s a prince of Erebor, Thorin held a position of respect and honour among the Dwarven hosts who strode to war in the name of his grandsire. Even as a youth, Thorin possessed an impressive skill-at-arms and the courage to match it. This stood him in great stead when Smaug wrought such terrible devastation upon his home, and even more so at the great Battle of Moria many years later. In that battle, when all hope seemed lost and the line of Durin faced extinction, Thorin prevailed in spite of the odds, and earned himself the moniker 'Oakenshield'.

Thorin's able companion and