.
Victorian Fairy Tales
The Hobbit's narrative style bears similarities to Victorian children's literature:
ExampleThe narrator's direct addresses to the reader echo the style of authors like Lewis Carroll:
"Now you know quite enough to go on with."
Medieval Quest Narratives
The structure follows traditional quest narratives found in medieval literature:
- The hero's journey pattern
- Tests of character
