Firebeards
The Firebeards were one of the seven houses of the Dwarves.[1]
Description
The Firebeards lived in Nogrod in the Ered Luin during the First Age. They were most renowned for having the greatest crafters and smiths, even by Dwarf standards in Middle-earth. They were also great masons, for they aided the Noldor build Nargothrond.
Of the two Dwarf houses of Beleriand, the Firebeards were the least friendly. They fought the Elves over the treasure of Nargothrond. Their lust for jewels and other treasures led them to the murdering of King Thingol of the Nauglamir, and the raiding Menegroth. After this act of treachery as they were returning home, they were waylaid by Beren Erchamion and Elves of Ossiriand in the Battle of Sarn Athrad. Those few that survived fled into the woods and the arms of the Ents who massacred the remainder.
They did however, help the Elves and Men in the Wars of Beleriand in the years before.
History
The Father of the Firebeards awoke beneath Mount Dolmed with the Father of the Broadbeams
In the War of Wrath their great city of Nogrod, was ruined. Some Firebeards stayed in the Ered Luin to help rebuild what they could with the remaining Broadbeams, from the also destroyed city of Belegost, while most went to the halls of Khazad-dûm in the Misty Mountains, swelling its numbers and bringing much craft and lore with them.
During the Third Age it seems the Firebeards may have parted ways with Durin's folk during the seclusive years of Khazad-dûm, and after the awakening of Durin's Bane. More than likely returning to the Ered Luin.
Also during the Third Age it is more than probable that they answered the request for aid from Durin's folk in the eventual War of the Dwarves and Orcs.[2]
Portrayal in adaptations
1982-97: Middle-earth Role Playing:
2002-5: The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game:
- The House corresponding to the Firebeards is called Úri's Folk, said to being "instantly recognizable by the fiery hue of their beards". After the destruction of Nogrod, some of Úri's Folk went to join the Longbeards at Khazad-dûm, while others delved new halls in the southern Ered Luin.[5]
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "Of Dwarves and Men", pp. 301, 322 (note 24)
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "Durin's Folk"
- ↑ R. Mark Colburn, Peter C. Fenlon, John D. Ruemmler, Terry K. Amthor, Jessica M. Ney (1989), Lords of Middle-earth Vol III: Hobbits, Dwarves, Ents, Orcs & Trolls (#8004)
- ↑ Thomas Morwinsky, "A Brief History of the Dwarven Mansions", in Other Minds issue 4 (July 2008)
- ↑ Mike Mearls, Chris Seeman (2003), Moria
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