The Forgotten Dwarves of 'The Hobbit' Trilogy: Their Lives After the Battle of Five Armies

Many of the unnamed dwarves from The Hobbit trilogy had vastly different fates compared to the characters we follow closely, such as Thorin Oakenshield and his company. Some lived happily ever after, while others met untimely deaths. This article explores the lives of the dwarves whose stories end with the Battle of Five Armies and their subsequent destinies.

Thorin III Stonehelm: Heir to Erebor

When the dust settled following the fierce Battle of Five Armies, many of the surviving dwarves were under the leadership of Thorin III Stonehelm. Thorin was the direct heir of Dain, the dwarf who fought alongside Gandalf and the allies in the final battle. As the ruler of Erebor, Thorin continued to govern the dwarves, ensuring that adventurers like Bilbo Baggins and the other survivors had safe passage and a place to rest and recover from their arduous journey.

Gimli and the Dwarven Legacy in Gondor

Gimli, the son of Glóin, was not just a warrior but a leader who contributed greatly to the rebuilding of Middle-earth. After the victory over the forces of Sauron, Gimli led a significant contingent of dwarves to Gondor and Rohan. In Gondor, they partook in the restoration of Minas Tirith, a task much needed after the attacks of the Witch-king and Sauron’s forces. They repaired the gates of Minas Tirith, improving its masonry, and their efforts led to the eventual habitation of the Caves of Aglarond.

Gimli was titled "Lord of the Glittering Caves," and under his rule, the dwarves enhanced the already stunning natural beauty of the caves, blending their craftsmanship with the cave’s inherent splendor. This move allowed the dwarf community to thrive and maintain a strong bond with the human territories of Gondor and Rohan. Their technical skills and artistic abilities contributed significantly to the overall beauty and strength of these regions.

Other Dwarves and Their Fate

While some dwarves like Thorin III and Gimli fared well, others faced less fortunate fates. The dwarves from the Blue Mountains and the Iron Hills did not take part in the Battle of Five Armies and remained in their original homelands, continuing their way of life. However, the colony of dwarves in Moria led by Balin met a tragic end. Just 25 years prior to the events in the Battle of Five Armies, Balin and his dwarves were killed by the orcs and the Balrog, leaving no survivors. This tragic event led to the abandonment of the deep mines of Moria.

The Lonely Mountain itself also saw the ravages of a siege, led by forces aligned with Sauron. The dwarves, along with their allies from Dale, held their ground against these enemies, eventually routing them. Dain Ironfoot, a mighty dwarf and a warrior of renown, fell in battle at the Lonely Mountain. While the details of his death are not elaborated upon, it is clear that his valiant efforts in the conflict left a lasting impact on the history of the region.

Post-Battle Aftermath and Future Prospects

Post-Battle of the Five Armies, the remnants of the dwarven population continued to adapt and thrive. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion suggest that the dwarves, though less numerous, continued to live in Middle-earth in their distinctive fashion. While their numbers may have been depleted, their presence was undiminished.

Modern adaptations and discussions in fan communities often ponder the continued existence of dwarves in more modern times. Encouraging the idea that dwarves could adapt to contemporary environments, as suggested by the concept of 'elevator shoes,' allows them to participate in modern industries such as tech. With their focus on craftsmanship and innovation, dwarves, often described as short and bearded, could excel in fields like software engineering, where shorter stature and specialized skills are highly valued.