On Dwarves
While for many, dwarves are merely bearded, short, and rough little fellas, in fact there is far more to them than meets the eye, ear, or even nose. Indeed dwarves belong to the most peculiar peoples of Middle-Earth, and are far too often seen with widespread prejudices and in cliché images. They are often portrayed and imagined as rough warriors, without manners, as alcoholics with inappropriate behaviours, easily angered and greedy for power and gold. Sure enough, dwarves do like their feasts, ale, and a good laugh. They also are a rather ambitious kind that strives for riches and glory. Yet all this must not be bad entirely. But let us begin at the beginning.
Dwarves are second born to Elves. Created by the Valar Aule, these long-lived yet mortal people entered Middle Earth in seven tribes, or clans. I will come back to these various clans and their stories at a later point. For now it shall suffice that each of these clans have their own father and lord, with each clan having prominent looks, ages, and skills, passed-on by the forefathers. For centuries, these clans have remained close, which has partly caused the reputation of any dwarf of being rugged, practical, but above all loyal. There is some truth to these basic assumptions as you will see as we go on.
Given as a gift from our creator, Dwarves are superb miners and craftsmen, may it be gem – as I prefer – iron or stone. Generally, within their communities, Dwarves are a very sober and quiet people, with a deeper understanding of their heritage, surroundings and destiny. They are of course also a rather possessive, suspicious and pugnacious folk, which however comes mostly to light when not in the homely surroundings of our under-rock dwellings.
Greed, as commonly associated with Dwarves, is actually not a very common trait among them, though some of course have fallen to this darker path, as I will come back to later. Generally, this misperception, I feel, has been caused by the rather secretive nature of my people. We do not share much of our deeper thoughts, feelings, or knowledge – not among other races, and only with few of our own kind. This has also led to the common mistake of underestimating Dwarven intelligence, reducing them to drunken warriors, quick to anger, and busy drinking and fighting.
What shall be said about Dwarven warriors is that there are no greater in all of Middle Earth. Their tenacity is undisputed. Our blood is running thick and our bonds deep. Once sworn an enemy, a dwarf may never rest until he has taken his revenge. Their skill in axes, and maces is unmatched, for combined with their strength and their ferocity Dwarves become a highly skilful fighter, not easily beaten in single combat.
Finally, on Dwarven secrets. For our loyalty, close bonds, and our strong communities, secrets are our greatest treasure – not gold, mithril, or other forms of wealth. Much of the ancient knowledge about Dwarven history remains a secret, known to those entrusted with it, yet only theirs to pass on and never given unwillingly. This again has fueled myths and assumptions from the other peoples of Endor. Part of our greatest kept secrets is our language, Khuzdûl. Hence, I have decided to write this basic encyclopedia in the common tongue, as it would be of little use for anyone else but a dwarf if I had not done so. Another great secret is our wives and daughters. Few outsiders ever have lain eyes on a female dwarf, and even less would have recognized her as such. Adhering to the laws of my people I shall not surrender these secrets to anyone outside my own people, and who hoped for anything else, will now find himself mistaken.
But in summary, there is more to Dwarves than drinking and fighting and while we are a merry folk, we are never to be underestimated. If in doubt, and if you want to remember anything of the just said, remember this: T'is better to keep a dwarf a friend than an enemy.
