Was Thorin Oakenshield a Good King?

The question of whether Thorin Oakenshield was a good king has sparked much debate among fans of The Hobbit. While he reigned under the mountain for a short time, the qualities that make a good leader are often tested in moments of crisis and uncertainty. Let's explore Thorin's reign from multiple angles to determine his suitability as a king.

Fact or Fiction?

The length of Thorin's rule is indeed debatable. In the book, his tenure is famously brief—maybe just a few days. His official title as King Under the Mountain was bestowed during the battle against the dragon Smaug. However, his reign was most prominent in the events surrounding the recovery and defense of Erebor.

Q: Was he a king for just 5 minutes?
A: While he was the king of twelve for about three weeks between retaking Erebor and his death in the Battle of the Five Armies, his reign was often marked by tumultuous decisions and a mix of courage and misjudgment.

King of the Mountain and Beyond

Thorin's reign was not solely defined by his time as king under the mountain. His actions and decisions throughout his life were crucial in shaping the identity of the Dwarven realms. However, his short reign as king raises questions about his prowess as a ruler and his leadership abilities.

As Gandalf so presciently observed, Thorin lacked the qualities of a adept leader under the mountain. He was often driven by personal grudges and anger, such as his imprisonment by Thranduil and his confrontation with Bard, the rightful heir to Laketown.

Q: What were Thorin's main actions as king?
A: Thorin's most notable acts were attempting to start wars with Mirkwood and Esgaroth simultaneously, leading to a siege and sending for reinforcements from the Iron Mountains. His timing and strategy were often questionable, and his eventual downfalls were largely due to the arrival of the Host of Bolg.

Challenges and Triumphs

Despite his less-than-stellar reign as a king, Thorin did exhibit moments of bravery and leadership. For instance, his brave stand against the orcs during the War of the Dwarves and Giants at Dimrill Dale, where he earned his title "Oakenshield," demonstrated his courage. This battle and his subsequent mortality in the subsequent battle of the five Armies foreshadowed the classic trope of the fallen hero-king.

However, his actions leading up to the Battle of Five Armies were less commendable. His decision to isolate himself from his allies and initiate a siege encapsulated his lack of strategic acumen and diplomatic skills. But at the last, he rallied his army and fiercely fought until his death, achieving a grudging victory against the forces of Bolg.

A Lesson in Humility and Redemption

Thorin's final moments were marked by a rare display of humility and redemption. Despite his earlier missteps, Thorin acknowledged his mistakes and made peace with Bilbo Baggins. This gesture speaks volumes about his true character and his ability to grow as a leader.

Thorin's Predecessors and Successors

It is worth noting that Thorin was not the last of the line of Durin. Dain Ironfoot, who fought alongside Thorin at the Battle of Dimrill Dale and slew Azog, was Thorin's cousin and also a direct descendant of Durin. Dain would go on to become the last of the line of Durin in the Fourth Age, further emphasizing the importance of his lineage.

In conclusion, while Thorin Oakenshield's reign as king was short-lived and marred by misdeeds, he still demonstrated qualities that warranted respect. His fortitude in battle and his eventual humility make his portrayal as a good king more nuanced and intriguing.