In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, the 13 dwarves (not 12) accompany Bilbo Baggins on his journey to reclaim their homeland, Erebor. Their leader is Thorin Oakenshield. Here are their names:
- Thorin Oakenshield (leader)
- Balin
- Dwalin
- Kili
- Fili
- Dori
- Nori
- Ori
- Oin
- Gloin
- Bifur
- Bofur
- Bombur
These dwarves each have unique personalities and quirks, contributing to the dynamic of the company as they face adventures and challenges on their quest.
A dwarf is a mythical or fantasy creature often depicted as a small, human-like being, typically characterized by their short stature, robust build, and often skilled craftsmanship, mining, or fighting. Dwarves appear in various mythologies, folklore, and works of fiction. Here are the primary contexts in which dwarves are commonly featured:
1. Mythology and Folklore:
- In Norse mythology, dwarves are highly skilled beings associated with craftsmanship, blacksmithing, and mining. They were said to live in underground realms like Svartalfheim and were known for creating powerful artifacts like Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir.
- In Germanic mythology, dwarves are similar figures—often short, stout, and incredibly skilled at metalwork.
2. In Literature and Popular Culture:
- J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth: Dwarves play an important role in works like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. In Tolkien’s universe, they are known for their resilience, their love of mining, and their ability to forge exceptional weapons and armor.
- Example: Thorin Oakenshield, Gimli, and the dwarves of The Hobbit are famous examples.
- Fairy Tales and Fantasy: Dwarves often appear in classic fairy tales (such as Snow White with the Seven Dwarfs), or in modern fantasy works like Dungeons & Dragons, where they are depicted as strong, honor-bound warriors or skilled artisans.
- In many video games (e.g., World of Warcraft, The Elder Scrolls), dwarves are frequently portrayed as expert miners, blacksmiths, or fighters.
3. Physical Appearance and Traits:
- Size: Dwarves are typically depicted as being shorter than humans, often around 4 to 5 feet tall, with a strong, stocky build.
- Facial Features: They often have long beards (which is a prominent trait in many depictions), and a rugged appearance, symbolizing their strength and resilience.
- Skills: Dwarves are typically portrayed as exceptional craftsmen, particularly in the areas of metallurgy, stonework, and weapon-making. They also tend to be skilled in combat, often specializing in axes or hammers.
4. Dwarfs in Modern Terminology:
- In modern medical terms, dwarfism refers to a condition characterized by short stature, typically resulting from genetic conditions like achondroplasia. People with dwarfism may refer to themselves as dwarfs or little people, with a variety of experiences and personal identities.