Balin

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Balin
Dwarf
File:Visitbilbo.jpg
Family
ParentageFundin son of Farin
Physical Description
GenderMale
GalleryImages of Balin

Balin was a Dwarf leader, the son of Fundin and elder brother of Dwalin. Balin was among the Dwarves that travelled with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey in The Hobbit.

History

Early History

Balin fought in the War of the Dwarves and Orcs. He was with King Thráin II on his own quest to Erebor, during which the King was captured while wandering away from camp by Orcs. And after searching for him, Balin and the Dwarves that were with Thráin gave up and headed back to the Ered Luin to Thorin Oakenshield, believing that the king was lost.

Quest of Erebor

In the Quest of Erebor, Balin was the second-eldest on the quest (behind Thorin), and so he spoke for the party when they were captured by the Elvenking. He is described as "always their look-out man": He spots Bilbo approaching the Green Dragon Inn at Bywater, he spots the trolls' fire, and he's the first to spot the Elves in Mirkwood.

Conversely he did not notice burglar Bilbo Baggins (invisible by wearing a magic ring) as look-out for the company after escaping the Goblins in the Misty Mountains. After this bit of trickery Bilbo gained respect from Balin for his abilities, unaware of the ring involved. He was the only Dwarf that volunteered to accompany Bilbo down the secret passage to Smaug. Of all the Dwarves in the quest, he is the only one known to have visited Bilbo afterwards at Bag End.

Expedition to Moria and Death

In Third Age 2989 Balin left the Lonely Mountain and entered Moria with Flói, Óin, Ori, Frár, Lóni, Náli, and other Dwarves to start a colony. He was slain by an Orc-archer in Dimrill Dale in 2994, not long before the entire expeditionary force was besieged and destroyed.

The Fellowship of the Ring later discovered his tomb in the Chamber of Mazarbul.

See also

Members of Thorin and Company
Thorin · Balin · Dwalin · Fíli · Kíli · Dori · Nori · Ori · Óin · Glóin · Bifur · Bofur · Bombur · Gandalf · Bilbo Baggins