A Sense of History: Straight Road
The next in a series of articles about ships passing to and from the West, Simon uses "The Fall of Númenor" to attempt to arrive at Tolkien's reading of the exordium to "Beowulf."
The Dwarves:
As Seen by the Noldor:
Aule never told us about them, and they aren't in any of our books! Astonishing. They are ugly, but they do make wonderful chainmail.
As Seen by the Sindar:
Murderers! Thieves! They killed Elu Thingol!
As Seen by Mortal Men:
Rather odd folk, and very touchy, but loyal and courageous once you get to know them.
As Seen by the Petty Dwarves:
They drove us out, and left us to wander homeless through the world.
As Seen by the Slaves of Morgoth:
Leave these alone. Teasing Glaurung is smarter. There's only one of him, and dwarves have these things called bloodfueds...
As Seen by Umaiar (Sauron):
They are inventions of my former master, yet I can control them not.
As Seen by the UVala:
Sometimes apt to my design, yet other times a cursed nuisance.
As Seen by the Ents:
They have axes and little respect for trees.
As Seen by the Eagles:
It is rather hard for us to monitor what occurs underground. No comment. Well... they should learn not to pick fights so often.