What this is
In brief
Origins
After the loss of Khazad-dûm, Thráin I led Durin’s Folk north and founded a kingdom in the Lonely Mountain in T.A. 1999, discovering the Arkenstone and amassing great wealth. It became the chief seat of the Longbeards until the coming of Smaug.
Culture
A wealthy dwarven court of carven halls, treasure and fine craft, with strong ties to the Men of Dale. The Arkenstone was its greatest heirloom and the king its central figure.
Language
Khuzdul, with Westron in trade with Dale and beyond.
History
Smaug destroyed Erebor and Dale in T.A. 2770, scattering Durin’s Folk. Thorin Oakenshield’s quest in T.A. 2941 reclaimed the mountain; Thorin fell at the Battle of Five Armies and Dáin II Ironfoot became King under the Mountain. In the War of the Ring Dáin and Brand died at the Battle of Dale, but the kingdom survived under Thorin III Stonehelm.
Leaders
Settlements
- erebor
- dale
- lake-town
Alliances
- bardings
- men
- elves
- the-fellowship-of-the-ring
Conflicts
- battle-of-five-armies
- battle-of-dale
- war-of-the-ring
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.
Unfinished Tales · 1980
Expanded and alternative accounts of the First, Second and Third Ages.
Related entries
PeopleDurin’s Folk
The eldest house of the Dwarves, descended from Durin the Deathless and long seated at Khazad-dûm and later at the Lonely Mountain.
PeopleDwarves
A stone-hewing race of great craft and endurance, made by Aulë before the Children awoke and famed for their smithing, their halls and their long grudges.
PeopleBardings
The people of Dale by the Lonely Mountain, led in legend by Bard the Bowman who slew Smaug, and restored to prosperity beside the dwarves of Erebor.