Oakenshield

Oakenshield is the byname of Thorin II, a dwarf prince of Durin's Folk in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium. He is most prominently featured as the leader of the company of dwarves in The Hobbit (and is referenced in related writings), where he aims to reclaim Erebor from the dragon Smaug and eventually becomes King under the Mountain.

Origin and meaning of the epithet: Oakenshield derives from a legendary shield associated with Thorin and his lineage. Tales describe a shield fashioned from oak wood that Thorin bore in battle, making the weapon a durable emblem of his steadfast leadership. The name functions symbolically as a representation of Durin’s line—resilience, endurance, and defense of dwarven realms—rather than a mundane historical fact.

Role in the story: Thorin Oakenshield is introduced as the head of the expedition to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its treasure. The epithet accompanies his title throughout the narrative, signaling both his heritage and his role as a noble, determined leader. The eventual reclamation of Erebor culminates in his rule as king, though his life ends during or shortly after the Battle of Five Armies.

Adaptations and legacy: The name is widely used in Peter Jackson’s film adaptations, where Thorin is explicitly called Thorin Oakenshield. In Tolkien’s broader canon, the throne at Erebor later passes to Dáin Ironfoot, continuing the line of the Longbeards. Oakenshield remains a literary symbol of Durin’s resilience and the dwarves’ quest for their homeland.