Difference between revisions of "Dwarf" - New World Encyclopedia
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{{dablink|This page is about the legendary race, for the medical condition see [[dwarfism]]}} | {{dablink|This page is about the legendary race, for the medical condition see [[dwarfism]]}} | ||
[[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]]]] | [[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]]]] | ||
| − | 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]]. | + | 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]]. |
| − | The dwarf is an example of creatures who exist in the physical world, yet have some mystery attached to them, some ability or nature that transcends the world | + | The dwarf is an example of creatures who exist in the physical world, yet 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== | ==Etymology== | ||
| − | The word '''dwarf''' appears in numerous forms in the old languages of [[Europe]]: In [[Middle Dutch language|Middle Dutch]] is is ''dwerch'' | + | 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> |
| − | 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]]'' | + | 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'' (1981).</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 real people affected by [[dwarfism]]; the form "dwarves" is used for the mythical people described by Tolkien and other authors. |
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | Generally dwarves are described as shorter than humans, about the height of a three-year old human child (about 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. | + | Generally dwarves are described as shorter than humans, about the height of a three-year old human child (about 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. |
| − | They often have accumulated [[treasure]]s of [[gold]], [[silver]], and [[precious stone]]s, and pass their time in fabricating costly weapons and [[armor]]. They are famed [[mining|miner]]s and smiths although, like humans, they specialize in any number of trades. Some literature | + | They often have accumulated [[treasure]]s of [[gold]], [[silver]], and [[precious stone]]s, and pass their time in fabricating costly weapons and [[armor]]. They are famed [[mining|miner]]s 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 also ascribe to dwarves 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]]. |
== Possible origins == | == Possible origins == | ||
[[Image:Dwarf.jpg|thumb|A modern depiction of a dwarf]] | [[Image:Dwarf.jpg|thumb|A modern depiction of a dwarf]] | ||
| − | Stories of dwarves may have a historical background: | + | 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 [[pygmy|pygmies]] of [[Africa]], the short [[ | + | 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 == | ||
| − | 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]]'' | + | 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. |
| − | 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]]'' | + | 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]]:'' |
{| | {| | ||
| | | | ||
| Line 47: | Line 47: | ||
:mörg um gørðu, | :mörg um gørðu, | ||
:dvergar, ór jörðu, | :dvergar, ór jörðu, | ||
| − | :sem Durinn sagði. | + | :sem Durinn sagði. |
| | | | ||
:Then sought the gods | :Then sought the gods | ||
| Line 64: | Line 64: | ||
:of men they made, | :of men they made, | ||
:The dwarves in the earth, | :The dwarves in the earth, | ||
| − | :as Durin said." | + | :as Durin said." |
|} | |} | ||
| − | They 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]] | + | They 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. |
| − | 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'' | + | 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> |
| − | 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> | + | 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> |
==Dwarves in Fiction== | ==Dwarves in Fiction== | ||
| − | Dwarves made made appearances in European stories and folklore for centuries. Often times they were depicted | + | Dwarves made made appearances in European 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 engineers. 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 are often of uncertain origin themselves; many enchantresses were, in original stories, [[fairy|fairies]], and their attendants might likewise be non-human.<ref>Katharine Briggs, "Dwarfs," ''An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Brownies, Boogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures'' (Pantheon Books, 1976). ISBN 0-394-73467-X</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.'' |
=== Tolkien's dwarves === | === 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. | + | 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 as creatures comes mostly from Tolkien's cosmology. 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]] (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 are long-lived, living nearly four times the age of | + | Dwarves in Tolkien 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. 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. |
| − | Many modern views of dwarves have been inspired by Tolkien's works. An example of this is [[Christopher Paolini]]'s ''[[Eragon]]'' | + | 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 underground. |
==Pop Culture== | ==Pop Culture== | ||
| − | Dwarfs are common in modern fantasy sub-culture and [[fairy tale]]s. The popular [[role-playing game]]s ''Dungeons & Dragons'' | + | 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. In a rather more creative reworking, the ''[[Artemis Fowl]]'' series' dwarves act as a sort of earthworm, tunneling through soil and loose rocks, and getting nutrition thereby, excreting just as fast as they eat. |
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
| − | == | + | ==References== |
*Briggs, Katharine. 1976. ''An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Brownies, Boogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures''. Pantheon Books. ISBN 039473467X | *Briggs, Katharine. 1976. ''An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Brownies, Boogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures''. Pantheon Books. ISBN 039473467X | ||
| − | *Carleton W. Carroll, Chrétien de Troyes and William W. Kibler. 1991. ''Arthurian Romances''. London: Penguin Books. ISBN 0140445218 | + | *Carleton W. Carroll, Chrétien de Troyes, and William W. Kibler. 1991. ''Arthurian Romances''. London: Penguin Books. ISBN 0140445218 |
| − | *Vandebrake, Mark. ''Children of the Mist: Dwarfs in German Mythology, Fairy Tales, and Folk Legends''. | + | *Vandebrake, Mark. ''Children of the Mist: Dwarfs in German Mythology, Fairy Tales, and Folk Legends''. |
| − | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
Revision as of 23:38, 9 November 2007
- This page is about the legendary race, for the medical condition see dwarfism
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 exist in the physical world, yet 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 real people affected by dwarfism; the form "dwarves" is used for the mythical people described by Tolkien and other authors.
Description
Generally dwarves are described as shorter than humans, about the height of a three-year old human child (about 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.
They often have accumulated treasures of gold, silver, and precious stones, and pass their time in fabricating costly weapons and armor. 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 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.
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
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:
|
|
They 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 made 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 are often of uncertain origin themselves; many enchantresses were, in original stories, fairies, and their attendants might likewise be 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 as creatures comes mostly from Tolkien's cosmology. The 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 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. 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.
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 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. In a rather more creative reworking, the Artemis Fowl series' dwarves act as a sort of earthworm, tunneling through soil and loose rocks, and getting nutrition thereby, excreting just as fast as they eat.
Notes
- ↑ Oxford English Dictionary. (Oxford Press, 1971). ISBN 019861117X
- ↑ Humphrey Carpenter, ed., The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien (1981).
- ↑ Thomas Keightley. Scandinavia: Dwarfs or Trolls. Retrieved August 8, 2007
- ↑ Thomas Keightley, Germany. Retrieved August 8, 2007
- ↑ Katharine Briggs, "Dwarfs," An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Brownies, Boogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures (Pantheon Books, 1976). ISBN 0-394-73467-X
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Briggs, Katharine. 1976. An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Brownies, Boogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures. Pantheon Books. ISBN 039473467X
- Carleton W. Carroll, Chrétien de Troyes, and William W. Kibler. 1991. Arthurian Romances. London: Penguin Books. ISBN 0140445218
- Vandebrake, Mark. Children of the Mist: Dwarfs in German Mythology, Fairy Tales, and Folk Legends.
External links
- Keightley, Thomas. 1870. The Fairy Mythology: Illustrative of the Romance and Superstition of Various Countries Retrieved August 8, 2007.
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