I have two questions on Durin (and on the Seven Fathers in general): 1) if Dwarves fall in love only once, then how is it that Durin has had presumably at least six wives? Do they get jealous? Or is Durin’s wife reborn too? 2) do awkward family reunions ever happen, where one of Durin’s children is like “OMG that’s that super badass king who is my great-great-great-great-granfather but also my brother from my dad’s prevoius life”?

*stares at ask in dismay* urrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

idk. This isn’t worked out or anything, Nonnie, this is me just thinking aloud…

I like to think that Durin has loved every single one, but in a variety of ways. Perhaps one partner was more like a best friend and it was a platonic relationship. Perhaps one partner was ace, but wanted kids. Perhaps one partnership was an arranged and/or political marriage. Perhaps Durin is the most poly of poly Dwarves to ever poly. There’s a whole plethora of possibilities. I am absolutely sure, though, that Durin themself would have been very honest and up-front with a potential partner – and would consider it nobody else’s business. And of course, Durin can simply do that ineffable disappearing act when others get too nosy… mysterious bugger!

LOLOL, Durin’s own family reunions must be a thing of Maximum Awkwardness.

I sent some questions about Durin about a week ago but I think they got snatched up or something. So here goes, first: Since Durin has lived several lives he must have several families, right? Does he still visit them in the Halls (when he’s not out again). I can’t imagine he wouldn’t, given how important children are in dwarf culture. Second: I get the feeling the sayings by Durin’s ___ are going to get a might awkward in Erebor soon

Yeah, I think he definitely would. And of course, Durin has had children in past lives, and would still love and care for them.

Oh, that saying! Durin gets really uncomfortable about all those sayings!!

I snickered really hard at Dain mentioning people looking at Tjorin as if he were the seventh coming. A great combo of modern idiom and M-E dwarf stuff!

So stoked you liked that little detail, Nonnie! Hee, ‘seventh coming’; hee – Oh, Dain, if only you knew… !

Expecting some massive crushing Durin guilt when little Durin grows up and reclaims Moria. Hrera practically pulls her hair out by the roots worrying about her hubby and her son. Dain worries frantically for his grandkid.

OUCH NONNIE.

Is there any chance that Wee Thorin will become the Balin cousin to baby!Durin? I.e. The only one who is practical is a pile of dwarves who do first think later.

WAIT AND SEE 😉

I’ve had a question about Durin for a long time. When he’s in the Halls, which incarnation does he look like? Does he look the same each lifetime, when he dies does he just look like he did in that lifetime, is his presence in the halls more of his soul that doesn’t look like any of his bodies?

It’s a mystery.

Seriously, Nonnie, I have no idea, that’s something I haven’t thought of! Hmm, let’s sayyyyyy…

Durin (as with all the Seven ~~Fathers~~ Progenitors of the Dwarves) can be recognised through a very particular physical trait. Hint: It’s in his eyes.

Otherwise, he appears just as a normal Dwarf. Very ordinary, in fact. So ordinary that many overlook him in the crowd. He might be laughing at a play, or singing in one of the drinking-halls, or eating in one of the massive communal dining chambers. He’s spotted sometimes by one or two Dwarves – but he always disappears.

He doesn’t always look the same. Sometimes he is an old whitebeard, with a stooped back and wrinkled brow. Sometimes he is young, with bright eyes and a ready grin and an air of adventure hanging around him. Sometimes he is a powerful Dwarf with a huge barrel chest – sometimes a small and weedy thing. Sometimes that beard is dyed green 😉

I just rattled that off, but I hope it satisfies, Nonnie!