Durin I

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Durin I (Years of the TreesFirst Age), also known as Durin the Deathless, was the eldest of the seven Fathers of the Dwarves, the first of that race to be created by the Vala Aulë. He was set to sleep under the mountains of Middle-earth until after the Awakening of the Elves.

Durin awoke at Mount Gundabad in the Misty Mountains during the Years of the Trees. He journeyed in the wilds until he came upon Mirrormere (Kheled-zâram in Khuzdul). Looking upon mysterious stars reflected in its surface, he took this as a sign, and there founded a great city. This was Khazad-dûm, later called Moria, and for many years it was the greatest Dwarven city in Middle-earth.

Durin lived to a great age even by the measure of the Dwarves, outliving many of his children, until he was known as "The Deathless". However, he was not actually immortal, and died sometime during the First Age.

Durin was the founder of the Longbeards clan, which later became known as Durin's folk. These were the Dwarves chronicled by Tolkien in the Second and Third Ages. The Longbeards believe that Durin will return to them seven times, and in each reincarnation he will again be named Durin and reign as King.

Durin's axe survived him and would become a great heirloom of Durin's folk.

The age of Durin had been speculated, and it is believed he may have lived more than 6-800 from the early part of the Years of the Trees, to before then end of the First Age. Which would make the oldest Dwarf ever.

Preceded by:
none
Kings of Durin's Folk Followed by:
Durin II at some later time
Preceded by:
none
Kings of Khazad-dûm Followed by:
Durin II at some later time