Okay, let’s be honest, we all love a good tier list. But have you ever thought about ranking Thorin’s Company? You know, the ragtag bunch of dwarves (and one hobbit!) who trekked across Middle-earth to reclaim Erebor? Well, grab your Lembas bread and let’s dive into my very subjective, probably controversial, and definitely-for-fun tier list of Thorin’s Company. We're judging these heroes (and not-so-heroes) based on usefulness, personality, and overall contribution to the adventure. This isn't about raw power, people. It's about the vibes!
S-Tier: The Absolute Legends
This tier is reserved for the MVPs, the dwarves who consistently delivered and made the whole quest possible.
Bilbo Baggins: Yes, the little hobbit! He starts as the accidental burglar, dragged along kicking and screaming. But Bilbo is clutch. He finds the One Ring (oops!), outsmarts Gollum, and provides crucial moral support. Plus, his negotiation skills at the Battle of Five Armies? S-Tier material, all the way. He's the ultimate underdog who saves the day with his cleverness and surprising courage. Plus, without him, there would be no story!
It’s hard to argue with Bilbo's placement. He truly grew into a hero.
A-Tier: Solid Performers
These dwarves were reliable, skilled, and contributed significantly to the quest. They might not have had the spotlight all the time, but they were vital cogs in the machine.
Balin: The wise old advisor. He’s the voice of reason, the cautious planner, and generally a stand-up dwarf. He actually seemed to believe in Thorin, which is saying something. Plus, his later fate in Moria adds a layer of tragic depth to the whole story.
The Hobbit: The Fate Of Thorin's Company, Explained
And then there is:
Dwalin: Balin's brother, muscle for days! Dwalin is a powerhouse, always ready to smash some goblins or argue with Elves. Loyal, tough, and generally intimidating, he's the bodyguard every company needs. While he might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, he's incredibly reliable.
These dwarves were dependable and essential to the company's success. Without them, the journey would have been significantly more difficult.
Thorin and Company screenshots, images and pictures - Comic Vine
B-Tier: Good Dwarves, But…
These dwarves had their moments, but they weren’t quite as consistent as the A-Tier crew. Maybe they had a few blunders, or perhaps they just weren't as memorable.
Fili and Kili: The young, energetic nephews of Thorin. They’re brave, skilled fighters, and bring a youthful exuberance to the company. However, they’re also kind of… generic. Nice lads, but not exactly bursting with personality until…well, you know. Their sacrifice is honorable, boosting them slightly above the lower tiers.
And rounding out this tier:
Oin and Gloin: The healers (Oin) and… the guy who complains about the Elves (Gloin, Gimli's father!). Oin's healing is undoubtedly useful, and Gloin is... well, he's there. His grumbling adds a touch of humor, and his connection to Gimli makes him historically significant. He does bring valuable information from the Iron Hills, so that’s a plus.
the Company of Thorin Oakenshield by evankart on DeviantArt
They were okay dwarves, they did their best, but they weren't exactly stealing the show.
C-Tier: The Background Dwarves
Let’s be real, these dwarves exist mostly to fill out the headcount. Can you even remember what they did?
Dori, Nori, and Ori: These three are a package deal. They’re… there. Dori carries Bilbo for a bit, which is nice. Nori is shifty. Ori is the scribe, diligently writing things down. They're not bad dwarves, they're just… forgettable. They blend into the background like dwarven wallpaper.
Thorin & Co. (The Hobbit) Tier List (Community Rankings) - TierMaker
It is tough to remember their key contributions.
D-Tier: Thorin…
Thorin Oakenshield: Hear me out! Yes, he's the leader. Yes, he's got the royal bloodline. But let's be real: Thorin spends most of the book being stubborn, greedy, and generally making bad decisions. He's blinded by gold fever, almost gets everyone killed multiple times, and takes a long time to realize he was being a bad leader. His death is tragic, yes, but it's also a consequence of his own flaws. He has noble intentions but his execution is terrible.
Thorin's arc is a cautionary tale, and not a particularly inspiring one for most of the story.
So, there you have it: my utterly subjective tier list of Thorin's Company. Disagree? Great! That's the point of tier lists: to spark debate and appreciate the nuances of these beloved characters. Now, go forth and argue amongst yourselves!
