Thorin Oakenshield
Known as King Under the Mountain, Thorin (Richard Armitage) is the haughty, daring leader of a band of 13 dwarves who embarks to the Lonely Mountain to recover the vast treasure of Erebor from the dragon Smaug with the aid of Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey.
Gandalf the Grey
Fond of hobbits and wise beyond his hundreds of years, it is this grey wizard (Ian McKellen) with his long, flowing beard who persuades young Bilbo Baggins to join the dwarves on an unexpected journey.
Bilbo Baggins
The protagonist of J.R.R. Tolkien's novel upon which Peter Jackson's upcoming prequel trilogy is based, this somewhat eccentric young hobbit (Martin Freeman) causes a stir in the Shire when he leaves Bag End to set out on this dragon-quest, something his fellow hobbit folk frown upon from the start.
Gollum
Hundreds of years old thanks to the Ring, this pitiful subterranean creature (Andy Serkis) encounters Bilbo Baggins in the Misty Mountains only to lose to Bilbo in a riddle game.
Gloin
Brother of Oin, Gloin (Peter Hambleton) has a special link to the Lord of the Rings saga as the father of Gimli, a member of the Fellowship. He joins the group not only out of a sense of loyalty to his kin, but also because he has a large sum of money invested in the venture. He's also a healer.
Oin
Brother of Gloin, Oin (John Callen) is almost 200 years old, carries a spear and ear trumpet, and he and his sibling are often relied upon to start camp fires for the group.
Nori
Brother of Ori and Dori, this dwarf (Jed Brophy) has a habit of getting into trouble with Dwarven authorities and, along with his siblings, is often asked by Thorin to play the flute for his companions.
Ori
Brother to Dori and Nori, Ori (Adam Brown) is usually spotted keeping a journal and is one of the dwarves who dares enter Moria with Balin.
Kili
Brother of Fili, Kili (Aidan Turner) is one of the youngest in the company, notable for his long nose and his fighting abilities. He is the nephew of Thorin Oakenshield.
Fili
This dwarf (Dean O'Gorman) loves music like his brother Kili and is a skilled fighter. The sibling warriors also have the best eyesight of the group.
Galadriel
Coruler of Lothlorien and of royal Elven lineage, the Lady of Light (Cate Blanchett) was a key character in Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy and will figure in the prequels, though how much is a question.
Dwalin
This dwarf lord (Graham McTavish) is a close relative of Thorin and the brother of Balin. He's one of the fiercest fighters of the band, who loans a spare hood and cloak to Bilbo. He also helps in the kitchen.
Balin
This dwarf lord (Ken Stott) is a close relative of Thorin. A powerful old warrior, while he doubts the wisdom of the quest, he puts his confidence in Thorin. He is also distrustful of those not of his own kind.
Dori
Brother of Ori and Nori, this dwarf (Mark Hadlow) plays the flute and often watches out for Ori, the youngest, making sure he's not killed by wargs and goblins.
Bombur
This plump dwarf (Stephen Hunter) and his brother Bofur and cousin Bifur are the only members of the group who aren't Longbeard dwarves. He tags along with Thorin and company after hearing there's free beer and frequently is the last in line.
Bofur
Bombur's brother (James Nesbitt) is in it for the free beer like his kin and also plays the clarinet.
Bifur
Cousin to Bombur and Bofur, this dwarf (William Kircher) wants the free beer as well, plays the clarinet and hopes to seek his fortune at the Lonely Mountain.
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