Durin II
King of Durins' Folk. Durin II was named after the first father of the Dwarves: Durin I. It is unknown when Durin II lived, though he must have reigned as king sometime in the late First Age or early Second Age. During this time period, the Dwarves of Durin's Folk resided in Khazad-dum in the Misty Mountains. Durin II's existence is based upon the fact that there were other Kings of Durin's Folk named Durin I, Durin III, Durin VI, and Durin VII.
Names & Meanings
Durin was the name of a Dwarf in the Old Norse poem Volsupa, and his name translates as "sleepy." Durin II was named after Durin I, and it was believed amongst the Dwarves that any Dwarf-king named Durin had the spirit of Durin I inside of him. They believed that in part, Durin II was a reincarnation of Durin I, though it remains unclear if this is actually possible.
Notice: Seldom did Dwarves reveal their true names to outsiders. It is believed that Durin may have been a name given to the first Dwarf by men of the North, and his true name may be unknown or forgotten. It may be that Durin II had a completely different name than Durin I, but he was recorded by men as "Durin II" because of his physical features or his greatness as a ruler. This is only a theory and is not proven or supported by facts, so it cannot be concluded but it may be speculated.
Notice: Seldom did Dwarves reveal their true names to outsiders. It is believed that Durin may have been a name given to the first Dwarf by men of the North, and his true name may be unknown or forgotten. It may be that Durin II had a completely different name than Durin I, but he was recorded by men as "Durin II" because of his physical features or his greatness as a ruler. This is only a theory and is not proven or supported by facts, so it cannot be concluded but it may be speculated.
References
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A: "Durin's Folk"
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