Balin (Middle-earth)

• 1. Exile And Return Journey

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  The year Balin turned seven, the dragon Smaug sacked Erebor. Dwarves fled into exile while their father Fundin later died in the Battle of Azanulbizar. Balin and his younger brother Dwalin settled among surviving family in the Blue Mountains. They joined Thorin's father Thráin II on an attempt to return home but lost him under Mirkwood's eaves. After days of fruitless searching, they returned to the mountains without success.

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• 2. The Quest Of Erebor

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  Balin arrived at Bilbo Baggins' house before any other dwarf when the unexpected party gathered. He played a viol during their journey and spotted trolls' fires burning in Trollshaws. As look-out man he was the first to see elves hiding in Mirkwood woods. When goblins chased them through Misty Mountains, Balin failed to notice invisible Bilbo wearing a magic ring. This failure made him respect Bilbo's burglar abilities from that moment forward.

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• 3. The Fall Of Moria

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  Balin discovered Durin's Axe within Khazad-dûm and established a small colony there. Orcs eventually overran the settlement after less than five years as Lord of Moria. An orc archer killed Balin in Dimrill Dale where his father had also died. The Book of Mazarbul recorded how Balin became self-proclaimed ruler before his death. His tomb inscription read "Balin Fundinul Uzbad Khazad-Dûmu" with smaller runes beneath translating to English text.

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• 4. Etymological Origins

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  Scholar John D. Rateliff notes Balin is the only dwarf whose name does not come directly from Old Norse poem Völuspá. The name appears instead in Sir Thomas Malory's Middle English prose tale Le Morte d'Arthur. Rateliff argues Sir Balin from Malory is not nearly as likeable a character compared to Tolkien's creation. Other dwarves in Thorin's company derive their names from different ancient sources entirely.

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• 5. Metaphorical Analysis

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  Tom Shippey observes Balin states rivers run with gold when discussing new master of Dale. He agrees that romance and reality are differences of presentation not of fact according to Shippey's reading. When Balin left for Moria, a shadow of disquiet came over the other dwarves. This metaphor could mean simple earthly discontent or perhaps a spell from Mordor pushing him forward. Shippey suggests Balin simultaneously fell by choice while being bewitched by external forces.

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• 6. The Book Of Mazarbul

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  Tolkien expended enormous effort constructing a facsimile book to resemble the burnt volume abandoned at Balin's tomb. He carefully stained paper and burned marks into pages to make it authentic. Publisher Allen & Unwin chose not to include his artwork in the first edition. Tolkien remarked without it the text at start of Bridge chapter was rather absurd. The artifact now exists as a unique piece supporting the story of Balin's death.

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• 7. Adaptations And Portrayals

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  Don Messick voiced Balin in Rankin/Bass animated version released in 1977. Ken Stott portrayed Balin in Peter Jackson live-action film series starting in 2012. Stott played him as reluctant to search for lost gold whether stolen from ancestors. Victor Raider-Wexler provided voice for Balin in 2003 video game adaptation. These portrayals show varying interpretations of the character across different media formats.

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