Thorin Oakenshield was the leader of the dwarves who retook the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. As the heir of Durin, Thorin was considered the rightful King Under the Mountain. However, he died in the Battle of Five Armies at the end of The Hobbit after being mortally wounded. This raises the question of who succeeded Thorin as the King of the Dwarves of Erebor after his death.
Thorin’s Background
Thorin II Oakenshield was born in 2746 of the Third Age. He was the son of Thráin II, who was the son of Thrór, the former King Under the Mountain before Smaug drove out the dwarves from Erebor. When Thrór was killed by the Orc Azog in 2790, Thráin became King-in-Exile of Durin’s Folk. However, Thráin went missing in 2845 while journeying to reclaim the ancient dwarf kingdom of Moria. Thorin then became the new leader of the exiled dwarves.
In 2941, Thorin embarked on the Quest of Erebor with Gandalf the Grey and a company of 12 other dwarves, as well as the hobbit Bilbo Baggins. Their goal was to enter the Lonely Mountain, drive out Smaug, and reclaim the kingdom for the dwarves. Although they were successful in defeating Smaug, Thorin refused to honor agreements to share the dragon’s treasure with the Men of Lake-town and the Elvenking Thranduil. This led to conflict and the Battle of Five Armies.
Thorin’s Death in Battle
During the Battle of Five Armies, Thorin led his dwarven kinsmen into battle against the goblins and Wargs. He fought courageously but was mortally wounded. According to The Hobbit:
Then Thorin was struck down… ‘Farewell, good thief,’ he said. ‘I go now to the halls of waiting to sit beside my fathers, until the world is renewed.’
Knowing he was dying, Thorin made peace with Bilbo and apologized for his stubbornness over the treasure. He was buried deep beneath the Mountain in a tomb of stone along with the Arkenstone and Orcrist, the elven sword Gandalf had given him. With Thorin’s death, the line of Durin was left without a clear heir to the kingdom.
Possibilities for Succession
There were several possible candidates who could have succeeded Thorin as King Under the Mountain:
Dáin Ironfoot
Dáin II Ironfoot was Thorin’s cousin and the Lord of the Iron Hills. He led his army of dwarves to reinforce Thorin at the Battle of Five Armies. After Thorin’s death, Dáin became King of Durin’s Folk and ruled from the Lonely Mountain. As Thorin’s closest living relative and already an established dwarf lord, Dáin was the most natural successor.
Thorin’s Nephews Fíli and Kíli
Fíli and Kíli were Thorin’s sister-sons and his heirs. Being of the direct line of Durin, they had a strong claim to the kingship after Thorin. However, both Fíli and Kíli died in the Battle of Five Armies along with their uncle, eliminating this possibility.
Other Descendants of Durin’s Folk
There were likely other distant relatives and descendants of the House of Durin among the dwarves of the Blue Mountains and Iron Hills. Any of these could potentially have claimed the kingship as well. But none had the direct descent or stature of Dáin.
Balin
Balin was one of Thorin’s companions on the Quest of Erebor. He was wise and respected. As Thorin’s trusted advisor, he may have been a candidate to become ruler. But as a lesser noble, Balin likely did not have a strong enough blood claim.
| Heir | Claim | Status at Death of Thorin |
|---|---|---|
| Dáin Ironfoot | Cousin | Lord of the Iron Hills |
| Fíli | Sister-son | Killed in Battle |
| Kíli | Sister-son | Killed in Battle |
| Balin | Companion | Survived Battle |
Dáin Ironfoot Becomes King
In the end, Dáin Ironfoot became the new King Under the Mountain after Thorin’s death:
There now Dáin son of Náin took up the Kingship of Durin’s Folk…Under Dáin’s rule rich and abundant were the halls of Erebor once more.
As Thorin’s closest living relative and a respected dwarven lord, Dáin was the most logical choice to succeed his cousin as ruler. His claim was likely backed by Thorin himself and accepted by the other dwarves. Dáin proved to be a capable and effective king, restoring the glory of Erebor.
Reasons for Dáin’s Succession
There are several key reasons why Dáin Ironfoot succeeded Thorin as King Under the Mountain rather than another heir:
- He was Thorin’s cousin and closest living relative of the senior line of Durin’s descendants.
- Dáin was already an established lord of the Iron Hills and Durin’s Folk.
- He had led dwarven troops to Erebor and fought in the recent battle, giving him stature.
- Fíli and Kíli died with Thorin, eliminating the sister-son heirs.
- As a cousin, Dáin had a stronger blood claim than other distant relatives of Durin’s line.
- Thorin likely named Dáin as his heir before his death in recognition of his status.
- The dwarves readily accepted Dáin’s succession given his lineage and leadership.
So in the power vacuum left by Thorin’s death, Dáin Ironfoot was the most logical successor to become the new King Under the Mountain.
Dáin’s Reign as King
Dáin Ironfoot ruled as King of Durin’s Folk for over 130 years after the death of Thorin II Oakenshield in T.A. 2941. As king, Dáin:
- Ruled the dwarves from the throne of Erebor and rebuilt the dwarven halls to their former splendor.
- Reforged alliances between the dwarves and the men of Dale.
- Maintained friendships with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf.
- Defended his kingdom against invasion from the East.
- Sent emissaries to the Council of Elrond to discuss the looming threat of Sauron.
- Led a dwarf army to the Battle of Dale during the War of the Ring.
Dáin was killed by a Man of Rhûn during that final battle in T.A. 3019. He was succeeded on the throne by his son Thorin III Stonehelm.
Highlights of Dáin’s Reign
– **Restored Erebor’s wealth** – Under Dáin, the dwarven kingdom regained its former prosperity built on mining riches within the mountain. Erebor’s craftsmanship also flourished.
– **Alliance with Dale** – Dáin maintained good relations with Bard II and Brand, leaders of Dale. Their kingdoms benefited each other through trade and military defense.
– **Friendship with Bilbo** – Bilbo visited Erebor and Dáin several times before sailing West over the sea. Dáin honored his role in the Quest of Erebor.
– **Defense against Easterlings** – Dáin led Erebor’s army to victory over invading Easterlings of Rhûn. His prowess in battle earned him the name “Ironfoot.”
– **War of the Ring** – He brought dwarves to fight alongside Men in the fateful Battle of Dale against Sauron’s forces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dáin II Ironfoot succeeded his cousin Thorin as the King of Durin’s Folk and ruled Erebor for over a century after Thorin’s death. As Thorin’s closest living relative and an established dwarf lord, Dáin was the natural choice to take up the kingship. His reign was marked by prosperity for Erebor and stalwart defense against enemies, living up to his legacy as a great dwarf king. Dáin proved to be a worthy heir to Thorin Oakenshield and upheld the honor of Durin’s Folk as the King Under the Mountain.