The Battle of Five Armies was fought on the slopes, and in the valleys, of Erebor in October or November of TA 2941.

In this battle the armies of the Men of Lake Town, the Dwarves of Erebor and the Iron Hills, and the Elves of Mirkwood fought against the Orcs of the Misty Mountains and their allies of wolves and bats. The Men were led by Bard, the Elves by Thranduil and the Dwarves by Thorin II and Dáin II. The Orcs were led by Bolg.

Due to the timely help of Beorn and the Eagles the forces of good did prevail. Gandalf the Grey and Bilbo Baggins were also there.

The conflict started when the company of the Dwarves, Gandalf and Bilbo passed through the Misty Mountains and killed the Great Goblin. The Orcs then planned their revenge with Bolg son of Azog as their leader.

The company also angered the Elves of Mirkwood, by trespassing and then escaping from the dungeons they were locked in. The Men of Lake Town were also angry with them because they disturbed the Dragon Smaug who attacked their city, and fell into their lake when he died, destroying their town.

The Men and Elves marched against the Dwarves, but their conflict was forgotten when Bolg and his army arrived at the mountain. The battle was won by nightfall, but with many dead. The dead included Thorin Oakenshield and his nephews Fili and Kili. Bolg was killed by Beorn.

[with added information from Nènuwen on 09/6/03]
Encyclopedia entry originally written by admin