Balin
Dwarf of the house of Durin, King of Khazad-dum. Balin was a follower of Thrain, and later of Thorin, from the time of the War of the Dwarves, Orcs and Goblins. Balin accompanied Thrain on the journey in 2841 that cost him his life, and a century later he was one of the members of Thorin and Company. After the death of Smaug he settled in Erebor, but in 2989 he went to Khazad-dum with many Dwarves of Erebor to set up a Dwarf-colony there. Five years later he was slain by an Orc in Azanulbizar. Balin and Bilbo became quite friendly in 2941. Balin seems to have been kindlier than many other Dwarves. He was the only Dwarf to visit Bilbo in the shire after the death of Smaug.
