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The Dwarves of Erebor, also known as the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain, are a prominent group in the Middle-earth legendarium. They are part of Durin's Folk, one of the seven clans of Dwarves, and their history is rich and eventful.
The Dwarves of Erebor are known for their exceptional skills in mining and masonry, creating some of the most magnificent halls and treasures in Middle-earth. Their resilience and bravery are central themes in Tolkien's works.
History[]
First Kingdom[]
The "First Kingdom of Erebor", also known as the "Kingdom under the Mountain", was established by Thráin I in T.A. 1999 after the Dwarves were driven from their ancestral home in Khazad-dûm. Thráin I led his people to the Lonely Mountain and founded the kingdom, which quickly became prosperous due to its rich mineral wealth. Thráin I discovered the Arkenstone, a magnificent gem that became a symbol of his rule.
The Dwarves of Erebor amassed great wealth, including vast amounts of gold and jewels. The Arkenstone was their most prized possession, symbolizing the kingdom's glory. For over two centuries, the kingdom flourished, expanding its influence and wealth. In T.A. 2210, Thorin I, the son of Thráin I, decided to leave Erebor and join his kin in the Grey Mountains due to the lure of even greater riches there. This led to the abandonment of the Lonely Mountain for nearly four centuries.
The First Kingdom laid the foundation for the Dwarves' enduring legacy in Erebor, setting the stage for their eventual return and the dramatic events that would follow.
Second Kingdom[]
The "Second Kingdom of Erebor" was re-established by Thrór in T.A. 2590 after the Dwarves were forced to leave the Grey Mountains due to increasing dragon attacks. This period marked a significant resurgence for the Dwarves of Erebor.
Thrór led his people back to the Lonely Mountain, where they began to rebuild and expand their kingdom. The Dwarves quickly regained their former wealth, mining precious metals and gems. They also established strong trade relations with the nearby town of Dale. This era saw a cultural renaissance, with the Dwarves creating magnificent halls and forging legendary weapons and armor. In T.A. 2770, the dragon Smaug attacked Erebor, driving the Dwarves out and claiming the mountain and its treasures for himself. This event led to the Dwarves' long exile until Thorin II Oakenshield's quest to reclaim their homeland.
The Second Kingdom of Erebor is remembered for its wealth, craftsmanship, and the tragic loss to Smaug, which set the stage for the events in The Hobbit.
Sack of Erebor[]
The sack of Erebor was a pivotal and tragic event in the history of the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain. It occurred in T.A. 2770 when the dragon Smaug attacked and captured the Kingdom under the Mountain. This event is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Dwarves, who eventually returned to reclaim their home and restore their kingdom.
Prelude to the Attack[]
Under King Thrór, the Dwarves of Erebor had amassed great wealth and renown for their craftsmanship and the splendor of their halls. The tales of Erebor's riches reached Smaug, a powerful dragon dwelling in the Grey Mountains. Driven by his lust for treasure, Smaug set his sights on the Lonely Mountain.
The Assault[]
One night, Smaug descended upon Erebor, catching the Dwarves and the nearby town of Dale off guard. His fiery assault was devastating. The Dwarves attempted to defend their home, but they were no match for Smaug's might. Many were killed, and the survivors were forced to flee. Smaug also attacked Dale, destroying the town and killing many of its inhabitants.
Aftermath[]
King Thrór, along with his son Thráin II and a small group of followers, barely escaped through a secret passage. They went into exile, wandering homeless for many years. Smaug took residence in Erebor, hoarding the vast treasures of the kingdom and emerging only occasionally to terrorize the surrounding lands. The Dwarves' loss of Erebor set the stage for Thorin II Oakenshield's quest to reclaim their homeland, which is central to the story of The Hobbit.
Third Kingdom[]
The "Third Kingdom of Erebor" was established after the successful quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. This period marked a significant resurgence for the Dwarves of Erebor and played a crucial role in the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
In T.A. 2941, Thorin II Oakenshield led a company of Dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf, to reclaim Erebor. They succeeded in driving out Smaug, who was later killed by Bard the Bowman. Shortly after reclaiming Erebor, the Dwarves faced a new threat as various factions, including Elves, Men, and Orcs, converged on the Lonely Mountain. The Battle of Five Armies ensued, resulting in Thorin's death, but the Dwarves, with the help of their allies, emerged victorious. After Thorin's death, his cousin Dáin Ironfoot became King under the Mountain. Under his rule, Erebor flourished once again, becoming a center of wealth and craftsmanship.
War of the Ring[]
During the War of the Ring, the Dwarves of Erebor played a crucial role in the northern theater of the conflict, particularly in the Battle of Dale while allied with the Men of Dale. The defense of Erebor and Dale was vital in preventing Sauron's forces from gaining control of the northern regions of Middle-earth.
In T.A. 3019, the Dwarves of Erebor, led by King Dáin II Ironfoot, and the Men of Dale, led by King Brand, faced an assault by Sauron's Easterling allies. The battle was fierce and lasted for several days. Despite their valiant efforts, both King Brand and King Dáin II were slain in the battle. The Dwarves and Men were forced to retreat into the Lonely Mountain, where they withstood a siege. After the fall of Sauron, the Easterlings' morale broke, and the Dwarves and Men emerged from Erebor to rout their enemies. Thorin III Stonehelm, son of Dáin II, became the new King under the Mountain and helped rebuild the region.
After the destruction of the One Ring[]
In the years before and following War of the Ring, the Dwarves re-established strong trade relations with neighboring regions, particularly with the Men of Dale and the Elves of Mirkwood. With the threat of Sauron gone, Erebor became renowned once more for its exceptional craftsmanship, producing some of the finest weapons, armor, and jewelry in Middle-earth. The Third Kingdom of Erebor symbolized the resilience and determination of the Dwarves, showcasing their ability to rebuild and thrive despite immense challenges.