This exploration delves into the fates of the dwarves from ‘The Hobbit,’ highlighting key characters like Thorin Oakenshield, who dies in the Battle of the Five Armies, and the destinies of his nephews, Fíli and Kíli. Other dwarves, such as Balin and Dwalin, have varied paths post-battle, with some meeting tragic ends in Moria. The piece also touches on Bombur’s love for life, Bifur’s toymaking, and Glóin’s legacy through his son Gimli, all set against the backdrop of the broader ‘Lord of the Rings’ narrative.
The Dwarves of ‘The Hobbit’: Their Fates Unveiled
In the epic tale of ‘The Lord of the Rings’, Frodo (Elijah Wood) embarks on his heroic journey alongside Sam (Sean Astin), Merry (Dominic Monaghan), and Pippin (Billy Boyd), before the iconic Fellowship of the Ring is established in Rivendell. In contrast, the adventure in ‘The Hobbit’ begins with the spirited company of 13 dwarves and the ever-reliable Gandalf, who makes his presence felt whenever adventure stirs in the Shire.
As Bilbo, the Ring-bearer, celebrates his 111th birthday during Frodo’s quest, we see little of his dwarf companions. Join us as we explore the fates of the dwarves from ‘The Hobbit’.
Key Dwarves and Their Destinies
Thorin Oakenshield is undoubtedly the most pivotal dwarf from ‘The Hobbit’. His decisions and missteps shape the narrative. As the rightful heir to the mountain kingdom of Erebor, Thorin meets his end during the Battle of the Five Armies, but not before reconciling with Bilbo.
Fíli and Kíli, Thorin’s nephews, were next in line for the throne of Erebor. Tragically, like their uncle, they also perish in the same battle. While both the book and film depict this fate, Peter Jackson’s adaptation adds depth to Kíli’s character, introducing a love interest involving Tauriel and Legolas, culminating in Kíli’s heroic sacrifice to protect Tauriel.
Bombur, the stoutest of the dwarves, is reminiscent of a hobbit with his love for food and comfort. Despite his bulk, he proves to be a brave fighter. According to Frodo’s conversation with Glóin, Bombur remained in Erebor, enjoying life to the fullest, eventually becoming so large that several dwarves had to assist him in rising.
Balin, after the tumult of the Battle of the Five Armies, initially resided in Erebor. He later ventured with fellow dwarves to reclaim the mines of Moria, where he ruled for five years before meeting his demise in an orc ambush. His story continues in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’, where the Fellowship discovers his grave.
Dwalin chose not to accompany Balin to Moria. Instead, he spent his days in Erebor, living to the impressive age of 340—an extraordinary feat among Thorin’s company.
The brothers Dori and Nori stayed in Erebor post-battle, reportedly living well, though their later adventures remain a mystery as no records document their lives beyond that point.
Ori joined Balin in his Moria expedition, meticulously recording events in the Book of Mazarbul. Sadly, the Fellowship discovers both the book and Ori’s lifeless body in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’, with his last entries chronicling the harrowing orc attack.
Óin, who struggled with hearing loss, also met his end in Moria. However, his demise was not at the hands of orcs but rather at the clutches of the menacing ‘Watcher in the Water’, a creature that later confronts the Fellowship.
Bifur, known for his axe-in-the-head look, surprises many with his passion for toymaking. After the battle, he remained in Erebor, where he pursued his craft until his final days.
Bofur, despite a humorous mishap of oversleeping in Lake-town, proves to be a loyal member of Thorin’s company. He chose to stay in Erebor alongside the other dwarves, and Glóin later confirms that Bofur lives on.
Glóin, the father of Gimli, dwelled in Erebor with his son after the Battle of the Five Armies, eventually journeying to Rivendell, where Gimli joined the Fellowship of the Ring. Glóin passed away in the 15th year of the Fourth Age.
The entire ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, alongside the prequel series ‘The Rings of Power’. Fans can look forward to the upcoming Season 3 of the ‘The Lord of the Rings’ series as well.