Dáin Ironfoot: Difference between revisions

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{{disambig-two|the successor of [[Thorin II Oakenshield]]|earlier King of Durin's Folk|[[Dáin I]]}}
{{disambig-two|the successor of [[Thorin II Oakenshield]]|earlier King of Durin's Folk|[[Dáin I]]}}
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'''Dáin II''' or '''Dáin Ironfoot''' ([[Third Age]] 2767 – 3019, aged 252 years) was the son of Náin and grandson of [[Grór]], the youngest son of King [[Dáin I]] of [[Durin's folk]], and was [[Lord of the Iron Hills | Lord]] of the [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]] in [[Wilderland]].  
'''Dáin II''' or '''Dáin Ironfoot''' ([[Third Age]] 2767 – 3019, aged 252 years) was the [[Lord of the Iron Hills]] and [[King under the Mountain]]. In his life, he fought in the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]], the [[Battle of Five Armies]] and the [[Battle of Dale]]. He was renowned as a warrior across Middle-earth.<ref name="Erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
===Early Life===
Dáin was born in {{TA|2767}} in the [[Iron Hills]], the son of [[Náin]], during the reign of his grandfather [[Grór]].<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref>
=== War of the Dwarves and Orcs ===
=== War of the Dwarves and Orcs ===
After the murder of [[Thrór]] by [[Azog]] in {{TA|2790}}, his son [[Thráin II]] swore revenge. He summoned all available Dwarves, and sacked every Orc stronghold in the [[Misty Mountains]], battling his way to [[Moria]]. There, the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] raged before the gate of the ancient Dwarf stronghold.
[[Náin]] and his son Dáin arrived late in the battle, but proved pivotal. Fresh and well equipped, they drove through the Orc forces, until at last Náin confronted Azog. But Náin was weary and filled with anger, and Azog storng and agile. He darted from the dwarf's blows, and when the warrior stumbled, Azog hewed and broke his neck. However, all across the valley, his troops were in retreat. He tried to escape back inside, but he was followed by Dáin who with his red axe, hewed off his head before the doors of the East-Gate. He was a very young Dwarf at thirty-two at the time, and it was heralded as a magnificent feat.


Dáin fought in the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]], but his only recorded deeds are at the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]].  
After the battle King [[Thráin II]] wanted to enter Moria as his own. But Dáin dissuaded him, because he alone looked past the gate into Moria, and had the wisdom to know that it was impossible for Durin's folk to return at that time because of [[Durin's Bane]].<ref name="Durin"/>


During the stalemate of the battle, Náin, along with Dáin lead fresh reinforcements into the fray and  drove their way through the Orcs to the very threshold of Moria.  There Náin and the Orc chief [[Azog]] dueled until, Náin's was tripped and his neck broken by Azog. When the Orc chieftain saw his army routed and his guards dead, he ran back up the steps to the gate, but he was followed by Dáin who with his Red axe, hewed off his head before the doors of the East-Gate.  He was a very young Dwarf at thirty-two at the time, and it was heralded as a magnificent feat.
=== Lord of the Iron Hills ===
Dáin returned to the Halls of Grór with his people, and with his father dead, became [[Lord of the Iron Hills]] at his grandfather's death in {{TA|2905}}. He had one son, [[Thorin III Stonehelm|Thorin]], born in {{TA|2866}}.<ref name="Durin"/>


After the battle King [[Thráin II]] Dáin's kinsman wanted to enter Moria as his own.  But Dáin dissuaded him, because he alone looked past the gate into Moria, and had the wisdom to know that it was impossible for Durin's folk to return at that time because of [[Durin's Bane]].
During his reign his people became the strongest in [[Wilderland]], being the only realm capable to resist [[Sauron]] if he dared come North and retake the realm of [[Angmar]] and the northern passes of the [[Misty Mountains]].<ref name="Erebor"/>


Later his father's body was burned with the rest of the dead Dwarves on wooden pyres, and with a heavy load of weapons and armour on his back he led the remainder of his men back to the Iron Hills.
=== The Battle of Five Armies ===
[[Image:Dain II.jpg|thumb|left|''Dáin'' by [[Angus McBride]].]]
Nearly a hundred years later, King [[Thorin Oakenshield]], the son of [[Thráin II]], set out on a journey to reclaim [[Erebor|Erebor, the Lonely Mountain]], which had been usurped by the [[Dragon]] [[Smaug]].<ref>{{H|Party}}</ref>


=== Lord of the Iron Hills ===
The dragon was slain, though by [[Bard I|Bard]] of [[Lake-town]] and not by Thorin's company. Thorin claimed the entire hoard and proclaimed himself [[King under the Mountain]], but both Bard and the Elven king [[Thranduil]] both longed for compensation of their suffrage caused by the Dragon. Because his company of thirteen could not hold the mountain, Thorin sent for Dáin.<ref>{{H|Gathering}}</ref>


Eventually he returned to the Halls of Grór with his people and sometime later became the new [[Lord of the Iron Hills]] succeeding his grandfather.
Dáin responded to Thorin's call and set out with more than five hundred dwarves,  well armed and experienced. They were originally intent on driving off the Elves and Men, but [[Gandalf]] arrived to inform them of the approaching Orcs and [[Wargs]]. They all united against the common enemy, and so was fought the [[Battle of Five Armies]] in the valley of Dale.<ref>{{H|Burst}}</ref>


During his reign his people became the strongest in [[Wilderland]], being the only realm capable to resist [[Sauron]] if he dared come North and retake the realm of [[Angmar]] and the northern passes of the [[Misty Mountains]].
Thorin was killed in the battle, as were his sister-sons [[Kíli]] and [[Fíli]]. This made Dáin the next in line to become [[King under the Mountain]], and King of all of Durin's folk.<ref>{{H|Return}}</ref>


=== The Battle of Five Armies ===
==King under the Mountain==  
[[Image:Dain II.jpg|thumb|left|''Dáin'' by [[Angus McBride]].]]
During his reign as king, he became exceedingly rich and his people were very prosperous. The town of [[Dale]] was rebuilt and its border stretched far to the South and East and the friendship between the [[Elves of Mirkwood]], [[Men of Dale]], and [[Dwarves of Erebor]] was close, especially between the Men and Dwarves. For the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] now exceeded all their ancestors in the art of masonry and mining, and created many beautiful things in Dale.<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>
Nearly a hundred years later, King [[Thorin Oakenshield]] a second cousin of Dáin's, set out on a  [[Quest of Erebor|journey]] to reclaim the Lonely Mountain of Erebor from Smaug the Dragon.
After many months of adventuring Thorin with twelve other Dwarves reached the mountain When news came of the death of the Dragon Thorin claimed his treasure and proclaimed himself [[King under the Mountain]].
Days later a host of Elves and Men came from the destroyed town of [[Esgaroth]] wanting a part of his treasure.  Thorin refused to give any to them so the host besieged the mountain for many days.  Thorin, with the help of the Raven [[Roac]], sent messenger birds to Dáin and elsewhere asking for aid.  Dáin responded to Thorin's call and set out with more than five hundred Dwarves, and arrived just in time for the [[Battle of Five Armies]].


After Thorin's death, Dáin became [[King under the Mountain]] and King of Durin's folk. During his reign as king, he became exceedingly rich and his people were very prosperous. The town of [[Dale]] was rebuilt and it's border stretched far to the South and East and the friendship between the [[Elves of Mirkwood]], [[Men of Dale]], and [[Dwarves of Erebor]] was close, especially between the Men and Dwarves.  For the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] now exceeded all their ancestors in the art of masonry and mining, and created many beautiful things in Dale.
But not all were content. [[Balin]] set out with several others to reclaim Moria in {{TA|2989}}. Dáin did not give his blessing when Balin, but could not dissuade them.<ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref> It was only later learned the colony was destroyed after five years.<ref>{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>


But during the [[War of the Ring]], Dáin and his people were troubled. For some shadow of deceit had passed of his people, and some became restless and wanted to go to Moria, [[Balin]], a member of Thorin's company, and kinsman of Dáin's, being one of them.
==War of the Ring==
In {{TA|3018}}, a messenger came from Mordor, enquiring about a creature named "[[Bilbo Baggins|Baggins]]" from "[[Shire]]". In return for information Dáin would be given the last three [[Dwarf-rings]]. Dáin told him to give him time to think and for many weeks he pondered until he sent [[Glóin]] and his son [[Gimli]] to [[Elrond]] for council, and to warn Bilbo of the enemy looking for him.<ref name="Council"/>


Dáin did not give his blessing when Balin set out with a group of Dwarves to retake Moria.  And come to find out many years later the entire colony was destroyed.
After many months war came to Erebor in the [[Battle of Dale]]. King [[Brand]] of Dale was at war with [[Easterlings]] along the River [[Carnen]], but they defeated him and he retreated back to Dale where he was given aid by Dáin and an army of Dwarves.  After three days of fighting the Dwarves and Men were driven back, and Brand was slain. But defending his body stood Dáin, who at over 250 years old wasn't feeble, and still could wield his axe with great skill. But his skill was not enough and he was slain as well before the gates of Erebor.<ref name="Erebor"/>
Also, from [[Mordor]] came a messenger saying that if Dáin would but give him the location of [[Bilbo Baggins]], [[Sauron]] would give him the last three [[Dwarf-rings]].  Dáin told him to give him time to think and for many weeks he pondered until he sent [[Glóin son of Gróin | Glóin]] and his son [[Gimli]] to [[Elrond]] for council, and to warn Bilbo of the enemy looking for him.
=== The War of the Ring ===
After many months war came to Erebor in the [[Battle of Dale]]. King [[Brand]] of Dale was at war with [[Easterlings]] along the River [[Carnen]], but they defeated him and he retreated back to Dale where he was given aid by Dáin and an army of Dwarves.  After three days of fighting the Dwarves and Men were driven back, and Brand was slain. But defending his body stood Dáin, who at over 250 years old wasn't feeble, and still could wield his axe with great skill.


But his skill was not enough and he was slain as well before the gates of Erebor. Several days later the Easterlings learned that the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] was lost and they were afraid. When the new King [[Thorin III Stonehelm]] son of Dáin, and Brand's [[Bard II]] saw this they came out of the mountain and routed their enemies never to be bothered again.
Several days later the Easterlings learned that the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] was lost and they were afraid. When the new King [[Thorin III Stonehelm]], son of Dáin, and Brand's [[Bard II]] saw this they came out of the mountain and routed their enemies.<ref name="Great">{{App|Great}}</ref>


==Etymology and names==
==Etymology and names==
Line 67: Line 70:
==Portrayal in Adaptations==
==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''1968: ''[[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)]]'':'''
'''1968: ''[[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)]]'':'''
:Dáin's voice is provided by [[Brian Haines]].
:Dáin's voice is provided by [[Brian Haines]].<ref>Radio Times, Volume 181, No. 2349, [[November 14]], [[1968]]</ref>


'''1977: ''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)]]'':'''
'''1977: ''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)]]'':'''

Revision as of 13:22, 19 December 2010

This article is about the successor of Thorin II Oakenshield. For the earlier King of Durin's Folk, see Dáin I.
Dáin II Ironfoot
Dwarf
File:Dain-ironfoot.jpg
Biographical Information
Other namesKing under the Mountain, Lord of the Iron Hills
Family
ParentageNáin
Physical Description
GenderMale
GalleryImages of Dáin II Ironfoot

Dáin II or Dáin Ironfoot (Third Age 2767 – 3019, aged 252 years) was the Lord of the Iron Hills and King under the Mountain. In his life, he fought in the Battle of Azanulbizar, the Battle of Five Armies and the Battle of Dale. He was renowned as a warrior across Middle-earth.[1]

History

Early Life

Dáin was born in T.A. 2767 in the Iron Hills, the son of Náin, during the reign of his grandfather Grór.[2]

War of the Dwarves and Orcs

After the murder of Thrór by Azog in T.A. 2790, his son Thráin II swore revenge. He summoned all available Dwarves, and sacked every Orc stronghold in the Misty Mountains, battling his way to Moria. There, the Battle of Azanulbizar raged before the gate of the ancient Dwarf stronghold.

Náin and his son Dáin arrived late in the battle, but proved pivotal. Fresh and well equipped, they drove through the Orc forces, until at last Náin confronted Azog. But Náin was weary and filled with anger, and Azog storng and agile. He darted from the dwarf's blows, and when the warrior stumbled, Azog hewed and broke his neck. However, all across the valley, his troops were in retreat. He tried to escape back inside, but he was followed by Dáin who with his red axe, hewed off his head before the doors of the East-Gate. He was a very young Dwarf at thirty-two at the time, and it was heralded as a magnificent feat.

After the battle King Thráin II wanted to enter Moria as his own. But Dáin dissuaded him, because he alone looked past the gate into Moria, and had the wisdom to know that it was impossible for Durin's folk to return at that time because of Durin's Bane.[2]

Lord of the Iron Hills

Dáin returned to the Halls of Grór with his people, and with his father dead, became Lord of the Iron Hills at his grandfather's death in T.A. 2905. He had one son, Thorin, born in T.A. 2866.[2]

During his reign his people became the strongest in Wilderland, being the only realm capable to resist Sauron if he dared come North and retake the realm of Angmar and the northern passes of the Misty Mountains.[1]

The Battle of Five Armies

File:Dain II.jpg
Dáin by Angus McBride.

Nearly a hundred years later, King Thorin Oakenshield, the son of Thráin II, set out on a journey to reclaim Erebor, the Lonely Mountain, which had been usurped by the Dragon Smaug.[3]

The dragon was slain, though by Bard of Lake-town and not by Thorin's company. Thorin claimed the entire hoard and proclaimed himself King under the Mountain, but both Bard and the Elven king Thranduil both longed for compensation of their suffrage caused by the Dragon. Because his company of thirteen could not hold the mountain, Thorin sent for Dáin.[4]

Dáin responded to Thorin's call and set out with more than five hundred dwarves, well armed and experienced. They were originally intent on driving off the Elves and Men, but Gandalf arrived to inform them of the approaching Orcs and Wargs. They all united against the common enemy, and so was fought the Battle of Five Armies in the valley of Dale.[5]

Thorin was killed in the battle, as were his sister-sons Kíli and Fíli. This made Dáin the next in line to become King under the Mountain, and King of all of Durin's folk.[6]

King under the Mountain

During his reign as king, he became exceedingly rich and his people were very prosperous. The town of Dale was rebuilt and its border stretched far to the South and East and the friendship between the Elves of Mirkwood, Men of Dale, and Dwarves of Erebor was close, especially between the Men and Dwarves. For the Dwarves of Erebor now exceeded all their ancestors in the art of masonry and mining, and created many beautiful things in Dale.[7]

But not all were content. Balin set out with several others to reclaim Moria in T.A. 2989. Dáin did not give his blessing when Balin, but could not dissuade them.[8] It was only later learned the colony was destroyed after five years.[9]

War of the Ring

In T.A. 3018, a messenger came from Mordor, enquiring about a creature named "Baggins" from "Shire". In return for information Dáin would be given the last three Dwarf-rings. Dáin told him to give him time to think and for many weeks he pondered until he sent Glóin and his son Gimli to Elrond for council, and to warn Bilbo of the enemy looking for him.[8]

After many months war came to Erebor in the Battle of Dale. King Brand of Dale was at war with Easterlings along the River Carnen, but they defeated him and he retreated back to Dale where he was given aid by Dáin and an army of Dwarves. After three days of fighting the Dwarves and Men were driven back, and Brand was slain. But defending his body stood Dáin, who at over 250 years old wasn't feeble, and still could wield his axe with great skill. But his skill was not enough and he was slain as well before the gates of Erebor.[1]

Several days later the Easterlings learned that the Battle of the Pelennor Fields was lost and they were afraid. When the new King Thorin III Stonehelm, son of Dáin, and Brand's Bard II saw this they came out of the mountain and routed their enemies.[10]

Etymology and names

Dáinn is a dwarf from the Norse mythology. The name means "Deadlike".[source?]

The epithet Ironfoot remains unexplained in the published writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. However, John D. Rateliff has pointed out that an explanation for the epithet is likely found in the original manuscript of The Hobbit, where it is stated that the shoes of the Dwarves of the Iron Hills were of iron.[11]

Genealogy

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dáin I
2440 - 2589†
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thrór
2542 - 2790†
 
Frór
2552 - 2589†
 
 
 
Grór
2563 - 2803
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thráin II
2644 - 2850†
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Náin
2665 - 2799†
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thorin II Oakenshield
2746 - 2941†
 
Frerin
2751 - 2799†
 
Dís
2760 - ???
 
 
 
DÁIN II IRONFOOT
2767 - 3019†
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fíli
2859 - 2941†
 
Kíli
2864 - 2941†
 
Thorin III Stonehelm
2866 - ???

Portrayal in Adaptations

1968: The Hobbit (1968 radio series):

Dáin's voice is provided by Brian Haines.[12]

1977: The Hobbit (1977 film):

No actor is credited for the role of Dáin.

1979: The Hobbit (1979 radio series):

No actor is credited for the role of Dáin.

2001-2007: The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game:

Weta made a special card for Dáin.

2003: The Hobbit (2003 video game):

Dáin has no speaking part; he only appears on parchment sections.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Quest of Erebor"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "Durin's Folk"
  3. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "An Unexpected Party"
  4. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Gathering of the Clouds"
  5. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Clouds Burst"
  6. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Return Journey"
  7. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Many Meetings"
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"
  9. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Bridge of Khazad-dûm"
  10. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years"
  11. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, John D. Rateliff (ed.), The History of The Hobbit, Return to Bag End, p. 674 (note 12)
  12. ↑ Radio Times, Volume 181, No. 2349, November 14, 1968
Dáin Ironfoot
House of Durin
Born: T.A. 2767 Died: T.A. 3019
Preceded by:
Grór		Lord of the Iron Hills
T.A. 2805 – 2941		Himself
as King
Preceded by:
Thorin II Oakenshield		King of Durin's Folk
T.A. 2941 – 3019		Followed by:
Thorin III Stonehelm
5th King under the Mountain
T.A. 2941 – 3019


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