The Journey of the Dwarves of Erebor to the Lonely Mountain: A Comprehensive Guide

The Quest to Return to the Lonely Mountain

Long ago, driven by the desire to reclaim their ancient homeland, the Dwarves of Erebor embarked on a perilous journey from their recent exiles to the Lonely Mountain. This arduous quest involved various modes of transportation and numerous challenges, testing the courage and determination of each Dwarf in Thorin Oakenshield's company. In this guide, we’ll explore the unique and diverse methods the Dwarves utilized to reach their fateful destination.

Thorin's Company's Journey

Thorin's company, consisting of 13 dwarves, one hobbit, and a company of elves and men, had to undertake a long and challenging journey to return to their homeland. The path was filled with obstacles, including facing hostile creatures and navigating treacherous terrains.

Riding Ponies: They started their journey by riding ponies from their starting point to Hobbiton. Walking and Flying: After leaving Hobbiton, they walked and flew with the aid of eagles to their ambush in the Misty Mountains. Login Rock: Utilizing the help of eagles, they landed at the Carrock, a large rock on the River Running. Riding Again: They were loaned ponies to travel through the marshy areas near Mirkwood. Barrels and Boats: To avoid the elves, they were placed in barrels and floated down the river to Lake Town, then boarded boats and ponies to reach the Lonely Mountain.

During this period, they encountered and battled significant adversaries, such as Goblins and Wargs, and narrowly avoided ruin in their quest to reclaim Erebor.

Those Who Settled or Returned to Erebor

While Thorin's company primarily walked, those who settled or returned to Erebor before the events of The Hobbit mostly traveled by foot or with the aid of wagons. Their journey was more straightforward, involving a series of overland travels, crossing rivers, and encountering various dangers along the way.

The journey began in Thorin’s Hall, located in the valley of Thrain, to the southeast towards Duillond, crossing over the bridge into the Westfarthing. From there, they traveled north over the Hobbiton bridge to Bag End, returned east via Bywater, Frogmorton, and Stock to the Brandywine Bridge, and then east across the Old Road, bypassing the Brandy Hills and the Old Forest to reach Bree. They then headed south around the Midgewater Marshes, then east across the Lone Lands and the Trollshaws and High Moor. They eventually made their way to Rivendell before traveling northeast through the Misty Mountains and into the High Pass.

During their journey, they encountered and battled numerous obstacles, such as Goblins and Wargs, and had to make strategic decisions to avoid being captured or killed. Ultimately, they reached the Lonely Mountain and reunited with their homeland.

The Arrival in the Lonely Mountain

The final leg of their journey involved crossing the Vales of Anduin and reaching the Beorning-lands. From there, they proceeded through the forest, marked as Eryn Lasgalen on the map, but known as Mirkwood to the Dwarves. They were imprisoned in Felegoth for a while but managed to escape along the river toward Loeglond and Esgaroth. They then made their way north to Erebor, where they encountered the Great Wyrm Smaug, leading to the destruction of Esgaroth and the death of Smaug.

Their final journey involved riding ponies, being carried in barrels, and riding again to navigate the numerous challenges and obstacles they faced. Their journey was not only a physical test but also a testament to their unwavering determination to reclaim their ancient homeland.

Conclusion

The journey of the Dwarves of Erebor to the Lonely Mountain was a remarkable and perilous event in the annals of Middle-earth’s history. Their journey involved a variety of unique and dangerous methods of transportation, from riding ponies, flying with eagles, escaping in barrels, and finally riding again. Their determination and bravery in the face of numerous challenges are a testament to their resourcefulness and courage.