When I first introduced my Dragonhammer Saga series to my Email Insiders, I posed this question about fantasy dwarves.
What is a dwarf? We’re setting aside the outdated medical term and Tyrion Lannister (the very narrow intersection of two otherwise unrelated topics) and focusing on Fantasy Dwarves. From the Poetic Edda of Norse Mythology to the live action remake of Snow White (that nobody asked for, and few watched), there have been a variety of interpretations, but a number of common characterizations keep popping up.
So here’s where you get to weigh in: What typical role in fantasy fiction defines the quintessential dwarf?
Note: I acknowledge that dwarves, as do all fantasy races, encapsulate a multitude of characteristics, even those chosen for my examples. Simplification just keeps the poll more straightforward!
Fantasy dwarves must be…
MASTER CRAFTSMEN: In most fantasy universes, Dwarves are masters of crafting, especially arts involving metal and gems. In Dwarf Fortress, taking this to extremes is the primary joy of playing.WANDERERS: Dwarves, as a rule, have a strong connection to “home”, often underground. So wandering dwarves, like Thorin’s company in The Hobbit, have usually been forcibly displaced.BATTLEBORN: Rugged and stubborn, and often long-lived, fantasy Dwarves are often skilled warriors who harbor long grudges.DRUNKARDS: When fantasy dwarves’ crafting prowess includes brewing, you end up with raucous drunkards who play as hard as they work. Bruenor Battlehammer’s shield even showcases an homage to brew.AFFLICTED: One origin story for Dwarves and their ruggedness is the “curse of flesh”, as seen in the Warcraft universe, inflicted upon Earthen robots who disobeyed their Titan makers.CARETAKERS: One of the lesser roles fantasy Dwarves play is that of caretaker. This role exemplifies the seven in Snow White, but also Senshi in the more recent anime Delicious in Dungeon.
So what trait do you think is most important for your ideal fantasy dwarf? Reply in the comments and tell me.
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