Dwarf-women
Dwarf-women were few among the Dwarves, and were were usually kept concealed inside their mountain halls to be protected from other races. They seldom traveled in the outside world, only in great need, and when they did, they were dressed as men; with similar voice and appearance as male dwarves, even when they are rarely seen they are usually mistaken for a male. All Dwarves had beards from the beginning of their lives[1].
They joined their husbands' families. But if a son is seen to be 110 years than his father, this usually indicates an elder daughter. Women were seldom named in genealogies. Thorin Oakenshield's sister Dís was named simply because of the gallant death of her sons Fíli and Kíli.
Gimli stated that only approximately one-third of their population consisted of women which was the reason for the slow increase in population of the race: less than one-third of Dwarf-men were married (others preferred to spend their time with their crafts instead) and even those were bound to her for life. Furthermore, some women did not end up marrying: some desire none, or denied to marry any other than the one they wanted.
Beliefs
Because of the scarcity of Dwarf-women, their secrecy and identical appearance to males, and their lack of mention, many Men believed the myth that Dwarves actually grow out of stone.
Portrayal in Adaptations
1989: The Hobbit (comic book):
- During Thorin's and Gandalf's narration about Erebor and Smaug, a flashback panel shows the exodus of the Dwarves of Erebor. Among them, a woman can be seen, since she has no beard and is wearing woman's clothes.
2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers:
- Dwarf women are mentioned in the Extended Edition only, during Gimli's rant to Éowyn concerning Dwarven culture. The dialogue actually reproduces some of the information seen in Appendix A: Durin's Folk. On his mention that Men believe that there are no female Dwarves, Aragorn whispers a tongue-in-cheek explanation "It's the beard!" causing Éowyn to laugh.
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Two. The Later Quenta Silmarillion: Concerning the Dwarves (Chapter 13)"; a similar statement was made in The_Making_of_Appendix_A#Durin's_Folk
- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "Durin's Folk"
