[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Anyone else agree that Thorin Oakenshield was quite the unorthodox hero? When I first read The Hobbit I didn't really connect with the old dwarf. He seemed quite distant and 'big for his boots', if you'll follow me. He always treated Bilbo (our hero) as a bit of a joke and he only seemed to accept the hobbit when he was saving the Dwarves from danger. He was then very unfriendly and not at all understanding of the situation involving Bard et al; and he almost killed Bilbo in a fury over the Arkenstone. Not very immediate, yes?

But on further readings I began to understand. Thorin was immensely proud and had suffered much grief in his lifetime. The Quest of Erebor was his chance to deliver a mighty vengeance upon the Dragon that had made a refugee of him, and (as it happened) the Orcs who had so hurt his family. Of course he was going to be curt with Bilbo, that random passenger picked by Gandalf (for no apparent reason) who was always moaning about how hungry he was. Hell, he had to put up with Bombur for that whole time too!

And yes, Thorin did go a little crazy at the end; but he repented. He proved valiant in battle, and noble in his dying moments. So Thorin Oakenshield was an unorthodox hero: Never close nor warm nor particularly endearing, but a hero nonetheless.