Bilbo Baggins is a character that has been beloved by generations of fans, and he became especially popular again after The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and his love of adventure and eccentric personality makes him quite the delight for many fans of the books and films.
While Bilbo might have been a reluctant adventurer at first, he becomes braver and more inspiring as his journey goes on.
Updated on March 6th, 2022 by Mark Birrell: The best Bilbo Baggins quotes contain some of the most heartfelt emotion and lovable humor of not only the Hobbit movies but the Lord of the Rings trilogy also. Though Bilbo's best quotes from the films don't always line up exactly with what's in the original books, they're still all hugely inspiring and deeply thought-provoking lines that are delivered perfectly by both Ian Holm and Martin Freeman.
Bilbo Talks About The White Gems Of Lasgalen
“It is sad, Frodo, how old alliances can be broken. How friendships between peoples can be lost. And for what?”
At the beginning of the first Hobbit movie, An Unexpected Journey, Bilbo sets the stage for the Dwarves' quest to reclaim Erebor by describing the kingdom's history and downfall.
As Bilbo describes the height of Erebor's power, he introduces the Elven king, Thranduil, who goes on to play a larger role in The Desolation of Smaug and The Battle of the Five Armies. In the extended version of the first movie, he provides a little more insight into what caused the initial rift between Thranduil and the Dwarves of Erebor as it seems that the Dwarves denied Thranduil the White Gems of Lasgalen, which are very significant to him. Bilbo then laments how people can be torn apart by material things, smartly setting up Thorin's internal conflict seen towards the end of the trilogy.
Bilbo Describes Hobbits
“In fact, it has been remarked by some that Hobbits’ only real ion is for food. A rather unfair observation, as we have also developed a keen interest in the brewing of ales and the smoking of pipeweed. But where our hearts truly lie is in peace and quiet and good tilled earth. For all Hobbits share a love of things that grow.”
When The Fellowship of the Ring shifts into the beginning of the story in the Shire, Bilbo gives the audience a brief introduction to Hobbits and their ways. He doesn't pull any punches, but he's also able to see the true good of Hobbits too.
This Bilbo quote only appears in the extended version of the film but it's one that's always worth bringing up as it reinforces one of the movies' most successful choices, which is to put a big focus on Sam's personal journey. As Bilbo says the final part of the quote, the audience sees Sam for the first time as he plants flowers. It's an important nod to his impending growth as a character.
Bilbo On Appreciating The Small Things
“It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.”
As Bilbo finishes up his somewhat unflattering description of Hobbits and life in the Shire, the audience sees the preparations being made for Bilbo's 111th birthday celebration.
Though this Bilbo quote may be one that shows his own self-interest a little, as he's essentially talking about his own life, it's an excellent point and on par with some of Gandalf's wisest quotes from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies.
Bilbo's Song
“The road goes ever on and on.”
This is a song that many fans of the series will be familiar with. Fans may recognize it as a song sung by Gandalf in the movies, but it’s originally Bilbo who wrote it in the books and he can be heard singing it as he leaves Bag End. The song continues, “down from the door where it began. Now, far ahead the road has gone, and I must follow if I can.”
However, there are actually multiple versions of this song from the books, but this version is the most recognizable as it’s sung in the films. It's certainly a great and inspiring song about adventure.
Bilbo's Advice To Frodo
"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."
This is another famous Bilbo quote that is told to Sam by Frodo as they first set out on their quest. Since Bilbo was Frodo's adoptive uncle, he was always telling him about his adventures and inspiring Frodo in this way.
This Bilbo quote might read partially as a warning, but it’s also clearly Bilbo waxing poetic about his own experiences.
Bilbo Says Goodbye To Thorin
“I'm glad to have shared in your perils, Thorin. Each and every one of them. It is far more than any Baggins deserves.”
The adventure that Bilbo goes on with the Dwarves ends rather tragically. While at first the Dwarves and Bilbo don’t really understand each other, they do grow to have a camaraderie. This means that the deaths of Thorin, Fili, and Kili are quite tragic for Bilbo.
So, when he says this quote as part of his goodbye to Thorin it’s a fitting way for Bilbo to say goodbye and also quite sad.
Bilbo Isn't Ready For An Adventure Yet
“We do not want any adventures here, thank you! Not today.”
When Gandalf first meets up with Bilbo and tries to recruit him into the company, Bilbo is not up for it. He’s clearly frazzled by the whole encounter and tells Gandalf that he’s not interested.
This Bilbo quote is rather endearing as well as hilarious. It says a lot about his character and it's definitely one of the most iconic and adorable Bilbo moments.
Bilbo Really Doesn't Like Adventures
“Nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things [adventures]! Make you late for dinner!”
When Bilbo rejects the entire idea of having adventures, it’s clear that the words come more from what he’s been taught rather than what his heart truly feels.
This is another hilarious Bilbo quote about his reluctance to Thorin and the other Dwarves, but it’s also inspiring because it shows just how much courage Bilbo finds to go on the adventure.
Bilbo Insults His Party Guests
“I don't know half of you half as well as I should like and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.”
This is definitely one of Bilbo's most well-known quotes from the Lord of the Rings movies. It’s also a super funny line that shows that Bilbo is starting to get a bit grumpy and restless in his old age.
There’s definitely something irable about the way Bilbo speaks his mind here to all of his party guests at his birthday celebration, even if he is rather rude.
Bilbo Is Finally Ready For His Adventure
“I'm going on an adventure!”
This might be one of the most popular lines that Bilbo says in the first Hobbit movie. He wakes up late and sees that the dwarven company has left, and he suddenly has a change of heart and decides to go with them. This leads to him in a very excited state running away from Bag End and exclaiming this line.
This is definitely something that inspired many fans to want to go on their own adventures and probably will do for years to come.
