Kíli

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Kíli
Dwarf
Daniel Govar - The Hobbit - Kili.jpg
"The Hobbit - Kili" by Daniel Govar
Biographical Information
LocationThorin's Halls
AffiliationThorin and Company
LanguageKhuzdul and Westron
BirthT.A. 2864
DeathT.A. 2941 (aged 77)
Battle of Five Armies
Family
HouseHouse of Durin
ParentageDís
SiblingsFíli
Physical Description
GenderMale
Hair colorYellow
ClothingBlue hood
GalleryImages of Kíli

Kíli (T.A. 28642941[1] 77 years old) was the son of Dís, the sister of King Thorin, and brother of Fíli.

Kíli was one of the thirteen Dwarves who took part in the quest for Erebor, which was Bilbo Baggins's great adventure. The brothers were the youngest of Thorin and Company by some 50 years,[2] with Kíli being five years younger than his brother.[1] The two brothers were inseparable throughout the adventure.

The brothers, along with Thorin himself, did not survive the Battle of Five Armies.

History[edit | edit source]

Before the quest to Erebor, Fíli and Kíli 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.

The Quest of Erebor[edit | edit source]

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.[3]

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 Goblins arrived). After Gandalf had rescued the company and was counting the members he found Kíli and Fíli, as usual, paired together.[2]

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 Glóin, 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]

Angelo Montanini - Kili

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 of King under the Mountain 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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Náin II
2338 - 2585
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dáin I
2440 - 2589
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borin
2450 - 2711
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thrór
2542 - 2790
 
Frór
2552 - 2589
 
Grór
2563 - 2805
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Farin
2560 - 2803
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thráin II
2644 - 2850
 
 
 
 
 
Náin
2665 - 2799
 
 
 
Fundin
2662 - 2799
 
 
 
 
 
Gróin
2671 - 2923
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thorin II
2746 - 2941
 
Frerin
2751 - 2799
 
Dís
b. 2760
 
Dáin II
2767 - 3019
 
Balin
2763 - 2994
 
Dwalin
2772 - Fo.A. 91
 
Óin
2774 - 2994
 
Glóin
2783 - Fo.A. 15
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fíli
2859 - 2941
 
KÍLI
2864 - 2941
 
Thorin III
b. 2866
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gimli
2879 - Fo.A. 120+

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

Kíli in adaptations

Films[edit | edit source]

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. However, he only ever speaks in unison with the rest of the Dwarves.

2012-14: The Hobbit (film series):

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

Younger brother to Fíli, Kíli is a loyal nephew to Thorin Oakenshield. Carefree and somewhat reckless, Kíli has led a charmed and untroubled life to this point. Handsome and physically able, Kíli 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. Kíli is determined to make his mark and prove his worth.
Warner Bros.[17]

Because Ori was made the youngest of the 13 Dwarves in the Hobbit films, Kíli is presumably the second youngest. He also comes to have an infatuation with Mirkwood Elf Tauriel (a character made up exclusively for the films). When struck with a poisoned arrow by Bolg during the Company's escape from the Wood-elves' custody via wine barrels, it is she who ultimately heals him with Athelas. Due to said injury, Thorin did not allow him to journey with the others up to the Lonely Mounatin from Lake-town. Óin and Fíli then both opted to also stay behind in order to look after him. As he and the other Dwarves make their way to the Lonely Mountain after Smaug's demise, Kíli shares a tender moment with Tauriel, and gives her the talisman that his mother had given to him. In the Battle of Five Armies, he assists Thorin (along with Fíli and Dwalin) in attempting to kill the Orc army leader Azog on Ravenhill. However, after witnessing Azog kill his brother, he goes into a rage, attempting to charge the Pale Orc, only to instead come across Tauriel getting severely beaten by Bolg, and proceeds to attack him. Kíli is stabbed to death by Bolg, and a heartbroken Tauriel returns the talisman to his lifeless hand. Tauriel stayed there, mourning over his death before Thranduil came upon the pair. It was then that Tauriel declared her love for the Dwarf, before leaving his side.

Radio series[edit | edit source]

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.

1980: Der Hobbit (1980 German radio series):

Kíli is played by Rolf Schult.

1989: Hobit (1989 Slovak radio series):

Kíli is present, but no actor is specified for the role of Kíli.

Games[edit | edit source]

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.[19]

2014: Lego The Hobbit: The Video Game:

Kili appears as he is in the movies, but in the form of a LEGO minifigure. Aidan Turner voices Kíli through archive footage from the first two films.

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. 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Over Hill and Under Hill"
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "An Unexpected Party"
  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
  19. "The Hobbit (2003)", IMDb (accessed 28 April 2020)
Members of Thorin and Company
Thorin · Balin · Dwalin · Fíli · Kíli · Dori · Nori · Ori · Óin · Glóin · Bifur · Bofur · Bombur · Gandalf · Bilbo Baggins
Route of Thorin and Company
Bag End · Green Dragon · The Shire · Lone-lands · Last Bridge · Trollshaws · Trolls' cave · Rivendell · High Pass · Front Porch · Goblin-town · Goblin-gate · Eagle's Eyrie · Carrock · Beorn's Hall · Wilderland · Forest Gate · Elf-path · Mirkwood · Elvenking's Halls · Forest River · Lake-town · Long Lake · River Running · Desolation of the Dragon · Ravenhill · Back Door · Lonely Mountain · Great Hall of Thráin
The Hobbit film series
Source material: The Hobbit · The Lord of the Rings
Films An Unexpected Journey (extended editionThe Desolation of Smaug (extended edition) · The Battle of the Five Armies (extended edition)
Music An Unexpected Journey (Special Edition) · The Desolation of Smaug (Special Edition) · The Battle of the Five Armies (Special Edition) · "Song of the Lonely Mountain" · "I See Fire" · "The Last Goodbye"
Tie-in books An Unexpected Journey Official Movie Guide · Visual Companion · Movie Storybook · Annual 2013 · Chronicles: Art & Design · Chronicles: Creatures & Characters · The World of Hobbits
The Desolation of Smaug Official Movie Guide · Visual Companion · Movie Storybook · Annual 2014 · Chronicles: Art & Design · Chronicles: Cloaks & Daggers · Smaug: Unleashing the Dragon · Activity Book · Sticker Book · Ultimate Sticker Collection
The Battle of the Five Armies Official Movie Guide · Visual Companion · Movie Storybook · Annual 2015 · Chronicles: Art & Design · Chronicles: The Art of War · Activity Book
Video games Kingdoms of Middle-earth · Armies of The Third Age · Lego The Hobbit
Characters Bilbo · Thorin · Gandalf · Balin · Fíli · Kíli · Dwalin · Dori · Nori · Ori · Óin · Glóin · Bifur · Bofur · Bombur · Smaug · Radagast · Elrond · Galadriel · Saruman · Azog · Bolg · Thranduil · Legolas · Tauriel · Bard · Bain · Tilda · Sigrid · Master of Lake-town · Alfrid · Dáin Ironfoot · Necromancer · Bert · William · Tom · Beorn · Thráin · Thrór · Goblin King · Gollum · Frodo