Dwarves, Elves, or Humans? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

skytree · 12-20-2014, 04:36 PM

Which race is generally considered physically stronger?

Andsigil · 12-20-2014, 11:06 PM

I know this isn't really an answer, but it depends.

Having done my share of manual labor, it takes a certain kind of strength to do things like shovel or swing an axe (or a pickaxe) all day. Having also practiced boxing, wrestling, and kickboxing, it takes a specific mix of strength and stamina to produce sustained high output, or move heavy weights. It takes yet another mix, of endurance and stamina, to trek on foot all day (see: persistence hunting).

While any of the races can have members who can do any of the three, I would say that Tolkien painted a respective picture of, respectively, dwarves, men, and (wood) elves.

Edit: I hope that was clear. I'm finishing up some honeyed mead and on my way to bed. :-)

Belegorn · 12-21-2014, 03:33 PM

I would think the Dwarves due to all the physical labour they do with stones and metals and they certainly are a tough people. Elves have the greatest control over their bodies and can take a lot of physical punishment.

Tuor in Gondolin · 12-31-2014, 09:15 AM

Dwarves seem to be strongest. Tolkien made a point (in The Silmarillion?) of noting their toughness and endurance. On the other hand humans seem best at, ah, getting lots of new humans so as to outnumber the others.

King Naugladur · 05-30-2015, 03:56 AM

I have to agree with you, Tuor.
Since Aule created his Children when Melkor was having dominion over Middle-Earth, he made them physically strong so that they could endure his evils, as well as fast in both friendship and enmity. Moreover, it is stated that Galadriel, one of the most important Elves of the Second and Third Ages, viewed the Dwarves as a general and saw in them the best fighters against the Orcs.
King Naugladur.

Zigûr · 05-30-2015, 08:53 AM

This doesn't really prove anything, but Professor Tolkien does state in "Of Dwarves and Men" that Dwarves were "the most redoubtable warriors of all the Speaking Peoples" which suggests to me that they were naturally or typically the most formidable in general.

That being said, it reminds me of our topic about the Balrog - I suspect that there were heroic individuals among Men and Elves that were probably as strong as if not stronger than the average Dwarf, whereas the Dwarves produced less individually heroic characters. The point of Dáin Ironfoot seems to be to provide a noteworthy exception to this.

12-20-2014, 04:36 PM	#1
skytree Haunting Spirit Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 51	Dwarves, Elves, or Humans? Which race is generally considered physically stronger?

12-20-2014, 11:06 PM	#2
Andsigil Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: The Deepest Forges of Ered Luin Posts: 733	I know this isn't really an answer, but it depends. Having done my share of manual labor, it takes a certain kind of strength to do things like shovel or swing an axe (or a pickaxe) all day. Having also practiced boxing, wrestling, and kickboxing, it takes a specific mix of strength and stamina to produce sustained high output, or move heavy weights. It takes yet another mix, of endurance and stamina, to trek on foot all day (see: persistence hunting). While any of the races can have members who can do any of the three, I would say that Tolkien painted a respective picture of, respectively, dwarves, men, and (wood) elves. Edit: I hope that was clear. I'm finishing up some honeyed mead and on my way to bed. :-) __________________ Even as fog continues to lie in the valleys, so does ancient sin cling to the low places, the depression in the world consciousness. Last edited by Andsigil; 12-20-2014 at 11:11 PM.

12-21-2014, 03:33 PM	#3
Belegorn Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Henneth Annûn, Ithilien Posts: 462	I would think the Dwarves due to all the physical labour they do with stones and metals and they certainly are a tough people. Elves have the greatest control over their bodies and can take a lot of physical punishment. __________________ "For believe me: the secret for harvesting from existence the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment is - to live dangerously!" - G.S.; F. Nietzsche

12-31-2014, 09:15 AM	#4
Tuor in Gondolin Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Southeast Pennsylvania Posts: 3,651	Dwarves seem to be strongest. Tolkien made a point (in The Silmarillion?) of noting their toughness and endurance. On the other hand humans seem best at, ah, getting lots of new humans so as to outnumber the others. __________________ The poster formerly known as Tuor of Gondolin. Walking To Rivendell and beyond 12,555 miles passed Nt./Day 5: Pass the beacon on Nardol, the 'Fire Hill.'

05-30-2015, 03:56 AM	#5
King Naugladur Pile O'Bones Join Date: May 2015 Location: Tumunzahar, Blue Mountains Posts: 14	I have to agree with you, Tuor. Since Aule created his Children when Melkor was having dominion over Middle-Earth, he made them physically strong so that they could endure his evils, as well as fast in both friendship and enmity. Moreover, it is stated that Galadriel, one of the most important Elves of the Second and Third Ages, viewed the Dwarves as a general and saw in them the best fighters against the Orcs. King Naugladur. __________________ Baruk Khazad! Khazad ai-menu!

05-30-2015, 08:53 AM	#6
Zigûr Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 785	This doesn't really prove anything, but Professor Tolkien does state in "Of Dwarves and Men" that Dwarves were "the most redoubtable warriors of all the Speaking Peoples" which suggests to me that they were naturally or typically the most formidable in general. That being said, it reminds me of our topic about the Balrog - I suspect that there were heroic individuals among Men and Elves that were probably as strong as if not stronger than the average Dwarf, whereas the Dwarves produced less individually heroic characters. The point of Dáin Ironfoot seems to be to provide a noteworthy exception to this. __________________ "Since the evening of that day we have journeyed from the shadow of Tol Brandir." "On foot?" cried Éomer.