The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power continued this week with episode 4, which gave viewers a little more insight into the relationship shared by Prince Durin IV of Khazad-dûm and his father, King Durin III. Looking into the legacy of the Dwarven monarch, it’s clear that he had an integral role to play in Middle-earth’s history. Here’s everything we know about King Durin III, thanks to the works of author J. R. R. Tolkien.
The history behind King Durin III’s reign
King Durin III, otherwise known as the King of Durin’s Folk, was considered by many Dwarves to be the reincarnation of the original Durin I. This wasn’t something ever confirmed by Tolkien, but it goes some way into proving just how loyal the Dwarven folk were to their King. It was in the Second Age during this reign that Durin III would ensure his place in history. Those who have seen the original Lord of the Rings movie, The Fellowship of the Ring, may remember that Durin III was shown, albeit for just a fleeting moment.
Durin III would receive one of the Seven rings created for Dwarves, the Ring of Thrór, though exactly how he was given it was up for debate. The Dwarves of Durin’s Folk said that Ñoldorin prince and master smith Celebrimbor gifted the King the ring himself, but others claimed that it was given to Durin by Sauron. The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. Celebrimbor possibly did give Durin the ring, but Sauron was present and involved in its initial creation.
As a ruler, we’ve seen that Durin III is intensely traditional, preferring the Dwarves to live a life of isolation and solitude, away from Elves and other races. What fans of the series know by now, however, is that this isn’t something that will remain. As we build up to the War of the Elves and Sauron, the Dwarves will forge an alliance to fight against the Dark Lord and his forces. They play a pivotal role in giving Elven refugees and the army of Elrond the chance to escape, when it appears as though all help is lost. After this, the gates of Khazad-dûm were shut.
Does Prince Durin ever become King?
Tolkien’s works show us that Prince Durin does eventually become King Durin IV, though it isn’t until either very late into the Second Age, or early in the Third Age. He served as the monarch during the War of the Last Alliance, sending out an army to fight alongside the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, against the Dark Lord Sauron. He bore the ring of power given to his father, the Ring of Thrór, and audiences watching The Rings of Power are likely to find out more about his history as the episodes and seasons go by.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power continues Fridays on Amazon Prime Video.
