What images are associated with the words “heroes”? A muscular Hercules saving the world from Hades? A knight in shining armor riding bravely into battle? such as bravery, strength, pride and self-sacrifice are usually associated with a classic hero. But are these the only characteristics that make someone heroic? A dictionary definition of a hero is "a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his courageous deeds and noble qualities"; however, this is a very elastic definition and there are many other types and definitions of heroes depending on the circumstances. Is there one that is correct? Do all heroes share common characteristics? According to Orin E. Klapp, a hero is “a person, real or imagined, who evokes appropriate attitudes and behaviors” (135). Heroes can be determined and change due to societal norms, while retaining certain traits or performing common actions. Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit, the legendary British thief Robin Hood, and Neville Longbottom from the Harry Potter series all demonstrate that understanding who a hero is involves understanding the situation, his actions, as well as the society to which the hero is introduced. ..Bilbo Baggins, the protagonist of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit, is a clear example of an unconventional hero who was nevertheless accepted as a hero in society. The Hobbit is a story set in the fictional land of Middle-earth, where there are not only human beings, but also mythical creatures such as dwarves, elves, wizards and dragons. Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who, by instinct, is a creature where comfort and safety are the number one priority, but who also has a curious and adventurous side. This side is brought out when the wizard Ganda...... middle of paper ......e_ages/robin_01.shtml>.Klapp, Orrin E. "The Making of Folk Heroes." American Journal of Sociology 54.2 (1948): 135-41. JSTOR. Internet. May 1, 2014. Lundqvist, Ann-Louise. “There and Back Again: The Hobbit Bilbo as Hero.” HÖGSKOLANFÖR LÄRANDE OCH KOMMUNIKATION. (2007): 1-19. Internet. May 1, 2014. http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:4652/FULLTEXT01.pdf>.Ormond, Richard. “Daniel Maclise.” The Burlington Magazine 110.789 (1968): 684-93. JSTOR. Internet. May 1, 2014. "'Robin Hood and his merry companions entertaining Richard the Lionheart in Sherwood Forest'" Initial teacher training. The National Gallery, nd Web. May 4, 2014. http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/initial-teachereducation/primary/learning/maclise.aspx Tolkien, JRR The Hobbit. London: Harper Collins Publishers, 1991. Print.