"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is full of amazing characters, including ones we've grown up with and loved for decades and ones that we're only just starting to get to know. But there's one incredible force of nature who's recently begun to take the Internet by storm -- and it's not Finn, or Poe, or Rey, or Han Solo, or even emo Kylo Ren. You remember this guy -- how could you forget him? When Finn is forced to fend off against his former comrades in arms while escaping the ruins of Maz Kanata's tavern, one stormtrooper gets his attention by loudly calling him a traitor (Okay, it's more like "TRAITOR!!!!"), and then it is on. Not only does the guy throw way his shield and blaster like they are just as dead to him as Finn now is, but then he whips out the most nonsensical and aw-inspiring melee weapon ever conceived of in the history of the franchise. And it's even resistance to lightsabers! Unfortunately this amazing standout stormtrooper was too close to beating Finn in one-on-one combat, and so Han solo had to shoot him in the face.
But since the movie hit theaters earlier this month -- and even before, since he'd appeared in a few of the TV spots and other advertisements -- he's become all anyone can talk about. Like you, many fans demand to know -- what's this guy's deal? Did he know Finn? Did he personally feel betrayed by Finn leaving the First Order or was it simply a matter of principle? Are all stormtroopers trained to use that riot baton or is he just extra special? And most importantly, how can we make literally as many jokes as we can about him? Some are even saying he's a better breakout character than Captain Phasma, which is perfectly ridiculous if you ask us (she's Gwendoline Christie and she's made of CHROME). But still, there's something to be said for how this guy rose to infamy so immediately. Officially he's known as a Riot Control Stormtrooper, but the Internet has deemed fit to give him a new name based on his single word of dialogue: T8-TR. And obviously, all of us are obsessed with his spin.
If you, too, are a fan of TR-8R, then you're in luck! It's almost as if Lucasfilm and all of its toy licensors realized how much people would love this nameless, faceless riot controller, because there's already a bunch of merch of him, including an action figure, a Pop! Vinyl, a LEGO minifig, and even a Sideshow collectible Hot Toy. Many fans are even clamoring to see more of the guy, which is a bit weird considering that he's very likely dead. But you never know; long before memes were even a thing, "Lord Of The Rings" fans lost their minds over a minor non-speaking elf in "The Fellowship Of The Ring" (coincidentally played by Brett of McKenzie "Flight Of The Conchords"), and then he became so popular that director Peter Jackson brought him back several times in "LOTR" and in "The Hobbit." He's even a playable character in the LEGO game. So don't be afraid to loudly proclaim your love for this single stormtrooper to the world, because it might just save his life! -- Or, at the very least, inspire a prequel comic.
And clearly he loves you right back, or he wouldn't be so freakin' awesome in the first place. James Fisher for Warner Brothers Official Description: As a young Dwarf prince, Thorin witnessed the destruction and terror wrought when a great fire-breathing Dragon attacked the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. After slaughtering many of Thorin’s kin, the great serpent, Smaug, entered The Lonely Mountain and took possession of its vast store of gold and jewels. No-one came to the aid of the surviving Dwarves, and thus, a once proud and noble race was forced into exile. Through long years of hardship, Thorin grew to be a strong and fearless fighter and revered leader. In his heart a fierce desire grew; a desire to reclaim his homeland and destroy the beast that had brought such misery upon his people. So when fate offers him an unusual ally, he seizes the chance for revenge. TheOneRing.net Description: Thorin Oakenshield’s story is one of great daring, pride, revenge, and tragedy. Thorin II hails from a direct royal lineage (the House of Durin) traceable all the way back to the original Seven Fathers of the Dwarves.
His clan is also known as the Longbeards. Thorin’s early years at the Lonely Mountain (Erebor) give The Hobbit its foundational plot and all that happens therein comes from his efforts to avenge the wrongs against his House. At the age of 24, Thorin witnessed the arrival of the dragon Smaug and the slaying of his kin (T.A. 2770). The tragic memory was burned permanently into Thorin’s heart. Twenty-nine years later he fought valiantly against the Orcs beneath the East-gate of Moria at the Battle of Azanulbizar, where he earned the surname “Oakenshield” by using a great oak-branch in a pinch as both shield and weapon. For the next century Thorin lived with the dwarves of the Blue Mountains (Ered Luin) just west of the Shire, where he became King of Durin’s Folk after his father Thráin’s disappearance. This living situation was considered untenable by the House of Durin, most acutely felt by Thorin, who called it “poor lodgings in exile.” His desire to seek the vast wealth of Erebor and reclaim it from the dragon was augmented by Gandalf, who promised Thorin the perfect “burglar” to assist.
In T.A. 2941 Thorin moved forward with his scheme, bringing twelve dwarves with him (several related directly, such as his young cousins Fíli and Kíli) to Bilbo Baggins’ front door. The Quest of Erebor had begun. Analysis: The role of Thorin Oakenshield was previously voiced by Hans Conried in the 1977 Rankin/Bass animated adaptation of The Hobbit. Thorin exhibits the most common (and perhaps endearing) traits with which Tolkien imbued his Dwarven race. He was obstinate, willful, yet very strong – characteristics that placed Thorin deeply in peril as much as they helped save him during their journey. Bilbo learns much of the outside world by attentively listening to Thorin’s passion, stories, and songs. Though they seem to have little in common, the two slowly learn to appreciate each other as they brave many hardships. Thorin’s efforts to secure his rightful place on the throne ultimately leads to a new era for Durin’s Folk in Exile. In his published Letters (No. 297), Tolkien defends the cultivation of dwarf-names from the traditional Norse poem, the Völuspá.
He notes that although the names of Thorin and Company derive from the well-known epic poem, the actual histories of these characters in his own Middle-earth are his unique invention. The Professor states that: “In Völuspá, Eikinskjaldi rendered Oakenshield is a separate name, not a nickname; and the use of the name as a surname and the legend of its origin will not be found in Norse.” “We are met together in the house of our friend and fellow conspirator, this most excellent and audacious hobbit – may the hair on his toes never fall out!” “I like six eggs with my ham, when starting on a journey: fried not poached, and mind you don’t break ’em.” Nothing was further from our thoughts than inconveniencing goblins in any way whatever.” (to the Great Goblin) “A feast would be no good, if we never got back alive from it.” “I am Thorin son of Thráin son of Thrór King under the Mountain! (to the Lake-town assembly) “There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West.”