Could a Dwarf melee with a Balrog?

[skytree]

Originally Posted by Morthoron

As far as the light of Aman, Tolkien is explicit when he says that the Eldar of Aman are as superior to the Sindar or Silvan elves as elves are to mortals. This may include an ability to withstand damage far in excess of Moriquendi, Men or Dwarves. We know that even a Sindar like Legolas was impervious to cold and snow, just think how superior a 1st Age Noldo newcome from Aman would be. Think how the remaining 1st Age Elves, like Galadriel or Glorfindel, are viewed in context with Lord of the Rings

I don't know if their ability to withstand damage is greater than Dwarves.

Tolkien also said in the Simarillion;

"stone-hard, stubborn, fast in friendship and in emnity; they endure hardship more heartily than all other speaking peoples."

"...Last of all the eastern force to stand firm were the Dwarves of Belegost, and thus they won renown. For the Naugrim withstood fire more hardily than either Elves or Men, and it was their custom moreover to wear great masks in battle hideous to look upon; and that stood them in good stead against the Dragons. And but for them Glaurung and his brood would have withered all that was left of the Noldor. But the Naugrim made a circle about him when he assailed them, and even his mighty armour was not full proof against the blows of their great axes; and when in his rage Glaurung turned and struck down Azaghal, Lord of Belegost, and crawled over him, with his last stroke Azaghal drove a knife into his belly, and so wounded him that he fled the field, and the beasts of Angband in dismay followed after him. Then the Dwarves raised up the body of Azaghal and bore it away, and with slow steps they walked behind singing a dirge in deep voices... and gave no heed more to their foes, and none dared stay them."

This was a Noldor host led by Maedhros and Fingon, powerful 1st age Noldor. Except for the Noldor in Gondolin with Turgon, the rest of the Noldor would have been wiped from Middle Earth in that battle, save for their Dwarves and their hardiness to withstand Glaurung. Let's not forget the Helm of Hador, it was dwarven made and was to massive for any elf to wear. It was giften to Fingon, and no elf in his kingdom was strong enough to wear it. Only very large powerful men such Hador or Turin had the strength to support its weight.