A dwarf, Father of the fathers of the Longbeards, and founder of Khazad-dûm.

Durin awoke in Mount Gundabad after the awakening of the Elves though whether before or after the Chaining of Melkor is not stated. First of the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves, and the most revered, he woke alone, but over time, gathered to him a Folk from dwarves that wandered in those lands. His people thrived and spread from Gundabad throughout the Ered Mithrin and the Iron Hills and down the eastern side of the Misty Mountains. Durin led some of them south until he discovered Khazad-dûm and founded the great mines and halls that were later known as Moria.

Durin lived to a great age and was called Durin the Deathless, but he died eventually, before the end of the Elder Days and was laid to rest in Khazad-dûm. His line endured and five later Kings of the Longbeards were named Durin, and were so like him that some said he had returned, and was truly deathless. It was also believed that one day a seventh Durin would be the last.

Note: Additional information from Cirdaneth.
Encyclopedia entry originally written by tsproffitt