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{{people
{{people infobox
|image=[[File:Angelo Montanini - Iron Hill Dwarves.jpg|250px]]
| name=Dwarves of the Iron Hills
|name= Dwarves of the Iron Hills
| image=[[File:Angelo Montanini - Iron Hill Dwarves.jpg|250px]]
|dominions= [[Iron Hills]], [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]]
| caption="Iron Hill Dwarves" by Angelo Montanini
|languages= [[Khuzdul]]
| pronun=
|height=Five feet or less
| othernames=
|length=
| origin=[[Durin's Folk]] who settled in the [[Iron Hills]] in the [[First Age]]<ref name=Relations>{{PM|Relations}}, p. 302</ref>
|skincolor= probably white
| location=[[Iron Hills]]
|haircolor=
| affiliation=
|feathers=
| rivalry=
|distinctions= Short in stature, beards, well-armoured in combat
| language=[[Khuzdul]], [[Westron]]
|lifespan=around 250 years
| members=[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]], [[Grór]], [[Náin (son of Grór)|Náin]], [[Thorin III Stonehelm]]
|members=[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]], [[Gror]], [[Náin son of Grór]]
| lifespan=c. 250 years
| distinctions=Fierce warriors<ref>{{H|Burst}}</ref>, exceedingly strong
| height=Five feet or less
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=Well-armoured in combat
| weapons=Mattocks, short-swords, and broad shields
}}
}}
The '''Dwarves of the Iron Hills''' belonged to the house of the [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]], otherwise known as [[Durin's Folk]], and lived in the [[Iron Hills]].
The '''Dwarves of the Iron Hills''' were [[Dwarves]] belonging to the house of the [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]], otherwise known as [[Durin's Folk]], who lived in the [[Iron Hills]]. They became well-known for making a metal mesh that could be used for making flexible items like leg-coverings.


==History==
==History==
===Early history===
===First Age===
The [[Durin's Folk|Longbeard]] [[Dwarves]] of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] colonized the Iron Hills in the [[First Age]]. The Hills were their primary source of iron-ore.<ref name=Relations>{{PM|Relations}}, p. 302</ref> The [[Old Forest Road|Dwarf-road of Mirkwood]] ran north-east from Khazad-dûm to the Hills for use by dwarf-traders and merchants.<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, p. 323 (note 30)</ref>
The [[Durin's Folk|Longbeard]] [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]] colonized the Iron Hills already in the [[First Age]].<ref name=Relations>{{PM|Relations}}, p. 302</ref> The Hills were their primary source of iron-ore.<ref name=Relations>{{PM|Relations}}, p. 302</ref> The [[Old Forest Road|Dwarf-road]] ran north-east from [[Khazad-dûm]] to the Hills for use by dwarf-traders and merchants<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, p. 323 (note 30)</ref> and before the end of the First Age, the Dwarves of the Iron Hills built a bridge over [[River Running]].<ref name=NM>{{NM|P3xx}}</ref>
===Second Age===
After the [[War of Wrath]], [[Dwarves of the Blue Mountains|many dwarves]] emigrated from the [[Blue Mountains]] to Khazad-dûm and to the Iron Hills in the [[Second Age]].<ref name=NM/>


After [[Sauron]] destroyed [[Eregion]] in the [[Second Age]], the Longbeards sealed Khazad-dûm and Orcs took control of the northern Misty Mountains and the Grey Mountains. This ended communication between the Iron Hills and Khazad-dûm for some time.<ref>{{PM|Relations}}, p. 306</ref>
During the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]], [[Sauron]] devastated [[Eregion]]; Khazad-dûm was sealed and [[Orcs]] took control of the northern Misty Mountains and the Grey Mountains. This ended communication between the Iron Hills and Khazad-dûm for some time.<ref>{{PM|Relations}}, p. 306</ref>  


=== Third Age===
=== Third Age===
After the fall of [[Khazad-dûm]] in {{TA|1981}}, many dwarves fleeing the [[Balrog]] wandered as far as the [[Iron Hills]], bolstering its population.<ref>{{PM|Third}}</ref>
Many Longboards in the [[Grey Mountains]] were greatly troubled by [[Dragons]] there, and one slew King [[Dáin I]]. His surviving sons led an exodus into the east: the elder, [[Thrór]], recreated the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] at [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], while his younger brother [[Grór]] led a part of the people further into the east to join their kindred in the Iron Hills.
====Founding of Grór's Realm====
====Founding of Grór's Realm====
By the Third Age, many Longboard Dwarves lived in the [[Grey Mountains]], but they were greatly troubled by [[Dragons]] in that region. After King [[Dáin I]] was slain by one of these dragons, his surviving sons led an exodus into the east. Dáin's elder son [[Thrór]] recreated the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] at [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], while his younger brother [[Grór]] led a part of the people further into the east to join their kindred living in the [[Iron Hills]].
Grór settled in the Iron Hills in the year {{TA|2590}} and became [[Lord of the Iron Hills]]. During his reign, the realm became the strongest in the North, being the only realm standing between [[Sauron]] and his plans to destroy [[Rivendell]] and taking back the lands of [[Angmar]].<ref>{{App|Durin}}</ref>


Grór settled in the Iron Hills in the year {{TA|2590}} and became [[Lord of the Iron Hills]]. During his reign, the realm became the strongest in the North, being the only realm standing between Sauron and his plans to destroy Rivendell and taking back the lands of Angmar.{{citation-needed}} Also, following the [[Sack of Erebor]] many of Durin's folk fleeing from [[Smaug]] and those wandering in exile, except for [[Thrór]] and his small company of family and followers, came to the Iron Hills, bolstering their numbers.
Meanwhile his brother's folk in Erebor, flew from [[Sack of Erebor]] by [[Smaug]]. Those wandering in exile, except for [[Thrór]] and his small company of family and followers, came to the Iron Hills.


====War of the Dwarves and Orcs====
====War of the Dwarves and Orcs====
During the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]], many Dwarves from the Iron Hills fought several battles, but they are mostly remembered from the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] in the year {{TA|2799}}. [[Náin son of Grór|Naín]] and his army came to the battle in the most crucial moment, when the main Dwarven army was being decimated by the great host of Orcs. With these fresh reinforcments,  the Dwarves were able to route and destroy their opponents, fighting their way all up to the steps of the [[Great Gates|East-gate]] of [[Moria]]. There, Nain dueled with [[Azog]], the [[Orcs|Orc]] commander, resulting to his death. Later in the battle,[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] killed Azog out of vengeance for his father, achieving recognition because he was very young for dwarven standards. After this battle Dain led his Dwarves back to Grór's Halls.
During the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]], many Dwarves from the Iron Hills fought several battles, but they are mostly remembered from the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] in the year {{TA|2799}}.  
 
====Dáin's Reign====
Grór ruled the Dwarves of the Iron Hills for 215 years, and he died in {{TA|2805}} at 241 years of age. [[Dáin Ironfoot]] became the next Lord of the Iron Hills. During his reign, the Iron Hills evolved to the mightiest Dwarf-realm of its time.{{citation-needed}}


Years later, Dáin's cousin [[Thorin]] attempted to restore the kingdom at Erebor, but he was trapped by the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] and [[Northmen]] of [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]] and sent to the Iron Hills for aid. Dáin arrived with 500 armoured Dwarves and as events developed, the Dwarves of the Iron Hills proved crucial in winning the ensuing [[Battle of Five Armies]] against the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]. Thorin died in that battle, and with him the royal line of [[Thrór]]. Through his ancestor Grór, the Kingship of Durin's Folk then fell on Dáin. Dáin II Ironfoot removed from the Iron Hills, and re-established a kingdom under the [[Lonely Mountain]]. It is possible that both Iron Hills and [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] were ruled by him and later by his son [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]].
Lord [[Náin son of Grór|Naín]] led his army to the battle in the most crucial moment when the main Dwarven army was being decimated by the great host of [[Orcs]]. With these fresh reinforcements, the Dwarves routed their enemies, fighting their way all up to the steps of the [[Great Gates|East-gate]] of [[Moria]]. There, Nain duelled with [[Azog]], the Orc commander, resulting in his death; his son [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin]] avenged his father, achieving recognition because he was very young for dwarven standards.  


It is unknown whether the Dwarves of the Iron Hills fought alongside the Dwarves of Erebor in the [[Battle of Dale]] against the [[Easterlings]] during the [[War of the Ring]].
After this battle, Dain led his Dwarves back to the Iron Hills.


==Other information==
Grór ruled the Dwarves of the Iron Hills for 215 years, and he died in {{TA|2805}} at 241 years of age. [[Dáin Ironfoot]] became the next Lord of the Iron Hills.
They became well-known for making a metal mesh that could be used for making flexible items like leg-coverings.
====Battle of Five Armies====
Years later, Dáin's cousin [[Thorin]] attempted to restore the kingdom at Erebor, but he was trapped by the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] and [[Northmen]] of [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]] and sent to the Iron Hills for aid. Dáin arrived with 500 armoured Dwarves and as events developed, the Dwarves of the Iron Hills proved crucial in winning the ensuing [[Battle of Five Armies]] against the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]. Thorin died in that battle, and with him the royal line of [[Thrór]]. Through his ancestor Grór, the Kingship of Durin's Folk then fell on Dáin. Dáin II Ironfoot removed from the Iron Hills and re-established a kingdom under the [[Lonely Mountain]].


These Dwarves of Durin's folk were known for being some of the most fierce and elite of all Dwarf armies.  Their main weapon of choice seemed to have been the mattocks, though they also carried a short broad sword with a round shield.
==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:It is possible for Dwarf player characters to choose the Iron Hills as their background, though this is only for aesthetic purposes and has no impact on the game's story or mechanics.
:The Dwarves of the Iron Hills first make an appearance as non-player characters in the [[The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria|Mines of Moria]] expansion in the form of the "Iron Garrison", an expedition led by the sons and grandsons of [[Bifur]] and [[Bofur]] that attempts to colonize Moria and investigate [[Balin]]'s fate.


Not much is said on whom were enemies of these dwarves, but it seems likely that the [[Easterlings]] were one of them, since their empire was near and around the Iron Hills, and possibly the Dragons that lived nearby in the northern wastes.
:After the [[War of the Ring]], the player explores the Iron Hills themselves. According to an old rhyme the players can compile, the Iron Hills and the capital "Járnfast" were founded by "Farin Blackmattock", who in the First Age sought a sufficient source of iron that Khazad-dûm lacked. The Dwarves of the Iron Hills, here called the "Iron-folk", also appear in a flashback region depicting Azanulbizar during the battle. Among their number is the hero "Hermáth Stormhammer", whose written records of his experiences allow the players to see the battle through his eyes.


{{references}}
{{references}}
*''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]]
*''[[Unfinished Tales]]''
*''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]''


[[Category:Dwarven peoples]]
[[Category:Dwarven peoples]]
[[de:Eisenberge (Rhûn)]]
[[de:Eisenberge (Rhûn)]]
[[fi:Rautavuoret#_Itäisen_Keski-Maan_Rautavuoret]]
[[fi:Rautavuoret#_Itäisen_Keski-Maan_Rautavuoret]]

Latest revision as of 07:51, 8 July 2023

Dwarves of the Iron Hills
People
Angelo Montanini - Iron Hill Dwarves.jpg
"Iron Hill Dwarves" by Angelo Montanini
General Information
OriginsDurin's Folk who settled in the Iron Hills in the First Age[1]
LocationsIron Hills
LanguagesKhuzdul, Westron
MembersDáin II Ironfoot, Grór, Náin, Thorin III Stonehelm
Physical Description
Lifespanc. 250 years
DistinctionsFierce warriors[2], exceedingly strong
Average heightFive feet or less
ClothingWell-armoured in combat
WeaponryMattocks, short-swords, and broad shields

The Dwarves of the Iron Hills were Dwarves belonging to the house of the Longbeards, otherwise known as Durin's Folk, who lived in the Iron Hills. They became well-known for making a metal mesh that could be used for making flexible items like leg-coverings.

History[edit | edit source]

First Age[edit | edit source]

The Longbeard Dwarves of Khazad-dûm colonized the Iron Hills already in the First Age.[1] The Hills were their primary source of iron-ore.[1] The Dwarf-road ran north-east from Khazad-dûm to the Hills for use by dwarf-traders and merchants[3] and before the end of the First Age, the Dwarves of the Iron Hills built a bridge over River Running.[4]

Second Age[edit | edit source]

After the War of Wrath, many dwarves emigrated from the Blue Mountains to Khazad-dûm and to the Iron Hills in the Second Age.[4]

During the War of the Elves and Sauron, Sauron devastated Eregion; Khazad-dûm was sealed and Orcs took control of the northern Misty Mountains and the Grey Mountains. This ended communication between the Iron Hills and Khazad-dûm for some time.[5]

Third Age[edit | edit source]

After the fall of Khazad-dûm in T.A. 1981, many dwarves fleeing the Balrog wandered as far as the Iron Hills, bolstering its population.[6]

Many Longboards in the Grey Mountains were greatly troubled by Dragons there, and one slew King Dáin I. His surviving sons led an exodus into the east: the elder, Thrór, recreated the Kingdom under the Mountain at Erebor, while his younger brother Grór led a part of the people further into the east to join their kindred in the Iron Hills.

Founding of Grór's Realm[edit | edit source]

Grór settled in the Iron Hills in the year T.A. 2590 and became Lord of the Iron Hills. During his reign, the realm became the strongest in the North, being the only realm standing between Sauron and his plans to destroy Rivendell and taking back the lands of Angmar.[7]

Meanwhile his brother's folk in Erebor, flew from Sack of Erebor by Smaug. Those wandering in exile, except for Thrór and his small company of family and followers, came to the Iron Hills.

War of the Dwarves and Orcs[edit | edit source]

During the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, many Dwarves from the Iron Hills fought several battles, but they are mostly remembered from the Battle of Azanulbizar in the year T.A. 2799.

Lord Naín led his army to the battle in the most crucial moment when the main Dwarven army was being decimated by the great host of Orcs. With these fresh reinforcements, the Dwarves routed their enemies, fighting their way all up to the steps of the East-gate of Moria. There, Nain duelled with Azog, the Orc commander, resulting in his death; his son Dáin avenged his father, achieving recognition because he was very young for dwarven standards.

After this battle, Dain led his Dwarves back to the Iron Hills.

Grór ruled the Dwarves of the Iron Hills for 215 years, and he died in T.A. 2805 at 241 years of age. Dáin Ironfoot became the next Lord of the Iron Hills.

Battle of Five Armies[edit | edit source]

Years later, Dáin's cousin Thorin attempted to restore the kingdom at Erebor, but he was trapped by the Elves of Mirkwood and Northmen of Esgaroth and sent to the Iron Hills for aid. Dáin arrived with 500 armoured Dwarves and as events developed, the Dwarves of the Iron Hills proved crucial in winning the ensuing Battle of Five Armies against the Orcs of the Misty Mountains. Thorin died in that battle, and with him the royal line of Thrór. Through his ancestor Grór, the Kingship of Durin's Folk then fell on Dáin. Dáin II Ironfoot removed from the Iron Hills and re-established a kingdom under the Lonely Mountain.

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:

It is possible for Dwarf player characters to choose the Iron Hills as their background, though this is only for aesthetic purposes and has no impact on the game's story or mechanics.
The Dwarves of the Iron Hills first make an appearance as non-player characters in the Mines of Moria expansion in the form of the "Iron Garrison", an expedition led by the sons and grandsons of Bifur and Bofur that attempts to colonize Moria and investigate Balin's fate.
After the War of the Ring, the player explores the Iron Hills themselves. According to an old rhyme the players can compile, the Iron Hills and the capital "Járnfast" were founded by "Farin Blackmattock", who in the First Age sought a sufficient source of iron that Khazad-dûm lacked. The Dwarves of the Iron Hills, here called the "Iron-folk", also appear in a flashback region depicting Azanulbizar during the battle. Among their number is the hero "Hermáth Stormhammer", whose written records of his experiences allow the players to see the battle through his eyes.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "X. Of Dwarves and Men", "Relations of the Longbeard Dwarves and Men", p. 302
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Clouds Burst"
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "X. Of Dwarves and Men", "Notes", p. 323 (note 30)
  4. 4.0 4.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl F. Hostetter (ed.), The Nature of Middle-earth, "Part Three. The World, its Lands, and its Inhabitants: XX. Note on the Dwarf Road"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "X. Of Dwarves and Men", "Relations of the Longbeard Dwarves and Men", p. 306
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "VIII. The Tale of Years of the Third Age"
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "Durin's Folk"