King under the Mountain

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The term King under the Mountain was used in a good deal of Celtic mythology (and later fairy tales) to refer to the ruler of the supernatural creatures particular to a given location, particularly the sidhe. The king in the mountain is a motif found in several folktales.


In J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy universe of Middle-earth, the King Under the Mountain is the title of the Dwarven ruler who resides at the Lonely Mountain of Erebor. The King Under the Mountain was also by right King of Durin's Folk.

In The Hobbit, the dragon Smaug was (ironically) said to be the only "king" on Erebor. The true ruler was Thorin Oakenshield.

[edit] Kings under the Mountain