Did All of the Dwarves Leave Bilbo’s House at the End of The Hobbit Movies?
In the conclusion of The Hobbit movie series, some may wonder if all of the Dwarves from Thorin's company actually departed from Bilbo Baggins' abode. The answer is no. While Thorin, Fili, and Kili perished in the Battle of the Five Armies, the surviving Dwarves continued their journey to reclaim and rebuild their kingdom of Erebor.
The Legacy of Thorin and the Rise of Dain Ironfoot
After the fierce battle, Dain Ironfoot, who survived the battle, ascended to the throne of Erebor as the new King under the Mountain. The battles of the Fifth Armies claimed the lives of key figures like Thorin, Fili, and Kili, setting the stage for a new era in Erebor's history. Dain Ironfoot was quick to assert his rule and the Dwarves continued to thrive and prosper under his reign.
The Reclamation and Expansion of Erebor
The Dwarven kingdom of Erebor faced significant challenges at the beginning. However, the Dwarves from the Iron Hills and the Blue Mountains began to immigrate back to Erebor, significantly boosting its population. This influx of new settlers helped reestablish friendly relations with Men from Dale and Lake Town, as well as the Elves of Mirkwood. Under Dain's leadership, Erebor flourished throughout the Third Age.
Peace and Prosperity in Erebor
Despite the initial turmoil, Erebor continued to flourish. Many of the surviving Dwarves, including Balin, who led an expedition to Moria, became notable figures in their own right. Balin's newfound prominence in Erebor reinforced the growing stability and prosperity of the reestablished kingdom. However, this peace would not last forever. Erebor faced yet another attack during the Battle of Dale, an assault carried out by Easterlings sent by Sauron, as noted in The Lord of the Rings by Gloin.
The Final Days of the Other Survivors
Of the surviving Dwarves, many continued to live in Erebor until their natural deaths. Dwalin, for instance, was the last known survivor. Other key figures, such as Fili and Kili, did not receive a 1/14th share of the treasure, as there was no formal agreement with the new king. However, the Dwarves who returned to Erebor did notably well for themselves, as Gloin mentions in The Lord of the Rings. Balin's expedition to Moria ended tragically five years later, when he and his companions were killed by an insurgency of Orcs likely led by the Balrog known as Durin's Bane. Ori and Oin joined them in their final battle and immortalized efforts to reclaim Moria.
Why Would the Dwarves Leave Middle-earth?
Considering the overall state of Erebor, including the new alliances formed and the return of their lost treasure, there would be no compelling reason for the Dwarves to leave Middle-earth. The only way for the Dwarves to leave the land of Middle-earth was to die and travel to the Caves of Mandos, a place reserved for the spirits of the deceased among the Dwarven folk.
In conclusion, the surviving Dwarves from The Hobbit movie series remained in Erebor, continuing the legacy of their fallen comrades and the new prosperity under Dain Ironfoot's reign. The Dwarves did not leave because their enemies were defeated, their greatest kingdom was reclaimed, and they had gained newfound riches and allies. The idea of them leaving is purely hypothetical and does not align with the events and outcomes described in Tolkien's works.