Balin (Middle-earth)
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In J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy world of Middle-earth, Balin was a Dwarf leader, the son of Fundin and elder brother of Dwalin. He was born in 2763 Third Age. Balin was among the Dwarves that travelled with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf in The Hobbit.
Balin was part of the company assembled by Thorin Oakenshield to kill the dragon Smaug and retake the mountain kingdom of Erebor.
He was the second dwarf to arrive at Bilbo's house at the beginning of The Hobbit. The one before him was his brother Dwalin. Like his brother, he played a viol.
Among the Dwarves in The Hobbit, Balin was the second-eldest Dwarf on the quest (behind Thorin), and so he spoke for the party when they were captured by the Elvenking.
He is described as "always their look-out man": He spots Bilbo approaching the Green Dragon Inn at Bywater, he spots the trolls' fire, and he's the first to spot the Elves in Mirkwood. Conversely he did not notice Bilbo (hidden by wearing the magic ring) as look-out for the company after escaping the goblins in the Misty Mountains. After this bit of trickery, Balin gained respect for Bilbo's abilities. He's the only Dwarf that volunteers to accompany Bilbo down the secret passage to Smaug. Of all the Dwarves in the quest, he's the only one known to have visited Bilbo afterwards at Bag End.
In T.A. 2989 Balin left Erebor and entered Moria with Flói, Óin, Ori, Frár, Lóni, and Náli. He was killed by an Orc archer in the Dimrill Dale in 2994.
In The Lord of the Rings, the Fellowship discovers his tomb in the Chamber of Mazarbul. Upon his tomb is written in Dwarven Runes "Balin Fundinul Uzbad Khazad-Dumu" which translates to "Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria".
Balin's name is Old Norse in form, but its meaning is obscure.
In the Peter Jackson movies Gimli takes up the axe of Balin when Fellowship discover the Chamber of Mazarbul. He uses it in the ensuing battle and in all battles thereafter. As opposed to Gimli's previous axe, the axe of Balin is larger and double-bladed. This allows Gimli to not have to change grip or stance when swinging the axe back and forth. In the book there is no reference to Gimli changing his weapon.
Family tree
Farin
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Gróin Fundin
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Oín Glóin Balin Dwalin
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Gimli Elf-friend
| Dwarves of Middle-earth |
|
Azaghâl | Balin | Bifur | Bofur | Bombur | Borin | Dáin I | Dáin II Ironfoot | Dís | Dori | Durin(s) | Dwalin | Fíli | Flói | Frerin | Frár | Frór | Fundin | Gamil Zirak | Gimli | Glóin | Gróin | Grór | Ibûn | Khîm | Kíli | Lóni | Mîm | Náin I | Náin II | Náin son of Grór | Náli | Nár | Narvi | Nori | Óin | Ori | Telchar | Thorin I | Thorin II Oakenshield | Thorin III | Thráin I | Thráin II | Thrór |
Kingdoms of the Dwarves |
| Belegost | Iron Hills | Khazad-dûm | Lonely Mountain | Nogrod |