Tag: dwarves

The Dark Names – are Dwarves personalities almost predestined or innate? Do Dwarves ever get upset because their personalities might give them a harder time in society, or if they think they’re not as good as someone else or if they’re “made” shy or something?

Ooooh, good – and really difficult – question, Nonnie.

I like to think that a kherumel is more of a description of a Dwarf’s best self. Some Dwarves might be very intimidated by the promise inherent in their dark-name, but I don’t think they would consider theirs ‘less good’ than another Dwarf’s.

It’s not about predestination, but it is innate. It is less a prophecy and more an promise of Mahal’s individual, specific love for them in particular. No Dwarf would ever wonder if their Maker does not love them. Their dark-name would be a confirmation of that – a secret and sacred acknowledgement of that love. 

Some Dwarves are definitely shy! Even with their esteem issues, however, I would think that their special and secret name would give comfort rather than take it away. Even if they find it hard to make their way in larger Dwarven society, they have a personal and enduring reminder of Mahal’s love, just for them.

EDIT: OH, and I also should mention! Each kherumel could easily be interpreted in many different ways. The Dwarf’s personality is not shaped by their dark-name. I’ll take Dwalin as an example.

Dwalin Fundinul – 

Bakhuzâluh
Mahal – Hammer of Mahal.

At first glance (and only because we know Dwalin) this appears to refer to Dwalin’s role as warrior and protector of the Durin line. BUT – what if Dwalin were rather more shy and studious? He could have become a great jurist or scholar – thus, he would have been fulfilling the promise in his name in another fashion, protecting and upholding justice or wisdom.

Another example!

Frerin Thrainul – 

Abkundûrzud – Dawning Sun

Because we know who Frerin is, this can be seen as referring to Frerin’s youth at death, and his sunny, warm and bright nature. But if he had lived? Perhaps Frerin would have been a great diplomat, and so have brought a new dawn to his people. Perhaps he could have been a mighty warrior, and his Name might have referred to his ferocity.

Each name is a descriptor, yes, but there is no specific mold that a Dwarf must fit in order to fulfil it. A dark-name is not a prophecy. 

Hope that answers the question, Nonnie!

I have a few Hrera-related questions. When and how did she die? Did she and Frís watch the Azanulbizar battle, and how did they react? What did she and Thror say to each other when he showed up in the halls? (I also apologize for the feels and angst this ask might bring you or anyone else).

Meet a Dwarrowdam: Hrera

A painfully upper-class Dwarrowdam from the Broadbeam ruling family, the Line of Telphor. Hrera is a silversmith known for her small and detailed work. She was wed to Thrór, King under the Mountain, in a match arranged by her father and the Council of Erebor. She moved to Erebor when she was barely eighty, and yet it didn’t frighten her in the least. Prim, proper and careful with appearances, Hrera enjoyed ceremony and tradition. She was never afraid to speak her mind, and thoroughly disapproved of “all this Longbeard stoicism”. In fact, she thoroughly disapproved of practically everything – except her grandchildren. She had dark brown hair and hazel eyes, and a rather fanciful beard with diamond beads plaited into it like water-droplets hanging from a branch. She had one child, Thráin. Hrera was killed when Smaug attacked Erebor in 2770 TA.

When Thror finally fell to Azog’s blade, Hrera waited impatiently in the hall before the selpuchre doors. The minute they cracked open, she actually picked up her skirts and raced inside, heedless of her dignity for the first time in her existence. 

There upon the cold stone floor she found her husband, face in his hands.

Hrera did not speak, but simply held Thror close at last. After all his terrible tragedies, he had finally come back to her. Wounded, yes. But he would heal, and she would help. She would see to it.

When Thror’s tears had abated somewhat, she finally murmured, “your braids are a wreck.”

That prompted a new rush of tears from Thror – but he was half-smiling this time.

A Poem for Thorin Stonehelm and Bomfrís

Soaring high upon the breeze
The raven, lonely above the mountain
Beneath and between the stars
Above the stone, but not separate from it.
*
Under the bright blue autumn sky
A mountain made of stone
The whole thing a crown,
A helm atop one head. 
*
A balance, a dance
The archer above and prince below
Gift of ravens and gift of stone
Durin’s breath and blood.

OH MY GOSH THANK YOU

THESE TWO AUGH MY HEART

I’m thinking of auditioning for Baris, but I’m slightly nervous that you might someday write her singing. I’m a decent soprano for everyday purposes, but entirely untrained, and I certainly don’t have an dwarvish operatic range. Do you at least have any immediate plans to write her singing, so I can go try to cram a lifetime of vocal coaching into a few months?

I’ve actually got plans for her to sing quite soon? But it will not be an operatic performance. It’s rather more personal and emotional. 

The emotion of it is 800x more important than your technical proficiency, for this particular moment Nonnie. So don’t be discouraged from trying out for Baris!

I have the feeling that Hrera made her husband late for a bunch of early-morning meetings in the early days of their marriage? And when someone dares crack a dirty joke (looking at you, Nar), Thror just puts his head in his hands and groans. He wishes. Hrera is just not satisfied with his morning hairdo. He must look impeccable. And majestic.

LOL, absolutely! 

But Thror loves it. He really does. It’s one of the few peaceful moments of his day.

(if you want your heart broken more about Hrera & Thror and his braids, you should totally read The Secret to Good Braids by renioferebor!)

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.

image

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!

Dain you’re short

liketotessecret:

And so is this poem. But it was surprisingly difficult to write. More depressing Sansukh poetry! (No read more for this one, too short for it to be worth it)

–

The crown sat heavy upon his head

Gold and jewels like shackles to the dead

An oath to the people for whom he had bled

A promise to a cousin that forever went unsaid

A tie to a path he had never wished to tread

A stopper for tears he could never shed

AUGH

ALL THE DAIN FEELS