Of Heroes and Hobbits

He'd grown up on Bilbo's tales of adventure. Of dragons and dwarves and gold and glory. He thought that was what he wanted too. The immortalization that accompanies a hero. He got his wish, but at what cost? Real-life was not like the fantasies of his youth. Through his despair he accepted that a simple happily ever after doesn't exist, and the hero doesn't return unscathed. Being called the Mad Baggins of Bag End was not a title of praise, but a striking reminder of his inability to ever return to the bright, blue-eyed hobbit he once was; respected and accepted by his peers. He wonders-not for the first time-if Bilbo knew this too, and if the stories he filled Frodo's young head with were purposefully absent of all that is dark and dismal. Death and destruction replaced by hope and victory. Meant to inspire, yet shield him from the true tragedy that accompanies a hero. If he can even call himself one.

Or: An in-depth character study of a post-quest Frodo Baggins.

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Frodo Baggins or any other character released to Lord of the Rings. All rights reserved to J.R.R. Tolkien.