Durin IV
King of Durin's Folk. Very little is known about Durin IV. He was born and lived sometime during the late Second Age or early Third Age. Durin IV ruled the Dwarf-realm of Khazad-dum. He, like his predecessors, bore one of the Seven Rings that was originally given to his ancestor Durin III. Durin IV's existence is based upon the fact that there were known 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 IV 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 IV 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 IV had a completely different name than Durin I, Durin II, and Durin III, but he was recorded by men as "Durin IV" 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 IV had a completely different name than Durin I, Durin II, and Durin III, but he was recorded by men as "Durin IV" 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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