The Fate of the Thirteen Dwarves After The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
The film and book series of The Hobbit left many questions unanswered, particularly the fate of the thirteen dwarves who accompanied Bilbo Baggins on his journey to reclaim the Lonely Mountain (Erebor) from the dragon Smaug. While the text and film provided some insights, much of the narrative of the Thirteenth Dwarves after they left Erebor remains a mystery. However, a deeper dive into the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and the wider lore of Middle-earth can shed more light on this topic.
Population Decline of Non-Human Beings
According to Tolkien's writings, the populations of non-human beings in Middle-earth, including the dwarves, were gradually declining over thousands of years. This decline is a natural part of the world's narrative, a process that brings about upheaval and transformation for various races. The decline of the dwarves was a significant event, and by the time of the novels in the The Lord of the Rings series, they were already in severe decline.
The Future of Erebor
Contrary to some assumptions, the dwarves did not pack up and leave Middle-earth. Under the reign of Dain II, cousin of Thorin Oakenshield, Erebor flourished. Dain took over as the rightful king after the Battle of Five Armies, in which Thorin, Fili, and Kili perished. Dain restored Erebor and also reestablished relations with the Men surrounding the Lonely Mountain, which were essential for the dwarves' survival and prosperity.
Dairon's Line - New Kings Under the Mountain
Thorin, Fili, and Kili's deaths set in motion a new cadet branch of the line of Durin. Dain, surviving the Battle of Five Armies, became the new king of Erebor. This new reign marked a new era for the dwarves living under the mountain. Erebor continued to thrive under Dain's leadership, and the kingdom's wealth and prosperity were well-known among other races.
Recolonization of Moria
To the north, the dwarven community attempted to recolonize Moria, the ancient home of the dwarves, over 48 years after the victory over the dragon. Balin, along with Ori and Oin, led the expedition to reclaim Moria. However, their efforts were met with resistance, possibly from an insurgent group of orcs, and possibly led by the Balrog known as Durin's Bane. The attack led to the tragic end of Balin, Ori, and Oin five years later.
Life at Erebor
The fate of the remaining dwarves who stayed at Erebor is less documented in the novels. It is presumed that they continued their lives at the restored kingdom, enjoying its wealth and prosperity under Dain's leadership. Sources from the later parts of Tolkien's work mention that the surviving dwarves did well for themselves. Stories from the TV series The Hobbit and posthumous notes from translations and manuscripts can provide some details about lives of these characters. For instance, Balin, who became a highly regarded dwarf in Erebor, leads an expedition to Moria, highlighting his status among the dwarves.
In Natural Causes - The Finality of Time
Sometime later, the fate of the remaining dwarves who didn't leave with Balin and the Others is unknown. Historical records suggest that these dwarves lived on until their natural deaths. Among them, Dwalin is the last known survivor to perish, possibly due to old age. The despair of death and the inevitability of time are a poignant reminder that even in the most prosperous realms, life is transient.
The narrative of the Thirteenth Dwarves is a testament to the complex and multifaceted history of Middle-earth. It highlights the resilience of the dwarven race and the impact of their actions on the broader timeline of the world. The journey from Erebor to Moria, and the fates of the dwarves who carried on their quest, are a snapshot of the intricate political and social landscape of Tolkien's creation. As fans of both literature and film, it is fascinating to explore the nuances of these characters and their significance within the world of Middle-earth.