A Most Unusual Dwarf - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Estelyn Telcontar · 06-05-2005, 04:04 PM

I've been pondering the nature of Dwarvish character in the light of their creation story. I must admit, there's a strange aftertaste in it for me - it sounds like they were Eru's stepchildren, misshapen as far as his original planning was concerned. I know the Silmarillion/Ainulindalë is Elven history, and their own legends may be different, but do you suppose that they were ever told (by some grumpy, malicious, or drunk Elf, perhaps) that they weren't planned?

How would that shape their outlook on life? Would that account for their desire to collect wealth, perhaps as a substitute for self-worth feelings? Would they have developed a suspicious attitude toward other races for that reason? Or would they have myths that postulated their being special, perhaps bonding particularly with Aulë as their maker?

I'm not sure how to fit Gimli's character into these thoughts, which are rather nebulous and therefore slightly rambling...

06-05-2005, 04:04 PM	#9
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	I've been pondering the nature of Dwarvish character in the light of their creation story. I must admit, there's a strange aftertaste in it for me - it sounds like they were Eru's stepchildren, misshapen as far as his original planning was concerned. I know the Silmarillion/Ainulindalë is Elven history, and their own legends may be different, but do you suppose that they were ever told (by some grumpy, malicious, or drunk Elf, perhaps) that they weren't planned? How would that shape their outlook on life? Would that account for their desire to collect wealth, perhaps as a substitute for self-worth feelings? Would they have developed a suspicious attitude toward other races for that reason? Or would they have myths that postulated their being special, perhaps bonding particularly with Aulë as their maker? I'm not sure how to fit Gimli's character into these thoughts, which are rather nebulous and therefore slightly rambling... __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...' Last edited by Estelyn Telcontar; 06-05-2005 at 04:09 PM.