The Prancing Pony Podcast

Episode: 371 – When Dwarves Cry
Release Date: May 11, 2025
Hosts: Alan Sisto & Sara Gavin
Description:
In Episode 371 of The Prancing Pony Podcast, Alan Sisto takes the lead in an in-depth exploration of the Dwarves within J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium. Joined by co-host Sara Gavin, they delve into the origins, culture, language, and intricate societal structures of the Dwarven race, drawing from various texts including The Silmarillion, The Book of Lost Tales, and The History of Middle-earth. The episode also incorporates historical insights into Tolkien’s life and works, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding the Dwarves.

Key Topics Covered

1. This Week in Tolkien History

The episode begins with a segment on significant occurrences in Tolkien’s history that coincide with the release date, May 11th, across different years.

• May 11, 1922:

  • Publication: Tolkien's first book, A Middle English Vocabulary, was published by Clarendon Press.
  • Quote:
    Alan Sisto [02:07]: "Sometimes the delay works out."

• May 11, 1944:

  • Letter to Christopher Tolkien:
    • Tolkien discusses progress on The Lord of the Rings, mentioning chapter developments and expressing optimism about the story's direction.
  • Quote:
    Sara Gavin [06:15]: "Fairly swiftly. I love his optimism here."

• May 11, 1980:

  • First Airing: The animated TV film The Return of the King by Rankin and Bass premiered.
  • Quote:
    Alan Sisto [08:26]: "The Return of the King was just. Everything came up out of nowhere."

• May 11, 1957:

  • Financial Milestone: Tolkien received a substantial payment from Allen and Unwin for The Lord of the Rings.
  • Quote:
    Alan Sisto [11:01]: "But if he'd known this check was coming, he might have considered retiring earlier."

• May 10, 1981:

  • BBC Radio Adaptation: Episode 10 of the BBC radio adaptation of The Lord of the Rings aired.
  • Quote:
    Sara Gavin [14:35]: "I actually didn't see it at launch either because I'd seen a preview."

• May 16, 2007:

  • Publication: The Deluxe Edition of The Children of Húrin was released, becoming a prized possession among fans.
  • Quote:
    Alan Sisto [17:45]: "That's the Super Deluxe. But, yeah, that's the one that's full leather bound."

2. Deep Dive: The Dwarves

a. Origins of the Dwarves

Alan Sisto opens the discussion by referencing The War of the Jewels, highlighting the mysterious creation of the Dwarves by Aulë before the arrival of the Children of Ilúvatar.

• Creation by Aulë:

  • Alan Sisto [20:55]: "The Naugrim are not of elf kind, nor of mankind, nor yet of Melkor's breeding. They were created by Aulë with a desire to teach his crafts and lore to the children of Ilúvatar."

• Seven Fathers:

  • The Dwarven race was founded by seven fathers, with Durin being the most renowned.
  • Sara Gavin [24:14]: "How Durin maintains his line without a mate is a major conundrum Tolkien didn't fully resolve."

b. Cultural Practices and Society

Sara Gavin elaborates on the Dwarven society, emphasizing their craftsmanship, secretive nature, and demographic challenges.

• Craftsmanship:

  • Dwarves excelled in metalwork and stonecraft, initially focusing on functional items before gaining artistic skills through interactions with the Noldor.
  • Sara Gavin [43:29]: "Their passion for stone and metals is a defining feature, reflecting their deep connection to the Earth."

• Language and Secrecy:

  • The Dwarven language, Khuzdul, is complex and deliberately kept secret, with limited exposure to other races.
  • Sara Gavin [61:18]: "Their language is a core element of their identity, guarded fiercely and rarely shared."

• Demographic Challenges:

  • The scarcity of Dwarf women and low marriage rates pose significant threats to their population growth.
  • Sara Gavin [54:48]: "The low marriage rates add a touch of melancholy to the future of their race."

c. Language and Communication

The hosts discuss the role of language in Dwarven culture, highlighting their use of common speech for practicality while maintaining their secret tongue.

• Use of Common Speech:

  • Dwarves adopt the local languages for trade and interaction but resist teaching Khuzdul to outsiders.
  • Alan Sisto [66:15]: "They use common speech in dealings with others but keep their own language in secret."

• Cultural Preservation vs. Adaptation:

  • While Dwarves are adept at preserving their cultural identity, their scattered living conditions necessitate some adaptability.
  • Sara Gavin [89:14]: "Their proficiency in common speech reflects their pragmatic approach to survival and commerce."

d. Legacy and Ancestral Lines

The episode explores the significance of Durin and the continuous lineage of the Dwarven kings, touching upon the theological aspects of their creation and rebirth.

• Durin’s Lineage:

  • Durin the Deathless is a pivotal figure whose line never failed, raising questions about how his lineage continued without a mate.
  • Sara Gavin [74:02]: "Durin’s uninterrupted line suggests a form of reincarnation or preservation of his spirit."

• Theological Implications:

  • The creation and rebirth of Dwarven fathers by Aulë presents a unique theological perspective within Tolkien’s world.
  • Alan Sisto [91:20]: "The idea of Durin’s spirit returning to preserve his lineage adds a layer of immortality unique to the Dwarves."

3. Listener Question: The Decline in Dwarven Metalcraft

A listener named Yvette from New York poses a question regarding Gimli’s statement about the decline in Dwarven metalwork compared to their advancements in mining and building.

• Question:
  Yvette [119:06]: "Why can't the Dwarves make mail or blades as well as they used to? Why have they improved in mining and building but not in metalcraft?"

• Hosts’ Response:

  • The decline is attributed to the loss of master craftsmen during catastrophic events like Smaug’s attack, leading to the loss of essential knowledge and skills.
  • Alan Sisto [123:26]: "The secrets are lost because the masters and apprentices were destroyed, making it difficult to reproduce their finest crafts."

4. Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

The hosts wrap up the episode by acknowledging their Patreon supporters, promoting their online platforms, and teasing the next episode's focus on The Unfinished Tales and the Quest of Erebor.

• Next Episode:
  Sara Gavin [127:58]: "Join us next week as we delve into The Unfinished Tales and explore the Quest of Erebor in two dedicated episodes."

Notable Quotes

• On Dwarf Creation:
  Alan Sisto [20:55]: "They are not evil. For they were not made out of malice in mockery of the children but came of the desire of Aule's heart to make things of his own after the pattern of the designs of Ilúvatar."

• On Secretive Nature:
  Sara Gavin [61:18]: "Their language is a core element of their identity, guarded fiercely and rarely shared."

• On Demographic Issues:
  Sara Gavin [54:48]: "The low marriage rates add a touch of melancholy to the future of their race."

• On Cultural Preservation:
  Alan Sisto [66:15]: "They use common speech in dealings with others but keep their own language in secret."

• On Dwarven Lineage:
  Alan Sisto [91:20]: "The idea of Durin’s spirit returning to preserve his lineage adds a layer of immortality unique to the Dwarves."

Key Takeaways

• Complex Origins: The Dwarves were created by Aulë with a unique theological background, separate from Elves and Men.
• Cultural Richness: Their craftsmanship, secretive language, and societal structures add depth to their portrayal in Middle-earth.
• Demographic Challenges: Low marriage rates and scarce Dwarf women present significant threats to their population sustainability.
• Linguistic Preservation: Dwarves prioritize preserving their language and culture despite necessary interactions with other races.
• Evolving Depictions: Tolkien’s notes reveal a shift from early portrayals of Dwarves as more antagonistic to their later depiction as loyal and industrious allies.

Whether you're a dedicated Tolkien enthusiast or a newcomer to Middle-earth, Episode 371 of The Prancing Pony Podcast offers a thorough and engaging exploration of the Dwarven race, enhancing your understanding of their pivotal role in the rich tapestry of Tolkien’s legendarium.