Dwarf life span - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Lord Syslox of Emyn Beverli · 08-15-2002, 06:25 PM

This might be in another thread, but i couldn't find one, so:

What is the average dwarf's life span. As much as i look, i can't find a definite answer. I am hoping all those members who have more knowlegde and resouces than me can help me.

On the official LOTR movie website, it states that dwarves live upto 250 years.
This must come from the comment in FotR where it says that Dain is now old since he has passed 250. (Many Meetings, when Frodo is talking to Gloin).

Any other ideas, theories or proofs. Any definite ones?

Legolas · 08-15-2002, 06:49 PM

Bingo.

Burzdol · 03-07-2003, 03:01 PM

In the appendex the oldest was 324.

~Burzdol~

Maerbenn · 03-07-2003, 04:15 PM

From HoMe XII: The Peoples of Middle-earth:

Quote:

Dwarves of different 'breeds' vary in their longevity. Durin's race were originally long-lived (especially those named Durin), but like most other peoples they had become less so during the Third Age. Their average age (unless they met a violent death) was about 250 years, which they seldom fell far short of, but could occasionally far exceed (up to 300). A Dwarf of 300 was about as rare and aged as a Man of 100.
Dwarves remained young - e.g. regarded as too tender for really hard work or for fighting - until they were 30 or nearly that (Dáin II was very young in 2799 (32) and his slaying of Azog was a great feat). After that they hardened and took on the appearance of age (by human standards) very quickly. By forty all Dwarves looked much alike in age, until they reached what they regarded as old age, about 240. They then began to age and wrinkle and go white quickly (baldness being unknown among them), unless they were going to be long-lived, in which case the process was delayed. Almost the only physical disorder they suffered from (they were singularly immune from diseases such as affected Men, and Halflings) was corpulence. If in prosperous circumstances, many grew very fat at or before 200, and could not do much (save eat) afterwards. Otherwise 'old age' lasted not much more than ten years, and from say 40 or a little before to near 240 (two hundred years) the capacity for toil (and for fighting) of most Dwarves was equally great.

08-15-2002, 06:25 PM	#1
Lord Syslox of Emyn Beverli Pile O'Bones Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Tol Hardor Posts: 15	Dwarf life span This might be in another thread, but i couldn't find one, so: What is the average dwarf's life span. As much as i look, i can't find a definite answer. I am hoping all those members who have more knowlegde and resouces than me can help me. On the official LOTR movie website, it states that dwarves live upto 250 years. This must come from the comment in FotR where it says that Dain is now old since he has passed 250. (Many Meetings, when Frodo is talking to Gloin). Any other ideas, theories or proofs. Any definite ones? __________________ "Do not scorn pity that is the gift of a gentle heart" - Faramir to Eowyn. "A warrior should have more skills and knowlegde than only the craft of weapons and slaying" - Faramir

08-15-2002, 06:49 PM	#2
Legolas A Northern Soul Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Valinor Posts: 1,847	Bingo. __________________ ...take counsel with thyself, and remember who and what thou art.

03-07-2003, 03:01 PM	#3
Burzdol Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: The Fair City of Rivendell Posts: 274	In the appendex the oldest was 324. ~Burzdol~ __________________ "Kill them all for all I care. You just keep that bow away from me!"