Who Created the Dwarves in Tolkien's Works?

Introduction to Dwarves in 'The Hobbit'

One of the intriguing aspects of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit is the origin of the dwarves. According to Tolkein’s cosmology, the dwarves were created long before the elves by Aule, one of the Valar (gods) in the world of Middle-earth. However, the legendary tales of dwarves have roots in early Germanic folk stories, where they were referred to as 'Dark Elves' in poems such as the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda.

Aule, the Smith of the Valar, was eager to teach his craft to others and could not wait for the Elves to awaken. As a result, he created the seven fathers of the dwarves—Durin and his kin, before the elves. Unfortunately, when Eru Iluvatar, the supreme being, learned of Aule's actions, he had to undo the creation by putting the dwarves to sleep until the Elves awoke.

The Origin of the Naugrim in 'The Lord of the Rings'

Aul? and the Creation of Dwarves

The creation of the dwarves, as seen in Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, is detailed in "Of Aul? and Yavanna" from the published Silmarillion. Aul?, a powerful Vala (god-like being), waited impatiently for the arrival of the Elves and the Men. Aul? decided to create the dwarves himself to teach them his craft.

Eru Iluvatar, the supreme being and creator of the world, disagreed with Aul?'s actions. Eru said, 'What have you done? You know that only I can create ensouled beings.' Aul? repented and took his great hammer to smite his creations, but Eru intervened, stating that the dwarves had been created with their own free will and that they would only come into existence after the Elves and Men.

The Role of Dwarves in Tolkien's Universe

The Symbolism and Mischief of Dwarves

Dwarves in the stories of the North Germanic peoples and the legends of Tolkien’s world are often associated with the creation of gold and jewels found underground. They are also known for their mischief and conflicts with the gods, much like the dwarves in Norse myths. In Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, the Naugrim, or Dwarves, play significant roles, from craftsmen and miners to warriors and strategists.

The dwarves are known for their skill in crafting and mining, often sought after for their expertise in finding precious metals and jewels. They are also known for being envious of the Elves' beauty and the Elven trees, as seen in the story of the downfall of the Dwarves in Middle-earth.

Conclusion

Aul?, the Smith of the Valar, created the dwarves before the Elves in Tolkien’s cosmology. While the creation of the Naugrim in The Lord of the Rings is detailed in the Silmarillion, Aul?’s actions were ultimately limited by the will of Eru Iluvatar. The dwarves, with their intricate roles in the narrative and their rich history in Germanic folklore, continue to captivate readers and scholars of Tolkien's world.

Key Points Recap

Aul? the Smith of the Valar: Created the dwarves before the Elves as a means to share his craft. Eru Iluvatar: Overrode Aul?’s creation, forcing him to put the dwarves to sleep until the Elves awoke. The Dwarves: Associated with gold and jewels, but also known for their conflicts with the gods and the Elves.

Note: This summary provides an in-depth look at the origins of the dwarves in Tolkien’s works, their role in the universe, and their historical significance.