Difference between revisions of "Dwarf" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Category:Politics and social sciences]]
 
[[Category:Politics and social sciences]]
 
[[Category:Anthropology]]
 
[[Category:Anthropology]]
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[[Category:Mythical creatures]]
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{{dablink|This page is about the legendary race, for the medical condition see [[dwarfism]]}}
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[[Image:Men hur kommer man in i berget, frågade tomtepojken.jpg|thumb|225px|''Men hur kommer man in i berget, frågade tomtepojken'' ("But how do I get into the mountain?" the young dwarf asked.) by [[John Bauer]]]]
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A '''dwarf''' is a [[mythical creature]], appearing most frequently in [[Norse mythology]]. Humanoid in form, but short and stocky, they are connected with the Earth and are often said to be [[mining|miners]], [[engineering|engineers]], and craftsmen. The Dwarf is also common in Germanic mythologies, [[fairy tale]]s, [[fantasy fiction]], and [[role-playing game]]s, and recently were made popular by the collective works of twentieth century fantasy author [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]. 
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{{toc}}
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The dwarf is an example of creatures who have some mystery attached to them, some ability or nature that transcends the known world, suggesting the existence of creatures and a world beyond this physical realm. Perhaps they originate in real people, those suffering from [[dwarfism]], or simply people from distant lands with different appearance and skills. Whatever their origin, the dwarf's existence today plays a role in expanding the imagination, towards a world beyond the external and material.
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==Etymology==
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The word '''dwarf''' appears in numerous forms in the old languages of [[Europe]]: In [[Middle Dutch language|Middle Dutch]] is is ''dwerch,'' in [[Dutch language|contemporary Dutch]] it appears as ''dwerg;'' in [[Old High German language|Old High German]] it is ''twerg,'' while in [[Middle High German language|Middle High German]] it is ''dwerch'' or ''dwarch.'' And in [[Old Frisian language|Old Frisian]] it appears as ''dwirg.'' The contemporary [[English language|English]] spelling comes from the [[Old English language|Old English]] ''dweorg'' or ''dweorh.''<ref>Oxford English Dictionary. (Oxford Press, 1971, ISBN 019861117X)</ref>
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The plural form, '''dwarfs,''' has been traced to the seventeenth century. The alternate plural, '''dwarves,''' has been recorded in the early eighteenth century, but was not generally accepted until used by [[Philology|philologist]] [[J. R. R. Tolkien]] in his fantasy novel, ''[[The Hobbit]].''  Neither is the historical plural: "dwarf" was pluralized '''dwarrow''' in Anglo-Saxon.<ref>Humphrey Carpenter, (ed.), ''The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien'' (Mariner Books, 2000, ISBN 0618056998)</ref> Although ''dwarrow'' has passed from the language, both "dwarfs" and "dwarves" are in current use. Many grammarians prefer "dwarfs," many fantasies prefer "dwarves." The form "dwarfs" is generally used for human beings affected by [[dwarfism]]; the form "dwarves" is used for the mythical people described by Tolkien and other authors.
  
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==Description==
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[[Image:Ring35.jpg|thumb|right|200 px|The dwarf Reginn depicted by [[Arthur Rackham]]]]
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Generally dwarves are described as shorter than humans, about the height of a three-year old human child (approximately three feet tall), ugly, big-headed, stockier, and hairier, and usually sporting full [[beard]]s. Though slow runners and poor riders, dwarves are said to be excellent warriors and defenders of their strongholds. They prefer to live underground and/or in [[mountain]]ous areas.
  
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{{unreliable}}
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Dwarves are often reputed to have accumulated [[treasure]]s of [[gold]], [[silver]], and [[precious stone]]s, and to pass their time in fabricating costly weapons and [[armor]]. {{readout||left|250px|Dwarves are famed [[mining{{!}}miner]]s and [[metalsmith]]s, and some [[myth]]s suggest they have the ability to [[forging{{!}}forge]] [[magic]]al items.}}They are famed [[mining|miner]]s and [[metalsmith|smith]]s, although, like humans, they specialize in any number of trades. Some literature ascribes to dwarves the ability to see in the dark and other adaptations for living underground. Some myths suggest that dwarves have the ability to forge [[magic]]al items. In [[Norse mythology]], for instance, dwarvish smiths created some of the greatest and most powerful items of power, including the magic chain [[Gleipnir]] that bound the [[wolf]], [[Fenris]], as well as [[Mjolnir]], the hammer of [[Thor]].
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{{dablink|This page is about the legendary race, for the medical condition see [[dwarfism]]}}
 
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[[Image:Men hur kommer man in i berget, frågade tomtepojken.jpg|thumb|200px|''Men hur kommer man in i berget, frågade tomtepojken'' ("But how do I get into the mountain?" the young dwarf asked.) by [[John Bauer]]]]
 
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A '''dwarf''' is a short, stocky humanoid creature in [[Norse mythology]] as well as other Germanic mythologies, [[fairy tale]]s, [[fantasy fiction]] and [[role-playing game]]s.
 
  
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The plural form '''dwarfs''' has been traced to the 17th century. The alternate plural '''dwarves''' has been recorded in the early 18th century, but was not generally accepted until used by [[Philology|Philologist]] [[J. R. R. Tolkien]] in his fantasy novel ''[[The Hobbit]]''.  Neither is the historical plural: ''dwarf'' was pluralized '''dwarrow''' in Anglo-Saxon.<ref>Carpenter, Humphrey (ed.), 1981, ''The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien,'' p. 23</ref> Although ''dwarrow'' has passed from the language, both ''dwarfs'' and ''dwarves'' are in current use. Many grammarians prefer ''dwarfs,'' many fantasists prefer ''dwarves.'' The form ''dwarfs'' is generally used for real people affected by [[dwarfism]]; the form ''dwarves'' is used for the mythical people described by Tolkien and others.
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== Possible origins ==
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Stories of dwarves may have a historical background: During the [[Bronze Age]], [[tin]] miners from southern and south-eastern Europe slowly migrated northwest, since the relatively rare tin, which is needed to make [[bronze]], was more common in the north. Being southerners, they generally were of shorter stature than northern Europeans and had darker skin, hair, and beards. Their knowledge of [[metallurgy]] might have seemed magical to the northerners, whose lifestyle was still [[neolithic]]; the southerners' superior weapons and armor might well have been perceived as enchanted. This would explain why stories of dwarves are especially common in Northern Europe, and also why dwarves are portrayed as workers, while few other mythological creatures seem to be associated with any kind of organized industry.
  
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In mythology, Dwarves are much like [[human]]s, but generally prefer to live underground and/or in [[mountain]]ous areas.  Some literature and games ascribe to dwarves the ability to see in the dark and other adaptations for living underground.  Here they have accumulated [[treasure]]s of [[gold]], [[silver]], and [[precious stone]]s, and pass their time in fabricating costly weapons and [[armour]].  They are famed [[miner]]s and smiths although, like humans, they specialise in any number of trades.  Generally shorter than humans, they are on average stockier and hairier, usually sporting full [[beard]]s.  Though slow runners and poor riders, dwarves are said to be excellent warriors and defenders of their strongholds. Some myths and games also ascribe to dwarves the ability to forge magical items.  In Norse mythology, for instance, dwarvish smiths created some of the greatest and most powerful items of power, including the magic chain [[Gleipnir]] that bound the [[wolf]], [[Fenris]] as well as [[Mjolnir]], the hammer of Thor.
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More generally, the [[pygmy|pygmies]] of [[Africa]], the short [[Inuit]]s, [[Sami]] (Lapps), the Asian [[Dropa]] pygmies of [[Tibet]], short rain forest natives, people with [[dwarfism]], and similarly short people may have had a hand in the origin of dwarf legends. Another origin might go back to [[hunter-gatherer]] times, when perhaps only those with physical defects would be available to do anything other than [[hunting]] and gathering. Those with dwarfism might become permanent craftsmen, and an association between crafting and dwarfism might have developed.
  
 
== Mythology and folklore ==
 
== Mythology and folklore ==
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''For [[Norse dwarves]] specifically, see that article.''
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[[Image:Dwarves Before Stone by Frølich.jpg|thumb|250 px|right|Dwarves before their stone doors during the onset of Ragnarök as attested in ''Völuspá'']]
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In [[Norse mythology]], dwarves are highly significant entities associated with stones, the underground, and [[forging]]. Apart from the [[Edda]]s, they notably appear in the [[fornaldarsaga]]s. They seem to be interchangeable, and may be identical, with the ''[[svartálfar]]'' (black elves), and sometimes the [[troll]]s (compare also with ''[[vetter]],'' a class of beings from later [[Scandinavian folklore]]). The [[Völuspá]] divides the dwarves into what may be three [[tribe]]s, lead by, respectively, ''[[Mótsognir]],'' their first ruler; secondly ''[[Durinn]],'' and finally ''[[Dvalin]]n,'' who according to the [[Hávamál]] brought them the art of [[Runic alphabet|rune]] writing.
  
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Dwarves are known as Härdmandle, pl. Härdmändlene, (lit. "little Earth-men") in [[Swiss]], and Kröpel (lit. Earth-men) in [[German language|German]]. They are described as being about the height of a 3-year old human child (about 3 feet tall), ugly and big-headed.  [[Nidavellir]] is the land of the dwarves in Norse mythology. Some dwarves of mythology and fairy tales include: [[Rumpelstiltskin]], the dwarves from ''[[Snow White]]'', [[Dvalin]], Lit, [[Fjalar and Galar]], [[Alvis]], [[Eitri]], [[Brokkr]], [[Hreidmar]], [[Alfrik]], Berling, Grer, [[Fafnir]], [[Otr]], [[Regin]] (rarely given as [[Mimir]]), [[Andvari]] (or [[Alberich]]), and [[Gimli (Middle-earth)|Gimli]].
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The dwarves are said to have come into existence while [[Odin]] and his brothers [[Vili]] and [[Vé]] fabricated the world from the corpse of the cosmic [[jotun|giant]], [[Ymir]]. They [[spontaneous generation|spontaneously generated]], as [[maggot]]s were thought to, in the dead flesh (earth or stone). The gods later gifted them with intelligence and human-like appearance. So it is said in the ''[[Völuspá]]:''  
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=== The creation of dwarves in Norse mythology ===
 
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"Then the gods set themselves in their high-seats and held counsel. They remembered how the dwarves had quickened in the mould of the earth like [[maggot]]s in flesh. The dwarves had first been created and had quickened in [[Ymir]]'s flesh, and were then maggots; but now, by the decision of the gods, they got the understanding and likeness of men, but still had to dwell in the earth and in rocks. Modsogner was one dwarf and Durin another. So it is said in  
 
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the ''[[Völuspá]]'':
 
 
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{|
 
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:mörg um gørðu,   
 
:mörg um gørðu,   
 
:dvergar, ór jörðu,   
 
:dvergar, ór jörðu,   
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:sem Durinn sagði.([http://www.hi.is/~eybjorn/ugm/vsp3.html standardised])    
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:sem Durinn sagði.   
 
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:Then sought the gods                 
 
:Then sought the gods                 
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:of men they made,
 
:of men they made,
 
:The dwarves in the earth,         
 
:The dwarves in the earth,         
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:as Durin said." ([http://www.northvegr.org/lore/poetic/001_01.php#1 Bellow's translation])
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:as Durin said."  
 
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<!--This is a nice text, but what has it to do with the creation of dwarves?
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[[Image:Freyja in the dwarfs' cave.jpg|thumb|left|200 px|Freyja in the dwarfs' cave]]
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:For then also in the country
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In Norse mythology dwarves are mostly seen as selfish, greedy, and cunning. They are skilled metal-workers and the makers of most of the artifacts of the [[god]]s, both [[Æsir]] and [[Vanir]]. Among their most famous creations are the spear [[Gungnir]], and the golden ring, [[Draupnir]], of [[Odin]]; [[Mjolnir]], the hammer of [[Thor]]; the golden hair of [[Sif]]; [[Freyja]]'s necklace, [[Brísingamen]]; and even the ship [[Skíðblaðnir]] of [[Freyr]]. The dwarves also fabricated a certain kind of [[helmet]], called ''huliðshjálmr'' (concealing helmet), or sometimes a [[cloak]], with which they could make themselves invisible. They are also vengeful and ''[[Hervarar saga]]'' relates that when king [[Svafrlami]] had forced the dwarves [[Dvalin]] and [[Durin]] to forge the magic sword [[Tyrfing]], the dwarves cursed it so it would bring death to Svafrlami and cause three evil deeds. In ''[[Ynglingatal]],'' it is told how King [[Sveigder]] is lured into a stone by a dwarf.
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:The good Dwarflings still kept house;
 
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:Small in form, but highly gifted,
 
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:And so kind and generous!"
 
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:- The Fairy Mythology [1870]—>
 
  
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=== Dwarves in Arthurian legend ===
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In [[Scandinavia]] the origin of the dwarfs was similar to Norse mythology, however the creatures were inter-changeable with [[troll]]s. They were sometimes referred to as ''Ebeltoft,'' or "hill-people," because they were said to live in the hills and mountains. They often appeared in [[ballad]]s throughout Scandinavia, such as in ''Eline af Villenskov,'' ''Sir Thynne,'' and the ''Heimskringla,'' where they are described as friendly creatures that are often kind towards humans, incredibly wealthy and rich, but also very ugly.<ref>Thomas Keightley. [http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/tfm/tfm026.htm Scandinavia: Dwarfs or Trolls.] Retrieved August 8, 2007 </ref>
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Though most dwarves in the Arthurian romances of [[Chrétien de Troyes]] seem to be short humans, there is a reference to a kingdom or kingdoms of dwarves (suggesting a non-human race) in [[Erec and Enide|"Erec and Enide."]] The following passage is from Carleton W. Carroll's translation.
 
  
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:"The lord of the dwarves came next, Bilis, king of the Antipodes. The man of whom I'm speaking was indeed a dwarf and full brother of Bliant. Bilis was the smallest of all the dwarves, and Bliant his brother the largest of all the knights in the kingdom by half a foot or a full hands'-breadth. To display his power and authority Bilis brought in his company two kings who were dwarves, who held their land by his consent, Gribalo and Glodoalan, people looked at them with wonder. When they arrived at court, they were very cordially welcomed; at court all three were honoured and served like kings, for they were very noble men."
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German dwarfs are more mysterious than the others. They often shy away from human contact, choosing to stay in their underground dwellings, although they occasionally will test a human, and if they are able to gain their trust, the dwarf will reward the human with a treasure. However, German dwarfs do not seem able to speak human language. Yet, most of the oral traditions involved humans encountering dwarfs. Both ''The Hill Man at the Dance'' and ''The Dwarfs Feast'' tells of a dwarf presenting a human with an allegorical treasure, while ''The Dwarf Stealing Corn'' and ''The Dwarf Borrowing Bread'' are anecdotal stories that revolve around their mischievous behavior.<ref>Thomas Keightley, [http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/tfm/tfm071.htm Germany.] Retrieved August 8, 2007 </ref>
  
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More ambigious are the dwarfs found in attendance on ladies in [[Romance (genre)|romances]]. Although these might be humans afflicted with dwarfism, who were often kept as curiosities by courts and nobles of the era, the ladies are often of uncertain origin themselves; many enchantresses were in original stories [[fairy|fairies]], and their attendants might likewise be nonhuman.<ref>Katharine Briggs, "Dwarfs," ''An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Brownies, Boogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures'' (Pantheon Books, 1976), p. 115. ISBN 0-394-73467-X</ref>
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==Dwarves in Fiction==
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Dwarves have made appearances in [[Europe]]an stories and [[folklore]] for centuries. Often times they were depicted as mischievous, elusive creatures, akin to [[faerie]]s. Other times they were viewed as working for humans as craftsmen and [[engineer]]s. More ambiguous are the dwarfs found in attendance on ladies in [[Romance (genre)|romances]]. Although these might be humans afflicted with [[dwarfism]] who were often kept as curiosities by courts and nobles of the era, the ladies were often of uncertain origin themselves. Many enchantresses were fairies, and their attendants might likewise have been non-human.<ref>Katharine Briggs, "Dwarfs," ''An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Brownies, Boogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures'' (Pantheon Books, 1976, ISBN 039473467X)</ref> In a way, this depiction of dwarves led into their usage in [[fairy tale]]s, the two most famous being, ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'' and ''Rumpelstiltskin.''
  
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=== Other mythological beings characterised by shortness ===
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=== Tolkien's dwarves ===
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The works of the most famous fantasy author of the twentieth century, [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], are a staple in the contemporary world of [[fantasy]], and as such are often imitated. Modern day perceptions of dwarves derive mostly from Tolkien's cosmology. Tolkein's Dwarves were created by [[Aulë]], one of the [[Vala (Middle-earth)|Valar]], when he grew impatient waiting for the coming of [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. [[Ilúvatar]] (who represents [[God]]) gave them life after speaking to Aulë about what he had done and seeing that he was both humble and repentant.
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Finns had folklore about different kinds of small beings. Sometimes small creatures appeared from the sea and achieved miraculous deeds, which nobody else could do. There were also tales about the folk or race of creatures called [[Hiisi]]. Hiisis were usually evil and small in size. Prehistoric stone structures were said to have been built by Hiisis and [[giant]]s.
 
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Other similar mythological creatures include:
 
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* underground or secluded: mine [[kobold]]s (German), [[gnome]]s (alchemy), [[Kallikantzaroi]] (Modern Greek), knockers (Cornish&mdash;see [[Pasty]]), [[huldufólk]] (Icelandic)  
 
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* house spirits: [[vetter]] (Scandinavian, including the [[tomte]]), [[Brownie (elf)|Brownie]]s (British), [[Domovoi]] (Slavic), [[Krasnoludek]] and [[Krasnal]] (Polish)
 
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* others: [[pygmies]] (Classical Greek), [[Hacker (folklore)|Hackers]] (Sweden), [[leprechaun]]s (Irish), [[menehune]] (Polynesian), [[Ebu Gogo]] (Indonesian), [[Bes]] (an ancient Egyptian god).
 
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=== Dwarf places ===
 
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'''The Dwarves' Cavern''' (in [[Hasel]], [[Germany]]) was supposedly once home to many dwarves. This legend gives the cavern its name.
 
  
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'''Harz Mountains''' (in [[Germany]]): On the north and south sides of the Harz mountains, and in areas of the Hohenstein region, there once lived many thousands of dwarves according to local tradition. In the clefts of the cliffs, the dwarf caves still exist.  
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Dwarves in Tolkien's works are long-lived, living nearly four times the age of humans (about 250 years), but are not prolific breeders, having children rarely and spaced far apart, and having few women among them. A point of interest comes from the allusion of Tolkien to female dwarves having beards, which was borrowed by other writers. Tolkien writes his dwarf-women are "in voice and appearance, and in garb if they must go on a journey, so like to dwarf-men that the eyes and ears of the other peoples cannot tell them apart."<ref>J.R.R. Tolkien, ''The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, Part 3)'' (Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1967, ISBN 0395082560)</ref> In later writings, Tolkien directly states that his female dwarves have beards "from the beginning of their lives", as do the males.<ref> J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), ''The War of the Jewels: The Later Silmarillion, Part Two (The History of Middle-Earth, Vol. 11)'' (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1994, ISBN 0395710413)</ref>
  
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'''Tyre''' (in [[Lebanon]]): In ancient Jewish scriptures, dwarves were numerous in the towers of the fortresses of [[Tyre (Lebanon)|Tyre]].
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Dwarvish children are cherished by their parents, and are defended at all costs from their traditional enemies, such as [[Orc]]s. A long-standing enmity between Dwarves and [[Elf|Elves]] is also a staple of the racial conception.
  
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=== Folk tales (and similar stories) featuring dwarves ===
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===Contemporary Dwarves===
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The Adventures of Billy McDaniel, Aid & Punishment, Bottile Hill, Chamois-Hunter, The Cobbler and the Dwarfs, Curiosity Punished, Dwarf in Search of Lodging, Dwarf-Husband, Dwarf's Banquet, Dwarves Borrowing Bread, Dwarf's Feast, Dwarves on the Tree, Dwarves Stealing Corn, Dwarf-Sword [[Tirfing]], The Field of Ragwort, Fir Cones, Freddy and his Fiddle, Friendly Dwarves, Gertrude and Rosy, The Girl Who Picked Strawberries, [[The Hazel-nut Child]], The Hill-Man at the Dance, History of Dwarf Long Nose, Journey of Dwarves Over the Mountain, Knurremurre, Laird O' Co', Little Mukra, Loki & the Dwarf, Lost Bell, Nihancan & Dwarf's Arrow, Nutcracker Dwarf, Rejected Gift, [[Snow-White and Rose-Red]], [[Rumpelstiltskin]], The Silver Bell, Sir Thynnè, The Skipper and the Dwarfs, Smith Riechert, [[Snow White]], The Story of Maia, Thorston & the Dwarf, [[The Three Little Men in the Wood]], Thumbkin, Timimoto, Wonderful Little Pouch, [[The Yellow Dwarf]]
 
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=== Possible origins ===
 
 
[[Image:Dwarf.jpg|thumb|A modern depiction of a dwarf]]
 
[[Image:Dwarf.jpg|thumb|A modern depiction of a dwarf]]
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Stories of dwarves may have a historical background: during the [[Bronze Age]], [[tin]] miners from southern and south-eastern Europe slowly migrated northwest, since the relatively rare tin, which is needed to make [[bronze]], was more common in the north. Being southerners, they generally were of shorter stature than northern Europeans and had darker skin, hair and beards. Their knowledge of [[metallurgy]] might have seemed magical to the northerners, whose lifestyle was still [[neolithic]]; the southerners' superior weapons and armour might well have been perceived as enchanted. This would explain why stories of dwarves are especially common in Northern Europe, and also why dwarves are portrayed as workers, while few other mythological creatures seem to be associated with any kind of organized industry.
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Many modern views of dwarves have been inspired by Tolkien's works. The typical fantasy dwarf is, like the original dwarves, short in stature, long-bearded and skilled at [[mining]] and [[metallurgy]]. They are often depicted as having a low affinity for most magical abilities and/or a resistance to [[magic]]. In some stories, dwarves have a bad reputation for stealing treasure. Other characteristics of dwarves include long (but mortal) life, antipathy to Elves and distrust to other races.  
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More generally, the [[pygmy|pygmies]] of Africa, the short [[Eskimo]]s, [[Sami people|Sami]] (Lapps), the Asian [[Dropa]] pygmies of Tibet, short rainforest natives, people with [[dwarfism]], and similarly short people may have had a hand in the origin of dwarf legends in many countries.
 
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The field of Depth Psychology has suggested that dwarfs are most frequently psychological symbols of what Carl G. Jung termed the "Shadow."  The Shadow is the portion of the human psyche which contains personalities, behaviors, and/or events that have been suppressed by consciousness in the unconscious in a personal, societal, or collective manner. <!--What does this mean, anyway?—>
 
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Another origin might go back to hunter-gatherer times, when only those with physical defects would be available to do anything other than hunting and gathering. Those with dwarfism might be stuck as permanent craftsmen, and an association between crafting, and dwarfism might have developed.
 
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==Dwarves and the Orange Alternative==
 
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[[Image:Krasnal-Wroclaw-ulSwidnicka.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The Dwarf - the symbol of the Orange Alternative - now has a statue in Wrocław (Breslau), Poland, in the place where all Dwarf happenings started.]]
 
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During the 1980s, behind the [[Iron Curtain]], in [[Poland]], the Dwarves entered into politics. This happened thanks to an underground artistic opposition movement known as the [[Orange Alternative]]. The Orange Alternative was created in 1981 by [[Waldemar Fydrych]] alias "Major," a graduate of history and art history at the University of [[Wrocław]]. He began his opposition activities by painting absurd dwarf graffiti on spots created by the authorities covering up anti-communist slogans.
 
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== Dwarves in modern fantasy fiction ==
 
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=== Tolkien's dwarves ===
 
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{{dablink|See [[Dwarf (Middle-earth)]]}}
 
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Traditionally, the plural of dwarf was ''"dwarfs"'', especially when referring to actual humans with [[dwarfism]], but ever since [[J. R. R. Tolkien]] used ''dwarves'' in his fantasy novel ''The Hobbit'', the subsequent''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (often published in three volumes), and the posthumously published ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', the plural forms ''"dwarfs"'' has been replaced by ''"dwarves"''. (When discussing Tolkien's universe, though, only the latter should be used.) Tolkien, who was fond of low [[Philology|philological]] jests, also suggested two other plural forms, '''dwarrows''' and '''dwerrows'''; but he never used them in his writings, apart from the name 'Dwarrowdelf', the Western name for Khazad-dûm or [[Moria (Middle-earth)|Moria]], which was, inside his fiction, a calque of the [[Westron]] name Phurunargian. His Dwarves' name for themselves was ''Khazâd'', singular probably ''Khuzd''.
 
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The Dwarves were created by [[Aulë]], one of the [[Vala (Middle-earth)|Valar]], when he grew impatient waiting for the coming of [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. [[Ilúvatar]] gave them life after speaking to Aulë about what he had done and seeing that he was both humble and repentant.
 
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Dwarves in Tolkien are long-lived, living nearly four times the age of man(about 250 years), but are not prolific breeders, having children rarely and spaced far apart, and having few women among them. Dwarvish children are cherished by their parents, and are defended at all costs from their traditional enemies, such as [[Orc (Middle-earth)|Orcs]]. A longstanding enmity between Dwarves and [[Elf (Middle-earth)|Elves]] is also a staple of the racial conception.
 
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Many modern views of dwarves have been inspired by Tolkien's works. An example of this is [[Christopher Paolini]]'s ''[[Eragon]]''. In both cases dwarves are small, stout, bearded men-like creatures who favor the mattok or battle axe as primary weapons. These dwarves also burrow in mountains, being very skilled miners and making entire civilizations under the mountains. In ''The Lord of the Rings'', one of these mine-civilizations is called Moria. In Eragon, a very similar civilization is called Farthen Dur.
 
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===Dwarves after Tolkien===
 
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Tolkien's immense popularity led to numerous imitators, and rewrites and reworkings of his plots were extremely common, as a bit of reading through the advertisements in the back of paperback fantasy books printed in around 1960–1980 will show. The Dwarves from the book ''The Hobbit'' became the fathers to hordes of dwarves that would follow, with their surly, somewhat suspicious demeanour passing to an entire race. Still, re-envisionings and creative reuses of the concept exist.
 
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====Dwarves in role-playing games====
 
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The [[Dwarf (Dungeons & Dragons)|Dwarves]] of the ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' [[role-playing game]] are closely derived from the Old Norse stereotype popularised by J. R. R. Tolkien, although a few unique variants on the theme exist. 
 
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In [[Warhammer Fantasy]], dwarves are miners and blacksmiths of great repute who live in massive halls beneath the mountains. In addition, they are consummate engineers who are often portrayed as having a very down-to-earth attitude.  Like most modern interpretations (originating with Tolkien and used in Dungeons and Dragons) dwarves have an antipathy against [[Elves]].
 
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In [[Earthdawn]], dwarves are one of the more widespread races. They generally have a lifespan of around 100-120 years and are great craftsmen. Appearance wise, they are around 4 feet tall, stocky and well muscled with short legs and slightly pointed ears.
 
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In ''[[Warcraft]]'' the [[Dwarf (Warcraft)|Dwarven]] archetype is taken to the extreme in emulating the highland miners of the British Isles replete with [[Scotland|Scottish]] accents and inhabitting the Brittonic sounding kingdom of Khaz Modan. 
 
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Dwarves in the [[Palladium Fantasy Role-Playing Game]] are also accomplished smiths, but their distrust of magic dates to the Elf-Dwarf War, where the Dwarves caused many atrocities by misusing magic.  Their descendants have since sworn to never use magic.
 
−
 
 
−
In the [[MMORPG]] [[Guild Wars]], Dwarves are a strong race that resides in the Shiverpeak Mountains, and are in the middle of a fierce civil war between the Deldrimor Dwarves, lead by the King Jalis Ironhammer, a powerful warrior who uses a mighty hammer, and the racist Stone Summit, who believe that only Dwarves are pure and worth living. They are lead by a powerful elementalist Dagnar Stonepate, who rides on a mighty ice [[drake]].
 
−
 
 
−
In [[The Elder Scrolls]] series of RPGs, the Dwarves are, in fact, a sub-race of elves known as the [[Dwemer]], or "Deep Ones." The name "Dwarves" was given to the Dwemer by a race of friendly giants the Dwemer were reputed to have encountered in the mountains to the west of [[Resdayn]]. In the case of the Dwemer, therefore, "Dwarf" is a misnomer, used commonly by the misinformed.
 
−
 
 
−
====Dwarves in Artemis Fowl====
 
−
In a rather more creative reworking, the ''[[Artemis Fowl]]'' series' dwarves act as a sort of earthworm, tunnelling through soil and loose rocks and getting nutrition thereby, excreting it just as fast as they eat it except when they need to build up pressure to break through a layer of solid rock. They are short, round, and hairy, have large tombstone teeth, unhingible jaws, sensitive beard hair, suction-cup-like pores, luminous and hardening spit, and are incredibly foul smelling. They are sensitive, intelligent, and have tendencies for being criminals. The most famous one is [[Mulch Diggums]]. Dwarves are, in some legends, said to have a third eyeball located just below the ribcage, in place of a navel. This was reportedly because they were omnipotent, and could see into one's soul. Dwarves are also known for loving gold and gems, tunnelling, and the dark. They are very sensitive to the sun and can burn in mere minutes. They absolutely hate fire.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Female dwarves ===
 
−
A long standing source of interest (and humour) comes from the allusion of Tolkien to female dwarves having [[bearded woman#In fiction|actual beards]] or simply disguising themselves as such. In addition to being rare creatures they are perhaps not often featured in many fantasy milieu for this reason. A more cynical suspicion is that female dwarves (unlike, say, female humans or [[elves]]) lack [[sex appeal]] and consequently are of little interest to fantasy fans. In Peter Jackson's ''The Two Towers'' film, Gimli and Éowyn have a conversation about them on their way to Helm's Deep. Gimli said: "it's true you don't see many dwarf women. And in fact, they're so alike us in voice and appearance that they're often mistaken for dwarf men." Tolkien comments further, paraphrased by Gimli in the movie, that "this has given rise to the foolish opinion among Men that there are no dwarf-women, and that dwarves 'grow out of stone' " (Gimli: "pop out of holes in the ground!... which is of course ridiculous"). In ''[[The Chronicles of Narnia]]'', in fact, [[C. S. Lewis]], who was a friend of Tolkien, described his Dwarfs [sic] as doing just this, and it is entirely possible that Tolkien was ribbing Lewis in making this point. Interestingly, though, Lewis' all-male Dwarfs are capable of mixing with humans to make half-Dwarfs, such as Doctor Cornelius, the tutor of [[Prince Caspian]].
 
−
 
 
−
In the [[MMORPG]] ''[[RuneScape]]'', female dwarves are as present in the game as the females of other races.
 
−
 
 
−
In Dungeons & Dragons, the status of beards on dwarven women varies by setting: In [[Greyhawk]], dwarven women grow beards but generally shave; in [[Forgotten Realms]] they grow [[sideburns]] but not beards or [[mustache]]s; and in [[Eberron]] they do not grow beards at all.
 
−
 
 
−
In the ''[[Discworld]]'' novels, [[Terry Pratchett]] says that this is a major problem for dwarves, and states that the point of dwarvish relationships is to 'tactfully find out which sex the other one is '
 
−
 
 
−
In the RPG [[Castle Falkenstein (role-playing game)|Castle Falkenstein]], all dwarves are male.  They marry with women from other Faerie races, such as Naiads or Selkies; their daughters are all members of their mother's race, and their sons are all dwarves. Given that the Naiads and Selkies are all female, this would appear to suggest that this is simply a marked example of [[sexual dimorphism]].
 
−
 
 
−
In a notable departure from convention, dwarven females in the Korea-produced [[Lineage II]] [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game|MMORPG]] are very comely, young-looking women (almost girls, actually), a shocking contrast to the grizzled, old look of male dwarves.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
==Modern fantasy with major roles for Dwarves==
 
−
*The ''[[Artemis Fowl]]'' series
 
−
*''[[The Chronicles of Narnia]]''
 
−
*The ''[[Discworld]]'' series
 
−
*''[[The Hobbit]]''
 
−
*''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (rather less so than the others listed here, but highly influential nonetheless)
 
−
*''[[Eragon]] and [[Eldest]]'' by [[Christopher Paolini]]. (Especially Eldest)
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
==Norse Dwarves==
 
−
In [[Norse mythology]], the '''dwarves'''  ([[Old Norse language|Old Norse]]: ''dvergar'', sing. ''dvergr'') are highly significant entities associated with stones, the underground and [[forging]]. Apart from the [[Edda]]s, they notably appear in the [[fornaldarsaga]]s. They seem to be interchangeable and may be identical with the ''[[svartálfar]]'' (black elves), and sometimes the [[troll]]s (compare also with ''[[vetter]]'', a class of beings from later [[Scandinavian folklore]]). The [[Völuspá]] divides the dwarves into what may be three [[tribe]]s, lead by respectively ''[[Mótsognir]]'', their first ruler; secondly ''[[Durinn]]'', and finally ''[[Dvalin]]n'', who according to the [[Hávamál]] brought them the art of [[Runic alphabet|rune]] writing.
 
−
 
 
−
== Origin ==
 
−
The dwarves came into existence while [[Odin]] and his brothers [[Vili]] and [[Vé]] fabricated the world from the corpse of the cosmic [[jotun|giant]] [[Ymir]]. They [[spontaneous generation|spontaneously generated]], as maggots were thought to, in the dead flesh (i.e. earth or stone). The gods later gifted them with intelligence and human-like appearance. The dwarves are described as being rather ugly to the human eye, although there is little to indicate that they were diminished at all from human size. They fear sunlight, which might even turn them into the stone from which they sprang. Their dwelling place is the underground realm of [[Nidavellir]], one of the nine worlds fixed to the world-tree [[Yggdrasil]] according to [[Norse cosmology]].
 
−
 
 
−
== Metal-working ==
 
−
They are mostly seen as selfish, greedy, and cunning. They are skilled metal-workers and the makers of most of the artifacts of the [[deity|gods]], both [[Æsir]] and [[Vanir]]. Among their most famous creations are the spear [[Gungnir]] and the golden ring [[Draupnir]] of Odin, [[Mjolnir]] the hammer of [[Thor]], the golden hair of [[Sif]], [[Freyja]]'s necklace [[Brísingamen]] and even the ship [[Skíðblaðnir]] of [[Freyr]]. The dwarves also fabricated a certain kind of [[helmet]], called ''huliðshjálmr'' (concealing helmet), or sometimes a [[cloak]], with which they could make themselves invisible. (Once more, ''cf''. [[wight]]s.)
 
−
 
 
−
They are also vengeful and ''[[Hervarar saga]]'' relates that when king [[Svafrlami]] had forced the dwarves [[Dvalin]] and [[Durin]] to forge the magic sword [[Tyrfing]], the dwarves cursed it so it would bring death to Svafrlami and cause three evil deeds. In ''[[Ynglingatal]]'' it is told how King [[Sveigder]] is lured into a stone by a dwarf.
 
−
 
 
−
== Svartalf ==
 
−
They could also be minor deities, much like the (light) [[elf|elves]], which suggests how they could have acquired the name of  dark or black elves (see also: ''[[elf versus dwarf]]''). The dwarves ''Norðri'', ''Suðri'', ''Austri'' and ''Vestri'' support the four [[cardinal points]]. ''Nýi'' and ''Niði'' governs the waxing and waning [[lunar phase]], respectively.
 
−
 
 
−
== Ragnarök ==
 
−
Their role at [[Ragnarök]] is not clear, [[Völuspá]] only mentions that:
 
−
 
 
−
:''How fare the gods?''
 
−
:''how fare the elves?''
 
−
:''All [[Jotunheim]] groans,''
 
−
:''the gods are at council;''
 
−
:Loud roar the dwarfs
 
−
:by the doors of stone,
 
−
:The masters of the rocks;
 
−
:''would you know yet more?"''
 
−
 
 
−
== Spelling ==
 
−
[[J. R. R. Tolkien]] may have been the first to use the plural Dwarves. Prior to his work, Dwarfs was the common form of the plural (similarly Elfs and Elves).
 
  
 +
Writers of fiction have devised many new powers for dwarves, and modern dwarves have no strict definition. The dwarves of the ''[[Artemis Fowl]]'' series by [[Eoin Colfer]] act as a sort of earthworm, tunneling through soil and loose rocks and getting nutrition thereby, excreting the earth as fast as they eat it. In the ''[[Inheritance Cycle]]'' by [[Christopher Paolini]] the dwarves are made out to be a proud and powerful race, with a complex government, religion, and culture. These dwarves burrow deep inside mountains, being very skilled miners, and create entire civilizations underground.
  
 +
==Pop Culture==
 +
Dwarfs are common in modern fantasy sub-culture and [[fairy tale]]s. The popular [[role-playing game]]s ''Dungeons & Dragons,'' ''Warhammer Fantasy,'' and ''Warcraft'' all incorporate dwarfs as creatures.
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
 
<references />
 
<references />
−
==Bibliography==
+
==References==
−
* Carleton W. Carroll, trans. "Erec and Enide," in Chrétien de Troyes. ''Arthurian Romances.'' William W. Kibler, trans. London: Penguin Books, 1991.
 
−
 
 
−
* Vandebrake, Mark, ''[[Children of the Mist: Dwarfs in German Mythology, Fairy Tales, and Folk Legends]]'' 135 pages. A work that interprets dwarf depictions throughout German history as shadow symbols.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
==External links==
 
−
*[http://www.farsnews.com/imgrep.php?nn=8408140342 Pictures from the "25cm dwarf," discovered in Iran.]
 
−
*[http://pomaranczowa-alternatywa.republika.pl Orange Alternative Website]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
  
 +
*Briggs, Katharine. ''An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Brownies, Boogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures''. Pantheon Books, 1976. ISBN 039473467X
 +
*Carpenter, Humphrey (ed.). ''The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien''. Mariner Books, 2000. ISBN 0618056998
 +
*de Troyes, Chrétien. ''Arthurian Romances''. London: Penguin Books, 1991. ISBN 0140445218
 +
* Keightley, Thomas. ''The World Guide to Gnomes, Fairies, Elves & Other Little People''. Gramercy, 2000 (originally published as ''[http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/tfm/index.htm The Fairy Mythology: Illustrative of the Romance and Superstition of Various Countries]'' 1870. Retrieved September 24, 2020). ISBN 0517263130
 +
*Tolkien, J.R.R. Christopher Tolkien (ed.). ''The Silmarillion''. Mariner Books, 2001. ISBN 0618126988
 +
*Tolkien, J.R.R. Christopher Tolkien (ed.). ''The War of the Jewels: The Later Silmarillion, Part Two (The History of Middle-Earth, Vol. 11)''. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1994. ISBN 0395710413
 +
*Tolkien, J.R.R. ''The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, Part 3)''. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1967. ISBN 0395082560
  
 
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Latest revision as of 15:51, 24 September 2020

This page is about the legendary race, for the medical condition see dwarfism
Men hur kommer man in i berget, frågade tomtepojken ("But how do I get into the mountain?" the young dwarf asked.) by John Bauer

A dwarf is a mythical creature, appearing most frequently in Norse mythology. Humanoid in form, but short and stocky, they are connected with the Earth and are often said to be miners, engineers, and craftsmen. The Dwarf is also common in Germanic mythologies, fairy tales, fantasy fiction, and role-playing games, and recently were made popular by the collective works of twentieth century fantasy author J.R.R. Tolkien.

The dwarf is an example of creatures who have some mystery attached to them, some ability or nature that transcends the known world, suggesting the existence of creatures and a world beyond this physical realm. Perhaps they originate in real people, those suffering from dwarfism, or simply people from distant lands with different appearance and skills. Whatever their origin, the dwarf's existence today plays a role in expanding the imagination, towards a world beyond the external and material.

Etymology

The word dwarf appears in numerous forms in the old languages of Europe: In Middle Dutch is is dwerch, in contemporary Dutch it appears as dwerg; in Old High German it is twerg, while in Middle High German it is dwerch or dwarch. And in Old Frisian it appears as dwirg. The contemporary English spelling comes from the Old English dweorg or dweorh.[1]

The plural form, dwarfs, has been traced to the seventeenth century. The alternate plural, dwarves, has been recorded in the early eighteenth century, but was not generally accepted until used by philologist J. R. R. Tolkien in his fantasy novel, The Hobbit. Neither is the historical plural: "dwarf" was pluralized dwarrow in Anglo-Saxon.[2] Although dwarrow has passed from the language, both "dwarfs" and "dwarves" are in current use. Many grammarians prefer "dwarfs," many fantasies prefer "dwarves." The form "dwarfs" is generally used for human beings affected by dwarfism; the form "dwarves" is used for the mythical people described by Tolkien and other authors.

Description

The dwarf Reginn depicted by Arthur Rackham

Generally dwarves are described as shorter than humans, about the height of a three-year old human child (approximately three feet tall), ugly, big-headed, stockier, and hairier, and usually sporting full beards. Though slow runners and poor riders, dwarves are said to be excellent warriors and defenders of their strongholds. They prefer to live underground and/or in mountainous areas.

Dwarves are often reputed to have accumulated treasures of gold, silver, and precious stones, and to pass their time in fabricating costly weapons and armor.

Did you know?
Dwarves are famed miners and metalsmiths, and some myths suggest they have the ability to forge magical items.

They are famed miners and smiths, although, like humans, they specialize in any number of trades. Some literature ascribes to dwarves the ability to see in the dark and other adaptations for living underground. Some myths suggest that dwarves have the ability to forge magical items. In Norse mythology, for instance, dwarvish smiths created some of the greatest and most powerful items of power, including the magic chain Gleipnir that bound the wolf, Fenris, as well as Mjolnir, the hammer of Thor.

Possible origins

Stories of dwarves may have a historical background: During the Bronze Age, tin miners from southern and south-eastern Europe slowly migrated northwest, since the relatively rare tin, which is needed to make bronze, was more common in the north. Being southerners, they generally were of shorter stature than northern Europeans and had darker skin, hair, and beards. Their knowledge of metallurgy might have seemed magical to the northerners, whose lifestyle was still neolithic; the southerners' superior weapons and armor might well have been perceived as enchanted. This would explain why stories of dwarves are especially common in Northern Europe, and also why dwarves are portrayed as workers, while few other mythological creatures seem to be associated with any kind of organized industry.

More generally, the pygmies of Africa, the short Inuits, Sami (Lapps), the Asian Dropa pygmies of Tibet, short rain forest natives, people with dwarfism, and similarly short people may have had a hand in the origin of dwarf legends. Another origin might go back to hunter-gatherer times, when perhaps only those with physical defects would be available to do anything other than hunting and gathering. Those with dwarfism might become permanent craftsmen, and an association between crafting and dwarfism might have developed.

Mythology and folklore

Dwarves before their stone doors during the onset of Ragnarök as attested in Völuspá

In Norse mythology, dwarves are highly significant entities associated with stones, the underground, and forging. Apart from the Eddas, they notably appear in the fornaldarsagas. They seem to be interchangeable, and may be identical, with the svartálfar (black elves), and sometimes the trolls (compare also with vetter, a class of beings from later Scandinavian folklore). The Völuspá divides the dwarves into what may be three tribes, lead by, respectively, Mótsognir, their first ruler; secondly Durinn, and finally Dvalinn, who according to the Hávamál brought them the art of rune writing.

The dwarves are said to have come into existence while Odin and his brothers Vili and Vé fabricated the world from the corpse of the cosmic giant, Ymir. They spontaneously generated, as maggots were thought to, in the dead flesh (earth or stone). The gods later gifted them with intelligence and human-like appearance. So it is said in the Völuspá:

Þá gengu regin öll
á rökstóla,
ginnheilög goð,
ok um þat gættusk,
hverr skyldi dverga
dróttir skepja,
ór Brimis blóði
ok ór Bláins leggjum.
Þar var Mótsognir
mæztr um orðinn
dverga allra,
en Durinn annarr.
Þeir mannlíkön
mörg um gørðu,
dvergar, ór jörðu,
sem Durinn sagði.
Then sought the gods
their assembly-seats,
The holy ones,
and council held,
To find who should raise
the race of dwarves
Out of Brimir’s blood
and the legs of Blain.
There was Motsognir
the mightiest made
Of all the dwarves,
and Durin next;
Many a likeness
of men they made,
The dwarves in the earth,
as Durin said."
Freyja in the dwarfs' cave

In Norse mythology dwarves are mostly seen as selfish, greedy, and cunning. They are skilled metal-workers and the makers of most of the artifacts of the gods, both Æsir and Vanir. Among their most famous creations are the spear Gungnir, and the golden ring, Draupnir, of Odin; Mjolnir, the hammer of Thor; the golden hair of Sif; Freyja's necklace, Brísingamen; and even the ship Skíðblaðnir of Freyr. The dwarves also fabricated a certain kind of helmet, called huliðshjálmr (concealing helmet), or sometimes a cloak, with which they could make themselves invisible. They are also vengeful and Hervarar saga relates that when king Svafrlami had forced the dwarves Dvalin and Durin to forge the magic sword Tyrfing, the dwarves cursed it so it would bring death to Svafrlami and cause three evil deeds. In Ynglingatal, it is told how King Sveigder is lured into a stone by a dwarf.

In Scandinavia the origin of the dwarfs was similar to Norse mythology, however the creatures were inter-changeable with trolls. They were sometimes referred to as Ebeltoft, or "hill-people," because they were said to live in the hills and mountains. They often appeared in ballads throughout Scandinavia, such as in Eline af Villenskov, Sir Thynne, and the Heimskringla, where they are described as friendly creatures that are often kind towards humans, incredibly wealthy and rich, but also very ugly.[3]

German dwarfs are more mysterious than the others. They often shy away from human contact, choosing to stay in their underground dwellings, although they occasionally will test a human, and if they are able to gain their trust, the dwarf will reward the human with a treasure. However, German dwarfs do not seem able to speak human language. Yet, most of the oral traditions involved humans encountering dwarfs. Both The Hill Man at the Dance and The Dwarfs Feast tells of a dwarf presenting a human with an allegorical treasure, while The Dwarf Stealing Corn and The Dwarf Borrowing Bread are anecdotal stories that revolve around their mischievous behavior.[4]

Dwarves in Fiction

Dwarves have made appearances in European stories and folklore for centuries. Often times they were depicted as mischievous, elusive creatures, akin to faeries. Other times they were viewed as working for humans as craftsmen and engineers. More ambiguous are the dwarfs found in attendance on ladies in romances. Although these might be humans afflicted with dwarfism who were often kept as curiosities by courts and nobles of the era, the ladies were often of uncertain origin themselves. Many enchantresses were fairies, and their attendants might likewise have been non-human.[5] In a way, this depiction of dwarves led into their usage in fairy tales, the two most famous being, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Rumpelstiltskin.

Tolkien's dwarves

The works of the most famous fantasy author of the twentieth century, J.R.R. Tolkien, are a staple in the contemporary world of fantasy, and as such are often imitated. Modern day perceptions of dwarves derive mostly from Tolkien's cosmology. Tolkein's Dwarves were created by Aulë, one of the Valar, when he grew impatient waiting for the coming of Children of Ilúvatar. Ilúvatar (who represents God) gave them life after speaking to Aulë about what he had done and seeing that he was both humble and repentant.

Dwarves in Tolkien's works are long-lived, living nearly four times the age of humans (about 250 years), but are not prolific breeders, having children rarely and spaced far apart, and having few women among them. A point of interest comes from the allusion of Tolkien to female dwarves having beards, which was borrowed by other writers. Tolkien writes his dwarf-women are "in voice and appearance, and in garb if they must go on a journey, so like to dwarf-men that the eyes and ears of the other peoples cannot tell them apart."[6] In later writings, Tolkien directly states that his female dwarves have beards "from the beginning of their lives", as do the males.[7]

Dwarvish children are cherished by their parents, and are defended at all costs from their traditional enemies, such as Orcs. A long-standing enmity between Dwarves and Elves is also a staple of the racial conception.

Contemporary Dwarves

A modern depiction of a dwarf

Many modern views of dwarves have been inspired by Tolkien's works. The typical fantasy dwarf is, like the original dwarves, short in stature, long-bearded and skilled at mining and metallurgy. They are often depicted as having a low affinity for most magical abilities and/or a resistance to magic. In some stories, dwarves have a bad reputation for stealing treasure. Other characteristics of dwarves include long (but mortal) life, antipathy to Elves and distrust to other races.

Writers of fiction have devised many new powers for dwarves, and modern dwarves have no strict definition. The dwarves of the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer act as a sort of earthworm, tunneling through soil and loose rocks and getting nutrition thereby, excreting the earth as fast as they eat it. In the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini the dwarves are made out to be a proud and powerful race, with a complex government, religion, and culture. These dwarves burrow deep inside mountains, being very skilled miners, and create entire civilizations underground.

Pop Culture

Dwarfs are common in modern fantasy sub-culture and fairy tales. The popular role-playing games Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer Fantasy, and Warcraft all incorporate dwarfs as creatures.

Notes

  1. ↑ Oxford English Dictionary. (Oxford Press, 1971, ISBN 019861117X)
  2. ↑ Humphrey Carpenter, (ed.), The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien (Mariner Books, 2000, ISBN 0618056998)
  3. ↑ Thomas Keightley. Scandinavia: Dwarfs or Trolls. Retrieved August 8, 2007
  4. ↑ Thomas Keightley, Germany. Retrieved August 8, 2007
  5. ↑ Katharine Briggs, "Dwarfs," An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Brownies, Boogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures (Pantheon Books, 1976, ISBN 039473467X)
  6. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, Part 3) (Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1967, ISBN 0395082560)
  7. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels: The Later Silmarillion, Part Two (The History of Middle-Earth, Vol. 11) (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1994, ISBN 0395710413)

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Briggs, Katharine. An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Brownies, Boogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures. Pantheon Books, 1976. ISBN 039473467X
  • Carpenter, Humphrey (ed.). The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. Mariner Books, 2000. ISBN 0618056998
  • de Troyes, Chrétien. Arthurian Romances. London: Penguin Books, 1991. ISBN 0140445218
  • Keightley, Thomas. The World Guide to Gnomes, Fairies, Elves & Other Little People. Gramercy, 2000 (originally published as The Fairy Mythology: Illustrative of the Romance and Superstition of Various Countries 1870. Retrieved September 24, 2020). ISBN 0517263130
  • Tolkien, J.R.R. Christopher Tolkien (ed.). The Silmarillion. Mariner Books, 2001. ISBN 0618126988
  • Tolkien, J.R.R. Christopher Tolkien (ed.). The War of the Jewels: The Later Silmarillion, Part Two (The History of Middle-Earth, Vol. 11). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1994. ISBN 0395710413
  • Tolkien, J.R.R. The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, Part 3). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1967. ISBN 0395082560

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