Dwarves

J.R.R. Tolkien Forum

I'm not going to hide it, I have a certain love for the Dwarves of Tolkien, more specifically Durins line. I don't know why but I love the way they are portrayed in the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, I prefer them in that to the Silmarillion (Kill Mim ).

Anyway I'm just seeing if I am the only one who likes the Dwarves of Tolkien.

And (off topic here) is it just me or does this look like Ozzy Osborne

Dwarves are an interesting race to be sure (well all of tolkien's races were). I like their stubborn loyalty. a good trait to have in an ally.

I have to say, the dwarf race is my least favorite of them all. I just can't relate to their struggles or culture.

I don't care for the dwarves. They are not my favorite race.

Well I have to say that Dwarves are my favorite of Tolkiens races with the Hobbits and Elves coming a close second and Third respectively.

I relate to the struggles of the Dwarves very well. They were driven out of their home in Khazad-Dum, Belegost and Nogrod sank beneath the sea (where the Grey heavens are), they made a home in the Grey mountains before being driven out by dragons and then the went separate ways. Some went to Ered Luin, some went to the Iron Fields and some went to Erebor. Then Erebor was taken by Smaug and they were forced to become wandering-folk or work in the less-rich mine of Ered Luin.

Then Thror tried to take Kazad-Dum and was killed by Azog, thus beginning the 100 year war of Dwarves and Orcs, in which the Orcs were all but wiped out and the Dwarves suffered heavy losses. Thrain was then tortured in Dol Guldor after he tried to re-take Erebor from Smaug and die a wondering witless fool in Mirkwood. Then you come to the tale of the Hobbit with Thorin and Company. then there is the battle of Dale in which Dain Ironfoot was killed at the gates of Erebor with king Brand of Dale, leaving Thorin Stonehelm to hold th fort as it were.

This is from The Silmarillion, Chapter 2 (Of Aule and Yavanna)

It is told that in their beginning the Dwarves were made by Aule in the darkness of Middle-earth; for so greatly did Aule desire the coming of the Children, to have learners to who he could teach his lore and his crafts, that he was unwilling to await the fulfilment of the designs of Iluvatar. And Aule made the Dwarves even as they still are, because the forms of the Children who were to come were unclear to his mind, and because the power of Melkor was yet over the Earth; and he wished therefore that they should be strong and unyielding. But fearing that the other Valar might blame his work, he wrought in secret: and he made the first of the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves in a hall under the mountains of Middle-earth.

If you have not read Silmarillion, here is some necessary vocabulary to help you understand my last post:

Aule-A Vala, one of the Aratar, the smith and master of crafts
Vala-A god
Aratar-The eight most powerful Valar
Children-Elves and Men, created by Iluvatar
Iluvatar-Father of All, The "One", The Creator
Melkor-Also known as Morgoth, the first Dark Lord

Well, let me sum up the next couple paragraphs in this chapter.

Iluvatar was not happy with Aule because Iluvatar is the Creator. Aule did not have the authority to make a people. The Children of Iluvatar (Elves and Men) were supposed to be the first people on Middle-earth. Aule explained to Iluvatar that he made the Dwarves out of love and admitted his mistake with being impatient for the Children to come. Iluvatar showed mercy in not destroying the Dwarves but told Aule to lay them to rest until the Firstborn (Elves) were brought to Earth.

Wow thanks for all the info Heather I have to say I do like the dwarves myself, I just love how they were so stubborn..something I can relate too

From Silmarillion, Chapter 2

Quote

Since they were to come in the days of the power of Melkor, Aule made the Dwarves strong to endure. Therefore they are stone-hard, stubborn, fast in friendship and in enmity, and they suffter toil and hunger and hurt of body more hardily than all other speaking peoples; and they live long, far beyond the span of Men, yet not for ever.