Dwarves

In Norse mythology, fairy tales, and sword and sorcery fiction and role-playing games, a dwarf is a member of a humanoid race, much like humans, but generally living underground or in mountainous areas. They are famed miners and smiths though, like humans, specialize in any number of trades. Generally shorter than humans, they are on average stockier and hairier, usually sporting a full beard.

Traditionally the plural of dwarf is dwarfs, though J.R.R. Tolkien used dwarves in his fantasy-epic Lord of the Rings. Nowadays dwarfs and dwarves are used interchangeably, though strictly speaking the latter should only be used when discussing Tolkien's universe.

Dwarfs are long-lived, living at least four times the age of man, but are not prolific breeders, having children rarely and spaced far apart. Dwarfish children are cherished by their parents, and are defended at all costs from their traditional enemies, such as giants, goblins, and orcs. A longstanding enmity between dwarfs and elves is also a staple of the racial conception.

Dwarfs are famed smiths, creating some of the greatest and most powerful items of power in the distant past, such as in Norse mythology the chain which bound the Fenris wolf. In some stories the dwarfs were cursed as a result of these works, and they now have few or no mages within their ranks. Dwarfs are implacable foes, with terrific endurance, strength, and determination. They tend to use heavy armour, large axes, and rarely give up. In some tales, for example those of J. R. R. Tolkien, dwarves are also especially resistant to fire. See also: Dwarves (Middle-earth)

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