As much as I loved Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarves movie, and going on that ride at Disneyland, I must tell you that those dwarves have been sanitized. A “real” dwarf is a much rougher character, more like Tolkien’s Gimli. As the Wickipedia describes him “He was an honourable, wise, and stalwart warrior, favouring the axe as his weapon.”
Like Gimli, dwarves are short (about three to four feet tall) and muscular. Most of the adult male dwarves have substantial beards and coarse, long hair. They are masters of metalwork and are fierce fighters, using their own hand-forged armor, shields, and axes in battle. They live underground and practice their craft before glowing furnaces.
Catching site of a female dwarf is a rare occurrence … they seem to be greatly outnumbered by the men. Little is known about their looks and activities. According to Tolkien, dwarf children are scare and are defended with great ferocity.
Apart from war making, dwarves also craft beautiful jewelry from precious metals and stones. (They are known to occasionally trade with certain gnome gemologists.) However, the close association with these pieces of immense value has caused many a dwarf to succumb to his greedy nature. A dwarf’s hoarded treasure is a sight to behold, but it can lead to his downfall.
Dwarves tend to keep to themselves and are masters at keeping secrets. They seem quite solemn most of the time, many wearing a permanent scowl on their faces. But from time to time they enjoy a belly laugh, even at their own expense.
Dwarf behavior can be unpredictable, so it’s best to observe them only from afar.
Here’s to more whimsy in your life!
