A king there was in days of old Before the darkness grey and cold Upon his throne the runes were bright His helm was shining in the night There was once a long, long time ago Before the sun and moon we know When hills were young and mountains tall Before the night and shadowfall A king there was in the dawn of days His fame and glory still ablaze His deeds became song and tale Legends speak of might and fame His halls were dark, tall and grim Above the forest, glade and hill The glory was carved in stone Before the night and shadowfall A king there was on carven throne With runes of power upon the door His halls were dark, tall and grim Above the forest, glade and hill But long ago the beast has come Wings of darkness covered the sun From the deep and dark, fire and flame The curse of yore, the durin's bane