The Root of Bilbo's Timidness

I agree with Elwing and Aredhel when they stated that Tolkien made Bilbo timid so that the audience could relate to him. However, I also think that Bilbo's environment was a contributing factor of his timidness. Living in the Shire, he would have been in a close-knit community where he was comfortable, and his timidity would be completely acceptable because he would have no need for bravery. However, when he left on his adventure, the shock of seeing new cultures and places would make him have to adapt. This element of adapting to changing environments even though they may be scary could resonate with young audiences, since some children may be wary of change. This may be one reason why Tolkien made Bilbo so timid in the beginning of the book.