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A single mountain rising from the plains of northern Rhovanion, pierced by the secret door and the Front Gate, with the treasure-halls within.
History
Founded by Thráin I and made wealthy under Thrór; seized by Smaug in 2770; reclaimed in 2941 and ruled by Dáin Ironfoot after Thorin’s death.
People & inhabitants
Longbeard Dwarves and, after the war, a renewed kingdom of Durin’s Folk.
Significance
The hoard of Erebor carries the dragon-sickness and the Arkenstone; the kingdom becomes a bulwark in the north during the War of the Ring.
Events here
Figures of this place
CharacterThorin Oakenshield
The proud leader of the Company in The Hobbit, who reclaimed Erebor from Smaug and fell at the Battle of Five Armies.
CharacterBilbo Baggins
A respectable Shire hobbit who is swept into the quest of Erebor and becomes the first hobbit to bear the One Ring.
CharacterBalin
A wise and kindly Dwarf of Thorin’s company who later led a doomed attempt to recolonise Moria.
CharacterDáin Ironfoot
Dwarven lord who came to the aid of Thorin at the Battle of Five Armies and became King under the Mountain.
CharacterGandalf
A Wizard of the Istari, keeper of the Elven-ring Narya, and the chief architect of the resistance to Sauron.
CharacterSmaug
The great dragon who took the Lonely Mountain, hoarded its treasure, and was slain by Bard the Bowman.
Sources
The Hobbit · 1937
Published in Tolkien’s lifetime. The primary narrative of Bilbo’s journey.
The Lord of the Rings · 1954–55
Three volumes: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King.
Related places
LocationLake-town
A town of Men built on the Long Lake below Erebor, destroyed by Smaug and rebuilt.
LocationMirkwood
The great forest of Rhovanion, home of the Woodland Realm and, before the war, of a growing darkness.
LocationMoria
The greatest Dwarven city, delved beneath the Misty Mountains, abandoned after the awakening of a Balrog.