- “I have no right to ask this of any of you. Will you follow me, one last time?”
- ―Thorin to his company in the film adaptation of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
King Thorin Oakenshield (born Thorin II; also known as the Mountain King and the King Under the Mountain, is a major character in the Middle-Earth franchise and the various adaptations, first appearing as the deuteragonist of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Thorin is the heir to the kingdom of Erebor and sets off on a quest to reclaim it from the Dragon Smaug to avenge his family's and people's misfortunes. He reluctantly allows Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit of the Shire, into his company and looks after the dwarves of Erebor after the death of his grandfather and the disappearance of his father. Throughout the film series, Thorin and Bilbo become friends.
Background[]
Thorin was a direct descendant of Durin "The Deathless," one of the first seven dwarves to ever live. He was the eldest child and son of Thráin II, a grandson of Thrór, and the elder brother of Frerin and Dís (unnamed in the film).
At twenty-four years old, Thorin witnessed the downfall of his kingdom after Smaug overtook their home. In The Hobbit films, Thorin gained a mistrust of Elves after Thranduil refused to help them seek a home.
Many years later during the Battle of Moria, Thorin fights with his family against the Orcs that are attacking him. He witnesses his grandfather slain by the Orcs' leader, Azog the Defiler. Thorin goes to charge Azog but is stopped by his father, Thráin, who tells Thorin one by one that Azog has sworn to wipe out the Line of Durin. He /orders Thorin to stay away from Azog as he battles the Orc. Thorin later goes and fights Azog himself and earns the epithet "Oakenshield" after using only an oaken branch as a shield. At the end of the battle, Thorin went to look for his father, to the last body but saw he was not among the dead. Only those who died were Thorin's brother, Frerin, and brother-in-law, Dis' husband.
After becoming the king after his father's disappearance, Thorin raised Fili and Kili as if they were his sons. He ruled the Blue Mountains, which became a home for his people. However, it never became one to Thorin.
Official biography[]
- “As a young Dwarf prince, Thorin witnessed the destruction and terror wrought when a great fire-breathing Dragon attacked the 'Dwarf' Kingdom' of Erebor. After slaughtering many of Thorin’s kin, the great serpent, Smaug, entered the 'Lonely' 'Mountain' and took possession of its vast store of gold and jewels. No one came to the aid of the surviving Dwarves, and thus, a once proud and noble race was forced into exile. Through long years of hardship, Thorin grew to be a strong and fearless fighter and revered leader. In his heart a fierce desire grew; a desire to reclaim his homeland and destroy the beast that had brought such misery upon his people. So, when fate offers him an unusual ally, he seizes the chance for revenge."”
- ―Official description of Thorin from the films.
Personality[]
A dwarf king without a kingdom, Thorin matured at a younger age, taking responsibility, and looking out for the people of the Once proud race, the House of Durin. He sought work wherever he could to provide for his people, family, and friends.
Ever since losing his home, and his father, grandfather, and brother. Thorin was known to be quite serious and feared losing anyone he cared about and was protective of anyone, including people whom he had hardly gotten to know. Even though Thorin said he was not looking out for Bilbo, he still willingly surrendered to the Trolls so they wouldn't rip him apart and even swung down to pull Bilbo up to safety. He also told the company to run through the secret passageway and guarded it. He was very scared that the Mountain trolls killed Fili, along with the rest of their company. Thorin was also worried that Bilbo did not survive the confrontation with Azog but immediately was relieved to see he was alright and was concerned when Bofur revealed that Bilbo was missing and even led Smaug away from Bilbo He was willing to kill if anyone else tried harming his friends or family, as he killed an orc that tried to kill Balin without hesitation. Thorin was also willing to risk his life for anyone on many occasions. He allowed Azog to kill him so he wouldn't ruin more innocent people's lives and even save Bilbo from Smaug.
Thorin had difficulty trusting others, especially when the elves turned their backs on Thorin's people. However, there were times he was willing to take a risk. For a moment, Thorin and his company thought Bilbo was enticing the Trolls that captured them to eat the Dwarves. However, Thorin was able to see that Bilbo was trying to distract the trolls and give the company time. This level of distrust even started when Thranduil turned his back on the dwarves and started Thorin heavily disliking the elves. In one case, he bluntly tells Gandalf that he won't go near Rivendell, stating that he would not seek those who wronged his father and grandfather and initially looked at Orcrist with disgust because it was of Elvish make. However, sometimes Thorin forgot his hatred for elves. For example, accepted Orcrist, even though it was of Elvish make, and nodded to Elrond for letting him have it. Without hesitation, he killed an Orc that was about to harm Legolas. For a second, he refused to let Elrond look at the map but did so they could find the secret passageway.
Despite his serious demeanor, he was known for being sarcastic and having a dry sense of humor. When Gandalf said he met unsavory characters who mistook him for a vagabond to the dwarf king, Thorin sarcastically said that he imagined they regretted it. After meeting Bilbo for the first time, Thorin sarcastically remarked that he looked more like a grocer than a burglar. Another time his seriousness let loose was when he was happily stomping to Bofur's song and enjoying an old Dwarven song. Also, when he insults Smaug, Thorin calls him a slug and smiles at his companions after giving the insult. Even while under his gold sickness, Thorin had sarcastically told Bilbo that he should not underestimate dwarves. Thorin valued friendship and loyalty primarily, even proclaiming he would rather take the members of his company than an army from the Iron Hills. He had even added that the only things he required were loyalty, honor, and a willing heart. Thorin usually sought advice from Balin and was relieved to know that members of his company would be willing to follow his lead. However, it was very dark when Thorin was underneath the gold curse, as he had limited trust among his friends.
During the time of his gold sickness, Thorin became stubborn, greedy, and selfish. He refused to give what he owed the people of Lake-town or share the treasure with others in his company. He was more suspicious of those even close to him. However, Thorin had a sense of pride and fondness for Bilbo, even gifting him a shirt of mithril. Thorin became over-confident of himself, even telling Bilbo that he should not underestimate dwarves Thorin was also easily infuriated, as he yelled to Balin and Dwalin for no reason and nearly killed Bilbo. However, when he walks into the Gallery of the Kings and dreams of himself drowning in the dried gold and coming to his senses, Thorin realizes the errors of his ways, even discarding his grandfather's robes, crown, and armor.
As a last act of redemption, Thorin kills Azog and willingly sacrifices himself to his blade, knowing he's saving a lot of Innocents. He died a changed man, seeking forgiveness from Bilbo and realizing too late that home is more important than hordes of gold.
Physical Appearance[]
Thorin was a dwarf with black hair and grey streaks, blue eyes, and quite tall, especially by dwarf standards. His hair is long and wavy and has two mini-braids on each side. Thorin used to have a slightly longer beard that was braided before it was cut. The reason behind this was that he was paying respect to the dwarves whose beards were burnt off from Smaug's attack on Erebor and Dale.
Thorin also wore three rings, one ring on his middle finger and the other on his index finger. Thorin usually wore dark clothes to show he was probably in mourning. He also blue and silver chainmail-like armor and wore a leather coat lined with thick, light brown fur.
Possessions[]
- Orcrist: An Elven sword Thorin found in the hoard of Trolls and became one of Thorin's significant weapons. The sword was forged in the Forges of the fallen city of Gondolin, as well as Sting and Glamdring, Bilbo's and Gandalf's swords respectively. It was most likely forged by the same person who made Sting. Elrond blessed it himself after he translated the runes on the sword itself. Thorin used it in Goblin-town to knock the Goblin king and used it to duel Azog the Defiler in the finale of An Unexpected Journey. Legolas confiscated it from Thorin when the Elves captured, him and his Company (besides Bilbo). Orcrist killed many Orcs, even Azog the Defiler himself.
- Oak shield: While fighting Azog, Thorin's shield was broken during the battle of Moria. He later took up an oaken branch and used it as a shield in the duel between the two. Using it, Thorin was able to successfully use it to defend himself and kept it for many years. He kept it tied to his waist and later used it again in his second confrontation with Azog. However, Thorin lost the shield as the Eagles picked up Thorin's Company.
- Key to the Secret door: Once in Thráin's possessions. Gandalf gave Thorin the Key in Bag End along with the map Thráin gave Gandalf for safekeeping. He wore it as a necklace around his neck. Thorin gave up, giving the map to Bilbo and the key dropped on the ground. He returned and used it to unlock the door.
- Map of the Lonely Mountain: Along with the key, Gandalf gave it to Thorin. In Rivendell, they were able to translate what was on the map and discover moon runes on it. When the dwarves give up, Thorin gives the Map to Bilbo and drops the Key. It is currently in Bilbo Baggins' possession.
- Arkenstone: Thorin had the Arkenstone buried with him in the mountain.
Abilities[]
- Swordsmanship: Thorin is a skilled swordsman, having several swords, which included Orcrist and Deathless. He fought well in the Battle of Moria and the Goblins in Goblin-town. He even was able to knock the Goblin King off the town and fall into the abyss.
- Skilled Archer: Like his nephew Kili, Thorin proves to be an archer. However, he once missed shooting a sacred white stag in Mirkwood.
Books[]
The Hobbit (1938)[]
Thorin first appears in the 1938 novel, The Hobbit or There and Back Again by JRR Tolkien.
He first appears in the novel when landing on Bilbo's matt. Though the hobbit consistently apologizes, Thorin says that it was just an accident. Thorin is the leader in his company and the king. With Erebor re-claimed Thorin refuses to share any of the treasure with Bard and Thranduil and remains unaware Bilbo had the Arkenstone the whole time.
The Hobbit (1977 film)[]
Thorin's role remains the same in the film.
However, the exception is that Arkenstone is absent. Instead, he lost respect for Bilbo because he misconceived war.
During the film, he was voiced by Hans Conried, who voiced Captain Hook from Disney's Peter Pan.
The Hobbit film trilogy[]
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey[]
Thorin appears to Bag End as the very last dwarf and is introduced to Bilbo Baggins by Gandalf. In Bag End, Thorin meets Bilbo for the first time and inquires about his past weapons, but comments Bilbo is more of a grocer than a burglar when he learns of the hobbit's lack of fighting ability. During the meeting in Bilbo's dining room, Thorin reveals that though envoys from seven dwarf kingdoms answered the Dwarves of Erebor's call, he was unsuccessful in convincing Dain to help send reinforcements to take the Lonely Mountain back. Gandalf later reveals a Map of Erebor. A small argument breaks out among his company, but Thorin breaks it up and gives a small speech that inspires most of the dwarves to take their home back. However, Balin reveals that there is no way into the mountain, but Gandalf shows them a key that once belonged to Thorin's father and reveals that the key is what opens a secret door. Thorin asks Gandalf how he came by this key. The Grey wizard reveals to Thorin that it was given to him by Thráin personally and gives it to Thorin, as it now belongs to him. Gandalf reveals that they cannot find it on their own and states that others in middle-earth still can. They later reveal to Bilbo they need him to be hired as a burglar. At Gandalf's behest, Thorin states that they will do it the wizard's way and hands Bilbo the contract. While Bilbo reads the contract's overbearingly long text, Thorin proclaims he will not look after Bilbo no matter what.
Sometime in the early morning, Thorin has the members of his company pack up and have them put back all of Bilbo's possessions back where they found them. Sometime at midday, Bilbo joins them, with the contract in hand, much to Thorin's chagrin. After the hobbit is inducted as a full member of Thorin's company, Thorin begrudgingly orders the other dwarves to give Bilbo a pony. They are briefly halted when Bilbo demands they turn around because he forgot his handkerchief at home. After Bofur gives Bilbo a rag off his clothes for Bilbo to use as a cloth, Thorin orders the company to move on.
Later that night, the company rests at the edge of a forested cliff. He overhears Fíli and Kíli joking about Orcs to Bilbo and berates them for thinking that a night raid by Orcs was a joke. Kíli immediately apologizes to his uncle, who tells Fíli and Kíli that they know nothing of the world. Balin tells Bilbo, Fíli, and Kíli of Thorin's deeds in the Battle of Moria. When Bilbo asks what happened to the pale Orc, Thorin answers that he was slain in battle long ago before walking away and going back to sleep. A few days later, Thorin has the company rest for the night. However, he enters into an argument with Gandalf, who insists that they leave the area where a farmer and his family used to live, attempts to convince Thorin and the Dwarves set their travel towards Rivendell, where Lord Elrond could house them and ask the Elves for advice about the map they cannot understand. Thorin refuses because elves in the past have done nothing to help them and betray his father and grandfather. Gandalf insists that Thorin is neither of them and yells that he does not have the map and key to hold onto the past, but the dwarf king responds that neither item was Gandalf's to keep at all. Both infuriated, Gandalf leaves Thorin, Bilbo, and their company.
Thorin puts Fíli and Kíli in charge of the ponies, Glóin and Óin to get a fire going and Bombur to get dinner started. However, Fíli and Kíli neglect their duties in guarding the ponies and have Bilbo go in to steal them back. Eventually learning of the situation, Thorin leads the company to rescue Bilbo and their ponies from the Trolls but is forced to stand down when they threaten to rip their companion apart. As the Trolls argue about how to cook the dwarves, Bilbo begins distracting the trolls by trying to get them to release the dwarves. Thorin catches on with the Hobbit's plan and kicks his protesting companions into following Bilbo's plan. A few moments later, Gandalf appears and helps turn the trolls to stone.
After the company is free, Thorin and Gandalf realize that the Trolls could not have moved in daylight and that there must be a cave nearby. Accompanied by four members of his company, Thorin finds two swords and takes one while handing one to Gandalf. After the wizard convinces the king to take Orcrist rather than dismiss it, Thorin orders his company out of the foul cave. After Radagast visits, a pack of Wargs attacks the two wizards and the Dwarven company, but they can defeat him. Thorin angrily swears that he told no one else outside his company. They know where there are Wargs there are Orcs nearby. Thanks to Radagast the Brown for distracting the Orcs, Thorin and Gandalf can temporarily lead the company to safety. However, after Thorin orders Kíli to shoot an arrow, the Orcs are aware of their presence. Unknown to Thorin, Gandalf tricked him into taking the path to Rivendell. Thorin stands to guard the path as his friends safely make it through the tunnels. The company is saved by the elves led by Elrond, much to Thorin's chagrin.
When the city is in view, Thorin confronts Gandalf and deduces the Elves will stop them. The wizard agrees but convinces Thorin they need to stay in the Last Homely House until their questions are answered. Later during the dinner table, Elrond identifies Thorin's Elven blade as Orcrist. Later that evening, Thorin refuses to let Lord Elrond look at the map, as its secrets are for him to protect but reluctantly hands them when Gandalf orders him to. Fortunately, the map reveals a secret message written in moon runes: the company must make it to Durin's Day and stand at the hidden door, which will be revealed when the thrush knocks and the last light of Durin's Day shines above the keyhole. Thorin realizes that they must get to the mountain before Durin's Day, as summer is nearly passing. Elrond asks why they intend to reclaim the mountain but Thorin refuses to answer and just takes back his map.
A few days later, Thorin and Bilbo eavesdrop on a conversation between Gandalf and Lord Elrond about Thorin's family and how madness had run through Thrór and then to Thráin. The next morning, Thorin and company leave Rivendell as Gandalf distracts the White Council. However, only Bilbo refrains from leaving but Thorin advises him to keep up before they go and join the others. The company takes the route through the Misty Mountains, where they are suddenly in a thunder battle between two Stone giants. After half the company is split from the other half and collides with the mountain, Thorin initially believes they have perished but the company finds their other members are alright, apart from Bilbo. After the company fails to bring Bilbo back up, Thorin rescues their hobbit companion and nearly falls himself, but he is rescued by Dwalin just in time. In the aftermath, Thorin proclaims Bilbo an unworthy companion before having the company stay in a cavern rather than wait for Gandalf as promised. In the middle of the night, Thorin overhears Bilbo and Bofur as the hobbit is leaving, believing Thorin was right: that he doesn't belong on the road. However, before he can leave, the Goblins begin to open the front porch steps. Thorin, alarmed wakes the rest of the company but too late, they have already fallen in through the floor. The company (apart from Bilbo, who falls when they are long gone) is taken to the Great Goblin. However, the company refuses to answer any of his questions. The Great Goblin orders them to be tortured, starting with Ori. However, Thorin steps up before the Great Goblin can do any harm to the other dwarves. There, Thorin to his horror, learns that his enemy, Azog the Defiler is still indeed alive, but dismisses it. Gandalf rescued his friends before the goblins could do any harm to Thorin and the Dwarves.
After the skirmish in Goblin-town, the company realizes Bilbo was never captured with them. Unaware of Bilbo's presence, Thorin begins to doubt their companion's return until Bilbo takes the Ring off and appears to his companions. After Bilbo explains why he came back (to answer the dwarf Lord's questions) Thorin is at a loss for words.
During a confrontation between Thorin and Azog, the former is nearly killed but Bilbo saves him at the last minute. After the Battle and being wakened by Gandalf, Thorin embraced Bilbo and apologized for his treatment of him earlier. The company looks beyond and sees Lonely Mountain.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug[]
Thorin in his meeting with Gandalf.
Thorin reappears in the 2013 sequel. In a prologue set one year before the first film, Gandalf visits Thorin who is also staying at Bree after looking for his father. Gandalf convinced Thorin that he would help them reclaim the Arkenstone and the mountain. Thorin asks how it can be accomplished. Gandalf answered that they were going to need a burglar.
Twelve months later, Thorin has Bilbo scouting for Azog the Defiler.
After Gandalf leaves the company to their fate in crossing Mirkwood by themselves, Thorin leads his company into the dangerous forest. They come across an enchanted river but find they cannot cross it because of the broken bridge and cannot swim it because of the enchantment that is upon the river. Thorin has Bilbo cross it first and the others follow. Finally, joining the hobbit on the other side, both friends see a white stag across their path. While Bilbo looks at it in glory, Thorin gets ready to fire at the deer. Ignoring Bilbo, the dwarf king locks eyes with the stag very briefly and fires at it but misses. The Hobbit tells Thorin he shouldn't have done that, for it is bad luck; however, he coldly rebuffs Bilbo that they make their luck, not the other way around. Both hear Bombur fall into the river, succumbing to its enchantment, carrying a stretcher that was built to carry Bombur because of his immense weight. Exhausted, Thorin and the other company members take a short break to catch their breaths. Bilbo claims to hear whispers, but Thorin responds that he does not hear anything and wants to be rid of the accursed forest. Being overcome by the enchantment placed on Mirkwood and leads the others off the path, despite Bilbo's protests. Doing so leads them to travel around in circles. Thorin then begins hearing the whispers that Bilbo had mentioned before and yells at the others to stop fighting and announces to the others that they are being watched.
Their watchers, which are massive spiders, attack Thorin and his company and stabilize them, putting them all in web cocoons. However, they are immediately released by Bilbo Baggins, whose absence goes unnoticed by Thorin and the other dwarves (apart from Bofur). Though they are successful in battling all the spiders that captured them, Thorin attempts to lead them out, but they are soon cornered by one of the surviving members. They are saved but captured by Legolas, prince of Mirkwood and Thranduil's son. Orcrist is confiscated from Thorin and taken into Legolas' possession. The elven prince asks Thorin how a dwarf can come into the possession of an Elven sword and replies that it was given to him; Legolas does not believe them and calls Thorin a thief and a liar and orders the dwarves to be taken to the dungeons. Before being dragged away, Bofur urgently asks Thorin about Bilbo's whereabouts. He worriedly looks around for the hobbit, but Bilbo is nowhere to be found.
Thranduil has a meeting with Thorin and promises to let them go if Thorin will return the White Gems of Lasgalen. However, the dwarf king refuses Thranduil's proposition, pointing out that the elves had turned their back on Thorin and his family and people in the past. Thinking Thorin to be just like his grandfather, Thranduil has the entire company locked away to prevent them from ever reaching the Lonely Mountain. Thrown into a cell next to Balin, the old dwarf asks Thorin if the king offered him a deal, but Thorin denies it and in their ancient dwarf language, Thorin swears that he will spit upon their graves. All the other dwarves give up hope, as that deal is their only way out. Thorin says that they still have one more hope left: Bilbo. Two days later, the Hobbit appears to Thorin and Company with the keys that he pilfered from the drunk Keeper of the Keys and Galion the Butler. He releases them from their prisons and leads them to the cellars. However, when the hobbit reveals his plans for them to leave via barrels, most of the company does not comply until Thorin orders them to all do as Bilbo says. The Hobbit pulls a lever that releases the dwarves, but they accidentally leave Bilbo behind. However, Thorin holds the company back, and they all wait for Bilbo, who eventually joins them by falling through the trapdoor the dwarves went on earlier. The dwarf king thanks Bilbo for rescuing them before they all float out to the Elven gates. Unfortunately, they are found by the Elves but both sides engage in a battle with the orcs. During this skirmish, Thorin saved Legolas from an Orc chasing them.
Thorin and company escape from Mirkwood and down to Long Lake, but with no weapons for them to fight their enemies. As Balin forges a deal with Bard, a Bargeman who came across the company, to get to the other side, Thorin added they needed weapons. However, Bard grows suspicious of them when he identifies the barrels he is stacking on his barge. Thorin encourages Balin to offer Bard a bigger price, much to Balin's annoyance. On Bard's barge, Thorin doesn't know whether to trust their smuggler and tells those suspicions to Dwalin. Bard successfully sneaks them into Lake-town, having Thorin and the others hidden in the fish full of barrels.
Thorin in Lake-town
After they are discovered for stealing weapons, Thorin reveals himself to the people of Lake-town and promises to give them enough gold to rebuild Esgoroth tenfold. However, Alfrid Lickspittle begins to doubt that Thorin will be held to his word but Bilbo defends his friend and companion in front of the crowd, which further makes the crowd support the reclamation of Erebor and Thorin's gratitude aimed towards Bilbo. However, Bard points out that if Thorin re-awakens the beast, then it will wreak its vengeance upon their home. However, Thorin refuses to enter the mountain and asks for the master of the men of the Lake to accept his terms and the Master accepts as Bard and Thorin glare at each other.
In the morning, Thorin and the others left Bofur, Kili, Óin, and Fili in the town. Finally making their way across the lake, as the company makes good time, Thorin and the company come across the runes of Dale, the "Desolation of Smaug." While there, Bilbo realizes that Gandalf should be meeting them by the overlook like he told them to do. Thorin, not wishing to waste time, tells Bilbo they cannot wait for the wizard, as they are on their own. After hours of searching, Bilbo found staircases that led to where the hidden door would be an informed Thorin, who praised Bilbo for his eyesight finally found the door. However, when they reach the door itself, they wait until the last light of Durin's day and assume it is the sun's light. The keyhole never revealed itself. To no use, Thorin gives up hope, drops the key, and gives the map to Bilbo. They start to walk away until they hear Bilbo's call for the last light of Durin to be the moon, not the sun because they forgot about the part where the Thrush knocked for it to work. Before the keys fall, Thorin catches it with his foot and opens the door to Erebor, finally coming home.
While Bilbo entered the treasure room, Thorin and the other dwarves waited for their burglar to complete the task of finding the Arkenstone. However, the dwarves began to worry for Bilbo's safety as he was hunted down by Smaug. Thorin was too blinded by the gold to only worry about the fate of the Arkenstone. While Ori grew concerned about Bilbo and worriedly asked about him, Thorin. The dwarf king told them to give him more time. Fed up and worried about both Bilbo in danger and Thorin's impending gold sickness, Balin angrily confronted the dwarf king, rhetorically asking that they were going to wait until Bilbo was killed. Thorin realized that Balin was growing scared, to which the dwarf answered that he was and feared for Thorin, who was beginning to sound increasingly like Thrór. Denying he is nothing like his grandfather, Balin stated that Thorin was not sounding like himself, and wouldn't hesitate to go in there to save Bilbo. Thorin angrily stated that he wouldn't risk the fate of his quest for the life of a burglar before Balin angrily corrected that his name was Bilbo.
Despite his previous concerns for the Arkenstone, Thorin rushed into the mountain to launch a rescue for his companion. Eventually, he finds Bilbo but demands the Arkenstone's whereabouts. Bilbo does not answer and threatens his friend at sword-point until Smaug comes and sees both men on the side of the room. As it goes to confront Thorin and Bilbo, the other dwarves enter the treasure room. The company can avoid Smaug but they find their only way out is blocked. After seeing fallen people, Thorin decides that now is the chance to end the bloodshed by killing Smaug. The company split so Smaug would chase the groups running in different directions and try to lead him to the forges.
On their way, Thorin gets separated from Balin and Bilbo while Smaug fires in Thorin's direction and nearly eats him before Nori and Dwalin rush to save him.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies[]
Unlike the rest of his companions, Thorin does not watch Smaug destroy Lake-town, and his eyes focus only on the mountain, only listening. After hearing Bilbo declare Smaug is dead, Thorin reclaims the throne as his birthright and dons it on his grandfather's robes while succumbing to the Dragon Sickness that haunted Thrór before. As mentioned by Bilbo, Thorin never eats and barely sleeps, and spends his days in the treasure room looking for the Arkenstone. When he sees Fili and Kíli have returned from Lake-town, Thorin's mind wrapped in the gold sickness, creepily gestures to the hoard of Thrór. A little while later, Thorin orders the Dwarves to search for the Arkenstone. Unknown to them, Bilbo is holding the Arkenstone on his person.
At least a couple of days later, Dwalin, Balin, and Bilbo confront Thorin about how they had not found the stone. Thorin orders them to double their efforts and claims that the Arkenstone is his birthright. He threatens that if he finds anyone withholds the Arkenstone, then he will be avenged. While strolling through the halls, Thorin initially believes that Bilbo is holding the Arkenstone in his hand, only to find that he is just holding an acorn. Taken slightly aback and touched by this gesture, asks Bilbo if he'd carried it all this way, to which Bilbo replies he took it from Beorn's gardens. Thorin tells his friend that it was a poor prize to take back to the Shire, but Bilbo adds that it will be a reminder of how lucky he was to make it back home. Thorin nearly broke out of Dragon sickness but was told by Dwalin that the humans of Lake-town were streaming into Dale.
As a result, Thorin orders the company to put up a blockade on the mountain. However, Kíli tries reasoning with his uncle that the people of Lake-town have nothing and that they came to them for help. However, Thorin remains untouched by his nephew's words and coldly remarks "Do not tell me what they have lost. I know well enough their hardship. Those who have lived through dragon fire should rejoice. They have much to be grateful for." Ordering more stone, Bilbo just looks at Thorin in despair as he delves further into dragon sickness.
Early the next morning finds the White Gems of Lasgalen. Remembering his conversation with Thranduil, he claims to know an Elf-lord who would pay a price for them before tossing them into the treasure chest. Also, the blockade is placed on the walls and they are confronted by Bard, who attempts to reason with Thorin, but his gold sickness gets the better of Thorin and threatens to never uphold his word. Thorin also sends out a Raven to find Dain Ironfoot and return with reinforcements. Bilbo attempts to talk Thorin out of war, but Thorin tells Bilbo they will not be outnumbered for long.
A while after the declaration of War, Thorin gave Bilbo a shirt made of mithril for him to wear in the upcoming battle. However, Thorin also reveals that he suspects one of the Dwarves holding the Arkenstone from him, unaware that Bilbo had it the whole time.
The next morning, Thorin and his company are confronted by Thranduil and Bard. Thorin shoots a warning fire and threatens to put the next one between their eyes, and remains in position, even when Thranduil's archers point their arrows at the company, but Thranduil orders his men to stand down. Bard reveals to Thorin that they have the Arkenstone, but do not disclose that it was Bilbo who gave it to them. Kíli accuses them of stealing with Thorin in denial and convinced the Arkenstone is in the mountain and that the opposite team is taking them for fools. However, Bilbo comes out and admits that he stole the Arkenstone and gave it to the men of Lake-town and the Elves of Mirkwood.
Shocked and betrayed, Thorin with tears threatening to come down his eyes turns to the hobbit and softly questions why he stole from him. Bilbo coldly rebuffs the statement and claims that while he's a burglar, Bilbo likes to think he's an honest one and is willing to let it stand against his claim. Growing furious, Thorin accuses Bilbo of Betrayal shouts that he has no claim against him, and nearly attacks him. When the hobbit reveals that he wants to give the stone to Thorin many times, the dwarf king demands why he didn't go through with it. Fed up, Bilbo shouts that Thorin has changed and is not the same dwarf he met in Bag End all that long ago and would never doubt his kin.
Thorin furiously orders the other dwarves to throw Bilbo from the ramparts, but none of them comply. He proceeds to do it himself and roughly handles Bilbo. However, Gandalf arrives and orders the dwarf king to leave Bilbo alone and that Thorin is not making a splendid figure by refusing to give what was owed to the people of Lake-town and killing all his friends. Thorin releases the hobbit but banishes him from the mountain and promises to never have the dealing of wizards or "shire-rats" while Bofur and Fili help Bilbo escape. Still waiting for the raven, he sent out and looked over the hill to spot Dáin's army. Thorin yells that he should not have to buy his birthright back and swears on his oath that he will kill them all, but Thranduil claims that his word means nothing and proceeds to tell his army to Take fire. Gandalf, seeing no other alternative, attempts to reason with Thorin, by first bringing down the wall he barricades, and even Balin tells the dwarf king that this is a battle they cannot win. Bard asks the dwarf king if he will have peace or war. Before Thorin gives in, Dáin's army appears over the hill, and Oakenshield replies that he will have war. The battle ensues between the elves, the dwarves, and the men, but all three band together against the Orc army, leading to the event known as the Battle of the Five Armies. Before the other dwarves in Erebor climb over the mountain, Thorin orders them to stand down. (The Battle of the Five Armies extended edition)
Sitting in the throne room, Dwalin approaches the still-sick Thorin and reports that their family is dying out there and reveals that Dáin is surrounded. However, Oakenshield insists they take the gold and bury it deeper within the mountain. Appalled by his best friend, Dwalin points out again that Dáin is surrounded and their family is in trouble. However, Thorin coldly replies that battles count in lives lost. Fed up, Dwalin tells Thorin that Bilbo is right since the dwarf king cannot see who he has become. Thorin yells to Dwalin that he will kill him if he does not leave, which a heartbroken Dwalin does.
During the Battle of the Five Armies, Thorin finally conquers his gold sickness after re-hearing the pleas of his friends. Tossing off his grandfather's crown, robes, and armor, Thorin agrees with Kíli that he should not have to hide while others fight their battles for them and asks the company if they will follow him one last time. They all do, raising their weapons to show that they'll follow Thorin on their last stand. Thorin leads a company of dwarves to defeat Azog finally. He led Fíli, Kíli, and Dwalin to Ravenhill to take down Azog, but they found that the Orc Warlord seemingly fled. Thorin sent Fili and Kíli to scout the towers but told them to not engage and return if they heard anything. While he and Dwalin waited for Fíli and Kíli, they still hadn't found evidence of where Azog was. Suddenly, Bilbo appeared out of nowhere, to Thorin's shock and relief. Bilbo warns Thorin that Azog has an army coming from the North and that the tower will be surrounded. Thorin begins to realize that this is a trap and told Dwalin to look for Fíli and Kíli and bring them back to fight another day. However, things take a turn when Azog impales and kills Fíli.
Thorin engages in a duel with Azog to avenge his nephew, but he is suddenly surrounded by other orcs and can defeat them when Legolas kills them all with his arrows and returns Orcrist. In the last moments of his life, Thorin sacrificed himself to Azog's blade and then had the chance to stab him back. A couple of minutes later, Bilbo regains consciousness and watches Thorin collapse to the ground. As the Hobbit attempts to treat Thorin's wound, Thorin apologizes for what he did to Bilbo at the gates earlier that morning and states Bilbo's actions were something a true friend would do. He begins asking for Bilbo's forgiveness and apologizes for leading him into such peril. However, Bilbo says that he is glad to have shared Thorin's perils. Smiling fondly at Bilbo and succumbing to his wounds, Thorin bids his friend goodbye and wishes that people would value home above gold, as it would be a merrier place. This leaves a broken Bilbo crying next to Thorin's body.
A few hours later, members of Thorin's company bow down to their fallen king and friend. A funeral is held later for Thorin and his nephews and they are mourned by their friends and family. When Bilbo comes across Thorin's body, he instead silently cries. Balin says while Thorin's name will pass onto legend, Bilbo will remember him as a friend.
Other Adaptations[]
Films[]
In the 1966 "adaptation" of The Hobbit, Thorin appears as a commander in the garrison of Dale but is not of royal blood.
Radio series[]
Thorin appears in the 1968 and 1979 radial series, voiced by John Justin in the first one and Tom Luce in the second one.
Video Games[]
Thorin appeared in the 1982 video game The Hobbit. However, instead of thirteen, he is Bilbo's only companion. He later appeared in the 2003 adaptation, where he was voiced by Clive Revill in the cut scenes.
He also appears in The Lord of the Rings Online in a flashback and appears in Lego The Hobbit: The Video Game, voiced by Richard Armitage.
Gallery[]
Relationships[]
Trivia[]
- In original drafts for The Hobbit, Thorin was originally named Gandalf.
- At one point, Fíli and Kill were considered Thorin's great-nephews in the novel.
- Thorin was voiced by Hans Conried in 1977 film, The Hobbit, who was famous for voicing Captain Hook in Peter Pan. He was later portrayed by Richard Armitage in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Desolation of Smaug, and The Battle of the Five Armies
- Thorin's dislike of Elves abandoning them in their time, if necessary, like Théoden's relationship with the Gondorians, who also didn't come in Rohan's time of need either. However, in the end, both parties later answer their old allies.
- When he was younger, Thorin was seen wearing a brighter blue. However, after the series, he began wearing darker blue and black, possibly reflecting that he was in mourning.
- The film shows Thorin has a terrible sense of direction, for the following three incidents:
- He got lost in the Shire twice.
- Thorin ultimately led the company into Mirkwood. However, they end up getting lost in the forest.
- He did not know which way the forges of Erebor were, even running right past them.
Peter Jackson's films vs. books[]
Notable differences between Thorin from the books and Thorin from the trilogy
- Thorin is portrayed as being a younger man. Rather than having a long gray beard, Thorin instead has dark hair and his beard is short. However, he was shown to have a bit of a longer, braided one in the prologue for An Unexpected Journey and he does have grey streaks in his black hair.
- He appeared last with Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur in "An Unexpected Party"
- Bilbo saved Thorin from an Orc, thus gaining Thorin's respect and friendship. In the book, Thorin gained respect for Bilbo after he rescued them from the cages in Mirkwood under Thranduil's imprisonment.
- Thorin was not Azog's killer in The Battle of the Five Armies, but rather Dáin Ironfoot
- In films, Thorin's desire was for a home for his people rather than the treasure within, showing a more selfless Thorin
- While Thorin apologizes to Bilbo in a tent in Dale before his death, Thorin apologizes to Bilbo in Ravenhill instead.
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