The fate of Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the dwarves in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, is a subject of much debate by readers. While it is known that Thorin dies in the Battle of Five Armies, the question remains as to whether he dies in the book itself or in the appendices.
Thorin’s Fate in The Hobbit
In the book, Thorin is mortally wounded in the Battle of Five Armies and is brought back to the Lonely Mountain, where he dies peacefully surrounded by his friends. It is at this time that he finally comes to terms with his actions and makes peace with Bilbo Baggins, the protagonist of the story.
The death of Thorin is a pivotal moment in The Hobbit, as it serves to bring the story full circle and to show the transformation of Thorin from a proud, stubborn king to a wise leader who is willing to make peace to protect his people.
Examining the Evidence
The evidence for Thorin’s death in the book itself is clear. In the chapter “The Return Journey,” Bilbo and the dwarves return to the Lonely Mountain to find that Thorin has been mortally wounded in the Battle of Five Armies. They bring him back to the mountain, where he eventually dies.
The appendices of The Hobbit also provide evidence of Thorin’s death. In Appendix A, it is stated that Thorin dies of his wounds at the Lonely Mountain. This is further corroborated in Appendix B, where it is stated that Thorin “passed away and was laid to rest in the Mountain.”
It is clear from both the book and the appendices that Thorin does indeed die in The Hobbit. His death is a pivotal moment in the story, as it serves to bring the story full circle and to show the transformation of Thorin from a proud, stubborn king to a wise leader who is willing to make peace to protect his people.
