Who leads the Dwarves’ quest in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit?

Thorin Oakenshield leads the Dwarves’ quest in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit.

Thorin is the heir of Durin’s Folk and the rightful claimant to the Kingdom under the Mountain at Erebor. He gathers a company of Dwarves to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from Smaug, bringing Bilbo Baggins into the expedition as its burglar.

The name Oakenshield comes from Thorin’s use of an oak branch as a shield during the Battle of Azanulbizar. That battle occurred before the events of The Hobbit, when the Dwarves fought Orcs near Moria. The nickname therefore refers to a specific act of battlefield improvisation.

Thorin’s victory is complicated by his fixation on the treasure, especially the Arkenstone. His conflict with Bilbo and the other claimants helps lead to the Battle of the Five Armies. Thorin is not the same character as Dáin Ironfoot, who succeeds him as King under the Mountain after the battle.