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| image=[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Thorin Oakenshield.jpg|250px]]
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Revision as of 18:32, 12 November 2017

Template:Countdown

The name Thorin refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Thorin (disambiguation).
Thorin Oakenshield
Dwarf
Jenny Dolfen - Thorin Oakenshield.jpg
"Thorin II" by Jenny Dolfen
Biographical Information
Other namesThorin 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
Hair colorWhite beard[4]
ClothingSky-blue hood with a long silver tassel,[5] coat of gold-plated rings,[6] belt crusted with scarlet stones[6]
WeaponryOrcrist
Silver-hafted axe[6]
GalleryImages of Thorin Oakenshield
"I am Thorin son of Thrain son of Thror King under the Mountain! I return!"
― Thorin[2]


Thorin II (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.[7]

Appearance

Thorin had a white beard[8] and 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.[5] He wore a belt of gold and jewels,[9] and his stockings were yellow.[10]

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[11]

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 were 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][5]

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 and entered 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]=

Mikel Janin - Battle of Azanulbizar

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. When his shield broke, in its stead he used an oak branch to block the blows of his foes.[12] Despite victory no Dwarf dared to re-enter Moria out of fear of Durin's Bane.[13]

In memory of this, Thorin swore to always bear a plain shield of oak with no device until he should be hailed king,[14] and thus he earned the epithet Oakenshield.

Return into exile

Charles Burggraf - "We will get it back"

=

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, then aged ninety-five, was never to see his father again, as 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. 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.[15]

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[16]

Ted Nasmith - Gandalf and Thorin

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 of Erebor would only be successful if Bilbo accompanied them.

File:LotR LCG- Thorin Oakenshield.jpg
Thorin Oakenshield at Bag End

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.[17]

Thus it was that in T.A. 2941 Thorin set off for the Lonely Mountain with Gandalf, Bilbo Baggins, Fíli, 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.[18] 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."[19]

The return of the King under the Mountain

David T. Wenzel - Thorin in Esgaroth

=

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.[20] 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.[21] The dragon was slain by Bard who pierced an un-armoured spot on the dragon's underside.[22]

Upon hearing the news of the death of Smaug, Thorin fortified the main entrance to the mountain. Hosts of Wood-elves and Lake-men approached the mountain led by the Elvenking and Bard respectively. Thorin refused to consider Bard's claim to a share in the treasure until the Elven-host had withdrawn. Refusing to send away the Elves, Bard pronounced the mountain under siege until Thorin would give them their part of the treasure. Then Thorin sent for his cousin, Dáin Ironfoot, who brought more than five-hundred Dwarves from the Iron Hills.[23] 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 cast him out of the company.[24]

Death

Darrell Sweet - The Death of Thorin Oakenshield

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. On his deathbed Thorin apologised to Bilbo for his angry words and deeds. He commended his good character, courage and friendship, saying that "if more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." With that, he died. He was laid to rest deep within the Lonely Mountain. Bard of Dale placed the Arkenstone upon Thorin's chest, whilst the Elvenking laid Orcrist upon Thorin's tomb.[25]

Personality

Thorin did not live to enjoy his triumph or his treasure. Pride and greed overcame him in spite of my warning
Gandalf[16]

Thorin was capable of being stubborn, proud, and greedy. According to Gandalf he 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. But he gradually came to respect the Hobbit's value to his quest, as Bilbo again and again proved his stealth and courage. Thorin's most coveted prize was the Arkenstone, something which Bilbo believed was not only the heart of the mountain but the heart of Thorin also. [26]

Genealogy

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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+

Etymology

Thorin's name is one from the Dvergatal. It means "Bold".[27]

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".[28]

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.[29]=

Portrayal in adaptations

Thorin in adaptations=
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.[30]

1977: The Hobbit (1977 film):

Thorin's voice is provided by Hans Conried.

2012: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey:

Thorin was portrayed by Richard Armitage.[31] Unlike many other adaptations where Thorin is depicted as white-haired, Thorin is portrayed as younger looking (in the original book he was the oldest of the Dwarves in the Company; in the movies he appears to be roughly in the middle of the thirteen age-wise). Thorin, however, does have streaks of gray in his black hair.
In the prologue which flashes back to the Sack of Erebor, Thorin is shown to be a natural leader, and is distressed when Thranduil and his army do not come to the Dwarves' aid. Later, during a flashback to the Battle of Azanulbizar (referred to as the Battle of Moria in these films), his natural leadership is again on display, when rallying the troops after maiming Azog the Defiler (Dáin Ironfoot, who killed Azog during this battle in the book, is not present at all).
Thorin shows up later than expected at Bag End. He is thoroughly sceptical of Gandalf's choice of Bilbo as the fourteenth member of the Company, but the Hobbit finally earns his approval after attempting to save him from Azog and his Orc pack. After this ordeal, Gandalf revives him on the Carrock.

2013: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug:

Thorin is captured by the Elves of Mirkwood along with all of the other Dwarves. He refuses to bargain with Thranduil on order to set them all free, still holding a grudge over the Elven-king not helping his people while Smaug destroyed their home.
After the Dwarves are caught trying to steal weapons out of the armoury in Lake-town, Thorin promises the people a share of the treasure if the Company is allowed to reclaim their kingdom. After Bilbo's audience with Smaug, he leads the Dwarves in an attempt to defeat the Dragon by drowning him in molten gold. The plan fails, however, and Smaug instead heads off in a rage to Lake-town.

2014: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies:

While searching the treasure hoard inside the Mountain for the Arkenstone, Thorin increasingly falls prey to Dragon sickness. He begins to be paranoid that the other Dwarves are scheming against him. He orders the other Dwarves to put up barricades to prevent anyone else from entering the Mountain, even as the Battle of Five Armies commences. He eventually overcomes his sickness and comes to his senses, leading the members of the Company into battle.
On Ravenhill, he attempts to take out the Orc army's leader, and old nemesis, Azog (with the help of Fíli, Kíli and Dwalin). After his nephews are killed, Thorin takes on the Pale Orc one-on-one (and, in the process, gets Orcrist back from Legolas). He manages to get Azog to fall into a frozen lake, but the Orc stabs through the ice and mortally wounds him. With his last strength, Thorin plunges Orcrist into Azog's chest, finally killing him. Soon after, right before succumbing to his wounds, he makes amends with Bilbo, and dies right there on the lake.

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.[32]

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.

2014: Lego The Hobbit: The Video Game:

Thorin appears as he is in the movies, but in the form of a LEGO minifigure. He is voiced by Richard Armitage.

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. J.R.R. Tolkien, John D. Rateliff (ed.), The History of The Hobbit, "Addendum: The Seventh Phase", "iv. Personae"
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "An Unexpected Party"
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Not at Home"
  7. 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"
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, John D. Rateliff (ed.), The History of The Hobbit, "Addendum: The Seventh Phase", "iv. Personae"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, John D. Rateliff (ed.), The History of The Hobbit, "Addendum: The Seventh Phase", "iv. Personae"
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Roast Mutton"
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Barrels Out of Bond"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "Durin's Folk", note 46.
  13. 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"
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "IX. The Making of Appendix A": (iv) "Durin's Folk"
  15. 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"
  16. 16.0 16.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Quest of Erebor"
  17. 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"
  18. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Roast Mutton"
  19. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "A Short Rest"
  20. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "On the Doorstep"
  21. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Inside Information"
  22. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Fire and Water"
  23. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Gathering of the Clouds"; J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "A Thief in the Night"
  24. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Clouds Burst"
  25. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Clouds Burst"; J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Return Journey"
  26. 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"
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. J.R.R. Tolkien, John D. Rateliff (ed.), The History of The Hobbit, Mr. Baggins, "Introduction"
  30. "The Hobbit.mp4" dated 5 January 2012, YouTube (accessed 10 January 2012)
  31. Peter Jackson, "Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit" dated 20 March 2011, Facebook (accessed 23 December 2011)
  32. ZX Computing, 8304 (April/May 1983), p. 76 (accessed 24 March 2011)
Thorin II
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


Kings of Durin's Folk
Durin I* (Y.T.) · Durin II* · Durin III* (fl. S.A. 1600) · Durin IV* · Durin V* · Durin VI* (until T.A. 1980) · Náin I* (1980 - 1981) · Thráin I (1981 - 2190) · Thorin I (2190 - 2289) · Glóin (2289 - 2385) · Óin (2385 - 2488) · Náin II (2488 - 2585) · Dáin I (2585 - 2589) · Thrór (2585 - 2790) · Thráin II (2790 - captured 2845, d. 2850) · Thorin II Oakenshield (after 2845 - 2941) · Dáin II Ironfoot (2941 - 3019) · Thorin III Stonehelm (T.A. 3019 - Fourth Age) · Durin VII (Fourth Age)*
* Kings of Khazad-dûm · Kings under the Mountain
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