Timeline Event
Dale destroyed in the Sack of Erebor
Event Type: Military/Strategic
Age: 3rd Age - The Stewards
Year: 2770
Description:
An event in the Sack of Erebor:
So the rumour of the wealth of Erebor spread abroad and reached the ears of the dragons, and at last Smaug the Golden, greatest of the dragons of his day, arose and without warning came against King Thrór and descended on the Mountain in flames. It was not long before all that realm was destroyed, and the town of Dale near by was ruined and deserted; but Smaug entered into the Great Hall and lay there upon a bed of gold.
The Return of the King, LoTR Appendix A, Annals of the Kings and Rulers: Durin's Folk
... from a good way off we saw the dragon settle on our mountain in a spout of flame. Then he came down the slopes and when he reached the woods they all went up in fire. By that time all the bells were ringing in Dale and the warriors were arming. ... The river rushed up in steam and a fog fell on Dale, and in the fog the dragon came on them and destroyed most of the warriors.... Then he went back and crept in through the Front Gate and routed out all the halls ... Later he used to crawl out of the great gate and come by night to Dale, and carry away people, especially maidens, to eat, until Dale was ruined, and all the people dead or gone.
The Hobbit, Ch 1, An Unexpected Party
Contributors:
Elena Tiriel 9Jan05