Balin (Middle-earth) facts for kids

Balin is a brave Dwarf character from the fantasy world created by J. R. R. Tolkien. You'll find him as an important friend in The Hobbit. He is also mentioned in The Fellowship of the Ring.

Balin's Story in Books

Balin's Early Life

Balin was born in a grand Dwarf kingdom called Erebor. His father was Fundin. When Balin was just seven years old, a huge dragon named Smaug attacked Erebor. The Dwarves had to leave their home and live in exile.

During this time, Balin's younger brother, Dwalin, was born. Sadly, their father Fundin died in a big battle called Azanulbizar. Balin and Dwalin then settled in the Blue Mountains with their family.

Later, Balin and Dwalin tried to go back to Erebor with Thráin II, a Dwarf leader. But they lost Thráin near the dark forest of Mirkwood. After looking for him without success, they returned to the Blue Mountains.

Balin in The Hobbit

Balin was one of the Dwarves who joined Thorin Oakenshield's company. They traveled with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf on a big adventure. This journey, called the Quest of Erebor, is the main story of The Hobbit.

Balin was the second Dwarf to arrive at Bilbo's house. He was part of Thorin's group, whose goal was to defeat the dragon Smaug. They wanted to take back their mountain kingdom of Erebor. Balin, like his brother Dwalin, played a musical instrument called a viol.

Balin was one of the few Dwarves who had seen Erebor before Smaug arrived. He was seven years old when the dragon attacked. This made him the second oldest Dwarf in the company, after Thorin.

Tolkien described Balin as the group's "look-out man." He was always watching for danger. He spotted Bilbo coming to the Green Dragon Inn. He also saw the trolls' fire and was the first to see the elves in Mirkwood.

After escaping the goblins in the Misty Mountains, Balin missed seeing Bilbo. Bilbo was wearing the One Ring and had become invisible. After this, Balin began to truly respect Bilbo's skills as a burglar. When the Elvenking captured the Dwarves, Balin spoke for the group. They didn't realize Thorin was also imprisoned with them at first.

During the Quest, Balin became Bilbo's closest Dwarf friend. He was the only Dwarf brave enough to go with Bilbo down the secret passage to Smaug's lair. Years later, Balin and Gandalf visited Bilbo. Balin told him how Erebor had become glorious again after the Battle of the Five Armies.

Balin in The Lord of the Rings

An artist's rendition of Balin's tomb. The inscription means "Balin Son of Fundin, Lord of Moria".

In The Fellowship of the Ring, another Dwarf named Gloin shares news about Balin. Gloin tells the Council of Elrond that Balin had left Erebor. He went to try and reclaim Moria, an ancient Dwarf kingdom.

Balin led a group of Dwarves, including Óin and Ori, who were also with him on the Quest of Erebor. For many years, no one heard from Balin's group. Their fate in Moria was unknown.

Later, the Fellowship found Balin's tomb in the Chamber of Mazarbul in Moria. They learned what happened from the Dwarves' book of records, the Book of Mazarbul. The book said that Balin had found Durin's Axe. He had also started a small colony. However, orcs attacked and took over. Balin was killed by an orc archer in Dimrill Dale. He died in the same place as his father. Balin had been the self-proclaimed Lord of Moria for less than five years.

Balin's tomb had an inscription in Dwarf language. It translated to: "Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria."

Adaptations

Ken Stott as Balin in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit film series

• In the 1977 animated movie The Hobbit, Balin's voice was done by Don Messick.
• In Peter Jackson's The Hobbit film series, Ken Stott played Balin. In these movies, Balin was shown as not very keen on the quest for gold. He felt sympathy for Bilbo, who seemed quite unsuited for the dangerous journey.
• In the 2003 video game based on The Hobbit, Victor Raider-Wexler voiced Balin.

Family Tree

See also

In Spanish: Balin de Moria para niños