We knew after our first looks at Bofur, Bombur and Bifur, as well as the released photos of  Oin and Gloin and Dori, Nori and Ori that it wouldn’t be long until we got our first glance at these dwarf lords.

Brothers Balin and Dwalin (played by Ken Stott and Graham McTavish respectively) play prominent roles in the coming Peter Jackson epic The Hobbit as the first dwarves to arrive at Bilbo’s house to assist him in his quest.

TIME magazine has provided this first look at the pair, along with a brief passage explaining who they are and what they stand for.

Dwarf Lords in their own right, Balin and Dwalin are close relatives of Thorin. Beyond this, these brothers are two of his most loyal and trusted friends.

An old warrior, Balin has lived through hard times and fought many battles, yet he harbors doubts about the wisdom of the Quest to retake the Lonely Mountain.

Dwalin has no such forebodings – his belief in Thorin’s leadership is unshakeable. A powerful and bruising fighter, with a natural tendency to distrust anyone who is not a Dwarf, particularly anyone who might be an Elf, Dwalin is not someone to cross lightly.

I’m just hoping that they still play the viol.

So what do you think? Has this recent surge of pictures quelled your thirst for The Hobbit?