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Radagast-Aiwendil
Gondor
Feb 15 2013, 7:38pm
Post #1 of 58
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A thread for the truly great Balin, son of Fundin
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The title says it all. Share everything and anything that you like (or even dislike) about Balin's portrayal in the film within this thread.
As I've said before more than once I can't praise Ken Stott's performance enough and he's undoubtedly my favourite Dwarf so far: full of wisdom, wit and good common sense. Even the "letter-opener" line was delivered well, though his most outstanding moment by far was the narration of Azanulbizar....I had chills, it was such a powerfully emotional scene, particularly the last part about Thorin being worthy to be called king.
"These are Gundabad Wargs! They will outrun you!"
"THESE are Rhosgobel Rabbits! I'd like to see them try...."
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Owain
Tol Eressea
Feb 15 2013, 7:47pm
Post #2 of 58
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Balin (Ken Stott) was indeed wonderful...
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a great performance from Mr. Stott.
I loved his narration of Azanulbizar as well... fantastic!
In one of his quieter moments, I really enjoyed the scene in Bag End between Thorin and Balin, discussing the need for the Quest at all. That stood out for me as well. The actors performances were so subtle and layered there.
Middle Earth is New Zealand!
"Question everything, embrace the bad, and hold on to the good."
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Silmaril
Rohan
Feb 15 2013, 7:52pm
Post #3 of 58
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Impressed me much at bag end.
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Angharad73
Rohan
Feb 15 2013, 7:54pm
Post #4 of 58
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Ok, he is not my absolute favourite dwarf, but I have to say that there is something about him... He's got kind of a twinkle in his eye, I think. And he just seems to 'nice' - and he still is a bad-ass fighter! To me he looks like the kind of guy you confide in and turn to for advice without being judged. I love his conversation with Thorin at Bag End, when he tells Thorin that he doesn't have to do all this, that he has done enough for his people. He sees the dangers ahead, and he doesn't want his friend to go through this, but when he cannot dissuade him, he stands behind him, no matter what. I also agree on the narration of the battle of Azanulbizar - very powerful stuff!
And Ken Stott plays Balin brilliantly. It actually took me a while to figure it out why he seemed so familiar, but years ago I had a tiny bit of a crush on Stott, when he was in the TV series 'Messiah'. 
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Radagast-Aiwendil
Gondor
Feb 15 2013, 7:57pm
Post #5 of 58
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Loved that bit of dialogue and top notch performances from the actors as you said. Possibly the strongest "scene-within-a-scene" in the whole Bag End sequence.
"These are Gundabad Wargs! They will outrun you!"
"THESE are Rhosgobel Rabbits! I'd like to see them try...."
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Owain
Tol Eressea
Feb 15 2013, 7:58pm
Post #6 of 58
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Middle Earth is New Zealand!
"Question everything, embrace the bad, and hold on to the good."
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Kimtc
Rohan
Feb 15 2013, 7:58pm
Post #7 of 58
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I love them all, but I appreciate him the most.
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He is the "dwarf glue" that holds them together.
My only issue with his portrayal is that he is so wise, calm and generally smarter than the others, that I have a hard time wondering why he doesn't knock Thorin over the head. Now, I know why he doesn't, but it still seems a little at odds. He did try to sort of talk Thorin out of it at Bag End, although I still would have wanted him to hit Thorin over the head.
That said, he's great, and I also love the letter opener moment!
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Radagast-Aiwendil
Gondor
Feb 15 2013, 8:06pm
Post #8 of 58
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Your first two sentences sum up what I like about the character so much
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He seems very down-to-earth as a character despite his wisdom, and he makes mistakes at times, such as trying to stop Thorin from handing the map to Elrond and accidentally revealing the purpose of the mission to the Elf-Lord. It's nice that his gentleness towards Bilbo was explored, and subtle points such as the pat on the shoulder that Bilbo gives to Balin when he takes the Ring off convey the fact that Bilbo appreciates such friendship (especially given the attitude of Thorin and some of the others towards him).
On a side note, I hope that Dori's kindness towards Bilbo is more thoroughly explored in the next film, as it was only hinted at in AUJ.
"These are Gundabad Wargs! They will outrun you!"
"THESE are Rhosgobel Rabbits! I'd like to see them try...."
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Brethil
Half-elven
Feb 15 2013, 8:15pm
Post #9 of 58
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He's so kind to Bilbo, always with a wink and a smile for him when no one else might. And he looks genuinely happy when Bilbo reappears after Goblin Town.
Love that scene in Bag End too...calling Thorin "laddie". And Ken is so subtle when RA shows him the key - you can see on his face that the Key and what it means trumps everything else in Thorin's heart and that Balin understands what Thorin needs to do, even if he might not choose it himself.
And how when Azog appears his first thought is for Thorin and how it will hurt him.
He feels like the common-sense, salt of the earth good soul of the Company, with no illusions (..not the best,,,nor brightest..).
So much to love. Hope PJ gives him a spirtual "anchoring" role in the next two films because that's really him.
...she took the point at once, but she also took the spoons.
(This post was edited by Brethil on Feb 15 2013, 8:18pm)
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Owain
Tol Eressea
Feb 15 2013, 8:18pm
Post #10 of 58
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Agreed or as they say on tORN, Mods up!//
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Middle Earth is New Zealand!
"Question everything, embrace the bad, and hold on to the good."
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Radagast-Aiwendil
Gondor
Feb 15 2013, 8:59pm
Post #13 of 58
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I agree with everything you say
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Particularly about the spiritual anchoring. Hopefully by the end of the trilogy he will be such a memorable character that the ultimate news of his death in FotR will be very hard to swallow, indeed.
"These are Gundabad Wargs! They will outrun you!"
"THESE are Rhosgobel Rabbits! I'd like to see them try...."
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IdrilofGondolin
Rohan
Feb 15 2013, 9:41pm
Post #14 of 58
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Ori goes with him. Will we begin to see the development of that relationship? Will Balin take Ori under his wing and teach him to be a grown up dwarf? I like Balin as elder statesman and counselor to Thorin. Great casting as usual.
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Radagast-Aiwendil
Gondor
Feb 15 2013, 9:57pm
Post #15 of 58
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I certainly hope that Balin will teach Ori a few things
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Because at this rate I'll be pleased about Ori's death.
Maybe there will be a development of a relationship with Oin also, who goes along but is taken by the Watcher. I'm intrigued to see more of Oin, he seems an interesting character and hopefully he'll have more screen time in DOS.
"These are Gundabad Wargs! They will outrun you!"
"THESE are Rhosgobel Rabbits! I'd like to see them try...."
(This post was edited by Radagast-Aiwendil on Feb 15 2013, 9:58pm)
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ThorinIIIStonehelm
The Shire
Feb 15 2013, 10:08pm
Post #16 of 58
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Agreed Radagast-Aiwendil, although...
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...even only after AUJ it's made me sad knowing how he will meet his end. He's just such an absolute legend of a character!!!
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Bombadil
Half-elven
Feb 15 2013, 10:11pm
Post #17 of 58
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He had Bomby Totally in his grasp when...
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He is seen crying the morning...
after their battle..
Mister Stott has not been in any interviews
or anything else since the movie
because he is Starring in a show
in the Westend
Of London.
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Nunilo
Bree
Feb 15 2013, 10:17pm
Post #18 of 58
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The fact that he comes across as so wise and always keeps his cool makes him a very dependable character, and someone you feel you could easily trust or go to for help or advice. I like that Thorin respects him greatly, even though he doesn't always listen to him. I'd like to see more of their interactions in the later films.
For some reason, I've always imagined Balin to look old and white, so the film portrayal was perfect for me! He was one of the more memorable dwarves I think. And as someone said above, his eyes 'twinkle', which adds a nice spark to his character. Not only does he have a sense of humour but he observes everything going on around him and you wonder what he thinks of it all.
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Angharad73
Rohan
Feb 15 2013, 10:21pm
Post #19 of 58
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Even before getting to see the other two movies, which hopefully will show lots more of Balin, I already feel sad knowing that he will come to such an end in Moria. And I feel for Ori and Oin, too. But mostly Balin, really.
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Nightwing
Bree
Feb 15 2013, 10:26pm
Post #20 of 58
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Balin, one of the few great things about the movie
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Ken Stott did a wonderful job.
Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh can't write, and Galadriel is not the most powerful being in all of Middle-earth. She is inferior to Sauron, Saruman, and Gandalf.
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glor
Rohan
Feb 15 2013, 10:30pm
Post #21 of 58
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Ken Stott is one of this countries (UK) finest actors. There was a piece a couple of years ago in the Sunday Times asking why he didn't have a Knighthood, and Mr Stott being interviewed and bemoaning the fact that he couldn't get a role in Harry Potter as he loves fantasy .
Check out his IMDB listing under personal details, you will see a list of major theatre roles as long as your arm. Check out the two BBC TV films: Toast, and also, Hancock and Joan to see something other than the usual scowling scot he plays on TV.
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Radagast-Aiwendil
Gondor
Feb 15 2013, 10:37pm
Post #22 of 58
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A shame that he is relatively unknown..but at least Rebus has done something to boost his recognition and his performance in The Hobbit could potentially put him into the top list of players as far as Hollywood and films are concerned.
"These are Gundabad Wargs! They will outrun you!"
"THESE are Rhosgobel Rabbits! I'd like to see them try...."
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TheSexyBeard
Lorien
Feb 15 2013, 11:17pm
Post #23 of 58
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Perfect casting, he brought a lot of humanity (for a dwarf!) to the role. He was pretty much amazing in every scene he featured in and his narration of Azanulbizarr was perfect. I also enjoyed his scenes with Thorin and liked that despite being made older, he was still a force to be reckoned with.
Yes, my username is terrible.
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Eowyn3
Rivendell
Feb 15 2013, 11:49pm
Post #24 of 58
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I love his portrayal of Balin. What a talented actor he is! Balin has always been a likeable character on the book, one of my favorites. Ken Stott really develops The character in a way that makes you like him even more. He brings so much depth to Balin's character!
" He has just as much reason to go to war as you do. Why can he not fight for those he loves?"
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Brethil
Half-elven
Feb 16 2013, 12:42am
Post #25 of 58
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I feel like I could write pages on Balin.
...she took the point at once, but she also took the spoons.
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Brethil
Half-elven
Feb 16 2013, 12:43am
Post #26 of 58
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Thanks for this thoughtful thread!
...she took the point at once, but she also took the spoons.
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Glorfindela
Valinor
Feb 16 2013, 1:00am
Post #27 of 58
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...my second favourite Dwarf after Thorin. Ken Stott is a brilliant actor, and plays this role as well as he does any other.
And I love the Scottish accent!
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Macfeast
Rohan
Feb 16 2013, 1:43am
Post #28 of 58
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Everything, really; Design, writing, acting (a brilliant performance by Ken Stott), I can't overstate just how much I loved it all. It's funny, I spent a good deal of money, and time, on my Thorin-costume for the film, yet I'm honestly considering hanging it away in the back of my closet so that I may go as Balin for the rest of the trilogy. He's such an awesome character that I almost feel obliged to honor him somehow 
I'm really looking forward to seeing how Balin and Bilbo's relationship, as well as Balin and Thorin's, will develop over the course of the following two films. Also, if there's time over for some more interaction between Balin and Dwalin after that, then I'll gladly take that as well; I would love to see a scene of the two brothers walking through the ruined Erebor, silently reminiscing about its past glory, and lamenting their great loss.
It's hard to name a favorite moment, but I have to mention his arrival at Bag End, and his subsequent interaction with Dwalin, which highlights that he is capable of cheer, even though he harbors doubt about the quest; The cheerful bow, the sly smile as he greets Dwalin, the brotherly teasing.
Also, the solemn head-butt (wow, that's a word I never thought I'd use to describe a head-butt) that he and Dwalin shares at Azanulbizar is particularly touching.
(This post was edited by Macfeast on Feb 16 2013, 1:52am)
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Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea
Feb 16 2013, 3:18am
Post #30 of 58
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I just love how Balin says Laddie all the time. It just perks up the scene. Also, now the whole Moria scene in FOTR has much more meaning when Gimli and the Fellowship find Balin's tomb. Now I really do cry at that scene along with Gimli.
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Bombadil
Half-elven
Feb 16 2013, 3:31am
Post #31 of 58
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Yea? ..you don't want to mess..With Santa Claus...with a sword! ///
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alienorchid
Lorien
Feb 16 2013, 7:38am
Post #32 of 58
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I loved that scene in Bag End, too
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I love when he points out that the life Thorin had built for them is worth more than any treasure... it's so awesome to see a more thoughtful side of the Dwarves, as so much of what we see is them being gruff and confrontational.
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Roheryn
Tol Eressea
Feb 16 2013, 10:23am
Post #33 of 58
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I'd never heard of Ken Stott **SPOILERS**
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before AUJ was cast, so I had no idea what to expect from him. (Actually, I really appreciate being totally unfamilar with the actors beforehand, because it's much easier to lose yourself in their performance when you're not also seeing them as some other character.)
His performance as Balin was brilliant, and my only complaint is that we don't get enough of those moving character moments. As others have said, his two biggest character-moment scenes (with Thorin, in Bag End, and his narration of Azanulbizar) are brilliant and easily as nuanced as RA's performance. His delivery of "He began by beheading the king" gives me goosebumps; it's clearly very painful for him to recount that particular memory. And his loyal support of Thorin ("We are with you, laddie") is so touching -- he may not agree with Thorin's choice, but he understands it -- and he fears the price of that choice, even then.
His grief as he embraces Dwalin at Azanulbizar (their father was amongst those slain) is palpable, and I can only imagine his grief will be similar at the end of the Bo5A. Presumably he feels fairly tenderly towards Fili and Kili too (if he's served as a fatherly advisor to Thorin, he's likely had something of a role in raising Fili and Kili too, right?). It's going to be hard enough to watch Fili and Kili die, followed by Thorin; but watching the reactions of the survivors who loved them is going to be even worse.
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Angharad73
Rohan
Feb 16 2013, 11:01am
Post #34 of 58
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are both rather poignant, I think. We have the funny one at Bag End, when the two brothers greet each other. That one always makes me wince - the crash! That must hurt! I suppose Dwarves are rather thick-skulled... In more than one way. 
But then, in contrast to that, you have the much gentler, so very sad head-bunk on the battlefield. To me, it conveys perfectly how the two are glad to find each other alive after the carnage, yet at the same time they grieve together for their fallen comrades. It's so sad and very touching.
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Radagast-Aiwendil
Gondor
Feb 16 2013, 11:13am
Post #35 of 58
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Has to be one of the coolest weapons Weta has designed yet! I want one, if only they weren't so expensive!
"These are Gundabad Wargs! They will outrun you!"
"THESE are Rhosgobel Rabbits! I'd like to see them try...."
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Súlimë
Rivendell
Feb 16 2013, 11:20am
Post #36 of 58
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I just love how Balin says Laddie all the time. It just perks up the scene. :)
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Arannir
Valinor
Feb 16 2013, 12:02pm
Post #37 of 58
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He even tops GImli in my list of favourite dwarves :)
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glor
Rohan
Feb 16 2013, 3:44pm
Post #38 of 58
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Bit hard for this Brit to be unfamilar with this cast.
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Having watched many of the British and Irish dwarves and, a certain Hobbit on British TV for many years. With Stott However, I have also been lucky enough to see him perform on stage too. He was in Heroes, a poignant comedy in which Stott took the stage alongside Richard Griffiths and John Hurt, and translated by Tom Stoppard from a French play, Stott shone, managing to be poignant, melancholic and funny in a lovely nuanced performance. Stott can also be a very powerful actor too.
Don't just expect grief from Stott, expect some subtle funny moments too, he does exasperation too, I have a feeling we are in for a real treat with Balin.
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BoromirOfWinterfell
Rohan
Feb 16 2013, 5:18pm
Post #39 of 58
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Nothing to dislike about him! * spoilers*
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...his most outstanding moment by far was the narration of Azanulbizar....I had chills, it was such a powerfully emotional scene, particularly the last part about Thorin being worthy to be called king.
That was one of the best parts of the movie.
He has such a grandfatherly demeanour, and by far the best beard.
I watched FOTR again. As someone said on a previous thread, it makes the scene with Balin's tomb so much worse after seeing him as the kind old dwarf in AUJ who was so full of love and wisdom.
I particularly liked the moment between him and Dwalin after the Battle of Azanulbizar.
Þæs ofereode, þisses swa mæg - that has passed, so may this.
"Ten percent of nothin' is ... let me do the math here ... nothin' into nothin' ... carry the nothin' ... " - Jayne from Firefly
(This post was edited by BoromirOfWinterfell on Feb 16 2013, 5:22pm)
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Old Toby
Grey Havens
Feb 17 2013, 1:10am
Post #40 of 58
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A big Bravo to Ken Stott indeed!
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His Balin is absolutely wonderful! I most love the scene between Balin and Thorin at Bag End; his quiet manner, giving his thoughts to Thorin regarding the quest, yet without reservation supporting him regardless - a true friend. I love his look at Bilbo when Bilbo hands him the signed contract. I love his description to the other dwarves of the events at Azanulbizar. His lines at the end, "Here is one who I could follow. Here is one I could call King" is delivered so well it still gives me goosebumps! Yeah, I think he's an amazing Balin.
"Age is always advancing and I'm fairly sure it's up to no good." Harry Dresden (Jim Butcher)
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MrCere
Sr. Staff
Feb 17 2013, 6:51am
Post #42 of 58
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I am sure it has been noted but he hasn't been present AT ALL in the promotion of the film. Look deeper.
And, to play devil's advocate: Was it the performer or the writers that made that character great?
I have no choice but to believe in free will.
The cake is a lie
The cake is a lie
The cake is a lie
My blog
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Radagast-Aiwendil
Gondor
Feb 17 2013, 8:53am
Post #43 of 58
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Actually the reason he hasn't been present
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Is due to other engagements. He has been interviewed on several occasions his role, there's a clip with him and Jimmy Nesbitt talking on YouTube, as well as an interview in Empire Magazine's Hobbit issue, among others. Of course it was a mixture of the performer and the writers who made Balin great: without a script, an actor can't really perform after all! A director can tell an actor how to play something but it's the actor's interpretation of that instruction that makes a performance unique and powerful. So a lot of the credit goes to Stott.
I know you're playing "devil's advocate" but I have to strongly disagree with where your post is going: I'm not saying any of this is true about Stott, but are actors obliged to promote? Is it really their duty? (After all it's the director's duty first and foremost, is it not?) What if they don't want to promote? (Remember Alec Guinness in Star Wars). Also don't forget that regardless of what somebody conveys on stage they may be very private or even shy in real life-most actors work for love of the profession and not for the perks or publicity. Not all actors are socially confident, after all, and I imagine press interviews are quite nerve-wracking.
"These are Gundabad Wargs! They will outrun you!"
"THESE are Rhosgobel Rabbits! I'd like to see them try...."
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emre43
Rohan
Feb 17 2013, 10:45am
Post #44 of 58
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I also liked Balin and I would like to mention something that I don't quite understand
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Why is Balin the one dwarf that seems most against the quest for Erebor ashe feels the dwarves are being too greedy. And yet it is he who leads the expedition to reclaim Moria. Doesn't make much sense to me.
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Radagast-Aiwendil
Gondor
Feb 17 2013, 10:49am
Post #45 of 58
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I expect the success of the Quest of Erebor raised his spirits a little too highly
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Even wise Dwarves can be too optimistic from time to time.
"These are Gundabad Wargs! They will outrun you!"
"THESE are Rhosgobel Rabbits! I'd like to see them try...."
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TFP
Lorien
Feb 17 2013, 2:00pm
Post #46 of 58
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Isn't actually spoken by Balin.
It comes after he comments on the ragtag nature of the group of dwarves ["...tinkers, toymakers... hardly the stuff of legend"], & I think it's beautifully acted by Armitage who looks at Balin, & says "there are a few warriors amongst us", with an understated smile & raise of his eyebrow that really [imo] says a lot about how he feels about Balin.
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Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea
Feb 17 2013, 2:24pm
Post #47 of 58
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I love RA's facial expression there.
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Isn't actually spoken by Balin.
It comes after he comments on the ragtag nature of the group of dwarves ["...tinkers, toymakers... hardly the stuff of legend"], & I think it's beautifully acted by Armitage who looks at Balin, & says "there are a few warriors amongst us", with an understated smile & raise of his eyebrow that really [imo] says a lot about how he feels about Balin.
I really like RA's facial expression during that scene. He's somewhat sad. You can hear it in his voice. Sad yet determined. And Stott's response as he shakes his head and says they will support him is just beautiful. One of my favorite parts of the Bag End scenes.
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emre43
Rohan
Feb 17 2013, 2:46pm
Post #48 of 58
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He should have paid more attention to Thorin's fate
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Even wise Dwarves can be too optimistic from time to time.
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Old Toby
Grey Havens
Feb 17 2013, 5:23pm
Post #49 of 58
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This is just one of my favorite moments at Bag End, this little exchange between Balin and Thorin. And RA's facial expression and tone of voice is just perfect, as you mentioned. Yeah, you can hear the sadness, and see it in his eyes. When he says quietly, "There is no choice, Balin. Not for me", his voice is of one who is bound out of duty, honor and love for his forefathers and his kin to follow a path already laid out for him. The key that Gandalf gave him really sealed it, and there's no going back. I got the impression that Balin wasn't trying to dissuade him from his quest, knowing his reasons all too well having survived the sacking of Erebor by Smaug and the battle of Azanulbizar with him. I think he was just giving Thorin what he thought was a different perspective. And yes, Balin's response was wonderfully played, as his trusted advisor, his loyal friend, and an almost fatherly figure.
"Age is always advancing and I'm fairly sure it's up to no good." Harry Dresden (Jim Butcher)
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TFP
Lorien
Feb 17 2013, 10:31pm
Post #50 of 58
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I agree that it's a great exchange.
A quibble is that I don't like the wording "you have a choice" - it seems like slightly too modern or something, not on a par with Return of The Sith's "you're a good person, don't do this!" but it did briefly remind me of that.
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Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea
Feb 18 2013, 12:58am
Post #51 of 58
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I love his portrayal of Balin. What a talented actor he is! Balin has always been a likeable character on the book, one of my favorites. Ken Stott really develops The character in a way that makes you like him even more. He brings so much depth to Balin's character!
He really is the glue. The dwarf grandfatherly sage that keeps that group going. I just love in the prologue how Thorin saves him when the dragon attacks and grabs him behind that pillar. I also think it's brilliant that he, instead of Thorin, is the eldest of the group. it really makes him stand out. I love his beard, I love his acting and just the way he conveys Balin's whole desire to see the quest through. I really now do cry in FOTR when we find his tomb in the MInes of Moria. it gives that scene so much more depth now (along with the scene where Gandalf talks to Frodo about the sparing of gollum by Bilbo). Brilliant. Just love it.
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Brethil
Half-elven
Feb 18 2013, 1:19am
Post #52 of 58
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Not sure why balin leaves but (just a guess) SPOILERS like everything else I seem to post -
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I think after the heartbreaking loss of Thorin and the boys, Erebor will be a bittersweet victory for Balin. I think that with the loss of "his" King, Erebor will simply be too painful a memory for him. Just guessing...but we will see how it plays out.
...she took the point at once, but she also took the spoons.
(This post was edited by Brethil on Feb 18 2013, 1:21am)
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Owain
Tol Eressea
Feb 18 2013, 1:39am
Post #53 of 58
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Middle Earth is New Zealand!
"Question everything, embrace the bad, and hold on to the good."
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Roheryn
Tol Eressea
Feb 18 2013, 3:20am
Post #54 of 58
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Interesting point about Balin and "his" king.
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Thorin's heroics at Azanulbizar obviously completely won over Balin, making Thorin fit to be king in Balin's eyes. What about Dain? I've been wondering if he's going to be sufficiently sympathetic for us, as the audience, to be won over; but possibly more interesting will be whether he earns that same respect in Balin's eyes as was afforded Thorin. Will Dain be one that Balin can call king, or will the loss of Thorin and the princes simply be too much for Balin to bear? Maybe that really is the reason Balin leaves for Moria: Balin simply can't call him king. I really wonder how this is going to be set up in TABA.
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Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea
Feb 18 2013, 5:27am
Post #55 of 58
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I too wonder about Dain and whether Balin can accept him as King. Good points you made. It's not that long after Bilbo returns to Bag End that Balin follows and says his goodbyes on the way to Moria. That kind of could get dicey there though if Dain is not too sympathetic a character. It may leave the audience feeling like there's unfinished business. It will be interesting to see and I look forward to how it's played out.
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swordwhale
Tol Eressea
Feb 18 2013, 8:03am
Post #56 of 58
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...I love the brilliant character design for all 13 Dwarves, but Balin stands out, partly due to the great visual design of the face, hair, costume, the whole package... and partly due to an apparently awesome actor underneath. for this middle aged female fan, he projects an odd and loveable combination of cuddly Grandpa Santa (pleeeeeeez make me a plushy!) and Wise Elder... and then he picks up that mace and proves you better watch out for those old guys....
Go outside and play...
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ElendilTheShort
Gondor
Feb 18 2013, 10:54am
Post #57 of 58
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I like his flourish with his mace
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on a bridge in goblin town, he just stands in one place manouvering his torso and mace and takes out 3 goblins and makes it look stylish and easy with a smile on his face.
(This post was edited by ElendilTheShort on Feb 18 2013, 10:56am)
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Brethil
Half-elven
Feb 19 2013, 1:17am
Post #58 of 58
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I have a feeling runs very, very deep. Plus his devotion to Thorin as his "young" Prince and the combined feeling Balin clearly had for the house of Durin in Thror (and probably of Thrain as well though we don't see it shown) have probably earned a collective and lifelong love from someone like Balin. Hard for me to believe that Dain could earn that or greater from Balin, especially since Dain disappointed Thorin in his time of need at the beginning of the quest for Erebor. Balin might even have some emnity (perhaps?) after the boys and Thorin fall, feeling some blame towards the Iron Hills for the isolation of the Company. Even with Thorin's madness, I have no doubt Balin's loyalty and love for Thorin hold true and that he recognizes DS for what it is.
It's almost impossible for me to see Dain taking Thorin's place with Balin.
...she took the point at once, but she also took the spoons.
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