What culture are Dwarves based on?

What Culture are Dwarves Based On?

The dwarves of mythology have been a fascinating topic of interest, with their rich history, cultures, and traditions. But, what are the origins of these sturdy and resourceful little beings? In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to explore the various cultural influences that have shaped the lore of dwarves.

Germanic Traditions

The earliest recorded appearance of dwarves can be traced back to Norse and Germanic mythology. The word ‘dwarf’ itself comes from the Old Norse word ‘dvergar’. Germanic mythology describes dwarves as strong, skilled craftsmen, and mining experts. They were often depicted as half-human, half-giant like creatures, with a fondness for music, poetry, and storytelling.

Inspiration from Norse and Eddas

JRR Tolkien, the renowned author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, drew heavy inspiration from Norse and Germanic traditions. He borrowed names, symbols, and motifs from these mythological sources to create his own world, Middle-earth. Tolkien’s dwarves are a testament to his deep affection for these cultures. They share characteristics with the dwarves of Eddas, such as their industrious nature, love of metals, and fondness for crafting jewelry.

Tolkien’s Linguistic Inspiration

Tolkien, a scholar of Anglo-Saxon language and literature, was particularly drawn to Old English and Middle English dialects. He incorporated words and phrasing from these languages into Elvish, the tongue spoken by the Elves in his stories. Similar linguistic influences can be seen in Dwarvish, the spoken language of the dwarves in Middle-earth.

Dwarvish Culture: A Blend of Norse and Tolkien

Tolkien’s dwarves retain many characteristics from Norse mythology, with their love of mining, metalworking, and craftsmanship. They are depicted as physically strong, with a penchant for dark-eyed, dark-haired, and stout-figures. Their society is shaped by their cultural heritage, with an emphasis on family, community, and a respect for tradition.

Key Takeaways

• Dwarves originated in Norse and Germanic mythology as small, strong, and skilled beings.
• JRR Tolkien drew heavy inspiration from these traditions in crafting his own world, Middle-earth, including the dwarves.
• Dwarvish culture combines elements of Norse mythology with Tolkien’s linguistic and societal influences.
• Dwarves retain characteristics from Norse mythology, including industrious nature, love of metal, and fondness for craftsmanship.

In conclusion, the culture of dwarves is heavily influenced by Norse and Germanic traditions. Their rich history, myths, and traditions have been shaped by these cultural touchstones. From Tolkien’s scholarship to the world of Middle-earth, we have seen the dwarves emerge as formidable, resourceful, and skilled individuals.