Dwarf-women

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File:Dís.jpg
Dís, Thráin's daughter

Dwarf-women are the female Dwarves. They 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 do they dress as men, with similar voice and appearance as male dwarves, even when they are rarely seen they are usually mistaken for a male.

Women are seldom named in genealogies. They join their husbands' families. But if a son is seen to be 110 years than his father, this usually indicates an elder daughter. 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

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