Dwarf

Dwarves are a hardy, secretive, and long-lived people, smaller than Men but stockier and stronger, with thick beards and a deep love of craft and gold. In The Hobbit, they are defined by their ancient lineage, their skill in mining and metalwork, and their fierce, often stubborn, pride. The dwarves of Thorin's company are the last heirs of the great dwarf-kingdom under the Lonely Mountain, driven into exile by the dragon Smaug, and their quest to reclaim their lost treasure forms the backbone of the adventure.

Identity and Nature

Dwarves are not a magical race in the way of Elves, but they possess a profound and ancient craft. They are master-smiths, miners, and jewelers, capable of creating works of surpassing beauty and strength. The narrator notes that in English, the only correct plural is "dwarfs," but in this story "dwarves" and "dwarvish" are used when speaking of the ancient people to whom Thorin and his companions belong . They are a proud folk, with a long memory for slights and a deep love for their own kind. Their appearance is distinctive: they have beards, wear bright hoods and cloaks, and are often armed with axes or swords. Dwalin, for instance, is described as a dwarf with a blue beard tucked into a golden belt and very bright eyes under his dark-green hood . Their greeting, "at your service," is a formal courtesy, as Dwalin demonstrates when he bows to Bilbo .

Role in the Quest

The dwarves are the driving force of the narrative. Their goal is to return to the Lonely Mountain, which Balin describes as "the Lonely Mountain in the East where Smaug lies on our treasure" . They are not merely adventurers but exiles seeking to reclaim their ancestral home and wealth. Their journey is fraught with peril, and they often rely on the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, whom they initially regard with suspicion. The dwarves' determination is matched by their physical endurance; they can carry heavy burdens and march for long distances. Even in the desolate lands near the Mountain, they press on, though the land about them is bleak and barren, once green and fair as Thorin tells them .

Craft and Culture

Dwarves are renowned for their skill in working metal and stone. They are capable of creating magnificent halls and fortresses, as well as exquisite jewelry and weapons. The narrator explains that they can tunnel and mine as well as any but the most skilled dwarves, though they are usually untidy and dirty . Their love of gold and gems is legendary, and it can become a consuming obsession, a condition known as "dragon-sickness." This lust for treasure is a central theme, leading to conflict both within the company and with other races. The dwarves' song, sung in Bilbo's hobbit-hole, speaks of their ancient glory and their desire to reclaim their lost gold: "Far over the misty mountains cold / To dungeons deep and caverns old / We must away ere break of day / To seek the pale enchanted gold" (E00148-E00151).

Relationships and Conflict

Dwarves have a complex relationship with other peoples. They are often at odds with Elves, whom they consider foolish, and they are wary of Men. The Wood-elves, in particular, have a history of conflict with dwarves, accusing them of stealing treasure. The Elvenking's Halls are described as a place where dwarves are imprisoned, and Thorin is treated harshly . However, dwarves can also form alliances, as they do with the Lake-men and the Elves in the Battle of Five Armies. Their primary enemy in the story is the dragon Smaug, who destroyed their kingdom and hoarded their treasure. The dwarves' quest is one of revenge and restoration, and they are willing to risk everything to achieve it.

Change and Ending

By the end of the tale, the dwarves' fortunes are reversed. Smaug is slain, and the treasure is reclaimed. Thorin dies in the battle, but his cousin Dain becomes King under the Mountain, and the dwarves' ancient halls are restored. The surviving members of Thorin's company, including Balin, Dwalin, and others, remain with Dain, and the kingdom prospers once more. The dwarves' stubbornness and pride are tempered by the lessons of the adventure, and they part from Bilbo with genuine affection, though their love of gold remains. The narrator notes that the dwarves are not heroes, but calculating folk with a great idea of the value of money; some are tricky and treacherous, but others are decent enough people like Thorin and Company .