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Technically, Bilbo became a burglar in chapter 5, Riddles in the Dark, when he stole the Ring from Gollum. Thorin said, "...now is the time for him to perform the service for which he was included in our Company..." So yes, in chapter 12 Bilbo did what he was supposed to do all along. Be a burglar.

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13y ago
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Wiki User

7y ago

Yes. There are a couple of iffy cases; let's get those out of the way first.

He definitely takes Gollum's ring, though you might not consider that "theft" since a) Gollum lost the ring and Bilbo found it rather than taking it directly from him, and b) Gollum was trying to kill and probably eat him at the time.

He also definitely takes a cup from Smaug's hoard, but again, whether or not that's "theft" is open to interpretation. Smaug was not the rightful owner of the cup; it arguably belonged to Thorin, or to the dwarves generally, and Bilbo takes it in order to return it to them.

There's another case where he tries to steal something, but doesn't succeed: early in the book he attempt to pick a troll's pocket, but is caught doing so.

Finally, the reasons for the flat yes rather than saying "well, maybe":

In the Halls of Thranduil, he steals food to survive. Excusable, but still theft.

And the big one: he steals the Arkenstone from Thorin. He has the best of intentions in doing so, of course, but nevertheless he very clearly stole something from a friend or at least companion.

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Elusive

Lvl 2
3y ago

Well he doesn't want to be disapproved of upon the return of his adventure but wants to live up to the Took's. I doubt Bilbo thinks of stealing as very polite or gentlemanly so dislikes the term.

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What does Gollum call Bilbo as they separate?

In chapter 5 of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Bilbo escapes from the greedy hands of Gollum. When Gollum realizes that chasing Bilbo is futile, he shouts this last line at Bilbo: "Thief, thief, thief! Baggins! We hates it, we hates it, we hates it for ever!," thus calling Bilbo both 'Thief' and 'Baggins.'


What was Bilbo's role in the dwarves' quest?

Bilbo is hired by 13 dwarves as a thief or burglar, as well as to make the party 14 rather than 13.


In The Hobbit what does the phrase 'I may be a burglar but I am an honest one' mean?

It may mean that he is a bad person, but he admits it. Bilbo Baggins says this. He is stung by some of the comments of the dwarves. I think that it means that Bilbo may be a thief, but he does not tell lies.


Why did tolkien call chapter 16 a thief in the night rather than a burglar in the night?

Bilbo sneaks into Smaug's lair in the cover of darkness


What was Bilbo's response to Gollums outrage and pain?

Once Gollum found out that he couldn't find his ring and the odd question from Bilbo about ''Whats in my pocket?'' Riddle then he though Bilbo must have the ring so he went back over to Bilbo but he was gone... really he just had the ring on so he was invisable. Gollum thought that Bilbo found the way out of the cave so he went to the Exit of the cave which techniaclly lead Bilbo to the exit so Bilbo got out by using a skill which was the skill he came up with by Gollum.Riddlesanswering riddles so Gollum won't kill him

Related questions

What does Gollum call Bilbo as they separate?

In chapter 5 of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Bilbo escapes from the greedy hands of Gollum. When Gollum realizes that chasing Bilbo is futile, he shouts this last line at Bilbo: "Thief, thief, thief! Baggins! We hates it, we hates it, we hates it for ever!," thus calling Bilbo both 'Thief' and 'Baggins.'


Who was Bilbo's only defender?

In the beginning, Gandalf was Bilbo's only defender. Gradually the dwarves came to trust their little "thief."


Who recruit Bilbo for the adventure?

Thorin Oakenshield, or Gandalf, depending on your perspective.


What is to Bilbo's job on the adventure in the hobbit?

Bilbo is hired by 13 dwarves as a thief or burglar, as well as to make the party 14 rather than 13.


What was Bilbo's role in the dwarves' quest?

Bilbo is hired by 13 dwarves as a thief or burglar, as well as to make the party 14 rather than 13.


In The Hobbit what does the phrase 'I may be a burglar but I am an honest one' mean?

It may mean that he is a bad person, but he admits it. Bilbo Baggins says this. He is stung by some of the comments of the dwarves. I think that it means that Bilbo may be a thief, but he does not tell lies.


Why did tolkien call chapter 16 a thief in the night rather than a burglar in the night?

Bilbo sneaks into Smaug's lair in the cover of darkness


Why does Thorin give Bilbo a coat of Mithril?

Because during the unexpected party, Thorin promised Bilbo 1/14th payment of the treasure in return for Bilbo's services as a 'thief'. Though Bilbo did not do much in the way of being a thief, he did save the dwarves from Thranduil, as well as help them gain entrance into the mountain. They also wanted him on the journey because it would have been unlucky to take on their journey with 13 members. At the end of their adventures, Bilbo had obviously earned his 1/14th share, so Thorin fulfilled his promise and sent Bilbo home with a chest of treasure (though it is hinted later on in LotR that Bilbo ended up receiving more).


Was it wise for Bilbo to steal the cup?

Though it seemed wise at the time Bilbo took the cup, it was actually very unwise, because a dragon can sense when a part of it's treasure is missing, and will not rest until it has killed the thief. This is what made Smaug aware of the dwarves' presence to begin with.


What was Bilbo's response to Gollums outrage and pain?

Once Gollum found out that he couldn't find his ring and the odd question from Bilbo about ''Whats in my pocket?'' Riddle then he though Bilbo must have the ring so he went back over to Bilbo but he was gone... really he just had the ring on so he was invisable. Gollum thought that Bilbo found the way out of the cave so he went to the Exit of the cave which techniaclly lead Bilbo to the exit so Bilbo got out by using a skill which was the skill he came up with by Gollum.Riddlesanswering riddles so Gollum won't kill him


Why did Smaug go off to the lake town of esgaroth?

Bilbo had stolen a cup from Smaug's hoard and, from some unfortunate comments on Bilbo's part, deduced that the thief was a Lakeman from Esgaroth, so he went off in a great fiery rage to burn Esgaroth to the ground and eat lots of tasty Lakemen.


What is Bilbo and Gollum's game?

Bilbo said, talking to himself, "what have i got in my pocket?" (it was the Ring). Gollum thought it was a riddle and Bilbo decided to make it one. he gave Gollum three chances to guess and gollum lost after four. then gollum went "to get something" (it was the ring), and Bilbo thought he was abandoned and left with the ring on. Gollum thought Bilbo knew the way out and he wanted to follow him, realizing Bilbo had the ring. Bilbo saw Gollum racing towards the gate and followed him to safety.