Bombur

Official Description: While most of the Company of Thorin Oakensheild is related to the royal and noble line of Durin, Bofur, his brother Bombur and their cousin Bifur most definitely are … not. Born and bred in the West , descendants of coal miners and iron workers, they have joined the Quest for the Lonely Mountain partly to seek their fortune and partly because they were told the beer was free.

TheOneRing.net Description: Bombur is one of the twelve Dwarves to accompany Thorin Oakenshield and Bilbo to the Lonely Mountain. He was one of the last four Dwarves to arrive at Bag End with Gandalf. Unfortunately, he tumbled through the door when it was opened and landed on top of Thorin.

Because of Bombur’s size, he was the first threatened to be eaten by the spiders of Mirkwood, often the last one in line, and was constantly hungry. However, it was Bombur and his cousin Bifur who angered the Trolls when they “fought like mad” before finally being captured. Bombur also helped carry Bilbo on his back in the dark tunnels of the Misty Mountains while being pursued by goblins.

Bombur’s lowest point during the Quest was when he inadvertently fell into the Enchanted River. He instantly fell into a deep sleep, forcing the other Dwarves to carry him through the murky forest. Bombur complained often; however, his discontent became a turning point for Bilbo when the Hobbit offered to take over Bombur’s watch at the Front Gate of Erebor, which Bombur gratefully accepted. Bilbo was able to leave undetected and carry the coveted Arkenstone to the camp of Bard and Thranduil in an effort to end the standoff between the dwarves and elves/men.

Bombur survived the Battle of Five Armies. Years later, it was reported by Glóin that Bombur was “so fat that he could not move himself from his couch to his chair at table, and it took six young dwarves to lift him.” Bombur’s name means “fat, tubby.”

Memorable Quotes

  • “I’m always last and I don’t like it … It’s somebody else’s turn today.” (to the dwarves & Bilbo)

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