Balin the Dwarf met a tragic end, being fatally shot by an Orc archer while attempting to reclaim the ancient Dwarf kingdom of Moria. His death marked the ultimate failure of the Dwarves' ambitious endeavor to resettle their ancestral halls.
Balin's Expedition to Moria
After the events of the Quest of Erebor, Balin, a venerable Dwarf of Durin's Folk and a companion of Bilbo Baggins, led an expedition to recolonize the abandoned Dwarf kingdom of Khazad-dûm, also known as Moria. This ambitious venture aimed to reclaim the vast underground city, which had been lost to Orcs and the Balrog centuries earlier.
For five years, Balin's colony remarkably thrived within the depths of Moria. During this period, they managed to recover many lost treasures and relics of their heritage, including:
- Durin's Axe: A symbol of Dwarf kingship and power.
- Durin's Helm: Another ancient and revered artifact.
- Mithril: The precious and highly sought-after metal unique to Moria.
- Various Armouries: Discoveries of ancient Dwarf weapons and armor.
The Tragic End
Despite their initial success, the colony's triumph was short-lived. On November 10, T.A. 2994, Balin's life was abruptly cut short. While he ventured out to look into the tranquil waters of Mirrormere, a sacred lake reflecting the peak of Celebdil, he was ambushed and fatally struck by an arrow from an Orc archer.
Following his death, Balin's body was reverently placed in a tomb within the Chamber of Mazarbul, deep inside Moria. His tomb became a key location, later discovered by the Fellowship of the Ring, serving as a grim testament to the colony's ultimate demise and the enduring perils of Khazad-dûm.
For more details on Balin and his adventures, you can refer to reputable sources like Tolkien Gateway.
