Why Dwarves & Elves Hate Each Other | Tolkien Explained
Nerd of the Rings・16 minutes read
Magic the Gathering’s The Lord of the Rings Tales of Middle-earth explores the history of animosity between elves and dwarves in Tolkien's tales, showcasing their rivalries and alliances throughout Middle-earth's history. Despite ancient grudges and enmities, characters like Legolas and Gimli demonstrate the potential for unity and friendship between elves and dwarves through shared adventures and wars, highlighting a message of reconciliation and cooperation.
Insights
- The rivalry between elves and dwarves in Tolkien's tales is deeply rooted in history, with conflicts dating back to the earliest days of Middle-earth, highlighting a recurring theme in various fantasy media.
- Despite historical animosities, the evolving relationships between elves and dwarves, such as the friendship between Legolas and Gimli, demonstrate the potential for unity and camaraderie between the two races, even after centuries of enmity and misunderstandings.
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Recent questions
What is Magic the Gathering's The Lord of the Rings Tales of Middle-earth?
A collaboration set in the fantasy world of Middle-earth.
What is the history of animosity between elves and dwarves?
Explored back to the earliest days of Middle-earth.
What led to the conflict between elves and petty-dwarves?
Initial misunderstandings and disagreements.
What significant event involved the Nauglamir?
The tragic death of King Thingol of Doriath.
What marked the friendship between elves of Eregion and dwarves of Khazad-dum?
Shared craftsmanship and mutual aid against Sauron.
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Summary
00:00
Elves and Dwarves: Middle-earth's Ancient Rivalry
- Magic the Gathering’s The Lord of the Rings Tales of Middle-earth is the biggest Magic release set in the fantasy world of Middle-earth.
- The history of animosity between elves and dwarves is explored, dating back to the earliest days of Middle-earth.
- The rivalry between elves and dwarves is a recurring theme in Tolkien's tales and various fantasy media.
- The initial meeting between elves and petty-dwarves led to misunderstandings and conflict.
- The petty-dwarves harbored deep hatred towards elves, especially the Noldor exiles.
- Finrod, aided by dwarves of the Blue Mountains, builds a new elvish realm in the caverns of Narog.
- The Nauglamir, a necklace crafted by dwarves and elves, becomes a prized treasure of Finrod.
- Dwarves of Belegost ally with the Sons of Feanor in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears against Morgoth.
- A tragic event involving the Nauglamir leads to the death of King Thingol of Doriath at the hands of dwarves.
- The Second Age sees a significant friendship between elves of Eregion and dwarves of Khazad-dum, marked by shared craftsmanship and mutual aid against Sauron.
13:03
Ancient Grudges, New Friendships: Elves and Dwarves
- In 1980 TA, dwarves awaken a balrog in the Misty Mountains due to mining for mithril, leading to their forced evacuation from Khazad-dum, now known as Moria.
- Amroth, the king of Galathrim, flees south from Lorien and dies in the Bay of Belfalas, with the elves of Lorien holding a grudge against the dwarves for awakening the ancient malice.
- Bilbo accompanies Thorin's company to Rivendell, where Elrond, though not entirely approving of dwarves and their love for gold, welcomes them hospitably for two weeks and assists them with their map.
- Thorin's company, after getting lost, encounters elven feasts thrice, faces spider attacks, and is captured by Thranduil's elves in Mirkwood, where they are imprisoned for a month for not disclosing their purpose.
- Celeborn, husband of Galadriel, holds a deep grudge against dwarves for their role in the destruction of Doriath, contrasting with Galadriel's more sympathetic view towards them due to their craftsmanship and warrior skills.
- Despite ancient grudges and enmities, Legolas and Gimli develop a strong friendship through shared adventures and wars, showcasing the potential for unity between elves and dwarves even after long-standing hostilities.
