Bifur

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Bifur
Dwarf
Angelo Montanini - Bifur.jpg
Physical Description
GenderMale
GalleryImages of Bifur

Bifur was a companion to Bilbo Baggins and Thorin on the Quest of Erebor. He arrived at Bag End in the company of his cousins Bofur and Bombur. He fought and survived the Battle of Five Armies.

History

Bifur was a descendent of Dwarves of Khazad-dûm, but was not of Durin's line.

Etymology

The name of Bívurr originates in the Dvergatal. It is of Old Frisian origin, meaning "Beaver" or, by extension, "Hard Worker".[1]

Other versions of the Legendarium

In Tolkien's unfinished 1960 rewrite of The Hobbit, Bifur,Bofur and Bombur were Thorin's attendants.[2] John D. Rateliff assumes this made them either courtiers or honor-guard.[3]

Portrayal in Adaptations

1966: The Hobbit (1966 film):

Bifur is omitted. Thorin Oakenshield only travels with an unnamed guard and the princess of Dale.[4]

1968: The Hobbit (1968 radio series):

Bifur is played by Brian Haines.

1977: The Hobbit (1977 film):

No actor is specified for the role of Bifur.

1979: The Hobbit (1979 radio series):

No actor is specified for the role of Bifur.

1982: The Hobbit (1982 video game):

Bifur is omitted; Thorin is the only companion of the player, Bilbo Baggins.[5]

2003: The Hobbit (2003 video game):

No actor is credited for the role of Bifur.

2012-3: The Hobbit films:

Bifur will be played by William Kircher.[6]

References

  1. Chester Nathan Gould, "Dwarf-Names: A Study in Old Icelandic Religion", published in Publications of the Modern Language Association of America, Vol 44 (1929), issue #4, pp. 939-967
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien, John D. Rateliff (ed.), The History of The Hobbit, Return to Bag-End, "The Fifth Phase", "A Well-Planned Party", p. 774
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, John D. Rateliff (ed.), The History of The Hobbit, Return to Bag-End, "The Fifth Phase", "Arrival in Rivendell", note 32
  4. "The Hobbit.mp4" dated 5 January 2012, YouTube (accessed 10 January 2012)
  5. ZX Computing, 8304 (April/May 1983), p. 76, accessed April 24 2011
  6. Peter Jackson, "Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit" dated 20 March 2011, Facebook (accessed 23 December 2011)
Members of Thorin and Company
Thorin · Balin · Dwalin · Fíli · Kíli · Dori · Nori · Ori · Óin · Glóin · Bifur · Bofur · Bombur · Gandalf · Bilbo Baggins