Questions about dwarves - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Elendur · 07-26-2002, 03:31 PM

A good question was brought up while I was talking to a guy on another forum about dwarves. I was telling him that dwarves are resistant to fire for many reasons. That led to some questions that I want to ask all of you.

Were the masks that the dwarves use to wear (In the battles against Melkor and such) used to resist fire? I know they were used for protection against arrows and weapons and also to make them look scary, but I dont know if the dwarves thought about being attacked with fire as well. That seemed to make sense to me.

And did dwarves do anything to protect their beards when fighting against dragons and balrogs? I think it would be a terrible thing to lose your beard when fire was shot at you or some came close enough to scorch your hair off.

[ July 26, 2002: Message edited by: Elendur ]

Manwe Sulimo · 07-26-2002, 04:00 PM

It is said in Quenta Silmarrilion (Of Túrin Turamber) that "...and none but Túrin defended by his dwarf-mask could withstand the approach of Glaurung..." I'm pretty sure that a mask wouldn't protect someone from the dragon's great bulk, so you must assume it protects from fire. We must assume that the masks protected beards, for what is the point of head-protection if you can still be burned?

burrahobbit · 07-27-2002, 12:46 AM

Quote:

And did dwarves do anything to protect their beards

You can tuck it in if you're worried about losing it.

As an aside (that means don't reply to it), great first post, Manwe Sulimo. Keep doing that, you're awesome.

Galorme · 07-27-2002, 09:22 AM

Perhaps the Dwarrow-masks doubled up as masks for the great forges of the Dwarfs. That would explain why they would seem to 'expect' fire in battle.

burrahobbit · 07-27-2002, 12:42 PM

Quote:

It was wrought by Telchar, the smith of Nogrod, whose works were renowned. It had a visor (after the manner of those that the dwarves used in their forges for shielding their eyes), and the face of one that wore it struck fear into the hearts of all beholders, but was itself guarded from dart and fire.

Sarin Elfarmour · 07-27-2002, 08:00 PM

good piont their masks were probably resistant to fire because of the way that they were forged, as too beards, the masks were very large and heavy so they might have covered beards, and i remeber in the hobbit tolkein describe Dain's army as " grim with their beards tuked in their belts" or something like that

07-26-2002, 03:31 PM	#1
Elendur Wight Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Arnor Posts: 200	Questions about dwarves A good question was brought up while I was talking to a guy on another forum about dwarves. I was telling him that dwarves are resistant to fire for many reasons. That led to some questions that I want to ask all of you. Were the masks that the dwarves use to wear (In the battles against Melkor and such) used to resist fire? I know they were used for protection against arrows and weapons and also to make them look scary, but I dont know if the dwarves thought about being attacked with fire as well. That seemed to make sense to me. And did dwarves do anything to protect their beards when fighting against dragons and balrogs? I think it would be a terrible thing to lose your beard when fire was shot at you or some came close enough to scorch your hair off. [ July 26, 2002: Message edited by: Elendur ] __________________ Son of Isildur.

07-26-2002, 04:00 PM	#2
Manwe Sulimo Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Taurelilómëa-tumbalemorna Tumbaletaurëa Lómëanor Posts: 553	It is said in Quenta Silmarrilion (Of Túrin Turamber) that "...and none but Túrin defended by his dwarf-mask could withstand the approach of Glaurung..." I'm pretty sure that a mask wouldn't protect someone from the dragon's great bulk, so you must assume it protects from fire. We must assume that the masks protected beards, for what is the point of head-protection if you can still be burned? __________________ "Monkeys learn sign language so they can tell the dolphins they love them."

07-27-2002, 09:22 AM	#4
Galorme Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: London Posts: 337	Perhaps the Dwarrow-masks doubled up as masks for the great forges of the Dwarfs. That would explain why they would seem to 'expect' fire in battle. __________________ Utúlie'n aurë! Aiya Eldalië ar Atanatári, utúlie'n aurë! The day has come! Behold people of the Eldar and Fathers of Men, the day has come!

07-27-2002, 08:00 PM	#6
Sarin Elfarmour Animated Skeleton Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 43	good piont their masks were probably resistant to fire because of the way that they were forged, as too beards, the masks were very large and heavy so they might have covered beards, and i remeber in the hobbit tolkein describe Dain's army as " grim with their beards tuked in their belts" or something like that __________________ Baruk Khazad! Khazad ai-menu