LotR --- Appendix A: III -- Durin's Folk

[Estelyn Telcontar]

The last section of Appendix A tells of the Dwarves' history. Though some of that part which concerns the story told in The Hobbit is also related in Unfinished Tales, 'The Quest of Erebor', much of the information is unique - unless HoME contains some which I have not yet read.

Those who are interested in the Dwarven rings can find out more, especially about the last one, here. We find out about the effect the Rings of Power had on the Dwarves - or rather the lack thereof! They could not be dominated, enslaved, or reduced to wraiths, nor was their life span changed. However, the possibility that Sauron's malice results in restlessness and discontent through the Rings is shown.

The background story of Moria is told, going way back to the first Durin. We read of the waking of the Balrog. The battles between Dwarves and orcs are part of the story. For those who wondered why Thorin was called "Oakenshield", the answer is in this section.

Was the meeting of Gandalf and Thorin only by chance? We read that both were thinking of contacting each other before that meeting.

This section is also the source of what little information we have about Dwarven women. (...which was also inserted into the movie...)

We also find out more of what happened to Gimli after the War of the Ring - and of his end, at least as it was surmised.

Gimli's family tree and some important dates round off this section - have you used any of this information for writing?

I know I've used this part of Appendix A for information in discussions on Dwarves; is it important to you, or have you ignored it up till now?