Norse Dwarves and the Sons of Durin
A Comparison of the Mythological and Literary Archetype.
This guide explores the roots of Tolkien’s Dwarves in the Norse Eddas, from mythological figures to literary characters.
Order Comparative EssayBorn of Stone and Legend
The names of Thorin Oakenshield’s companions in The Hobbit sound ancient and fitting. I later learned why: Tolkien lifted them, and “Gandalf,” directly from a dwarf-list in the Old Norse poem Völuspá. This was a gateway into his method.
This guide explores that method. The Dwarves are a clear example of Tolkien’s “sub-creation.” He took the raw material of the Norse dvergar—their craft, halls, and names—and transformed them into a people with their own language, history, and moral depth. Analyzing this transformation is key to understanding the mythological foundations of Tolkien’s world.
Mythological Blueprint: The Norse Dvergar
The dwarves (dvergar) of Norse myth, described in the Poetic and Prose Eddas, are the clear template for Tolkien’s race.
Origins from Earth
According to the Völuspá, dwarves were generated like maggots in the flesh of the giant Ymir. The gods then gave them understanding. This subterranean origin defines them as beings of stone and darkness.
Master Smiths
Dwarves in Norse myth are unparalleled craftsmen. They created the gods’ most famous treasures: Odin’s spear Gungnir, Thor’s hammer Mjölnir, and Freyja’s necklace Brísingamen. They are masters of the forge with secret knowledge.
Amoral and Greedy
Unlike Tolkien’s Dwarves, Norse dvergar are often portrayed as amoral and treacherous, driven by greed. The story of Fáfnir, a dwarf who kills his father for gold and becomes a dragon, is the ultimate example.
Tolkien’s Creation: The Khazâd
Tolkien took this raw material and gave it a soul, history, and moral framework within his legendarium, detailed in The Silmarillion.
A Separate Creation by Aulë
In Tolkien’s world, Dwarves were made by the Vala Aulë the Smith. Eru Ilúvatar gave them life but decreed they must sleep until after the Elves awoke. This gives the Dwarves a unique theological status as the “Adopted Children.”
The Seven Fathers and the Line of Durin
Aulë created seven Fathers of the Dwarves. The eldest, Durin the Deathless, founded Khazad-dûm (Moria). His descendants, the Longbeards, are the line of Thorin and Gimli, and their history is one of decline and the longing to reclaim ancient halls.
A Secret Language and Culture
Tolkien gave the Dwarves a secret language, Khuzdul, based on Semitic languages, and a runic writing system, the Cirth. Their culture is defined by loyalty to kin, reverence for ancestors, love of craft, and stubbornness.
Direct Parallels
The “Dvergatal”: A Borrowed Name-List
The list of dwarf names in the Völuspá, the Dvergatal, is the most explicit borrowing. Tolkien took the names for Thorin’s company and Gandalf directly from this ancient list, grounding his story in tradition.
Master Craftsmen
Like their mythic counterparts, Tolkien’s Dwarves are the greatest smiths of Middle-earth. They forged Narsil, the Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin, and Frodo’s mithril coat. Their cities, like Khazad-dûm, are marvels of stonework.
The “Dragon-Sickness”
Tolkien adopts the Norse concept that a dragon’s hoard is cursed and inspires obsessive greed. This is evident in Thorin Oakenshield after he reclaims Erebor, when he becomes paranoid and unwilling to share the treasure. The theme’s power is often analyzed in literary journals like English Studies.
Thematic Divergence
Tolkien’s biggest change was giving the Dwarves a moral compass, transforming them from sprites into a heroic, if flawed, people.
From Amoral to Steadfast
While greedy and secretive, Tolkien’s Dwarves are not treacherous. They are defined by loyalty, grim courage, and unbreakable oaths. Gimli’s friendship with Legolas is a powerful symbol of this virtue.
A Place in the Divine Plan
Unlike Norse dwarves, Tolkien’s Dwarves have a place in Eru’s creation. They are hard-hearted, meant to endure evil. Their story, especially Thorin’s redemption and Gimli’s role, shows them as essential to Middle-earth’s history.
The Elf-Dwarf Feud
Tolkien’s most significant addition is the ancient enmity between Dwarves and Elves. This conflict is not a major feature of Norse myth but is central to the history of the First Age in The Silmarillion. The feud began with the slaying of the Elven-king Thingol by Dwarves of Nogrod over the Nauglamír, a necklace that held a Silmaril. This betrayal created a mistrust that lasted for millennia, making the friendship of Gimli and Legolas a moment of immense historical importance.
The Seven Rings of Power
Another key Tolkien innovation was integrating the Dwarves into the Rings of Power narrative. Sauron gave seven Rings to the Dwarf-lords to enslave them. However, the Dwarves’ stubborn nature resisted his domination. They could not be turned into Ringwraiths. Instead, the Rings amplified their natural love of gold, inflaming their greed to disastrous levels. The Rings were the foundation of the great Dwarf-hoards but also brought ruin, attracting dragons and leading to the downfall of kingdoms like Khazad-dûm.
Our Literature & Mythology Experts
Our writers can help you explore the deep mythological roots of Tolkien’s characters.
Zacchaeus Kiragu
Literature & History
With expertise in comparative literature, Zacchaeus can guide students in structuring an essay on the origins of Tolkien’s Dwarves.
Julia Muthoni
Communication & Narrative Structure
Julia excels at analyzing character archetypes and can help you deconstruct how Tolkien transformed the dwarves of myth into the heroic Sons of Durin.
Student Feedback
“I never knew the names in The Hobbit came from a real poem! This guide blew my mind and became the foundation for my entire essay.”
– Maria G., Literature Student
“The distinction between Tolkien’s moral dwarves and the treacherous dwarves of myth was a key point my writer helped me develop. It made my argument so much stronger.”
– Alex P., Mythology Major
“My paper on ‘dragon-sickness’ was so much better after understanding its roots in Norse legend. This guide was incredibly helpful.”
– Kevin T., Humanities Student
Dwarven Lore FAQs
Are Tolkien’s Dwarves related to Norse Alfar?
Yes, there’s a connection. In Norse myth, the lines between dwarves (dvergar), dark elves (svartalfar), and light elves (alfar) are blurry. Tolkien created a clearer distinction, making Elves and Dwarves separate races.
Why are there no female Dwarves in The Hobbit?
Tolkien explains that Dwarf-women are few and rarely travel. They are also visually indistinguishable from Dwarf-men to other races (they have beards).
Did Tolkien invent Dwarves using runes?
No, this is drawn from the historical use of runic alphabets by Germanic peoples. Tolkien, an expert in this area, adapted these real-world systems to create his Cirth script for the Dwarves.
From Myth to Mountain Hall
The Sons of Durin are a testament to Tolkien’s genius. He sub-created the dwarves of myth into a proud, steadfast, and tragic people with a history and a heart.
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