Thorin II is a fictional character and the main deuteragonist/anti-hero in The Hobbit film series. Using a broken branch as a shield during the Battle of Moria, Thorin was given the name Thorin Oakenshield.
Thorin was portrayed by Richard Armitage in The Hobbit film series.
Character overview
Thorin Oakenshield (TA 2746-November 23, TA 2941) was the heir of the royal Line of Durin, and the Dwarf king of Erebor from the time of the Battle of Moria to the Battle of the Five Armies. He was son of Thráin, son of Thror, brother of Frerin and Dis, uncle of the latter's sons, Fili and Kili, which - after the death of their father - Thorin saw as his own children.
Thorin was a member of the Line of Durin and Thorin and Company as its leader.
Background
Thorin was born to Prince Thráin and his wife. He had a younger brother named Frerin and a sister named Dís.
He usually stood by his grandfather's side, learning the role of a king. He clearly wasn't present for all affairs of state, however, seeing as how he had no recollection of Thror meeting Elrond.
Thorin was present when Thranduil came to pay homage to Thror, but he was not informed of his grandfather's intention to deny the Elvenking of his White Gems.
Thorin saw his grandfather spend more and more time alone in the treasure hoard, overcome by Dragon Sickness; fearing not just for Grandfather's sanity, but for his own.
The Sack of Erebor
One day, a hurricane struck the side of the mountain. Thorin, coming to the gate, identified it as the flap of a dragon's wings. He warned his people and saved Balin, his kisnmen, from being immolated. While Smaug burned the nearby city of Dale, Thorin and his father heroically mustered the Dwarven army at the gate. He was no match for Smaug, however, who trampled his troops.
Thorin was however able to rescue his grandfather, who foolishly took the Arkenstone with him to hide in the hoard, not knowing Smaug was already there.
Thorin led an exodus of whatever survivors he could find (not knowing more were trapped in the western guard-room), including his grandfather, and his father, who he heaved. During the exodus, Thorin called upon Thranduil (who came up Smaug's trail with an army) for help. Resentful and unwilling to risk the lives of his kin, the Elf refused.
This deed, along with Thranduil's later refusal to house the refugees, would instil in Thorin a deep resentment for all Elves.
The Battle of Moria
In 2799, Thorin followed his grandfather, who led his people to Moria, the first kingdom of Durin's Folk, only to find it overrun by Orcs. The Orc leader, Azog, swore to wipe out Thror and his bloodline, holding up the king's severed head in front of Thorin. Before the prince could charge, however, Thrain stopped him and took up the assault.
Unknown to Thorin, Thrain was defeated and taken prisoner by Azog, leaving Thorin to lead his people. He engaged Azog, losing his shield before wielding an oaken branch to repel his foe's blows, and cut off Azog's arm. While Azog was heaved bodily back into Moria, Thorin led his people to a phyrric victory against the Orcs.
Thorin refused to believe his father was dead, looking through all the bodies. He also deluded himself into believing Azog had died. Thorin blamed the Elves of nearby Lothlorien for not aiding him, which further cemented his resentment of all Elves.
Now King of Durin's Folk, Thorin led his people to Dunland, where he laboured as a lowly blacksmith to support his people. By 2802, he brought them to the Blue Mountains, building a new life of peace and plenty. However, Thorin never let go of his grievances.
Meeting Gandalf
In 2941, Thorin heard that his father had been seen in the wilds near Dunland. Clinging to false hopes, Thorin went looking, in vain. Unbeknowst to him, Azog (who survived) learned of his approach, and sent word through the wild, demanding Thorin's head. Gandalf intercepted such a message and showed it to Thorin on his way back through Bree.
Gandalf, who saw the message as a sign of rising evil, tried to convince Thorin to undertake a quest to reclaim Erebor. Thorin, reluctant to take on the quest, and not entirely trusting Gandalf, informed the wizard that he requires The Arkenstone to exert his authority over the other Dwarf Lords and marshal an army against Smaug. Gandalf offered to call upon a burglar to help sneak it past the dragon.
Thorin called upon his people, and twelve of his kinsmen answered. Gandalf bade them to the burglar's home, which he marked. Meanwhile, Thorin sent a call for emissaries from all seven Dwarf kingdoms to come to his halls, asking their aid in the Quest of Erebor, which he was denied. Thorin was taken aback by Gandalf's suggestion to use a Hobbit as the burglar, but nonetheless agreed to meet him.
The Hobbit
An Unexpected Journey
Main article: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Thorin appears in the first film as one of the main characters and the deuteragonist of the series.
During the events, Thorin meets up with his family and other kingdoms from the other six dwarf kingdoms. However, Dain Ironfoot refuses to send troops to reclaim the Lonely Mountain, causing Thorin to go to The Shire.
Later, Thorin first appears to Bilbo's door, as the last to arrive. Gandalf introduces Thorin to Bilbo Baggins, who openly is ridiculed by the former of the two. During dinner, the king tells the company of his findings: the kingdoms all came to the meeting. When Dwalin inquires if Dáin is with them or not, Thorin reluctantly adds that he will not come and that their quest is "[theirs] and [theirs] alone."
Thorin and Balin discuss what to do, where he tries to convince Thorin to not lead them to Erebor and instead where they currently where.
The next morning, Thorin and the rest of the company were already out of Bag End, but they returned Bilbo's hobbit hole to the way they found it. Thorin, left the contract with Bilbo in case he changed his mind. Though not explicitly said, the dwarf king doubted that Bilbo would show up. However, he was shocked to find that the Hobbit had come, with the signed contract in hand. Seeing everything in order, Balin inducted Bilbo as an official member of Thorin's company, much to their leader's chagrin. Thorin reluctantly accepted Bilbo and ordered him to be given a pony.
One minute with their new companion, Bilbo yelled for the others to stop as he looked for his handkerchief. After Bofur gave the Hobbit a rag, Thorin ordered for them to move on [5]. The next night, Fíli and Kíli tease Bilbo of a bloody Orc raid.
After the hobbit said, "Orcs", he shot awake. This triggers the memory of what Orcs did to his grandfather and brother. Balin told the history and says all the faith in Thorin he will hold until the end of time and saw Thorin as a worthy king. Shortly after Balin finished his story, Bilbo asked the further fate of Azog the Defiler. Before Balin answers, Thorin sneers he died of his wounds a long time ago.
Sometime later that day, Thorin told the company they were going to make camp at an abandoned farming area. However, Gandalf suggested they moved on to go get rest and advice form Lord Elrond in Rivendell. However, Thorin refuses to treat with an elf. Gandalf has put up enough with Thorin's stubbornness and later leaves them, much to Thorin's annoyance. Fíli and Kíli retrieve Thorin and the others who go to save Bilbo from the trolls. During the battle, Thorin leads the company to save their companion. However, during the fight, Bilbo is captured by the trolls, who threaten to rip the hobbit apart. Thorin reluctantly stands down.
All of them are captured, put into sacks, and offered up as food to the three trolls. Unaware of Bilbo's plans, the hobbit starts to pull off on how to cook the dwarves. Thorin realizes Bilbo's idea to distract them and kicks Kíli and the others to shut up and fallows Bilbo's lead. Then, Gandalf comes out of his hiding spot and cracks the rocks that are blocking the sun, turning the trolls to stone.
The others are finally freed from their sacks. Thorin asks Gandalf where he went and what brought him back: to look ahead, and to look behind. Gandalf says on the bright side that everyone is in one piece. No thanks to Bilbo, but Gandalf tells Thorin to at least give the hobbit credit. Then a conversation on how the trolls got their sparks suspicion. Thorin asks how the mountain trolls even moved in daylight. The group soon discovers a hoard along with stolen Elven weapons. Thorin gives Gandalf Glamdring while Thorin claimed Orcrist. Realizing its origins, he starts to put it back, until Gandalf tells him that he could not wish for a finer blade. Radagast the Brown catches up with Thorin and his company looking for Gandalf. The group is later attacked by gigantic Wargs the size of ponies, only blood-thirsty.
Thorin announces there is an orc pack on their trail. Radagast draws them off while the Company reaches safely to a hidden passageway.
Thorin was upset when he finds out that Gandalf tricked them all into going to Rivendell. He points out that the Elves will try to stop their quest, which Gandalf agrees that they should leave the talking to him. Not trustworthy of elves, Thorin tells Dwalin to stay sharp.
Elrond is introduced to Thorin Oakenshield, who says that he looks just like his grandfather, but Thorin says that his grandfather made no mention of him. After a long dispute, the Company stays for dinner. Elrond examines Thorin's sword and confirms it to be Orcrist and Gandalf Glamdring. He asks how they come by it, but both refuse to answer the question. Then, the dwarves start to misbehave, and Bofur sings a song to make the mood of the music better.
Thorin attended the meeting held in Rivendell library with Elrond, Balin, Bilbo, and Gandalf. He refuses to let Elrond read the map he was given. Gandalf urged him to give Elrond the map. Thorin reluctantly agrees. Realizing the moon runes hidden, fate is with Thorin Oakenshield as the same moon they were written in is the night. The map reveals: "Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the key-hole." Thorin and the others must reach the Mountain before the event can ever happen. Elrond, suspicious, concludes they will enter Erebor, which is not deemed wise by the White Council.
Thorin with Bilbo eavesdropping on Elrond and Gandalf's conversation about his (Thorin's) family.
The next night, Thorin, along with Bilbo Baggins, eavesdrop on Gandalf's and Elrond's conversation. The conversation goes on between Gandalf and Elrond, unaware that he is listening. They talk about how this quest is a terrible idea, and that Thorin might fall to the same sickness his grandfather and father succumbed to. During the White Council, Gandalf has sent off Thorin and his members as they step into the wild. He tells Balin to lead on the Company and for Bilbo to catch up.
The dwarves leave Rivendell, and for days, travel into the misty mountains. One night, a rainstorm occurs. The cause of the storm is Stone-giants, what were thought to be legend. One of the mountains clash together, which causes half of the company to be separated. Thorin is relieved to find them alive. However, Bilbo had fallen off the ledge and holding onto the cliff. Thorin saves Bilbo from falling off while the other dwarves fail to help him up. Even though Bilbo is safe, Thorin starts to fall until rescued by Dwalin.
Furious at Bilbo, Thorin scolds the Hobbit for being lost ever since he'd left home. The Company seeks refuge in a cave, and they will leave at first light. In the middle of the night, he overhears Bilbo and Bofur talking as Bilbo tried to sneak earlier and leave them. Thorin announces the company to wake up, only for the cracks in the floor opens, and they all fall into the abyss into Goblin-town.
Thorin is captured along with the rest of the company members while Bilbo slipped out easily and fallen into Gollum's cave. They are all brought before the Goblin King. After the threats he makes to Ori, Thorin finally reveals himself, only for the Goblin King to mock him. Great-Goblin also reveals that Azog the Defiler still lives, to Thorin's horror. He says that Azog died of his wounds a long time ago, but he is wrong as Azog still lives. The goblins then prepare to torture Thorin and his friends. After Orcrist was discovered, the Great Goblin ordered Thorin's execution before Gandalf saved them all. Thorin fights bravely in the caves and managed to knock the Great Goblin from the bridges.
The company manages to escape, with Bilbo fallowing them while invisible. Most of the company by now realize that Bilbo is not among them anymore. Thorin doubts that Bilbo has left them and will never come back. Then, Bilbo mysteriously appears, which Thorin asks why he came back. Even for one the great Thorin Oakenshield is silenced from Bilbo's words. The heart-touching moment is interrupted when a howl is split into the air, which Thorin and Gandalf lead the dwarves and Bilbo to the safety in the trees. To Thorin's horror, he finds Azog still alive. After much horror happening, Thorin tries to battle Azog again, only getting severely injured. The Pale Orc orders one of his minions to kill Thorin until Bilbo Baggins saves Thorin and willing to protect his body. This is the last thing Thorin sees and then falls unconscious
After being rescued from the Eagles while defended by Bilbo, Gandalf was able to awaken Thorin with his healing abilities. Thorin literally embraces Bilbo for the first time and thanks him for saving his life.
The company looks onto the Lonely Mountain, as Thorin believes that they're almost home and that the thrush is a sign of a good omen and Bilbo agrees with him.
The Desolation of Smaug
After the company successfully left the Carrock, Thorin continued to lead his friends and companions while they all evaded Azog's hunting party. Bilbo left to track their pursuers. Thorin immediately asked Bilbo if the pack was close, which the hobbit reveals that they are too close,approximately a couple of leagues away and reveals to the company that he saw a figure in the shape of a bear. Gandalf revealed that he knew a house they could live in. Thorin asked Gandalf if this person is friend or foe if they go to stay with him for a couple of days. However, Gandalf reveals that he will either help them or kill them, and Thorin questions what choice they have, but a roar breaks into the air. With no other option, Thorin and the company decide to travel to Beorn's house.
The company was later chased by Evil forces before they safely made it in to Beorn's house and attempted to get some sleep.
Gandalf leaves the Company, and Thorin and his friends are now alone in Mirkwood Forest. The Company comes across an Enchanted River. Thorin sends the lightest on their feet to go across the river. Bilbo managed to make it to the other side but is too late to warn them to stay where they are. No use as they are all starting to cross anyways. Thorin manages to reach Bilbo while the others are lagging. Across the river, Thorin and Bilbo spot a stag. While Bilbo admires it, Thorin starts to fire at the creature, but misses it. Bilbo says its bad luck to do that, which Thorin says that they make their own luck.
For days, Thorin and Company must carry Bombur until he awakes. The forest gets the best of Thorin, as he is clearly driven insane and leads the Company off the path, despite not hearing Bilbo's warnings. They eventually are lost and start to also lose their minds. Thorin hears whispers in the trees, whispers Bilbo heard before. He quiets the Company, finally snapping out of his craziness.
Then, Thorin and his company mysteriously disappear. When Thorin wakes up, he and the others realize they've been captured by Giant spiders that intend on eating them. Then, a mysterious force cuts his cocoon down and they fight back. Thorin leads the Company into the clearing, only to be saved and captured by the Elves of Mirkwood. Even his own sword Orcrist is taken from him. Legolas Greenleaf asks why he has the great sword, and Thorin answers that it was given to him, but the Elven prince does not believe him and has become a prisoner of Thranduil. Before being taken, Bofur points out Bilbo's disappearance. Thorin looks around and Bilbo is nowhere to be found.
Thorin is brought before the Elvenking, Thranduil. The King of Mirkwood ensures that he will let Thorin and his friends go if he gives him his white jewels. The dwarf king refuses Thranduil's help since he already betrayed them, and still does not trust him. He tells him to die a death of flames. In retaliation Thranduil does not let them leave and has Thorin locked in the dungeons with the rest. Thorin has his reasons on why he did not make the deal: because there is another hope for them.
=== Escape ===
After all, Bilbo comes to the dwarves' rescue again, and frees the other dwarves from their cells. Most of them are reluctant to fallow Bilbo's advice to get in the barrels, but it's the only way out. Thorin orders them to do as Bilbo says before they are let out of Mirkwood. An ambush is led by Bolg, but Thorin manages to escape with his life.
The members meet Bard the Bowman, who threatens them with arrows. Balin tries to reason with him to smuggle them in the city. Thorin urges Balin to offer him more, which this gets Bard attention. Realizing they're ten short, Thorin suspects his cousin, Glóin still has money and orders to give them what he has. Glóin starts making up with excuses, but things go silent when Thorin looks at the Lonely Mountain for the first time in sixty years. Bard successfully smuggles them into a city. Before they leave, Bard does not let them leave until nightfall. Being stubborn he is, Thorin leads the dwarves and Bilbo out of the house. They try to steal weapons from the armory but are caught by the Master of Lake-town's men. Thorin promises to supply Lake-town big enough to build Esgorath twice as much. Bard speaks against him, but still they go on how Thorin will say that everyone will get a share of the treasure. Despite Bard's protests, the Master still welcomes them to Lake-town. Before Kíli leaves, Kíli was injured earlier by an arrow, and Thorin does not allow him to leave Lake-town until he is healed. Óin and Fíli stay behind, and Thorin leaves Bofur behind as he missed the boat home.
The Company eventually reach the ruins of Dale. Seeing Bilbo, a little troubled, he tells him to relax as they have tools, food and have time on their side still. Thorin overlooks Dale and breaks the Company's moment by urging them to continue. Bilbo points out that Gandalf is not with them, and that they were to wait for him at the overlook. Thorin says that Gandalf can't do anything more, and that they are on their own. Thorin sends most of his company members to find where the secret door may be hidden. Thanks to Bilbo, Thorin and his company manage to find it. To no use, Thorin gives up hope, and 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 was the moon. Before the keys fall, Thorin catches it with his foot and opens the door to Erebor, finally coming home.
Grown to care about Bilbo, Thorin goes into Erebor alone to save his comrade. Eventually, he finds Bilbo, but demands the Arkenstone's whereabouts. Bilbo does not answer and threatens his friend at sword-point until Smaug comes into play. Thorin is about to fight the dragon himself before the dwarves rush into Thorin's and Bilbo's aid.
Deciding it's time that the dragon's fire no more, Thorin comes up with a plan to kill Smaug, but needs the company's help. He splits the Company into groups. He is accompanied by Balin and Bilbo, intending on leading his friends to the forges. Smaug tries to attack the trio but are saved by a second group consisting of Ori, Dori and Bombur. for Thorin and his group to continue. Thorin tells Bilbo and Balin to go on without him. Smaug is about to heat up Thorin as he fell in the pit earlier but is saved by Dwalin and Nori. He eventually reunites with the others. To get the furnaces lit up, Thorin riles up Smaug, which causes the dragon to fire at the dwarves and tricked into lighting the forges. He sends Bilbo to pull the lever on his mark, Balin and a few dwarves to mix a flash flame, and Bombur to get the billows working. Thorin plans to drown the dragon and lead Smaug to the Gallery of the Kings.
Eventually, Thorin comes to take back what Smaug stole, and Smaug claims to be the true king under the Mountain. Enraged, Thorin says he's taking back the kingdom and that they will have their revenge. His plans backfire when Smaug wakes up and realizes that he intends on destroying Lake-town with Bilbo watching in horror at what they unleashed (The Desolation of Smaug).
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 focused only on the mountain, only listening. After hearing Bilbo declare Smaug is dead, Thorin reclaims the throne as his birth right and donned 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 for the Dwarves to search for the Arkenstone. Unknown to them, Bilbo is actually holding the Arkenstone on his person.
At least a couple 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 was just holding an acorn. Taken slightly aback and touched by this gesture, asks Bilbo if he'd really carried it all this way, 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 are 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 and shouts that he has no claim against him and nearly attacks him. When the hobbit reveals that he wanted 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 own 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 manhandles 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 looking over the hill to spot Dáin's army. Thorin yells that he should not have to by his birthright back and swears on his oath that he will kill them all, but Thranduil claims that his word means nothing and proceeds in telling 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 if 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 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 in trouble. However, Thorin coldly replies that battles count in lives lost. Fed up, Dwalin tells Thorin that Bilbo was 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 heart-broken Dwalin does.
During the Battle of the Five Armies, Thorin finally conquers his gold sickness after re-hearing the pleas of his friends before. Tossing off his grandfather's crown, robes and armor, Thorin agrees to 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 once and for all. 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 where Azog was. Suddenly, Bilbo appeared out of nowhere, to Thorin's shock and relief. Bilbo warns Thorin that Azog had an army coming from the North and that the tower will be completely surrounded. Thorin begins to realize that this was 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 in order to avenge his nephew, but he is suddenly surrounded by other orcs and is able to defeat them when Legolas kills them all with his arrows and returns Orcrist. With the last moments of his life, Thorin sacrificed himself to Azog's blade and then had the chance to stab him back. A couple 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 on the gates earlier that morning and stated Bilbo's actions were something a true friend would do. He began 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 wished 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 body, he instead silently cries. Balin says while Thorin's name will pass onto legend, Bilbo will remember him as a friend.
The Dwarves intended to hold a great feast to celebrate their victory and commemorate Thorin, letting him "pass into legend." Bilbo says that "to me he was never that". Only when he returns home, he manages to articulate what Thorin meant to him: a friend.
Many years later, Bilbo would try to revisit Erebor, but his old age deprived him of the opportunity. Thorin's name is later mentioned when Gandalf recalls the Mithril-vest which Thorin gave Bilbo.
The Fellowship of the Ring
Thorin Oakenshield would be remembered by all dwarves who fought for his right to protecting his kingdom. Later, Bilbo wrote his tale down in the Red Book of Westmarch remembering his accounts of the friends he made and the company Thorin had formed. Many years later, Bilbo would try to revisit Erebor, but his old age deprived him of the opportunity.
Thorin is mentioned once in an extended cut of The Fellowship of the Ring by Gandalf. The Fellowship of the Ring are crossing through the Mines of Moria because of the Watcher in the waters. As they go through the mines, Gandalf and Gimli explained the mines' exports of mithril. As Gandalf recalls, Thorin had given his close friend Bilbo the mithril shirt to protect him in battle and Gimli marks that it was a kingly gift. He is unaware that Thorins' shirt is being warn by Bilbo's nephew Frodo Baggins.
Personality
Thorin is respectful, stubborn, proud, sometimes arrogant, level-headed; he is deep down grateful, forgiving, loyal and a tragic figure in Middle Earth lore. He is first presented as a young prince, learning how to be a king. He shows morality (in disapproving of his grandfather's deception of Thranduil), heroism in rallying his men against Smaug, intuition in spotting the dragon and leadership in leading his people out of Erebor. After being betrayed by Thranduil and suffering loses at the hand of Azog, Thorin becomes disillusioned, bitter and cantankerous. Nevertheless, he remains heroic and honorable: he covers the company's retreat in the way to the hidden passage. While he clearly disapproves of Bilbo, he risks his own life to save his multiple times (I.e. seeing to save him from the trolls and personally going down to the ledge Bilbo nearly fell off in the Misty Mountains. Nevertheless, Thorin is narrow-minded, particularly in his hatred of the Elves. Even though he was only betrayed by Thranduil, King of the Woodland Elves, his suspicion extends to all Elves, including Elrond of Rivendell, who had no involvement in the history of Thorin's people. It should be said, however, that Thorin's suspicion was in part justified, as Elrond indeed tried to stop the quest and spoke unfavorably of Thorin's family within earshot of the Dwarf. Even though Thranduil is duplicitous, Thorin's outburst at him when he faces the risk of indefinite imprisonment seems impractical and driven by rage rather than reason. This is made all the more ironic, being that Thorin clearly disapproved of his grandfather's treatment of the Elven king.
Thorin is also highly secretive and suspicious due to Thranduil's betrayal. He did not fully trust Gandalf during their meeting in Bree, and continues to argue with him throughout, suspecting that he'll betray their quest to the Elves. Even after Gandalf hides their true cause from Elrond, earning Thorin's trust, the Dwarf is still willing to abandon the wizard twice: once at the High Pass, and again at the Outlook (where Gandalf wasn't going to show up in time anyway). This volatile aspect of Thorin's personality presages his dragon-sickness. When Thorin sees his grandfather spending time alone in the treasure-hoard, he retreats into shadows, hinting at his own downfall for the same reason. This is also pointed out by Elrond, and later by Thranduil, Bard and Balin. Once the Dragon Sickness overcomes him, Thorin ironically becomes more and more like his nemesis Smaug, and forsakes the honour he so desperately clung to in order to keep his treasure to himself.
During the meeting in Bree, Thorin was reluctant to undertake the quest. However, once he was well underway and learned that the quest is on a time limit, his need to see the mission through gradually became all consuming. He was willing to neglect and ultimately leave Kíli behind (admittedly, not without reason), and later leave Bilbo to the mercy of the dragon, using much the same reasoning. Thorin often seems stoic, but in the early parts of the story, he's more cheerful, cracking a smile in several instances, such as when Gandalf rescued them from the Trolls. Conversely, he also conceals deep-set fears - from Smaug, from his advancing age (which would deprive him of his ability to undertake such a quest unless it is done immediately) and from following in his grandfather's footsteps. Interestingly, he seems to have issues sleeping, waking up with a jolt at the mention of Orcs in the Lone-lands, and failing to fall asleep (and therefore overhearing Bilbo as he argues with Bofur) in the High Pass. After Smaug's death, Bilbo says that Thorin "doesn't sleep." 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 passage way.
Ever since losing his home, and his father, grandfather and brother, Thorin was known to be quite serious and feared to lose anyone he cared about and was protective of anyone, including people who 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 Fili was killed by the Mountain trolls, 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 going to save Bilbo from Smaug even if it meant for certain death.
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 himself drowning in the dried gold and coming to his senses, Thorin realized the errors of his ways, even discarding his grandfather's robes, crown, and armor.
As a last act of redemption, Thorin killed Azog and willingly sacrificed 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.
Appearance
Thorin was a dwarf with raven black hair , stood 5'2[6]" (regarded tall for a dwarf [7] [8]) and had icy blue eyes. Due to living underneath the mountain, Thorin had pale skin , but when outside in the sun during the colony time in the Blue Mountains, Thorin's skin apeared tanner and his raven black hair grew a bit lighter.
In Thorin's first appearance, he was twenty four years old during the time of Smaug's attack in Erebor, and lacked his grey streaked hair. It included the same back gauntlents, blue tunic. Inaddition to his armory, he had a sleevless black fur leather coat, black trousers and black steel toed boots During the battle of Moria, Thorin was fifty six years old, having Dwarven armor with a oaken branch as a shield. During Thorin's time in his company, Thorin had heavy dwarven chainmail, blackish-blue sleeveless coat, and leather fur coat, with the same black gauntlents, blue tunic and a sword in its seath, which could be found hanging on his back.
Like all the other dwarf warriors, Thorin had suffered from multiple battle scars from all the wars he fought in.
Relationshps
He was the son of Thrain, grandson of Thror, uncle of Fili and Kili and brother of Dis.
Bilbo Baggins
Thorin initially had a strained relationship with Bilbo, as he openly doubted the Hobbit, by saying he was more of a grocer than a burglar. He proclaimed that he would not be responsible for Bilbo. However, the dwarf king saved his companion at least twice: once from the Trolls and a second time from falling off a cliff. Thorin's view of Bilbo immediately changed, apparently after he said he was helping them reclaim their home back out of pity. It was definitely notable when Bilbo saved Thorin's life from Azog's executioner. Thorin embraced Bilbo and apologized of his treatment of the Hobbit earlier.
By the time of the second film, Thorin sees Bilbo as a friend and companion and willing to protect him at all costs. When they were captured by the Elves, Thorin grew concerned about Bilbo when Bofur informed him that the Hobbit was missing. After being imprisoned by Thranduil, Thorin trusted the hobbit was not their only hope and even agreed with Bilbo for using barrels as part of his escape plan. Even when they got to the Lonely Mountain, Thorin had Bilbo retrieve the Arkenstone from Smaug. When he refused to help him when Smaug woke from his long-term sleep. Balin noted that Thorin was not acting himself, especially knowing that Thorin wouldn't hesitate to help Bilbo while Smaug could possibly kill him. Though Thorin did have a change of heart, he still could have harmed Bilbo when he held him at swordpoint, demanding for the Arkenstone, until Smaug appeared. Also, as opposed to calling his friend "Master Baggins," Thorin finally acknowledged Bilbo by his first name during thier confrontation with Smaug.
During the Battle of the Five Armies, their relationship had one again became strained, but Bilbo was nearly able to break Thorin out of his dark gold sickness after showing him his acorn, but it reversed when he heard that Bard and his men took refuge in Dale. After learning Bilbo stole the Arkenstone, the two of them exchanged angry words with each other, and Thorin nearly killed Bilbo over it.This would be the last time Bilbo saw Thorin sickness. Their friendship was reignited, as upon seeing Bilbo again since their last departing did not go to well, Thorin was shocked and relieved to see his friend again and was remorseful for what he did to Bilbo on the gate. When Thorin was dying, he comforted Bilbo by patting his hand, and acknowledges that Bilbo was only doing what a true friend would do. Thorin fondly called Bilbo "Master Burglar" and to return back home to all the things he enjoyed, and to plant his trees.
Kili
Kíli, along with Fíli was Thorin's nephew and like a son to him. He was raised by his Uncle and looked up to him as a father figure, fitting the father role for Kíli's long dead biological father. When the rocks slam together in the Misty Mountains, Thorin shouts Kíli's name, but later relieved to find him and the others alive. When Kíli was injured in the second film (The Desolation of Smaug), which made Thorin really concerned that he would not allow Kíli come with them. They reunited in Erebor of the Lonely Mountain, but to Kíli's horror, Thorin was sickened with gold fever.
Kíli again fears what Thorin has become and says they owe the people of Laketown their help, but Thorin refuses to listen. He didn't even trust Kíli along with the other dwarves, as he divulged it to Bilbo. After Thorin hurt Bilbo, and after Thorin had yelled at Kíli, his nephew had enough of Thorin's gold-sickness and said he will not hide while the people fight. Unknown to Kíli, Thorin overcame his sickness until Kíli realizes this and his uncle touch foreheads together. After he learned from Bilbo that the Orcs were trapping them, he worried for Kíli's and Fíli's safety and ordered Dwalin to retrieve them and planned to leave Ravenhill with Bilbo. He cries for Kíli's name and that is the last time Thorin saw his nephew alive and would see each other in the Afterlife.
Fili
Fíli was raised by Thorin, and Fíli came to love Thorin as a father figure, hardly knowing his own father. Because Fíli is the older brother, Thorin tends to be more hard on him than on Kili [9]. Sometimes Fíli and Kíli don't bother to tell their uncle about things. They send Bilbo out to the trolls rather than ask Thorin for help. Fíli calls Thorin "Uncle" in The Desolation of Smaug, revealing his relationship with Thorin. He defies him and rather to stay with his brother then continue with the Quest. When they reunite, Fíli is terrified of what has happened to Thorin. However, during Thorin's sickness, Fili could barely see the sight of Thorin, especially when he tried to kill Bilbo.
During the last moments of his life, Fíli was loyal to his uncle by falling him all the way up to Ravenhill. However, disobeying Thorin was Fíli's downfall, as he was soon captured and killed by Azog. Thorin was visibly upset when Fili was killed in front of him, causing Thorin's younger nephew Kili going on a rampage. He had been able to kill Azog while avenging his nephew Fili for dying at the Orc lord's hand. Thorin was probably reunited with Fili in the afterlife, as the dwarves believed in life after death.
Dwalin
Dwalin, a younger cousin of Thorin, is his best friend in the company, and his most loyal subject and best warrior. He goes to Thorin's help in the Misty Mountains with Fili and Kili, and again in the skirmish to Ravenhill. It is a confrontation with Dwalin which starts shaking Thorin out of his psychosis.
Balin
Balin is one of Thorin's oldest compatriots, one of the few (or the only) members of the company to have lived in Erebor himself. Thorin looks to him as a father-figure, and Balin for his part tries to not only counsil Thorin, but also to serve as his moral compass. More than any member of the company, the eldar Balin questions the motives and sensibilness of the quest from the very outset, trying to disuade Thorin. He cites practical concerns, like the lack of warriors in the company, the sealed front gate and so forth, but he's really concerned with Thorin's motivation, unsure whether its a noble cause or not.
As the story continues and Thorin becomes more consumed by the need to complete the quest, Balin's task gets more complex. While he becomes invested in the quest, saying they "must reach the mountain" in time, and even shares some of Thorin's less admirable traits (such as suspicion of Elves), he is distressed by Thorin's readiness to leave Bilbo to the mercy of the dragon.
Tolkien's legendarium
Thorin in the 1977 film
In the books by Tolkien Thorin Oakenshield was a very important historical figure.
Thorin was born in TA 2746 to Thrain the Second. He was mentioned to have a brother named Frerin and a younger sister named Dis. At twenty four years old, Thorin was robbed of his homeland from Smaug. Around TA 2790, Thorin's grandfather Thror was slain because he entered his home. At TA 2799, for the six year War of the Dwarves and Orcs. He led the quest to reclaim Erebor with the help of Bilbo Baggins. Revealed in the short story "The Quest of Erebor" Thorin was at first judgmental of Bilbo, but decided to give him a chance.
He was one of the members to lead the company into battle during the Battle of the Five Armies. However, he tragically died during the Battle, and said goodbye to Bilbo Baggins one last time to apologize.
Appearances
- The Hobbit (first appearance)
- The Return of the King: Appendix A
- The Hobbit (1977 film)
- Unfinished Tales
Behind the Scenes
- Thorin Oakenshield was portrayed by English actor Richard Armitage in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Desolation of Smaug, and The Battle of the Five Armies. He is one of the few characters who appear in all three Hobbit films.
- He was mentioned once in the extended version by Gandalf,
- There were once many rumors Thorin would survive the battle of the Five Armies, but this was later debunked by Armitage and one of his friends.
- Thorin is portrayed more younger than his book counterpart, when he was supposed to be older with white hair and a beard.
- His best friends were Dwalin and later Bilbo Baggins.
- Thorin's confrontation with Azog in the Misty Mountains is staged against fire, while their next and final confrontation is staged on ice. Thorin hatching a fatalistic plan which involves drowning his oponent is common to both his attempt at slaying Smaug during The Battle of the Forges, and his final confrontation with Azog.
Appearances
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (First mentioned; extended edition only)
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (First appearance)
- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Family tree
| Durin I | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Durin II | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Durin III | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Durin IV | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Durin V | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Durin VI | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nain | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thráin I | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thorin I | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Glóin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Óin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Náin II | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dáin I | Borin | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thrór | Frór | Grór | Farin | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thráin II | Náin | Fundin | Gróin | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thorin II Oakenshield | Frerin | Dís | Dáin II Ironfoot | Balin | Dwalin | Óin | Glóin | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fíli | Kíli | Thorin III Stonehelm | Gimli | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Durin VII | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Images
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
- ↑ According to a prophecy in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
- ↑ The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
- ↑ Mentioned in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey behind the scenes
- ↑ An Unexpected Journey
- ↑ Richard Armitage quote: "The real height of Thorin is five-foot-two"
- ↑ Statement on Wikipedia: "While shorter than Elves or Men, Thorin is said to be quite tall for a Dwarf"
- ↑ http://collider.com/richard-armitage-the-hobbit-interview/
- ↑ The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Chronicles II: Creatures and Characters