18 Bilbo Baggins Quotes That Prove He's The Best Hobbit
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18 Bilbo Baggins Quotes That Prove He's The Best Hobbit

Rafa Boladeras
Updated January 1, 2025 18 items

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Vote up the Bilbo Baggins quotes that rule them all.

Often it feels like Frodo Baggins gets all the love when it comes to Hobbits, but no fan should forget about the original: Bilbo. There are a lot of powerful characters in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, and yet without Bilbo Baggins, evil would've counquered Middle-earth much sooner. He may not be very intimidating in terms of raw power, but his courage, empathy and curiosity make him a winner every time.

After coming to life in the pages of J.R.R. Tolkein's novels, Bilbo was played on-screen by Martin Freeman and Ian Holm at different ages. His older self in The Lord of the Rings trilogy has a wonderful way with words and plenty of life experience. On the other hand, The Hobbit trilogy shows how younger Bilbo gained that experience, with his adventures making him a hero worth rooting for.

Throughout his life, Bilbo always has plenty to say, and that's why he's the source of some of the greatest quotes in the whole series. If you're a The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit fan, and especially if Bilbo is your favorite character, this list is for you - help vote on the greatest words to come from Mr. Bilbo Baggins of Bag End.

  • 'Is He A Great Wizard? Or Is He More Like You?'
    1

    'Is He A Great Wizard? Or Is He More Like You?'

    Movie: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

    At the start of their adventure together, Bilbo thinks of Gandalf more as an eccentric old man than a powerful Wizard. While it’s raining and one of the Dwarves asks the Wizard if he can stop the rain, Gandalf says no. He then explains who the four other Wizards in Middle-earth are, and Bilbo chimes in with this innocent (but somewhat tactless) question. Gandalf answers him with kindness.

    The moment is also a great transition into the story involving Radagast the Brown, who has discovered something is going on in the forest and that the Necromancer is coming for all of them.

    31 votes
    Rules them all?
  • 'I'm Going On An Adventure.'
    2

    'I'm Going On An Adventure.'

    Movie: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

    This may be the single quote that is most associated with Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), given how it captures his enthusiasm and desire to get into the unknown. The moment, which was heavily featured in the trailers for the first Hobbit film, happens the day after the visit by Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and the Dwarves.

    When Bilbo wakes up and sees they finally have left him alone, after a few moments of comfort, he evidently seems to fear missing out on the journey. He leaves his home as quickly as possible to catch them and start his first adventure. It's a good thing he did - if Bilbo hadn't had this unexpected journey, Middle-earth may have fallen fully into the control of Sauron.

    33 votes
    Rules them all?
  • 'If You Ever Pass Through Bag End, Tea Is At Four. You Are Welcome Anytime. Don't Bother Knocking!'
    3

    'If You Ever Pass Through Bag End, Tea Is At Four. You Are Welcome Anytime. Don't Bother Knocking!'

    Movie: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

    This quote is Bilbo's goodbye to the remaining Dwarves after the climactic battle against the Orcs. Three of the Dwarves have died, including Thorin, but the survivors have become like family to Bilbo. This farewell also marks significant contrast to when the Dwarves first met Bilbo at his home, when the Hobbit wanted them to leave immediately. Although it’s not shown in the movies, the Dwarves take that invitation to heart and end up visiting Bilbo many, many times over the years.

    14 votes
    Rules them all?
  • '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.'
    4

    '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.'

    Movie: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

    Even as he grows older and more prickly, Bilbo remains incredibly skilled with words. As he longs to find a way to escape his birthday party and be alone, he makes a speech where he subtly criticizes those around him, but with such complicated wording that it's difficult to understand what he means, let alone get offended. Still, this veiled insult demonstrates that by this point in his life, Bilbo is less empathetic than his old self in The Hobbit, thus why it’s time for him to leave The Shire - as well as time to give up the One Ring.

    27 votes
    Rules them all?
  • 'Truly, Tales And Songs Fall Utterly Short Of Your Enormity, O Smaug The Stupendous.'
    5

    'Truly, Tales And Songs Fall Utterly Short Of Your Enormity, O Smaug The Stupendous.'

    Movie: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

    Bilbo has one eye-opening, scary, dangerous conversation with the dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch) when the Hobbit wakes him up. Remaining undaunted, Bilbo uses his charm and wits to try to help him survive the encounter by laying on the flattery. He offers great praise to Smaug, while also trying to avoid any scenario that might involve the dragon leaving the cave and going to kill everyone in Laketown.

    Bilbo has always been one for multitasking, so while he’s having this conversation, he's also trying to find the Arkenstone and steal it without Smaug eating him for breakfast. 

    12 votes
    Rules them all?
  • 'I've Grown Very Fond Of Them, And I Would Save Them If I Can.'
    6

    'I've Grown Very Fond Of Them, And I Would Save Them If I Can.'

    Movie: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

    This speech might be one of Bilbo's most heroic moments in the whole saga. He’s trying to avoid war between Dwarves, Elves, and Men by giving the Arkenstone to Thranduil (Lee Pace) and Bard (Luke Evans) so they can exchange it for the treasures the Dwarves had promised them. Bilbo wants to save his friends and understands that sometimes diplomacy is much better than a sword, so he takes the matter into his own hands and tries to create peace with one simple speech, beginning with:

    I know that Dwarves can be obstinate and pigheaded and difficult. They’re suspicious and secretive, with the worst manners you can possibly imagine. But, they are also brave and kind, and loyal to a fault.

    He then wraps up by emphasizing the fondness he has developed for Dwarves thanks to his recent experiences. The monologue is quite compelling. Unfortunately, Thorin grows more and more agitated every minute he’s inside the mountain, so he refuses a truce.

    12 votes
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  • 'I've Thought Of An Ending For My Book: And He Lived Happily Ever After... To The End Of His Days.'
    7

    'I've Thought Of An Ending For My Book: And He Lived Happily Ever After... To The End Of His Days.'

    Movie: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

    Bilbo says this as a goodbye to his friend Gandalf, just after the Hobbit has revealed the extent of the hold the One Ring still has on him. Although Bilbo claims he doesn't want it, he seems unable to leave it behind - only doing so in the end because of the Wizard's intervention. Bilbo finally leaves the Ring for Frodo, but it takes all of his strength to do so. 

    Once he's outside his home, he offers these words as a farewell acknowledgment of everything he's shared with his friend. Gandalf's reply (“And I'm sure you will my friend.”) also comforts Bilbo, emphasizing how well they know each other.

    30 votes
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  • 'That's Why I Came Back, 'Cause You Don't Have One. A Home. It Was Taken From You. But I Will Help You Take It Back, If I Can.'
    8

    'That's Why I Came Back, 'Cause You Don't Have One. A Home. It Was Taken From You. But I Will Help You Take It Back, If I Can.'

    Movie: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

    At this point in the story, Thorin (Richard Armitage) doesn't trust Bilbo completely, so when he disappears after the Goblin attack, the Dwarf wastes no time trashing the Hobbit and explaining why he never trusted him. Bilbo is invisible, thanks to the One Ring, and listens to all of it. He takes off the Ring and gives this beautiful speech that proves his empathy and care for those around him. He's not on this quest for riches or glory; he's a true hero. His own love for his home also helps him empathize with the Dwarves.

    43 votes
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  • 'Gandalf, My Old Friend, This Will Be A Night To Remember.'
    9

    'Gandalf, My Old Friend, This Will Be A Night To Remember.'

    Movie: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

    Bilbo says this to Gandalf as they are hanging out and smoking, like any other old friends might do, before Bilbo's birthday celebration. This conversation happens pretty early on in the film, and it does a great job at quickly demonstrating the deep bond between the Hobbit and the Wizard for those who haven't read Tolkein's books (nor seen The Hobbit films). There's also an understated melancholy and foreboding to the line, as both know this might be one of the last times they see each other.

    23 votes
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  • 'They Pillaged The Pantry. I'm Not Even Going To Tell You What They've Done To The Bathroom... They All But Destroyed The Plumbing!'
    10

    'They Pillaged The Pantry. I'm Not Even Going To Tell You What They've Done To The Bathroom... They All But Destroyed The Plumbing!'

    Movie: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

    The Dwarves are everything Hobbits arent: rowdy, loud, and heavy drinkers and singers. So, the first night they stay at Bilbo’s house, the host gets a bit flustered about how the guests are disrupting the particular order of his house and his things.

    Though he eventually comes to view them as close companions, at this point, the Dwarves are Bilbo's archenemies. They start to redeem themselves when they clean everything while singing the "Blunt The Knives” song, proving they have a sense of humor and are great when working as a team (both traits that are made even more clear to Bilbo during their journey together).

    10 votes
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  • 'No, Thank You! We Don't Want Any More Visitors, Well-Wishers, Or Distant Relations!'
    11

    'No, Thank You! We Don't Want Any More Visitors, Well-Wishers, Or Distant Relations!'

    Movie: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

    After a prologue showing how the One Ring was created and where it is now, this interaction is one of the first scenes in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Bilbo shouts this dismissive cry before opening the door and discovering his old friend Gandalf is the one knocking. It's amusing and also shows that the Hobbit has become more reclusive and less friendly over the years, as he seems annoyed by the idea of people spending time with him or greeting him on his birthday. It's also an effective way to show how the One Ring has changed him.

    10 votes
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  • 'I'm Old, Gandalf. I Know I Don't Look It, But I'm Beginning To Feel It In My Heart.'
    12

    'I'm Old, Gandalf. I Know I Don't Look It, But I'm Beginning To Feel It In My Heart.'

    Movie: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

    Bilbo confides in his friend Gandalf at the start of the story on how he feels life wearing on him. Though one could initially assume he's prompted by his birthday, it becomes clear that he's likely referring to One Ring has on him, as he’s even touching it in his pocket while talking. Bilbo remains far from the warped appearance of Gollum, yet this admission hints that he may continue down a similar path if he keeps the Ring for much longer. Bilbo further confesses, “I feel… thin. Sort of stretched, like… butter scraped over too much bread. I need a holiday. A very long holiday. And I don’t expect I shall return. In fact I mean not to.”

    This vulnerable, honest moment a great way to show the friendship between Bilbo and Gandalf, as well as to set up the difficulties Frodo will experience when he becomes the next Ring-bearer.

    21 votes
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  • 'An Adventure? No, I Don't Imagine Anyone West Of Bree Would Have Much Interest in Adventures. Nasty, Disturbing, Uncomfortable Things. Make You Late For Dinner.'
    13

    'An Adventure? No, I Don't Imagine Anyone West Of Bree Would Have Much Interest in Adventures. Nasty, Disturbing, Uncomfortable Things. Make You Late For Dinner.'

    Movie: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

    At the start of his journey, Bilbo has no fondness for adventures and doesn’t want to be involved in them at all, preferring the comfort and familiarity of home, like most Hobbits. The fact that he thinks an adventure only takes a few hours and makes you late for dinner is also hilarious. This line is even more amusing because Bilbo seems to protest a bit too much - ultimately, within 24 hours of this speech, he changes his mind and sets out on a journey that will change his life forever.

    21 votes
    Rules them all?
  • 'I Think I'm Quite Ready For Another Adventure.'
    14

    'I Think I'm Quite Ready For Another Adventure.'

    Movie The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

    This quote is the last thing Bilbo ever says in the film series, within the story's chronology. He’s finally feeling his age (after having given up the One Ring in the first film) and is leaving Middle-earth to go to Valinor with Elrond, Galadriel, and other Elves. The quote is beautiful as it perfectly encapsulates Bilbo's spirit and curiosity while mirroring one of his first quotes in The Hobbit, where he leaves Bag End to go on his first adventure.

    The fact that the other four Hobbits in The Lord of the Rings and Gandalf are also there serves as a beautiful reminder about friendship and the place you come from. The scene gets even more dramatic when it’s discovered that Gandalf and Frodo are also leaving.

    36 votes
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  • 'I'm Sorry I Brought This Upon You, My Boy. I'm Sorry That... You Must Carry This Burden. I'm Sorry For Everything.'
    15

    'I'm Sorry I Brought This Upon You, My Boy. I'm Sorry That... You Must Carry This Burden. I'm Sorry For Everything.'

    Movie: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

    This rather frightening line is spoken in Rivendell as Frodo prepares for his trip. Bilbo gifts him his old sword, Sting, as well as a set of mithril chainmail. As Frodo goes to don the chainmail, Bilbo sees the One Ring around his nephew's neck and tries to touch it one last time. He's overcome by desire and momentarily gains a monstrous look on his face, before snapping out of it in horror.

    After he shows his darker side to his nephew, Bilbo apologizes. This scene is important as it shows the evil, corrupting power of the One Ring. It's chilling for Frodo, both to see his uncle in such a state and to glimpse a future version of what he could become if he succumbs to the Ring's power.

    18 votes
    Rules them all?
  • 'Why Don't We Have A Game Of Riddles... Just, Just You And Me.'
    16

    'Why Don't We Have A Game Of Riddles... Just, Just You And Me.'

    Movie: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

    In a certain light, this quote might be the most important line spoken across both film trilogies. If this meeting of Bilbo and Gollum (Andy Serkis) hadn't happened, the chain of events leading to the massive war with Sauron's forces may not have unfolded as it does in the Lord of the Rings films. After playing this game of riddles with Gollum, Bilbo soon discovers the One Ring and takes it with him - while leaving Gollum alive, ready to play his part in the destruction of the Ring decades later.

    Although Gollum's appearance in the first Hobbit film is almost a cameo, direct Peter Jackson knew the scene’s importance. The riddles scene is brought to life brilliantly, and it might be the best moment of the whole The Hobbit trilogy.

    15 votes
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  • 'One Day It'll Grow. And Every Time I Look At It, I'll Remember. Remember Everything That Happened: The Good, The Bad... And How Lucky I Am That I Made It Home.'
    17

    'One Day It'll Grow. And Every Time I Look At It, I'll Remember. Remember Everything That Happened: The Good, The Bad... And How Lucky I Am That I Made It Home.'

    Movie: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

    Bilbo tells this to Thorin while showing him an acorn he picked up in Beorn's garden (although he's also hiding the One Ring). Here, the Hobbit shows the Dwarf how much he's grown. Bilbo knows he's lucky to be alive, and that he'll remember their story together and make the best of it. At this point in the story, Thorin is mad with greed, yet with this exchange, he returns to be the great leader Bilbo met at the start of their adventure. It's an interaction that strengthens their bond and emphasizes the value of their difficult experiences together.

    12 votes
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  • 'I'm Not A Warrior, I'm A Hobbit.'
    18

    'I'm Not A Warrior, I'm A Hobbit.'

    Movie: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

    Another of the most famous Bilbo quotes, these words are uttered before the pivotal battle as Bilbo he receives a vest made of mithril from Thorin (which will also be used by Frodo in the future). Bilbo's initial response shows his humility and disbelief at being offered such a valuable piece of armor. However, it also shows how far he's come - though he may not have been a warrior when he began his journey, he has survived by his smarts and bravery, so he's certainly proven himself worthy of the title. The moment is also a sign of respect by the Dwarf, who finally considers Bilbo one of his own.

    16 votes
    Rules them all?