Does Erebor Still Exist in Lord of the Rings? Exploring the Kingdom Under the Mountain
Yes, Erebor, the Lonely Mountain, absolutely still exists during the events of The Lord of the Rings. While it doesn’t feature prominently in the main narrative of the trilogy, Erebor is a thriving and important kingdom in the East, playing a crucial role in the broader War of the Ring. Let’s delve into the details of its existence and significance.
Erebor’s Role During the War of the Ring
Though Frodo and the Fellowship’s journey focuses on the West, significant events were unfolding simultaneously in other parts of Middle-earth. Erebor, under the rule of Dáin II Ironfoot, faced a direct assault from Sauron’s forces. Sauron, understanding the strategic importance of the region, sought to control the wealth and manpower of Erebor and Dale.
Instead of a direct confrontation with the forces in the West, Sauron’s plan was to destabilize the Northern Kingdoms and create a foothold for his armies in that part of Middle-earth. Control of Erebor would have given Sauron a powerful base from which to launch further attacks and threaten Rivendell, Lorien, and other Free peoples’ strongholds.
The Battle of Dale and the Siege of Erebor
During the War of the Ring, Sauron launched a major assault on Dale and Erebor. The Easterlings, allied with Sauron, invaded, resulting in the Battle of Dale. King Dáin II Ironfoot and King Brand of Dale fought bravely alongside their men, defending their lands against overwhelming odds.
The battle was fierce and resulted in heavy losses on both sides. Both King Brand and King Dáin were killed defending Dale and Erebor. Despite their sacrifices, the defenders were forced to retreat into the Lonely Mountain, where they endured a grueling siege.
Victory and the End of the Siege
News of the fall of Sauron at the hands of Frodo and Sam reached the besieged dwarves and men within Erebor. Inspired by this news, they rallied and broke the siege. The remaining Easterling forces, demoralized and without leadership, were driven back.
The victory at Erebor was crucial. Had Sauron’s forces prevailed, the entire North would have been vulnerable. The defenders of Erebor, though unaware of the Fellowship’s quest, played a vital role in securing the overall victory against Sauron.
The Legacy of Erebor After the War
Following the War of the Ring, Erebor entered a new era of prosperity. Thorin III Stonehelm, Dáin’s successor, ruled wisely and rebuilt Dale. The friendship between dwarves and men was strengthened, and trade flourished.
Erebor remained a strong and independent kingdom, contributing to the rebuilding of Middle-earth. The dwarves continued to mine and craft, and their wealth and skill were highly valued. The tale of Erebor during the War of the Ring stands as a testament to the resilience and importance of the Dwarven realm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Erebor mentioned by name in The Lord of the Rings?
While Erebor is not explicitly described in detail within the main text of The Lord of the Rings, it is referenced, especially in the Appendices. More significantly, Gimli, son of Glóin, represents Erebor at the Council of Elrond, underscoring the kingdom’s involvement in the overarching narrative.
2. What was happening in Erebor while the Fellowship was on their quest?
As mentioned, Erebor was under attack by Sauron’s forces, specifically the Easterlings. The Battle of Dale and the subsequent Siege of Erebor were major events happening concurrently with the War of the Ring in the West.
3. Who ruled Erebor during The Lord of the Rings?
Dáin II Ironfoot ruled Erebor at the beginning of the War of the Ring. He was a wise and valiant leader, known for his courage and strength. He died during the Battle of Dale.
4. What happened to Dale during this time?
Dale was also attacked and largely destroyed during the Battle of Dale. Many of its people perished, and the city was heavily damaged. However, after the siege of Erebor was broken, Dale was rebuilt and prospered once again.
5. What was Sauron’s goal in attacking Erebor?
Sauron sought to control the wealth and resources of Erebor and Dale. By conquering these regions, he would gain a strategic foothold in the North and disrupt the alliances of the Free peoples. It was also an attempt to secure control of the Dwarf-Rings of Power and use them against their bearers.
6. Did any members of the Fellowship visit Erebor after the War?
While not explicitly stated, it is implied that members of the Fellowship, particularly those who were friendly with the dwarves, may have visited Erebor after the war. Bilbo Baggins had previously visited Erebor with Thorin and Company, forging strong connections. In The Fellowship of the Ring, we also learn that Bilbo had visited Dale and Erebor between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
7. Was the Arkenstone still important after The Hobbit?
The Arkenstone ceased to be of significant political importance after the events of The Hobbit. After Thorin’s death, it was buried with him in the depths of Erebor, symbolizing his reign and the end of the conflict over the treasure.
8. Are there any descendants of Thorin Oakenshield still living in Erebor during LOTR?
Thorin Oakenshield died without any direct heirs. Dáin Ironfoot, being a distant relative, became the King under the Mountain and ruled Erebor. Thorin III Stonehelm, Dáin’s son, succeeded him. Therefore, while not direct descendants, members of Thorin’s broader family continued to rule Erebor.
9. Did Gimli ever live in Erebor?
Yes, Gimli lived in Erebor. While he was too young to accompany Thorin’s company on their original quest, he joined his father, Glóin, in returning to Erebor after the dragon Smaug was defeated and the kingdom re-established.
10. What happened to Moria after The Hobbit?
Balin led an expedition from Erebor to reclaim Moria. While initially successful, the dwarves were ultimately overwhelmed by Orcs, and the colony was destroyed. This tragedy is discovered by the Fellowship during their journey through Moria in The Fellowship of the Ring.
11. Was Gimli the last dwarf in Middle-earth?
No, Gimli was not the last dwarf in Middle-earth. This is a common misconception. He was simply the most prominent dwarf character in The Lord of the Rings. Dwarves continued to thrive in Erebor and other dwarven settlements.
12. How is Gimli related to Thorin?
Gimli is the son of Glóin, who was one of the twelve dwarves who accompanied Thorin Oakenshield on the Quest of Erebor. This makes Gimli Thorin’s third cousin once removed.
13. Why didn’t Gimli know about Moria?
Gimli’s lack of specific knowledge about the events in Moria highlights the isolation of the Dwarven realms. While he knew of Balin’s expedition, communication had ceased, and the full extent of the tragedy remained unknown to him.
14. What did Gimli do after the War of the Ring?
After the War of the Ring, Gimli led a group of dwarves to the Glittering Caves of Aglarond in Rohan, where they established a thriving colony and became renowned for their craftsmanship. He later sailed West with Legolas, marking the end of an era.
15. Is Erebor still around in the Fourth Age?
Yes, Erebor likely continued to exist and prosper throughout the Fourth Age. The Kingdom under the Mountain remained an important stronghold of the dwarves, contributing to the rebuilding and reshaping of Middle-earth. You can learn more about how games can help to reinforce this knowledge and to explore the creative aspects of world-building through sites like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
In conclusion, Erebor played a significant role during the War of the Ring, even though it wasn’t at the forefront of the main narrative. Its defense was crucial to the overall victory against Sauron, and the Kingdom continued to thrive long after the events of The Lord of the Rings.