Introduction: A Kingdom’s Fall

In the annals of Middle-earth, few tales resonate as profoundly as that of Erebor and its conquest by the fearsome dragon Smaug. Though the saga is well known, there exists a lesser-told account of how this kingdom under the mountain fell in just one day.

History of Erebor

Before its fateful encounter with Smaug, Erebor was a thriving kingdom under the rule of the Dwarves. The Dwarves of Duransfolk had control over the mountain during the early Second Age at the latest.

• In 1999 of the Third Age, Thrain I, the first king under the mountain, led his people to Erebor after the fall of Khazad-Dum.
• Through their diligent efforts, they transformed the Lonely Mountain into an underground city and discovered riches, including the Arkenstone.

Thorin I: A Decisive King

Thorin I ruled as king under the mountain for twenty years, but his reign came to an unexpected end. He abandoned Erebor and led his people into exile.

Erebor Under Smaug

The reasons for Thorin I’s decision to abandon Erebor remain unclear, but his actions set the stage for the conquest of Smaug. The dragon descended upon Erebor like a hurricane from the north, laying waste to the city and its people.

Conclusion: A Kingdom Reclaimed

Robbed of their homeland, the Dwarves of Erebor wandered the wilderness. Yet, as we know from J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic tales, they would eventually reclaim their kingdom and restore the balance to Middle-earth.