Beorn is the shape-shifting man who aids Bilbo in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit.
Beorn lives in a fortified wooden hall between the Misty Mountains and Mirkwood. He can change his form between that of a large man and a great bear. Bilbo, Gandalf, and the Dwarves visit him after escaping from the Goblins, and Beorn provides food, shelter, advice, and animals for their journey.
His assistance becomes especially important before the company enters Mirkwood. Beorn later appears in the Battle of the Five Armies, where his bear form gives him formidable strength. His name is related to an Old English and Germanic word associated with a man or warrior, and Tolkien also connected the character with traditions of bear-men and berserkers.
Beorn is often confused with Bard because both help oppose the forces gathered around the Lonely Mountain. Bard is the archer who kills Smaug, whereas Beorn is the reclusive shape-shifter.