Balin: Difference between revisions

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{{dwarves infobox
{{dwarves infobox
| image=[[File:Alan Lee - Visit to Bilbo.jpg|250px]]
| image=[[File:Daniel Govar - The Hobbit - Balin.jpg|250px]]
| name=Balin
| name=Balin
| pronun=
| othernames=
| othernames=
| titles=[[Lord of Moria]]
| titles=[[Lord of Moria]]
| position=
| position=
| realm=[[Thorin's Halls]]<br/>[[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]]<br/>[[Khazad-dûm]]
| location=[[Thorin's Halls]]<br/>[[Lonely Mountain]]<br/>[[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]
| affiliation=[[Thorin and Company]]
| affiliation=[[Thorin and Company]]<br/>[[Balin's Colony]]
| language=
| language=[[Khuzdul]] and [[Westron]]
| birth={{TA|2763}}
| birth={{TA|2763}}
| birthlocation=
| birthlocation=
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| deathlocation=[[Dimrill Dale]]
| deathlocation=[[Dimrill Dale]]
| age=231
| age=231
| house=[[Durin's line]]
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Durin]]
| parentage=[[Fundin]]
| parentage=[[Fundin]]
| siblings=[[Dwalin]]
| siblings=[[Dwalin]]
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Balin was born in {{TA|2763}}, the son of [[Fundin]].  When he was seven years old, [[Smaug]] invaded [[Lonely Mountain|the Lonely Mountain]].  After the Dwarves were driven out at great loss in {{TA|2770|n}}, Balin and his father [[Fundin]] lived with their king [[Thrór]] in [[Dunland]].  His brother [[Dwalin]] was born [[Third Age 2772|two years later]].<ref name="Durin">{{App|A3}}</ref>
Balin was born in {{TA|2763}}, the son of [[Fundin]].  When he was seven years old, [[Smaug]] invaded [[Lonely Mountain|the Lonely Mountain]].  After the Dwarves were driven out at great loss in {{TA|2770|n}}, Balin and his father [[Fundin]] lived with their king [[Thrór]] in [[Dunland]].  His brother [[Dwalin]] was born [[Third Age 2772|two years later]].<ref name="Durin">{{App|A3}}</ref>


Fundin fought in the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]], and fell in the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] in {{TA|2799|n}}.  Balin was present at this battle but in what role was remains unknown.<ref group="note">In a note considered for inclusion in [[Appendix A]] published in ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', Tolkien stated that Dwarves reached fighting age around thirty.  Balin was 30 at the start and 36 at the end of the war, so conceivably he did participate as a warrior.</ref>  The [[Longbeards]] under [[Thráin II]], including Balin, at first returned to their forges in Dunland, but they moved into [[Eriador]] shortly after, and colonized the [[Blue Mountains]] .<ref name="Durin"/>
Fundin fought in the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]], and fell in the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] in {{TA|2799|n}}.  Balin was present at this battle but in what role was remains unknown.<ref group="note">In a note considered for inclusion in [[Appendix A]] published in ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', Tolkien stated that Dwarves reached fighting age around thirty.  Balin was 30 at the start and 36 at the end of the war, so conceivably he did participate as a warrior.</ref>  The [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]] under [[Thráin II]], including Balin, at first returned to their forges in Dunland, but they moved into [[Eriador]] shortly after, and colonized the [[Blue Mountains]] .<ref name="Durin"/>


Thráin longed to return to Erebor, and with Balin and Dwalin and a few others in {{TA|2851}} he went on an expedition to their ancient hall.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref>  Sauron had them in his sights, eager to take the [[Ring of Thrór]] from the exiled king.  [[Wolves]], [[orcs]] and evil birds harassed the small company as they came east.  One night, as they had crossed the [[Anduin]], an evil rain forced them into the eaves of [[Mirkwood]], and the company was split.  Thráin was never seen again, and Balin and Dwalin returned to the Blue Mountains to report the news to [[Thorin]], the new king of Durin's line.<ref name="Durin"/>
Thráin longed to return to Erebor, and with Balin and Dwalin and a few others in {{TA|2841}} he went on an expedition to their ancient hall.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref>  Sauron had them in his sights, eager to take the [[Ring of Thrór]] from the exiled king.  [[Wolves]], [[orcs]] and evil birds harassed the small company as they came east.  One night, as they had crossed the [[Anduin]], an evil rain forced them into the eaves of [[Mirkwood]], and the company was split.  Thráin was never seen again, and Balin and Dwalin returned to the Blue Mountains to report the news to [[Thorin]], the new king of Durin's line.<ref name="Durin"/>


===Quest of Erebor===
===Quest of Erebor===
In {{TA|2941|n}},<ref name="TA"/> during [[Gandalf]]'s efforts to persuade Thorin to take Bilbo to Erebor (before the party at [[Bag End]]), Balin played an important if unintentional role.  When Gandalf said that "professional stealth" was needed Balin misunderstood him as recommending a trained treasure-hunter.  As Gandalf defended hobbits in general and the particular hobbit he had in mind, stating that his hobbit had some gold, silver, and crystal, Balin again jumped to the conclusion that Bilbo was an outright thief.  In his anger at this remark Galdalf proclaimed that Bilbo ''had'' to come or else the enterprise would be a failure, and Thorin then agreed to meet the hobbit.  Thus Balin accidentally insured that Bilbo would be part of the quest.<ref>{{UT|Erebor}}</ref>
In {{TA|2941|n}},<ref name="TA"/> during [[Gandalf]]'s efforts to persuade Thorin to take Bilbo to Erebor (before the party at [[Bag End]]), Balin played an important if unintentional role.  When Gandalf said that "professional stealth" was needed Balin misunderstood him as recommending a trained treasure-hunter.  As Gandalf defended hobbits in general and the particular hobbit he had in mind, stating that his hobbit had some gold, silver, and crystal, Balin again jumped to the conclusion that Bilbo was an outright thief.  In his anger at this remark Gandalf proclaimed that Bilbo ''had'' to come or else the enterprise would be a failure, and Thorin then agreed to meet the hobbit.  Thus Balin accidentally insured that Bilbo would be part of the quest.<ref>{{UT|Erebor}}</ref>


[[File:Darek Zabrocki - Sneaking into Camp.jpg|thumb|250px|Darek Zabrocki - ''Sneaking into Camp'']]
On the day of the unexpected party Balin was the second Dwarf to appear at Bag End; his comment, "''they have begun to arrive''" flustered the hobbit considerably.  Later, when the Dwarves made music, Balin and his brother Dwalin brought in and play viols.<ref>{{H|Party}}</ref>
On the day of the unexpected party Balin was the second Dwarf to appear at Bag End; his comment, "''they have begun to arrive''" flustered the hobbit considerably.  Later, when the Dwarves made music, Balin and his brother Dwalin brought in and play viols.<ref>{{H|Party}}</ref>


On the day after the party Balin stood at the door of the [[Green Dragon]] Inn, awaiting Bilbo's arrival.<ref>{{H|Mutton}}</ref>  This was the first of many instances where Balin served as the chief look-out for Thorin's company.  In fact, it was when Bilbo (wearing the [[The One Ring|One Ring]] and thus invisible) sneaked past Balin on look-out duty after their adventures with the [[Orcs|Goblins]] in the mountains that Balin began to develop great respect for the hobbit.<ref name="Pan">{{H|Pan}}</ref>
On the day after the party Balin stood at the door of the [[Green Dragon]] Inn, awaiting Bilbo's arrival.<ref>{{H|Mutton}}</ref>  This was the first of many instances where Balin served as the chief look-out for Thorin's company.  In fact, it was when Bilbo (wearing the [[The One Ring|One Ring]] and thus invisible) sneaked past Balin on look-out duty after their adventures with the [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]] in the mountains that Balin began to develop great respect for the hobbit.<ref name="Pan">{{H|Pan}}</ref>


Balin and his brother Dwalin tended to act together as a pair.  In the clearing of the [[Wargs]] Balin and Dwalin were the two who swarmed up a tall slender fir.<ref name="Pan"/>  When the Dwarves arrived at [[Beorn]]'s hall, the two brothers were the third pair to appear.<ref>{{H|Queer}}</ref>  Thorin did split the two when the crossed the [[Enchanted River]] – Balin went in the first boatload with Thorin, Bilbo, and [[Fíli]] while Dwalin came last with [[Bombur]].<ref  name="Flies">{{H|Flies}}</ref>
Balin and his brother Dwalin tended to act together as a pair.  In the clearing of the [[Wargs]] Balin and Dwalin were the two who swarmed up a tall slender fir.<ref name="Pan"/>  When the Dwarves arrived at [[Beorn]]'s [[Beorn's Hall|hall]], the two brothers were the third pair to appear.<ref>{{H|Queer}}</ref>  Thorin did split the two when the crossed the [[Enchanted River]] – Balin went in the first boatload with Thorin, Bilbo, and [[Fíli]] while Dwalin came last with [[Bombur]].<ref  name="Flies">{{H|Flies}}</ref>


Balin's growing fondness for Bilbo became apparent after the hobbit had rescued the Dwarves from the spiders in [[Mirkwood]].  Having seen Bilbo vanish they, especially Balin, wanted the true story of [[Gollum]] and the Ring explained.  Finally satisfied as to how Bilbo had sneaked past him after the mountains, Balin called the hobbit "Good old Bilbo".<ref name="Flies"/>
Balin's growing fondness for Bilbo became apparent after the hobbit had rescued the Dwarves from the spiders in [[Mirkwood]].  Having seen Bilbo vanish they, especially Balin, wanted the true story of [[Gollum]] and the Ring explained.  Finally satisfied as to how Bilbo had sneaked past him after the mountains, Balin called the hobbit "Good old Bilbo".<ref name="Flies"/>
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Balin and Dwalin were two of the most unhappy Dwarves when unpacked from their barrels before [[Lake-town]] and were not asked to help release the others.<ref name="Barrels"/>  After leaving the town and as their ponies trudged towards the Mountain, Balin and Bilbo rode together in the rear, leading ponies laden with supplies.<ref name="Door">{{H|Doorstep}}</ref>
Balin and Dwalin were two of the most unhappy Dwarves when unpacked from their barrels before [[Lake-town]] and were not asked to help release the others.<ref name="Barrels"/>  After leaving the town and as their ponies trudged towards the Mountain, Balin and Bilbo rode together in the rear, leading ponies laden with supplies.<ref name="Door">{{H|Doorstep}}</ref>
 
[[File:Alan Lee - Visit to Bilbo.jpg|thumb|left|[[Alan Lee]] - "Visit to Bilbo"]]
That Balin had become the fondest of Bilbo of all the Dwarves was demonstrated when the hobbit made his first descent into the Lonely Mountain.  None of the other Dwarves volunteered to accompany Bilbo except for Balin, who did go partway down the passageway.  Balin waited there and when Bilbo returned he delightedly carried the tired hobbit back to the door.<ref>{{H|Inside}}</ref>  Later, when Bilbo dropped his torch in [[Smaug]]'s lair, Balin pointed out that it was the Dwarves turn to help and declared that he was quite willing to go.<ref name="Home">{{H|Home}}</ref>
That Balin had become the fondest of Bilbo of all the Dwarves was demonstrated when the hobbit made his first descent into the Lonely Mountain.  None of the other Dwarves volunteered to accompany Bilbo except for Balin, who did go partway down the passageway.  Balin waited there and when Bilbo returned he delightedly carried the tired hobbit back to the door.<ref>{{H|Inside}}</ref>  Later, when Bilbo dropped his torch in [[Smaug]]'s lair, Balin pointed out that it was the Dwarves turn to help and declared that he was quite willing to go.<ref name="Home">{{H|Home}}</ref>


Upon escaping from Erebor, Balin led the company to [[Ravenhill]].<ref name="Home"/>  Balin later fought valiantly and survived the [[Battle of Five Armies]].<ref>{{H|Return}}</ref>
Upon escaping from Erebor, Balin led the company to [[Ravenhill]].<ref name="Home"/>  Balin later fought valiantly and survived the [[Battle of Five Armies]].<ref>{{H|Return}}</ref>


In the autumn of {{TA|2949|n}}, Balin accompanied Gandalf to visit Bilbo in [[the Shire]].<ref name="TA"/>  Bilbo noted that Balin's beard was many inches longer and that he wore a magnificent jeweled belt.  The three friends talked for hours and Bilbo learned of the new prosperity of the [[Kingdom Under the Mountain]] and the restored town of [[Dale]].<ref>{{H|Stage}}</ref>
In the autumn of {{TA|2949|n}}, Balin accompanied Gandalf to visit Bilbo in [[the Shire]].<ref name="TA"/>  Bilbo noted that Balin's beard was many inches longer and that he wore a magnificent jeweled belt.  The three friends talked for hours and Bilbo learned of the new prosperity of the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the restored town of [[Dale]].<ref>{{H|Stage}}</ref>


===Expedition to Moria and his death===
===Expedition to Moria and his death===
[[File:Joona Kujanen - Balin, Lord of Moria.jpg|300px|thumb|'''Balin, Lord of Moria''' by Joona Kujanen.]]Though the riches of Erebor made the Dwarves prosperous again, there were many who longed to return to [[Moria]]. [[Dain Ironfoot]] counseled against it, but Balin mounted an expedition in {{TA|2989}}.
[[File:Joona Kujanen - Balin, Lord of Moria.jpg|300px|thumb|Joona Kujanen - ''Balin, Lord of Moria'']]Though the riches of Erebor made the Dwarves prosperous again, there were many who longed to return to [[Moria]]. [[Dáin Ironfoot]] counseled against it, but Balin mounted an expedition in {{TA|2989}}.
<ref name="Many Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref> They hoped to regain the treasures, and Balin had also hoped to find the [[Ring of Thrór]], which was assumed to be lost when [[Thrór]] entered the Gates years before.<ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>
<ref name="Many Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref> They hoped to regain the treasures, and Balin had also hoped to find the [[Ring of Thrór]], which was assumed to be lost when [[Thrór]] entered the Gates years before.<ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>


Together with [[Flói]], [[Óin]], [[Ori]], [[Frár]], [[Lóni]], [[Náli]] and many other Dwarves, Balin entered [[Dimrill Dale]]. After a short battle the group entered the [[Great Gate]]. They stayed in the [[Twenty-First Hall]], and Balin set up his throne in the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]]. He proclaimed himself [[Lord of Moria]].<ref name="Bridge">{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>
Together with [[Flói]], [[Óin]], [[Ori]], [[Frár]], [[Lóni]], [[Náli]] and many other Dwarves, Balin entered [[Dimrill Dale]]. After a short battle the group entered the [[Great Gates]]. They stayed in the [[Twenty-first Hall]], and Balin set up his throne in the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]]. He proclaimed himself [[Lord of Moria]].<ref name="Bridge">{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>


For five years the colony thrived. They managed to find many old treasures, mithril, and armories. But on [[10 November]] {{TA|2994}}, as Balin went to look in [[Mirrormere]], an orc archer fatally shot him. Balin's body was placed in [[Balin's Tomb|a tomb]] in the Chamber of Mazarbul.<ref name="Bridge"/>
For five years the colony thrived. They managed to find many old treasures, mithril, and armories. But on [[10 November]] {{TA|2994}}, as Balin went to look in [[Mirrormere]], an orc archer fatally shot him. Balin's body was placed in [[Balin's Tomb|a tomb]] in the Chamber of Mazarbul.<ref name="Bridge"/>


But the archer was just the van of the orcs who came up the [[Silverlode]]. The Dwarves were locked in. After a fierce battle in the halls the colony was completely wiped out.<ref name="Bridge"/> Not knowing what really happened, [[Glóin]] and his son [[Gimli]] were sent to [[Rivendell]] to seek news about the colony.
But the archer was just the van of the orcs who came up the [[Celebrant|Silverlode]]. The Dwarves were trapped. After a [[Battle of the Second Hall|fierce battle in the halls]] and a [[Last Stand of Balin's Colony|final stand in the Chamber of Mazarbul]] the colony was completely wiped out.<ref name="Bridge"/> Not knowing what really happened, [[Glóin]] and his son [[Gimli]] were sent to [[Rivendell]] to seek news about the colony.


Gimli eventually learned of their fate when he crossed the dwarven realm with the [[Company of the Ring]] and found [[Balin's Tomb]].<ref name="Bridge"/>
Gimli eventually learned of their fate when he crossed the dwarven realm with the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]] and found [[Balin's Tomb]].<ref name="Bridge"/>


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
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==Genealogy==
==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | FAR | | | | | | |FAR=[[Farin]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | NAI | | | | | | | | | | | |NAI=[[Náin II]]<br/>''<small>{{TA|2338|n}} - {{TA|2585|n}}</small>''}}
{{familytree| | | |,|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|.| | | |}}
{{familytree| |,|-|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | FUN | | | | | | GRO | | |FUN=[[Fundin]]|GRO=[[Gróin]]}}
{{familytree| DAI | | | | | | | | BOR | | | | | | |DAI=[[Dáin I]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2440|n}} - {{TA|2589|n}}''†</small>|BOR=[[Borin]]<br/>''<small>{{TA|2450|n}} - {{TA|2711|n}}</small>''}}
{{familytree| |,|-|^|-|.| | | |,|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| |!| | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| BAL | | DWA | | OIN | | GLO |BAL='''BALIN'''|DWA=[[Dwalin]]|OIN=[[Óin son of Gróin|Óin]]|GLO=[[Glóin son of Gróin|Glóin]]}}
{{familytree| THR | | | | | | | | FAR | | | | | | |THR=[[Thrór]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2542|n}} - {{TA|2790|n}}''†</small>|FAR=[[Farin]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2560|n}} - {{TA|2803|n}}''</small>}}
{{familytree| |!| | | | | |,|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|.| | | |}}
{{familytree| THR | | | | FUN | | | | | | GRO | | |THR=[[Thráin II]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2644|n}} - {{TA|2850|n}}''†</small>|FUN=[[Fundin]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2662|n}} - {{TA|2799|n}}''†</small>|GRO=[[Gróin]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2671|n}} - {{TA|2923|n}}''</small>}}
{{familytree| |!| | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |,|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| THO | | BAL | | DWA | | OIN | | GLO |THO=[[Thorin]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2746|n}} - {{TA|2941|n}}''†</small>|BAL='''BALIN'''<br/><small>''{{TA|2763|n}} - {{TA|2994|n}}''†</small>|DWA=[[Dwalin]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2772|n}} - {{FoA|91}}''</small>|OIN=[[Óin]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2774|n}} - {{TA|2994|n}}''†</small>|GLO=[[Glóin]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2783|n}} - {{FoA|15}}''</small>}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | GIM |GIM=[[Gimli]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2879|n}} - {{FoA|120}}+''}}
{{familytree/end}}
{{familytree/end}}


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|height=140
|height=140
|lines=3
|lines=3
|File:Balin The Hobbit 1977.png|Balin in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
|File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Balin.png|Balin in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
|File:David T. Wenzel - Balin.png|Balin in [[The Hobbit (comic book)|''The Hobbit'' (comic book)]]
|File:David T. Wenzel - Balin.png|Balin in [[The Hobbit (comic book)|''The Hobbit'' (comic book)]]
|File:Balinstomb.jpg|Balin's tomb in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Balin's Tomb.jpg|Balin's tomb in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
|File:Balins tomb viv fotr.png|Balin's tomb in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
|File:Balins tomb viv fotr.png|Balin's tomb in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
|File:Balin The Hobbit 2003.png|Balin in [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]
|File:Balin The Hobbit 2003.png|Balin in [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]
|File:Balin's Tomb Battle for Middle-earth.png|Balin's tomb in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]''
|File:Balin's Tomb Battle for Middle-earth.png|Balin's tomb in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]''
|File:The Hobbit films - Balin.jpg|Balin in [[The Hobbit films|''The Hobbit'' films]]
|File:The Hobbit (film series) - Balin.jpg|Balin in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
}}
}}
===Films===
===Films===
'''1966: [[The Hobbit (1966 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1966 film)]]:'''
'''1966: [[The Hobbit (1966 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1966 film)]]:'''
:Balin is omitted. [[Thorin Oakenshield]] only travels with an unnamed guard and the princess of Dale.<ref name="Deitch">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UBnVL1Y2src|articlename=The Hobbit.mp4|dated=5 January 2012|website=YouTube|accessed=10 January 2012}}</ref>
:Balin is omitted. [[Thorin|Thorin Oakenshield]] only travels with an unnamed guard and the princess of Dale.<ref name="Deitch">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UBnVL1Y2src|articlename=The Hobbit.mp4|dated=5 January 2012|website=YouTube|accessed=10 January 2012}}</ref>


'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
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:Balin is mentioned by [[Gimli]] as the King of Moria, and his tomb is seen in Moria.<ref>{{fotree}}, "[[Balin's Tomb (scene)|Balin's Tomb]]"</ref> No mention is made about the past of Moria and his expedition, and Gimli seems confident he is still alive.<ref>{{fotree}}, "[[Moria (scene)|Moria]]"</ref>
:Balin is mentioned by [[Gimli]] as the King of Moria, and his tomb is seen in Moria.<ref>{{fotree}}, "[[Balin's Tomb (scene)|Balin's Tomb]]"</ref> No mention is made about the past of Moria and his expedition, and Gimli seems confident he is still alive.<ref>{{fotree}}, "[[Moria (scene)|Moria]]"</ref>


'''2012-4: [[The Hobbit films|''The Hobbit'' films]]:'''
'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:Balin will be played by [[Ken Stott]].<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> A description of Balin in ''The Hobbit'' films was released by the studio:  
:Balin is played by [[Ken Stott]].<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> A description of Balin in ''The Hobbit'' films was released by the studio:  


:{{Blockquote|A descendant of nobility and a Dwarf Lord in his own right, Balin is one of the oldest members of The Company of the Dwarves. Wise and gentle by nature, he has been forced to live a life fraught with war and the ongoing struggle for survival. Related to Thorin Oakenshield, Balin is one of his closest, most trusted advisors – but deep in his heart, this wisest and most loyal of Dwarves harbors troubling doubts about the wisdom of the Quest for the Lonely Mountain.|[[Warner Bros.]]<ref name="HobbitApp">{{webcite|author=[[Warner Bros.]]|articleurl=http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hobbit-movies/id545808528|articlename=Hobbit Movies|dated=7-September-2012|website=[http://itunes.apple.com/ Apple iPhone/iPad App]|accessed=19-September-2012}}</ref>}}
:{{Blockquote|A descendant of nobility and a Dwarf Lord in his own right, Balin is one of the oldest members of The Company of the Dwarves. Wise and gentle by nature, he has been forced to live a life fraught with war and the ongoing struggle for survival. Related to Thorin Oakenshield, Balin is one of his closest, most trusted advisors – but deep in his heart, this wisest and most loyal of Dwarves harbors troubling doubts about the wisdom of the Quest for the Lonely Mountain.|[[Warner Bros.]]<ref name="HobbitApp">{{webcite|author=[[Warner Bros.]]|articleurl=http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hobbit-movies/id545808528|articlename=Hobbit Movies|dated=7-September-2012|website=[http://itunes.apple.com/ Apple iPhone/iPad App]|accessed=19-September-2012}}</ref>}}
:Balin is presumably the oldest of the 13 Dwarves in the films (in the book he was the second oldest -- younger than Thorin by at least ten years).


===Radio series===
===Radio series===

Revision as of 18:15, 9 December 2014

Balin
Dwarf
Daniel Govar - The Hobbit - Balin.jpg
Biographical Information
TitlesLord of Moria
LocationThorin's Halls
Lonely Mountain
Khazad-dûm
AffiliationThorin and Company
Balin's Colony
LanguageKhuzdul and Westron
BirthT.A. 2763
RuleT.A. 2989 - T.A. 2994
Death10 November, T.A. 2994 (aged 231)
Dimrill Dale
Family
HouseHouse of Durin
ParentageFundin
SiblingsDwalin
Physical Description
GenderMale
Hair colorWhite beard
ClothingScarlet hood, jewelled belt
GalleryImages of Balin

Balin was a Dwarven leader, the son of Fundin and elder brother of Dwalin. He was one of the Dwarves that travelled with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf to reclaim Erebor. When Bilbo first met Balin, the Dwarf was very old looking with a white beard and a red hood.[1]

History

Early life

Balin was born in T.A. 2763, the son of Fundin. When he was seven years old, Smaug invaded the Lonely Mountain. After the Dwarves were driven out at great loss in 2770, Balin and his father Fundin lived with their king Thrór in Dunland. His brother Dwalin was born two years later.[2]

Fundin fought in the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, and fell in the Battle of Azanulbizar in 2799. Balin was present at this battle but in what role was remains unknown.[note 1] The Longbeards under Thráin II, including Balin, at first returned to their forges in Dunland, but they moved into Eriador shortly after, and colonized the Blue Mountains .[2]

Thráin longed to return to Erebor, and with Balin and Dwalin and a few others in T.A. 2841 he went on an expedition to their ancient hall.[3] Sauron had them in his sights, eager to take the Ring of Thrór from the exiled king. Wolves, orcs and evil birds harassed the small company as they came east. One night, as they had crossed the Anduin, an evil rain forced them into the eaves of Mirkwood, and the company was split. Thráin was never seen again, and Balin and Dwalin returned to the Blue Mountains to report the news to Thorin, the new king of Durin's line.[2]

Quest of Erebor

In 2941,[3] during Gandalf's efforts to persuade Thorin to take Bilbo to Erebor (before the party at Bag End), Balin played an important if unintentional role. When Gandalf said that "professional stealth" was needed Balin misunderstood him as recommending a trained treasure-hunter. As Gandalf defended hobbits in general and the particular hobbit he had in mind, stating that his hobbit had some gold, silver, and crystal, Balin again jumped to the conclusion that Bilbo was an outright thief. In his anger at this remark Gandalf proclaimed that Bilbo had to come or else the enterprise would be a failure, and Thorin then agreed to meet the hobbit. Thus Balin accidentally insured that Bilbo would be part of the quest.[4]

Darek Zabrocki - Sneaking into Camp

On the day of the unexpected party Balin was the second Dwarf to appear at Bag End; his comment, "they have begun to arrive" flustered the hobbit considerably. Later, when the Dwarves made music, Balin and his brother Dwalin brought in and play viols.[5]

On the day after the party Balin stood at the door of the Green Dragon Inn, awaiting Bilbo's arrival.[6] This was the first of many instances where Balin served as the chief look-out for Thorin's company. In fact, it was when Bilbo (wearing the One Ring and thus invisible) sneaked past Balin on look-out duty after their adventures with the Goblins in the mountains that Balin began to develop great respect for the hobbit.[7]

Balin and his brother Dwalin tended to act together as a pair. In the clearing of the Wargs Balin and Dwalin were the two who swarmed up a tall slender fir.[7] When the Dwarves arrived at Beorn's hall, the two brothers were the third pair to appear.[8] Thorin did split the two when the crossed the Enchanted River – Balin went in the first boatload with Thorin, Bilbo, and Fíli while Dwalin came last with Bombur.[9]

Balin's growing fondness for Bilbo became apparent after the hobbit had rescued the Dwarves from the spiders in Mirkwood. Having seen Bilbo vanish they, especially Balin, wanted the true story of Gollum and the Ring explained. Finally satisfied as to how Bilbo had sneaked past him after the mountains, Balin called the hobbit "Good old Bilbo".[9]

When the Dwarves were hauled before the Elvenking they did not know that Thorin had been taken before them and put into a cell deep in the king's dungeon. Balin, being the second oldest of the party, became the spokes-dwarf. His angry, surly answers to Thranduil led to their confinement too.[10]

Balin and Dwalin were two of the most unhappy Dwarves when unpacked from their barrels before Lake-town and were not asked to help release the others.[10] After leaving the town and as their ponies trudged towards the Mountain, Balin and Bilbo rode together in the rear, leading ponies laden with supplies.[11]

Alan Lee - "Visit to Bilbo"

That Balin had become the fondest of Bilbo of all the Dwarves was demonstrated when the hobbit made his first descent into the Lonely Mountain. None of the other Dwarves volunteered to accompany Bilbo except for Balin, who did go partway down the passageway. Balin waited there and when Bilbo returned he delightedly carried the tired hobbit back to the door.[12] Later, when Bilbo dropped his torch in Smaug's lair, Balin pointed out that it was the Dwarves turn to help and declared that he was quite willing to go.[13]

Upon escaping from Erebor, Balin led the company to Ravenhill.[13] Balin later fought valiantly and survived the Battle of Five Armies.[14]

In the autumn of 2949, Balin accompanied Gandalf to visit Bilbo in the Shire.[3] Bilbo noted that Balin's beard was many inches longer and that he wore a magnificent jeweled belt. The three friends talked for hours and Bilbo learned of the new prosperity of the Kingdom under the Mountain and the restored town of Dale.[15]

Expedition to Moria and his death

Joona Kujanen - Balin, Lord of Moria

Though the riches of Erebor made the Dwarves prosperous again, there were many who longed to return to Moria. Dáin Ironfoot counseled against it, but Balin mounted an expedition in T.A. 2989.

[16] They hoped to regain the treasures, and Balin had also hoped to find the Ring of Thrór, which was assumed to be lost when Thrór entered the Gates years before.[17]

Together with Flói, Óin, Ori, Frár, Lóni, Náli and many other Dwarves, Balin entered Dimrill Dale. After a short battle the group entered the Great Gates. They stayed in the Twenty-first Hall, and Balin set up his throne in the Chamber of Mazarbul. He proclaimed himself Lord of Moria.[18]

For five years the colony thrived. They managed to find many old treasures, mithril, and armories. But on 10 November T.A. 2994, as Balin went to look in Mirrormere, an orc archer fatally shot him. Balin's body was placed in a tomb in the Chamber of Mazarbul.[18]

But the archer was just the van of the orcs who came up the Silverlode. The Dwarves were trapped. After a fierce battle in the halls and a final stand in the Chamber of Mazarbul the colony was completely wiped out.[18] Not knowing what really happened, Glóin and his son Gimli were sent to Rivendell to seek news about the colony.

Gimli eventually learned of their fate when he crossed the dwarven realm with the Company of the Ring and found Balin's Tomb.[18]

Etymology

Though most names from the Dwarves in The Hobbit come from the Völuspá, Balin is not one of them. The name rhymes with Dwalin, but has no apparent meaning.[19]

Jim Allan has suggested that Balin may be derived from Old Norse bál ("fire"), thus meaning "Burning-one". Allan also links the name to Le Morte d'Arthur, which includes a character named Balyn (spelled Balin in some editions) and to a Beli of The Mabinogion.[20][note 2]

Other versions of the legendarium

There are a number of differences regarding Balin as presented in early texts as opposed to the published version of The Hobbit. Below is a list of noticeable differences:

  • Earlier, Balin's beard was yellow instead of white, and his hood was described first as scarlet and then as yellow before red became the final choice.[21]
  • Originally it was Dwalin who spotted the Trolls' fire on the hillside; later this was changed to Balin.[22]
  • When Balin and others scouted the Front Gate at Erebor, in the pre-publication version referred to ravens nearby as "spies of evil".[23] In the published story the suspicious birds were changed to crows.[11]

In the earliest drafts of The Lord of the Rings, Balin had a son named Burin (or Frár). Burin accompanied Glóin to the Council of Elrond, and became part of the Fellowship of the Ring. The character was changed to Gimli, son of Glóin in the final version.[24]

Genealogy

 
 
 
 
 
Náin II
2338 - 2585
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dáin I
2440 - 2589
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borin
2450 - 2711
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thrór
2542 - 2790
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Farin
2560 - 2803
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thráin II
2644 - 2850
 
 
 
Fundin
2662 - 2799
 
 
 
 
 
Gróin
2671 - 2923
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thorin
2746 - 2941
 
BALIN
2763 - 2994
 
Dwalin
2772 - Fo.A. 91
 
Óin
2774 - 2994
 
Glóin
2783 - Fo.A. 15
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gimli
2879 - Fo.A. 120+


Portrayal in adaptations

Balin in adaptations

Films

1966: The Hobbit (1966 film):

Balin is omitted. Thorin Oakenshield only travels with an unnamed guard and the princess of Dale.[25]

1977: The Hobbit (1977 film):

Balin's voice is provided by Don Messick. It is unknown if he survived the Battle of Five Armies, as only six of the original survive (with Thorin and Bombur among the casualties and Óin and Glóin amongst the survivors).[26]

2001: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:

Balin is mentioned by Gimli as the King of Moria, and his tomb is seen in Moria.[27] No mention is made about the past of Moria and his expedition, and Gimli seems confident he is still alive.[28]

2012-14: The Hobbit (film series):

Balin is played by Ken Stott.[29] A description of Balin in The Hobbit films was released by the studio:

A descendant of nobility and a Dwarf Lord in his own right, Balin is one of the oldest members of The Company of the Dwarves. Wise and gentle by nature, he has been forced to live a life fraught with war and the ongoing struggle for survival. Related to Thorin Oakenshield, Balin is one of his closest, most trusted advisors – but deep in his heart, this wisest and most loyal of Dwarves harbors troubling doubts about the wisdom of the Quest for the Lonely Mountain.
Warner Bros.[30]

Balin is presumably the oldest of the 13 Dwarves in the films (in the book he was the second oldest -- younger than Thorin by at least ten years).

Radio series

1968: The Hobbit (1968 radio series):

Balin is played by Peter Pratt.[31]

1979: The Hobbit (1979 radio series):

Balin is played an uncredited actor.

Games

1982: The Hobbit (1982 video game):

Balin is omitted; Thorin is the only companion of the player, Bilbo Baggins.[32]

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game):

Balin's Tomb is visited between the levels "2nd Hall" and "Abyss Fight". It is a block of stone, raised from the ground by four ornamental legs.

2003: The Hobbit (2003 video game):

No actor is credited for the role of Balin. He is one of the older dwarves, and has a long white beard. He is the team's lookout.[33]

2004: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth:

Balin's Tomb is one of the objectives of the first act in the Good Campaign. Several groups of orcs, as well as three trolls, have to be fought off before a break in the wall allows access to the next hall and the Bridge.[34]

2011: The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest:

Balin's Tomb is featured in Moria.

Miscellaneous

1989: The Hobbit (comic book):

Balin is portrayed white-haired and quite old; he looks distinctly older than his brother Dwalin, whose hair is still a very dark grey. His role is unchanged from the book; he is the lookout, and visits Bilbo in the epilogue.

See also

Notes

  1. In a note considered for inclusion in Appendix A published in The Peoples of Middle-earth, Tolkien stated that Dwarves reached fighting age around thirty. Balin was 30 at the start and 36 at the end of the war, so conceivably he did participate as a warrior.
  2. It is known that Tolkien worked on editions of both Le Morte d'Arthur and The Mabinogion; cf. The Fall of Arthur and Pwyll Prince of Dyved, respectively.

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "An Unexpected Party"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "Durin's Folk"
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Quest of Erebor"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "An Unexpected Party"
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Roast Mutton"
  7. 7.0 7.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire"
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Queer Lodgings"
  9. 9.0 9.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Flies and Spiders"
  10. 10.0 10.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Barrels Out of Bond"
  11. 11.0 11.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "On the Doorstep"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Inside Information"
  13. 13.0 13.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Not at Home"
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Return Journey"
  15. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Last Stage"
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Many Meetings"
  17. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Bridge of Khazad-dûm"
  19. J.R.R. Tolkien; Douglas A. Anderson, (ed.), (2002) The Annotated Hobbit: Revised and Expanded Edition, "Roast Mutton", note 20
  20. Jim Allan, "Giving of Names", in An Introduction to Elvish, p. 223
  21. J.R.R. Tolkien, John D. Rateliff (ed.), The History of The Hobbit, Mr. Baggins, The First Phase, "The Bladorthin Typescript", p. 32
  22. J.R.R. Tolkien, John D. Rateliff (ed.), The History of The Hobbit, Mr. Baggins, The Second Phase, "Trolls", p. 91
  23. J.R.R. Tolkien, John D. Rateliff (ed.), The History of The Hobbit, Return to Bag-End, The Second Phase, "The Lonely Mountain"
  24. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Return of the Shadow, "The Story Continued: XXIII. In the House of Elrond"
  25. "The Hobbit.mp4" dated 5 January 2012, YouTube (accessed 10 January 2012)
  26. The Hobbit (1977 film), "Farewell, Thorin"
  27. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition) , "Balin's Tomb"
  28. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition) , "Moria"
  29. Peter Jackson, "Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit" dated 20 March 2011, Facebook (accessed 23 December 2011)
  30. Warner Bros., "Hobbit Movies" dated 7 September 2012, Apple iPhone/iPad App (accessed 19 September 2012)
  31. Radio Times, Volume 180, No. 1968, September 26, 1968
  32. ZX Computing, 8304 (April/May 1983), p. 76 (accessed 24 March 2011)
  33. The Hobbit (2003 video game), "Roast Mutton"
  34. The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth, "Moria"
Balin
House of Durin
Born: T.A. 2763 Died: T.A. 2995
Vacant
Last held by:
Náin I, 1008 years earlier
King of Khazad-dûm
T.A. 2989 - 2995
None
Vacant:
Durin VII, in the Fourth Age


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