Which J.R.R. Tolkien character leads the Dwarves’ quest to reclaim Erebor?

Thorin Oakenshield leads the Dwarves’ quest to reclaim Erebor in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. He is the heir of Durin’s line and the rightful claimant to the Kingship Under the Mountain.

Erebor, also called the Lonely Mountain, was taken by the dragon Smaug. Thorin organizes a company of thirteen Dwarves and recruits Bilbo Baggins as their burglar, while Gandalf helps set the journey in motion.

The name Oakenshield comes from Thorin’s use of an oak branch as a shield during the Battle of Azanulbizar. That battle was fought against Orcs in 2799 of the Third Age, and Thorin’s father, Thráin II, had already lost Erebor years earlier.

After Smaug’s death, Thorin reaches the restored mountain but becomes consumed by the desire to protect its treasure. He dies in the Battle of Five Armies after reconciling with Bilbo and acknowledging the value of friendship and courage.