Balin (Middle-earth)
|
|
In J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy world of Middle-earth, Balin was a Dwarf leader, the son of Fundin and elder brother of Dwalin. He was born in 2763 Third Age. Balin was among the Dwarves that travelled with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf in The Hobbit.
Art-balin.jpg
He is described as "always their look-out man": He spots Bilbo approaching the Green Dragon Inn at Bywater, he spots the trolls' fire, and he's the first to spot the Elves in Mirkwood. Conversely he did not notice Bilbo (hidden by wearing the magic ring) as look-out for the company after escaping the goblins in the Misty Mountains. After this bit of trickery Balin gained respect for Bilbo's abilities. He's the only Dwarf that volunteers to accompany Bilbo down the secret passage to Smaug. Of all the Dwarves in the quest, he's the only one known to have visited Bilbo afterwards at Bag End.
In 2989 T.A. Balin left Erebor and entered Moria with Flói, Óin, Ori, Frár, Lóni, Náli and most propably some other Dwarves. He was slain by an Orc archer in Dimrill Dale in 2994 T.A.
In The Lord of the Rings, the Fellowship of the Ring discovers his tomb in the Chamber of Mazarbul.
Quotes
"I see they have begun to arrive already." - The Hobbit; An unexpected party
"Balin at your service!" - The Hobbit; An unexpected party
"It was tied after all. That was a good pull, my lads; and a good job that our rope was the stronger." - The Hobbit; Flies and spiders
"Gollum! Well I'm blest! So that's how he sneaked past me, is it? Now I know! Just crept quietly along did you, Mr Baggins? Buttons all over the doorstep!" - The Hobbit; Flies and spiders
"What have we done, O king? Is it as crime to be lost in the forest, to be hungry and thirsty, to be trapped by spiders? Are the spiders your tame beasts or your pets, if killing them makes you angry?" - The Hobbit; Barrels out of bond
"Good-bye and good luck, wherever you fare!" - The Hobbit, The Return Journey
Meaning of name
Balin's name is Old Norse in form, but its meaning is obscure.
Tomb_of_balin.jpg
| Dwarves of Middle-earth |
|
Azaghâl | Balin | Bifur | Bofur | Bombur | Borin | Dáin I | Dáin II Ironfoot | Dís | Dori | Durin(s) | Dwalin | Fíli | Flói | Frerin | Frár | Frór | Fundin | Gamil Zirak | Gimli | Glóin | Gróin | Grór | Ibûn | Khîm | Kíli | Lóni | Mîm | Náin I | Náin II | Náin son of Grór | Náli | Nár | Narvi | Nori | Óin | Ori | Telchar | Thorin I | Thorin II Oakenshield | Thorin III | Thráin I | Thráin II | Thrór |
Kingdoms of the Dwarves |
| Belegost | Iron Hills | Khazad-dûm | Lonely Mountain | Nogrod |