06-06-2003, 12:54 PM | #1 | |||||||
The Tall
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Formenos
Posts: 578
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Dwarven Thinking 101
Dwarven Thinking 101
From The Lord of the Rings: Appendix III Durin’s Folk Quote:
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Look at what happened in the end of that War: From The Lord of the Rings: Appendix III Durin’s Folk Quote:
Dwarf behavior in the Narn: Quote:
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I ask you again, was greed the cause of their diminishment.
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“What does the term american refers to” asked the boy, and the wise man answered: “Lets look at the dictionary then.” As an adjective American is: 1. Of or relating to the United States of America or its people, language, or culture. 2. Of or relating to North or South America, the West Indies, or the Western Hemisphere. As a noun American is: A native or inhabitant of America. A citizen of the United States. Then the boy asked, “What is America then?”, and the wise man looked at the dictionary again: 1. The United States. 2. also the A·mer·i·cas. The landmasses and islands of North America, Central America, and South America. Confused, the boy asked, “Does the term american refers solely to a us citizen or to any person in North, Central or South America?” The wise man replied: “What do you think?”, and the boy answered: “It is clear to me that while the term american is used to refers to us citizens, one can also use it to refer to any person who is from that continent too,” the boy thought for a while and asked the wise man, “Am I right?”, and he replied: “But of course.” The boy wondered, why is it that some people refuse to acknowledge the fact that the term american refers not only to US citizens but to anyone of the American continent?, but then sadly, the boy understood, that it is the calamity of ignorance. |
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06-06-2003, 02:09 PM | #2 |
Long lost mooter
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,342
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I would say yes. I think originally the love of metallurgy and the joy of producing fine metalware passed on to them by Aule was over time twisted into greed and foolish pride, resentment of others and entitlement (they should be able to have what they want, whether it be lands or riches, and are unable to let go of that). This greed got passed down until no one was left that could appreciate the original vision -- they became too mired in those feelings and extremely self-absorbed. Thus, they diminished in power (and in population, but I think that is as much a result of their reproductive habits as anything else).
Isn't it amazing how the old legends that had as their basis the stereotypical miner dwarves and gold-seeking dragons (which I think in true fairy tale style was meant to be a moral lesson about monetary greed) in Tolkien's hands turned into the situations we see in ME? |
06-06-2003, 02:37 PM | #3 |
Greatest Elven woman of Aman
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Greed, yes, but I think we must also bear in mind that the ring enhanced the lust for gold in both Thrór and Thráin. And in The Hobbit, the Dwarves were not the only people wanting a part of the treasure in the Lonely Mountain. The habit of paying ransom is not a bad idea either, at least much better than starting a blood feud.
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06-06-2003, 02:59 PM | #4 |
Long lost mooter
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You're right, I wouldn't want to make it out as if the dwarves were evil! But they had just lost sight of what was truly important and good. I love the quote from The Hobbit that Maedhros posted. And I do believe they had a legitimate cause for complaint and action, but as Maedhros pointed out, they failed to learn their lesson. If they had worked on their social skills a little, they could have had more allies to help them in their struggles against their enemies.
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06-06-2003, 03:33 PM | #5 |
The Lovely Hobbit-Lass
Join Date: Jun 2003
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I don't think dwarves are nessicarily greedy. Aule made them to love the things of the earth (gold, jewels, mithril), so of course they're going to crave these things if they don't have them.
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It's New Years Day, just like the day before; Same old skies of grey, same empty bottles on the floor. Another year's gone by, and I was thinking once again, How can I take this losing hand and somehow win? Just give me One Good Year To get my feet back on the ground. I've been chasing grace; Grace ain't so easily found One bad hand can devil a man, chase him and carry him down. I've got to get out of here, just give me One Good Year! |
06-06-2003, 04:29 PM | #6 | |||
Greatest Elven woman of Aman
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Having way too much fun with Fëanor's 7
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Quote:
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Btw, I love the Hobbit quote too
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--Life is hard, and then we die. |
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06-06-2003, 09:07 PM | #7 |
Long lost mooter
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Florida
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Well said, Artanis. I agree with both statements. Good comparisons, too.
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