I intend to use Dwarves in a book that I'm trying to do studying for, but I don't know too much about them and I'm confused by the few things I know. To clarify, they've been done over many times, as great black smiths, the White Witches trusted allies, or sorcerers and such. So I'm a little jumbled as to what version was the original, this is really all I know:

If I was going by C.S.Lewis dwarves they would be evil, I suppose. Their the race that took the Witches side.

If I was going by the LoTR dwarves, they would be excellent black smiths, but still evil.

Than of course there's the Disney dwarves that are only capable of one emotion and take care of sleeping princesses, but they don't really count.

So since I figured you guys know a lot more about dwarves than I do, you could give me a history lesson . Any information would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Bethany Faith

Actually, Beth, Lewis' dwarves were interesting because they were cut down the middle. Lewis had several good dwarves, as well as the main bad ones. In fact, he almost always portrays the red dwarves as good dwarves, and the black dwarves as evil.

So maybe you could look at doing the same. Instead of segregating dwarves as good or bad, intermix them as both good and bad. Like many humans.

I don't see all dwarves as evil, however I do see them as quite grumpy for some reason. In the end they're your creation, you don't have to copy what Tolkein and C.S Lewis made them as, in the end they will be your own creation so make them exactly as you want them to be in your book You could have some evil and some good ones! It's entirely up to you. Good luck!

Tolkien had good dwarves and bad dwarves. The same as he had good and bad humans and elves.
Dwarves are usually bearded and shown as good craftsmen as well as usually more on the grumpy side. that doesn't mean you have to follow these rules (unless you want to )

Originally, dwarves weren't short. In fact, they were portrayed as tall, black, jolly people. The only characteristic that has remained with most every dwarf race in existence is a greater amount of self-control. So, the possibilities are endless.

There are different kinds of dwarves. Norse dwarves were called dark elves and the were short ugly and wore red caps that made them invisible. And they were evil.

I agree with this, unless there is some real purpose for you to have a race that is wholly evil.

In folklore, dwarves could be good or evil and usually have some magical abilities, so you could go whichever direction you prefer. While some of Wikipedia's information can be questionable, they have a decent overview of dwarf mythology (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarf_(mythology)) that may spark some ideas for you.

Dwarfs in my world are the Veldskhonians, and they are short, stout, and of any personality I could possibly need. I really don't want to typify a race's personality. Just a thought.

That wikipedia articles was incredibly useful, Sarah! Especially everything about female dwarves. Just wanted to say thanks.

Milly, dwarves seem to be a very flexible race with very few basics. I think creating your own, unique dwarves is the most memorable option.

Why, thank you!