Balin

Balin is a fictional dwarf in J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium. He appears in The Hobbit (1937) as a member of Thorin Oakenshield’s company and is remembered as the oldest and one of the most levelheaded among the dwarves who accompany Bilbo Baggins on the quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain.

In The Hobbit, Balin is portrayed as a steady and loyal companion who helps maintain morale during the journey from the Shire to the reclaimed kingdom of Erebor. He participates in the various trials the company faces, contributing to their teamwork and resilience as they press toward their goal.

In The Lord of the Rings, Balin’s fate is linked to Khazad-dûm (Moria). He is remembered as the founder of a dwarven colony in the ancient city, a venture that ultimately ends in tragedy. The Fellowship discovers Balin’s tomb in Moria, a moment that serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of reclaiming old realms and the cost borne by those who attempt it. Balin’s tomb becomes a symbolic anchor for dwarven memory and perseverance within the narrative.

Legacy and portrayals: Balin’s character helps connect The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings through the theme of memory and endurance. He is depicted in film adaptations by actor Ken Stott in The Hobbit film trilogy, where he is shown as a compassionate elder and a trusted adviser among the company. In Tolkien’s writings, Balin’s life and death illustrate the enduring pull of ancestral lands and the peril that accompanies attempts to restore them.