1. Starting Point: Bag End serves as the idyllic starting point of Bilbo's adventures. It is his comfortable and cozy hobbit hole, where he leads a peaceful life. However, it becomes the catalyst for Bilbo's journey when Gandalf arrives and invites him to be a part of Thorin Oakenshield's quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain.
2. Comfort and Belonging: Despite the dangers he encounters during his adventures, Bilbo cherishes the memory of Bag End and the comfort it brings him. It symbolizes the warmth and safety of home and becomes a source of emotional strength for Bilbo during difficult times.
3. Inspiration for Returning: Throughout his journey, Bilbo carries the thought of returning to Bag End. This longing, combined with the loyalty he feels for his homeland and the Shire, drives his determination to complete the quest and ultimately motivates his desire to return home.
4. Refuge and Recovery: Bag End also plays a crucial role upon Bilbo's return. It serves as a place of refuge and recovery where Bilbo can process the experiences and transformations he underwent during his adventures. He shares his stories with his friends and relatives while resting and regaining strength.
5. Legacy and Preservation: In "The Lord of the Rings," set decades after "The Hobbit," Bag End becomes a place of preservation. Bilbo continues to live there, becoming respected as the keeper of stories, maps, and artifacts related to the quest for the Lonely Mountain. Frodo Baggins, Bilbo's nephew and the protagonist of "The Lord of the Rings," inherits Bag End and embarks on his own quest, drawing inspiration from Bilbo's journey and the significance of their home.
Overall, Bag End represents the familiar, the home, and the heart for Bilbo Baggins. It shapes his adventures and serves as a constant reminder of the warmth, comfort, and belonging that he cherishes throughout his extraordinary journey in "The Hobbit."