What Happens to the People of Erebor After Smaug is Defeated?

Smaug, the dragon, ruled over the Dwarrowdelf, or Erebor, for a considerable period. With his death, the fate of the Dwarves once again became a focus. This article delves into the events that transpired after Smaug was defeated, providing insights into the lives of the people who reclaimed their home and the subsequent fates of Erebor and its inhabitants.

Reclaiming Erebor

Thorin Oakenshield, along with the surviving Dwarves and the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, managed to reclaim Erebor from Smaug. The event is chronicled in the novel The Hobbit. Following Bilbo's discovery of Smaug's weak spot, the Dwarves and Bilbo took the mountain back, and Smaug was killed.

The recovery and restoration of Erebor were not without challenges. Among the treasures retrieved were items claimed by other Kingdoms, leading to disputes over ownership. Thranduil, the Elvenking of Mirkwood, and Bard, the new King of Dale, came to claim their share.

Conflict and Unity

Thorin, driven by his excessive greed, refused to part with the claimed treasures. His imperious nature led to conflict. In response, Balin called upon Dain Ironfoot, Thorin's cousin, for assistance. Dain led his kin to teach the aggressors a lesson. However, what followed was a more significant challenge: the arrival of forces representing evil.

In response to Sauron's ambitions, Dain and his allies, including Elves, Men, and Dwarves, joined forces to defend Erebor. During this battle, Thorin gifted his final words to Bilbo, lamenting over his greed and praising his simple nature. Thorin's cause was further emphasized by his last words: If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.

The Future of Erebor

Thorin had no living heirs, and neither did his nephews, Fili and Kili. Therefore, Dain Ironfoot, Thorin's cousin, inherited the throne of Erebor. He became known as Dain II, or Dain Ironfoot, and his rule brought stability to the dwarven realm. Erebor, under Dain's leadership, was restored and flourished.

Even after the events unfolding at Erebor, Dain Ironfoot remained in position. However, with the War of the Ring reaching its climax, Sauron sought to exert pressure on Dain for information about the One Ring. Dain, knowing the Ring's significance, refused to disclose its whereabouts. In consequence, Sauron launched an attack on Erebor, leading to Dain's death.

With Dain's passing, his son Thorin Stonehelm, a skilled leader, assumed the throne. Thorin Stonehelm was able to maintain the rule of Erebor, continuing the legacy of his ancestors.

Legacy and Aftermath

The recovery and subsequent loss of Erebor demonstrate the resilience and strength of the Dwarven people. The legacy of Smaug's defeat and the later challenges faced by Erebor are a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.

Erebor and its inhabitants faced multiple challenges, from territorial disputes to the ambitions of sorcery, yet they managed to endure and thrive. The story of Erebor and its people provides a rich narrative of perseverance, heroism, and the consequences of greed.

For more information on the intricate tale of Erebor and the events that shaped it, explore the various works of J.R.R. Tolkien, including The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.