Kíli

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Kíli
Dwarf
Angelo Montanini - Kili.jpg
Biographical Information
LocationThorin's Halls
BirthT.A. 2864
DeathT.A. 2941
Family
HouseDurin's line
ParentageDís
Physical Description
GenderMale
ClothingBlue hood
GalleryImages of Kíli

Kíli (T.A. 28642941[1] 77 years old) was one of the thirteen Dwarves who took part in the quest for Erebor, which was Bilbo Baggins's great adventure. He was one of the three Dwarves of Thorin's company who did not survive the Battle of Five Armies (the other two being Thorin and Kíli's brother Fíli.)

Kíli and Fíli were the sons of Dís, the sister of Thorin. Before the quest to Erebor, they probably lived in the Blue Mountains where their uncle resided after the disappearance of Thráin II.[1] As Thorin's sister-sons, they accompanied their uncle when he set out to challenge the dragon Smaug.

History

When Bilbo first met Kíli and Fíli (in the third group of Dwarves to arrive at Bag End) they wore blue hoods. After supper, when the Dwarves made music, Kíli and Fíli played small fiddles that they had brought in bags.[2]

The brothers were the youngest of Thorin and Company by some 50 years,[3] with Kíli being five years younger than his brother.[1] Although not twins, the two brothers were inseparable throughout the adventure.

Early on the night when the company encountered the trolls one of the ponies became frightened and bolted into the river; Kíli and Fíli nearly drowned getting the beast out of the water.[4]

Up in the Misty Mountains during the thunder-battle the two brothers, being the youngest Dwarves with the keenest eyes, were sent ahead to look for shelter. They found a small dry cave which was perfect for the company (until the Gobins arrived). After Gandalf had rescued the company and was counting the members he found Kíli and Fíli, as usual, paired together.[3]

When the company rushed up into trees to escape the wargs Kíli and Fíli scrambled to the top of a tall larch.[5] The next day, when the company arrived at Beorn's hall, Kíli and Fíli were again together as the fourth pair of Dwarves to appear during Gandalf's story.[6]

When Bilbo spied the boat on the far side of the Enchanted River, Fíli managed to snag it with a hook on a rope but could not pull it across. Kíli came to his aid first, followed by Óin and Gloin, before the boat came loose (after its painter snapped).[7]

At the opening of the barrels after the escape from the halls of the Elvenking, Kíli and Fíli came out smiling since they were young and had but few bruises. The two brothers helped Thorin and Bilbo locate and free the other Dwarves. Next, they accompanied Thorin and Bilbo to the bridge into Esgaroth while the others recovered.[8]

When the company reached the Lonely Mountain, Thorin sent out a scouting party to view the Front Gate (or where it had once stood). Kíli and Fíli went along with Balin and Bilbo on this expedition. On another scouting trip Bilbo was with Kíli and Fíli when the three discovered the rough steps that led up the mountain to the little bay that contained the secret door.[9]

Of the thirteen Dwarves, Kíli and Fíli looked uncomfortable when Bilbo asked for volunteers to accompany him on the first trip into the mountain (only Balin went with the hobbit for part of the way). Once the dragon woke up though Kíli and Fíli, along with Bilbo and Balin, were the first to go in the tunnel (sent in by Thorin).[10]

While searching the treasure when the full company descended into Erebor, Kíli and Fíli were in such exuberant spirits that they took down magic golden harps and played music on them.[11]

Kíli was slain with his brother in the Battle of Five Armies, while defending their mortally wounded uncle.[12] After Thorin's death, the brothers would have been the only remaining descendants of Thrór's line. Their deaths ended the dynasty, and the title passed to Dáin II. It was their heroic last stand that made their mother the only Dwarf-woman to be mentioned in the genealogies.[13]

Etymology

Kíli is a dwarf from the Dvergatal. It can mean "Wedge" or "One who uses a wedge"; it is of Frisian or Low German origin rather than Old Norse.[14]

Genealogy

 
 
 
 
Thráin II
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thorin II
 
Frerin
 
Dís
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fíli
 
KÍLI


Portrayal in adaptations

Kíli in adaptations

Films

1966: The Hobbit (1966 film):

Kíli is omitted. Thorin Oakenshield only travels with an unnamed guard and the princess of Dale.[15]

1977: The Hobbit (1977 film):

Kíli's voice is provided by Jack DeLeon.

2012-4: The Hobbit (film series):

Kíli will be played by Aidan Turner.[16] A description of Kíli in The Hobbit films was released by the studio:

Younger brother to Fili, Kili is a loyal nephew to Thorin Oakenshield. Carefree and somewhat reckless, Kili has led a charmed and untroubled life to this point. Handsome and physically able, Kili possesses the invincible courage of youth. He is a skilled fighter and expert archer, having been trained with weapons from an early age. As one of the youngest in The Company of Dwarves. Kili is determined to make his mark and prove his worth.
Warner Bros.[17]

Radio series

1968: The Hobbit (1968 radio series):

Kíli is played by Nicholas Edmett.

1979: The Hobbit (1979 radio series):

No actor is specified for the role of Kíli.

Games

1982: The Hobbit (1982 video game):

Kíli is omitted; Thorin is the only companion of the player, Bilbo Baggins.[18]

2003: The Hobbit (2003 video game):

No actor is credited for the role of Kíli, but it appears to be Alister Duncan.[source?]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "Durin's Folk", The Line of the Dwarves of Erebor
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "An Unexpected Party"
  3. 3.0 3.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Over Hill and Under Hill"
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Roast Mutton"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire"
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Queer Lodgings"
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Flies and Spiders"
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "A Warm Welcome"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "On the Doorstep"
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Inside Information"
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Not at Home"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Return Journey"
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "Durin's Folk"
  14. 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
  15. "The Hobbit.mp4" dated 5 January 2012, YouTube (accessed 10 January 2012)
  16. Peter Jackson, "Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit" dated 20 March 2011, Facebook (accessed 23 December 2011)
  17. Warner Bros., "Hobbit Movies" dated 7 September 2012, Apple iPhone/iPad App (accessed 19 September 2012)
  18. ZX Computing, 8304 (April/May 1983), p. 76, accessed April 24 2011
Members of Thorin and Company
Thorin · Balin · Dwalin · Fíli · Kíli · Dori · Nori · Ori · Óin · Glóin · Bifur · Bofur · Bombur · Gandalf · Bilbo Baggins