Durin I

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The name Durin refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Durin (disambiguation).
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Durin the Deathless
Dwarf
File:Liz Danforth Durin I.jpg
Biographical Information
Other namesDurin the Deadless, Father of the Dwarves
Family
ParentageNone; created by Aulë himself
Physical Description
GenderMale
GalleryImages of Durin the Deathless

Durin I (Years of the TreesFirst Age), also known as Durin the Deathless, was the first of the seven Fathers of the Dwarves to be created by the Vala Aulë.

History

He was set to sleep under the mountains of Middle-earth until after the Awakening of the Elves. Durin awoke at Mount Gundabad in the Misty Mountains during the Years of the Trees. He journeyed South through the wild until he came upon Kheled-zâram. Looking upon mysterious stars set like a crown reflected in its surface, he took this as a sign, and there in the caves above the lake, founded a great city. This was Khazad-dûm, later called Moria, and for many years it was the greatest Dwarven city in Middle-earth.

Durin was the founder of the Longbeards house, which became known as Durin's folk.

He lived to a great age even by the measure of the Dwarves, outliving many of his children, until he was known as "The Deathless". However, he was not actually immortal, and died sometime during the First Age.

The age of Durin had been speculated, and it is believed[source?] he may have lived more than 1000-4000 years, from the mid part of the Years of the Trees, to before then end of the First Age. This would make him the oldest Dwarf ever recorded.

The Longbeards believed that Durin would return to them seven times, and in each reincarnation he will again be named Durin and reign as King. He did have six descendants that were named Durin, all were kings of Durin's folk.

Durin's axe survived him and would become a great heirloom of Durin's folk.

Etymology

Durinn is a dwarf from the Norse mythology and the name seams to mean "Sleeper".[source?]

References

None
Position created
1st King of Durin's FolkUnknown
Next known:
Durin II
1st King of Khazad-dûm