Thorin

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The name Thorin refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Thorin (disambiguation).
Thorin
Dwarf
John Howe - The King Under the Mountain.jpg
Biographical Information
Other namesThorin Oakenshield
Thorin II[1]
TitlesKing of Durin's Folk[1]
King under the Mountain[2]
LocationThorin's Halls[3]
Erebor[1]
AffiliationThorin and Company
LanguageKhuzdul and Westron
BirthT.A. 2746
Lonely Mountain
RuleT.A. 28502941
DeathT.A. 2941 (aged 195)
Battle of Five Armies
Family
HouseHouse of Durin
ParentageThráin II
SiblingsFrerin, Dís
Physical Description
GenderMale
Height4'10" (movie)
ClothingSky-blue hood with a long silver tassel,[4] coat of gold-plated rings,[5] belt crusted with scarlet stones[5]
WeaponryOrcrist
Silver-hafted axe[5]
GalleryImages of Thorin
"I am Thorin son of Thrain son of Thror King under the Mountain! I return!"
― Thorin[2]


Thorin (Third Age 2746 - 2941), also known as Thorin Oakenshield, was the King of Durin's Folk from T.A. 2850 until his death in T.A. 2941, being the son of Thráin II, grandson of Thrór and older brother to Frerin and Dís. Thorin led Durin's Folk of the Blue Mountains during their time in exile. In T.A. 2941 he led the quest for Erebor accompanied by twelve dwarves, Bilbo Baggins, and Gandalf the Grey; he briefly became King under the Mountain until he perished following the Battle of Five Armies.[6]

Appearance

Thorin wore a sky-blue hood with a long silver tassel. Around his neck he wore a golden chain, upon which he attached his grandfather's key.[4]

It was Thorin, but you could only have told it by his golden chain, and by the colour of his now dirty and tattered sky-blue hood with its tarnished silver tassel.
J.R.R. Tolkien[7]

History

Youth and exile

Smaug the dragon.

Thorin was born in T.A. 2746, presumably in the Lonely Mountain where his grandfather, Thrór, was King under the Mountain. Thorin was still a youngster (aged c. 24), by Dwarves' reckoning, when the dragon Smaug descended upon the mountain of Erebor in flames. Smaug left the mannish town of Dale in ruins and killed many dwarves who were inside the mountain. Thrór and Thráin (Thorin's father) escaped using a secret Back Door. Meanwhile Thorin was one of the few Dwarves who was not inside the mountain at the time. Thus the surviving Dwarves of Erebor were driven into exile and Thrór, Thráin, and Thorin fled south.[1][4]

The War of the Dwarves and Orcs

Weary, elderly and disillusioned, Thrór departed from Dunland with Nár. They came to Azanulbizar and the Eastern gate of Moria, which they found was open. Whilst Nár stayed behind (and urged his companion to do the same) Thrór approached the gate and was murdered by Azog. He added insult to injury by branding Thrór's brow with the name 'AZOG' in Dwarfrunes. Thus it was that the War of the Dwarves and Orcs began following the return of Nár, who bore the news to Thráin.[1]

Battle of Azanulbizar by Mikel Janin

The war was fought long and hard between the two races, ultimately ending in a pyrrhic Dwarven victory at the Battle of Azanulbizar in T.A. 2799. Both Thráin and Thorin were wounded during this battle and Frerin (Thorin's brother) was killed. Thráin was blinded in one eye and suffered a leg-wound. Meanwhile Thorin earned the epithet "Oakenshield" when his shield broke and in its stead he used an oak branch to block the blows of his foes. Despite victory no Dwarf dared to re-enter Moria out of fear of Durin's Bane.[8]

Return into exile

"We will get it back" by Charles Burggraf

Thráin, Thorin, and the other survivors of Durin's Folk left Azanulbizar and returned to Dunland. However they soon began to wander Eriador before settling at last in the Blue Mountains. Here they prospered in their own fashion, forging iron objects and increasing their numbers (albeit, due to a scarceness of Dwarf-women, very slowly, and by wandering Longbeards who heard of his dwelling). Nonetheless they all still longed to return to the Lonely Mountain.[1]

By this time Thráin was in possession of the last of the Seven Rings of power. It is possible that as Sauron's power grew so too did the ring's influence over Thráin. His burning desire for gold and to return to the Lonely Mountain became too great and in T.A. 2841 he set out to return. Thorin was never to see his father again for Sauron captured and imprisoned Thráin in Dol Guldur. Thus it was that in T.A. 2850, following Thráin's death, Thorin became the King of Durin's Folk at the age of ninety-five. Thorin and his people were content living in the Blue Mountains and Eriador but as the years waned Thorin's desire to return to Erebor grew.[9]

The Quest for Erebor

A new hope

Listen to me, Thorin Oakenshield ! [...] If this hobbit goes with you, you will succeed. If not, you will fail. A foresight is on me, and I am warning you.
Gandalf[10]

Gandalf and Thorin at Bree by Ted Nasmith

The fortunes of the House of Durin changed when Thorin met Gandalf by chance in T.A. 2941.[note 1] They then proceeded to go to Thorin's Halls. There they discussed their tales and Gandalf formulated a plan. Gandalf knew that Sauron could have potentially used Smaug with devastating effect. Therefore both he and Thorin had a shared interest in removing Smaug. Gandalf wanted Thorin and a company of dwarves to travel to the Lonely Mountain taking Bilbo Baggins with them. Gandalf's instinct was that the Quest for Erebor would only be successful if Bilbo accompanied them.

Therefore Gandalf invited Thorin and other Dwarves to Hobbiton of the Shire, instructing them to look for a smial whose door was marked with the sign of the thief (as the dwarves had gotten it into their head that Bilbo was a thief). Thus Thorin found himself in Bag End, where they perused the hobbit's hospitality. However, Thorin and the dwarves were not convinced; it was not until Gandalf revealed Thrór's Map and key that Thorin was convinced that the quest would be profitable to him. Even after the "Unexpected Party" Gandalf only persuaded Thorin to take Bilbo on the morning that they set off.[11]

Thus it was that in T.A. 2941 Thorin set off for the Lonely Mountain with Gandalf, Bilbo Baggins, Fíli and Kíli, Balin, Dwalin, Dori, Nori, Ori, Óin, Glóin, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur. A short time into the journey the adventurers found a Troll's cave. Here they found a hoard of treasure which included blades made in the ancient city of Gondolin. Bilbo found a knife that he named Sting, Gandalf acquired Glamdring and meanwhile Thorin found Orcrist.[12] Whilst Thorin and Company were in Rivendell Elrond read the inscriptions on the blades and informed them of their sword's histories. He also read the moon-letters on Thrór's map; it read "stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks [...] and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole."[13]

The return of the King under the Mountain

Thorin arrives in Lake-town

Upon reaching Esgaroth, the closest settlement to the Lonely Mountain, Thorin was greeted warmly and the men of Lake-town hailed the return of the King under the Mountain.[2] They soon reached the Lonely Mountain itself and "with the last light of Durin's Day" they found the secret side-door, using the key to open it.[14] Thorin sent Bilbo in to carry out his duty as their 'esteemed burglar'. This enraged Smaug who sought to destroy the burglar and take out his vengeance on the Lake-men.[15] The dragon was slain by Bard who pierced an un-armoured spot on the dragon's underside.[16]

Upon hearing the news of the death of Smaug, Thorin was overcome by greed. He fortified the main entrance to the mountain and refused to share any of the treasure. Hosts of Wood-elves and Lake-men approached the mountain led by the Elvenking and Bard respectively. Thorin refused to accept their claims to a share in the treasure and sent for his cousin, Dáin Ironfoot, who brought more than five-hundred Dwarves from the Iron Hills.[17] Bilbo sought to bring an end to the dispute; to this end he secretly gave the Arkenstone to Bard and the Elvenking to use in making a deal with Thorin. When Thorin heard about Bilbo's actions he was furious and felt betrayed by the Hobbit.[18]

Death

The Death of Thorin Oakenshield by Darrell Sweet

However all disputes were cast aside when the army of Bolg, Azog's son, suddenly attacked. Thus the three armies of Elves, Men, and Dwarves united against the two armies of Goblins and Wargs: the Battle of Five Armies had begun. As the battle drew on, Thorin leapt from the front gate and rallied all Elves, Men, and Dwarves to him. The armies of the free peoples of Middle-earth emerged triumphant. Nonetheless Kíli and Fíli were killed and Thorin was gravely wounded. Before he died Thorin spoke to Bilbo and commended his good character, courage and friendship. With that, he died. He was laid to rest deep within the Lonely Mountain. Dain Ironfoot, the new King under the Mountain, placed the Arkenstone upon Thorin's chest, whilst the Elvenking laid Orcrist upon Thorin's tomb.[19]

Personality

Thorin did not live to enjoy his triumph or his treasure. Pride and greed overcame him in spite of my warning
Gandalf[10]

Thorin was a particularly stubborn, proud, and greedy dwarf. According to Gandalf Thorin was, from the beginning, contemptuous about the notion that Bilbo should go with him on his long-desired adventure to the Lonely Mountain; he thought that Gandalf was trying to mock him and make him look foolish. Indeed Thorin found it difficult to accept the advice of Gandalf at all, believing that he should have been drawing plans for war and battle rather than planning to use a Hobbit as a burglar. Thorin's most coveted prize was the Arkenstone, something which Bilbo believed was not only the heart of the mountain but at the heart of Thorin too. His greed was epitomised at the moment when it was revealed that Bilbo had given the Arkenstone to the Elvenking and Bard; he lifted Bilbo up shouting 'I will throw you to the rocks'. Upon his deathbed Thorin repented his ways, saying that "if more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."[20]

Genealogy

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dáin I
2440-2589
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thrór
2542-2790
 
Frór
2552-2589
 
 
 
Grór
2563-2805
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thráin II
2644-2850
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Náin
2665-2799
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thorin II Oakenshield
2746-2941
 
Frerin
2751-2799
 
Dís
2760-Unknown
 
 
 
Dáin II Ironfoot
2767-3019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fíli
2859-2941
 
Kíli
2864-2941
 
Thorin III Stonehelm
2866-Unknown

Etymology

Thorin's name is one from the Dvergatal. It means "Bold".[21]

The epithet "Oakenshield" also comes from the Dvergatal. Eikinskjaldi means "Oakenshield", and it has long been considered the name of a Dwarf. However, because the name appears twice, both in Dúrinn's and Dválinn's line, it has also been suggested that it simply means "with an oaken shield".[22]

Other versions of the legendarium

In early manuscripts of The Hobbit, the name Gandalf was used by Tolkien for the character who later would be named "Thorin Oakenshield" in the published works.[23]

Portrayal in adaptations

Thorin in adaptations
Thorin in the 1966 adaptation of The Hobbit.  
Thorin in Sierra's The Hobbit  

Films

1966: The Hobbit (1966 film):

Thorin Oakenshield is the commander of the garrison of Dale. He is not a royal.[24]

1977: The Hobbit (1977 film):

Thorin's voice is provided by Hans Conried.

2012-14: The Hobbit (film series):

Thorin will be portrayed by Richard Armitage.[25] A description of Thorin in The Hobbit films was released by the studio:

As a young Dwarf Prince, Thorin witnessed the destruction and terror wrought when a great fire-breathing dragon attacked the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. When no one came to the aid of the surviving Dwarves, a once proud and noble race was forced into exile. Now, as the strong, fearless fighter and respected leader of The Company of Dwarves, Thorin is determined to reclaim his homeland and destroy the beast that brought such misery upon his people.
Warner Bros.[26]

Unlike many other adaptations where Thorin is depicted as white haired, Thorin is portrayed as younger looking (while in the original book, he was amongst the oldest of the dwarves in the company). Thorin, however, does have streaks of gray in his black hair.

Radio series

1968: The Hobbit (1968 radio series):

Thorin's voice is provided by John Justin.

1979: The Hobbit (1979 radio series):

Thorin's voice is provided by Tom Luce.

Games

1982: The Hobbit (1982 video game):

Thorin is the only companion of the player, Bilbo Baggins.[27]

2003: The Hobbit (2003 video game):

Thorin's voice is provided by Clive Revill.

2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Thorin plays no role in the storyline, but makes a brief appearance in a flashback taking place in T.A. 2941.

See also

Notes

  1. Different accounts dispute the exact location of this first meeting. One source states that it occurred at an Inn in Bree. Whilst another states that Thorin started talking to Gandalf when he overtook him on the road.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "Durin's Folk"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "A Warm Welcome"
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Quest of Erebor"
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "An Unexpected Party"
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Not at Home"
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "Durin's Folk"; J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Quest of Erebor"; J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "A Warm Welcome"; J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Barrels Out of Bond"
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "Durin's Folk"; J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "Durin's Folk"; J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
  10. 10.0 10.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Quest of Erebor"
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "Durin's Folk"; J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Quest of Erebor"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Roast Mutton"
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "A Short Rest"
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "On the Doorstep"
  15. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Inside Information"
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Fire and Water"
  17. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Gathering of the Clouds"; J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "A Thief in the Night"
  18. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Clouds Burst"
  19. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Clouds Burst"; J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Return Journey"
  20. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Quest of Erebor"; J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Clouds Burst"; J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Return Journey"
  21. 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
  22. P.H. Salus, Taylor Beekman, "'Eikinskjaldi, Fjalarr', and 'Eggþer': Notes on Dwarves and Giants in the 'Völuspá'", published in Neophilologus Vol 53 (1969), Issue #1, pp. 76-81
  23. J.R.R. Tolkien, John D. Rateliff (ed.), The History of The Hobbit, Mr. Baggins, "Introduction"
  24. "The Hobbit.mp4" dated 5 January 2012, YouTube (accessed 10 January 2012)
  25. Peter Jackson, "Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit" dated 20 March 2011, Facebook (accessed 23 December 2011)
  26. Warner Bros., "Hobbit Movies" dated 7 September 2012, Apple iPhone/iPad App (accessed 19 September 2012)
  27. ZX Computing, 8304 (April/May 1983), p. 76 (accessed 24 March 2011)
Thorin
House of Durin
Born: T.A. 2746 Died: T.A. 2941
Preceded by:
Thráin II
King of Durin's Folk
T.A. 2850T.A. 2941
Followed by:
Dáin II Ironfoot
None
Thrór, 170 years earlier
4th King under the Mountain
T.A. 2941


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