Introduction
Durin and Thorin are two prominent names in the lore of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, especially in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Both of them are dwarves of royal descent, belonging to the clan of Durin’s Folk, also known as the Longbeards. But how exactly are they related to each other? And what is their significance in the history and fate of their people? In this article, we will explore the genealogy and legacy of Durin and Thorin, and reveal the truth about their relationship.
Who is Durin?
Durin is the name of several dwarf-kings in Tolkien’s legendarium, all of them claiming to be reincarnations or descendants of the original Durin, also known as Durin the Deathless. He was the eldest and most revered of the seven fathers of the dwarves, who were created by the Vala Aulë in the First Age. Durin was the founder and first king of Khazad-dûm, also known as Moria, the greatest and most ancient of the dwarf-kingdoms. He was also the discoverer of mithril, a rare and precious metal that was mined only in Moria.
Durin’s line was blessed with longevity and royal authority among the dwarves. His heirs were called Durin’s Folk or the Longbeards, and they ruled over Khazad-dûm for many generations, until it was infested by a Balrog in the Third Age. Durin’s Folk then wandered in exile, seeking new homes in Erebor (the Lonely Mountain), Ered Luin (the Blue Mountains), and elsewhere.
The most notable of Durin’s successors were:
- Durin II, who lived during the Second Age and received one of the Seven Rings of Power from Celebrimbor, the elven-smith who forged them.
- Durin III, who was also a ring-bearer and a friend of Celebrimbor. He ruled Khazad-dûm when Sauron forged the One Ring and tried to enslave the other ring-bearers.
- Durin IV, who was featured in The Rings of Power series on Amazon Prime Video. He was a brave and noble prince who fought against Sauron’s forces in Eregion and defended Khazad-dûm from invasion.
- Durin VI, who was killed by the Balrog that awakened in Moria. He was also known as Durin the Last.
- Durin VII, who was prophesied to be the last reincarnation of Durin the Deathless. He lived at the end of the Third Age or the beginning of the Fourth Age, and led his people back to Moria to reclaim it from evil.
Who is Thorin?
Thorin is one of many descendants of Durin’s bloodline, with him being the grandson of Durin IV. He was also known as Thorin Oakenshield, because he used an oak branch as a shield in the Battle of Azanulbizar, where he fought against the orcs that had occupied Moria.
Thorin was the leader of the Company of Dwarves who aimed to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from Smaug the dragon. He was the son of Thráin II, grandson of Thrór, and became King of Durin’s Folk during their exile from Erebor. He was recognized as such by other dwarves, even those from other clans.
Thorin was a proud and courageous dwarf, but also stubborn and greedy for gold. He especially wanted the Arkenstone, the Heart of the Mountain, which was an heirloom of his kingdom. His obsession with treasure led him to distrust his allies and friends, including Bilbo Baggins, who had helped him throughout his quest.
Thorin died heroically in the Battle of the Five Armies, where he reconciled with Bilbo and asked for his forgiveness. He was buried under Erebor with the Arkenstone on his chest and Orcrist on his side2. His cousin Dáin Ironfoot succeeded him as King under the Mountain and King of Durin’s Folk.
Conclusion
Durin and Thorin are both important figures in the history and culture of the dwarves of Middle-earth. They are related by blood, as Thorin is a distant descendant of Durin, the founder of their clan. They are also related by destiny, as they both sought to restore the glory and prosperity of their people, and faced great challenges and enemies in their quests. Durin and Thorin are examples of the strength and resilience, as well as the flaws and weaknesses, of the dwarven race. They are both worthy of respect and admiration, as well as pity and forgiveness.
