tolkiens legendarium - Do the dwarves grow weary of Middle-earth

This answer suggests that, like the Eldar, the Dwarves grow weary of Middle-earth. I had never considered that notion before. The passage is:

Also, the Noldor's purpose was to prevent the decay of time which only affected the dwarves and eldar.

Or perhaps I'm simply misinterpreting that wording and it was intending to say something else.

Anyway, is there any support for this idea in canon -- for any interpretation? How does the "decay of time" affect the dwarves?

As far as I know, except for Gimli, none of the Dwarves are permitted to travel to the West -- at least prior to death -- no matter how weary they might be.

Answer

I think there's evidence on this. From the Appendices:

We have heard tell that Legolas took Gimli Glóin's son with him because of their great friendship, greater than any that has been between Elf and Dwarf. If this is true, then it is strange indeed: that a Dwarf should be willing to leave Middle-earth for any love, or that the Eldar should receive him, or that the Lords of the West should permit it. But it is said that Gimli went also out of desire to see again the beauty of Galadriel; and it may be that she, being mighty among the Eldar, obtained this grace for him. More cannot be said of this matter.

I think that "then it is strange indeed: that a Dwarf should be willing to leave Middle-earth for any love" makes it clear that Dwarves do not weary of Middle Earth, at least not in the way that Elves do.

As far as I can see, Dwarves are pretty much like Men in their ageing. (Though greed is the besetting failing of Dwarves, while fear of death is that of Men, so Dwarves may approach old age with greater serenity than Men.)

Comments

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