I got a really thoughtful comment from Dreamflower02 on one of my fics about Bilbo and the Arkenstone, and I hope they won't mind me quoting it here:
I find that his most important characteristic is his deep generosity, compassion and mercy. You find that through his whole story--he helps the Dwarves, even though they are not very nice to him; he spares Gollum, who was ready to murder him; he gives away the Arkenstone to help buy peace; he gives away most of the treasure he earned on his adventure; he brings in an orphaned relative to raise when he is 99! As you point out, he voluntarily (although with help) GIVES AWAY the Ring that is supposed to be so powerful! and he even gives up the last of his treasure to Sam!
He's willing to repeatedly put his own well-being at risk for the sake of others.
I think a better comparison can be made with others who coveted the Silmaril, rather than Fëanor – like Elu Thingol, and the Dwarves who made the Nauglamír. Then we have greed and stubborness over something that was not their own work.
I'm curious as to how much of Thingol's request of Beren that he get a Silmaril from Morgoth was meant to be just a task so utterly impossible he'd be doomed to failure, and how much was Thingol actually wanting a Silmaril.
Hahaha, you manage better than I do when I'm wide awake and in my native language. :P
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He's willing to repeatedly put his own well-being at risk for the sake of others.
I think a better comparison can be made with others who coveted the Silmaril, rather than Fëanor – like Elu Thingol, and the Dwarves who made the Nauglamír. Then we have greed and stubborness over something that was not their own work.
I'm curious as to how much of Thingol's request of Beren that he get a Silmaril from Morgoth was meant to be just a task so utterly impossible he'd be doomed to failure, and how much was Thingol actually wanting a Silmaril.
Hahaha, you manage better than I do when I'm wide awake and in my native language. :P