Dwarves   

  It should be of no surprise the standard by which Dwarves have been seen in Fantasy literature was provided by J.R.R. Tolkien. Tolkien drew his inspiration from Norse mythology and legends. In Norse mythology Dwarves live in caves and are brilliant craftsmen, making magical items, such as Thor’s hammer.   

Physical Appearance  

• Short in stature
• Plump 
• Heavy beards – of different colors
• Broad shoulders
• Large Heads
• Stocky

Note: Dwarves are much shorter in stature than humans, and their heads and shoulders disproportional larger. Tolkien describes that male and female dwarves look, sound, and dress alike, and other peoples cannot tell them apart. Tolkien also tells the reader that dwarves are slow breeders, and there are more males than females and sense other peoples cannot tell them apart the myth grew that dwarves grow out of stone.  

Characteristics  

• Miners
• Craftsmen – Workers of metal, stone, and wood
• Helpful
• Reek Havoc on those who wronged them
• Love to sing
• Fierce warriors
• Identify with the underworld 
• Love for gold and treasure
• Stubborn

Note: Dwarves are short and stocky with beards of different colors. Dwarves are workers of metal and stone, crafting magical and mechanical wonders, often associated with being miners, dwelling in caverns and mountain strongholds. They have a reputation being helpful to others, but will seek revenge on those who wrong them. Dwarves are fierce warriors possessing military skills in combat, with their main weapon being the war axe, but they also use other weapons, such as, swords, mattocks, bows, etc.   

  Dwarves have a love for song and often sing, in Tolkiens’ The Hobbit, Dwarves make up a song about Bilbo Baggins when they first him. 

Summary  

  The standard stereotype (cliché) of the song loving, feasting and beer drinking dwarves has been developed over the years. Ranging from mythology, Tolkien, dungeons and dragons, etc, but understand that as a writer there are no rules, and dwarves have no rules. Your dwarves are whatever you can imagine and persuade the audience to accept, just understand you have to believe in the characters you create and your readers will believe it as well. They must feel real and unique, alive with each character with a personality of their own. You are a writer, use your imagination and create. Enjoy the process, and write. 

Follow. Up-Vote. Resteem. 

@smackit