Bilbo and the dwarves appear to be in real trouble without the guidance of Gandalf, as is indicated when they use all their arrows in a futile attempt to kill the deer and when Bombur falls into the enchanted stream. Even in this episode, however, Bilbo continues to emerge as a far more useful character than the dwarves originally estimated. It is Bilbo who spots the boat that can carry them to the other side of the stream; he is described as having the best vision in the group. His ingenuity is responsible for the plan that allows them to cross the stream. It is an indication of the dwarves' increasing respect for Bilbo that Thorin sends him to investigate the elves they spot in the forest. Nevertheless, Bilbo is still enough of a hobbit to dream of food and feasting in the midst of their peril.
Bilbo's waking to find himself entrapped by spiders appears to be almost a correction to such hobbit tendencies, and he exercises real physical courage in freeing himself and killing the spider. It is a bravery he did not know he had within himself; it is unusual enough that he passes out afterwards.
The episode of killing the spider marks a turning point for Bilbo. He is conscious of feeling braver than he ever has before, and in naming his sword, he joins the ranks of legendary heroes like Arthur and Beowulf. He also places himself in a league with Gandalf and Thorin, rather than with someone like Bombur, who was also dreaming of food. With Gandalf gone, Thorin's capture demands leadership of Bilbo.
