Who Were Better Crafters: Elves or Dwarves? Middle-earth Explained

Many Elves and Dwarves were known to be mighty crafters in Tolkien’s world of Middle-earth, but who would we say were the best? Elves created some of the most renowned and powerful things in Arda, yet the Dwarves were known as craftsmen, and were made by the craftsman of the Valar himself. We explore my thoughts on the matter in this video! Thank you so much for watching, let me know your opinion on this topic in the comments below! As always, a great thanks to the online artists whose visual works made this video possible! If you are one of the artists, please let me know and I will post your name and a link to your work in this description!
#Silmarillion
#LordoftheRings
#Tolkien
Consider donating to our Patreon for the Westernesse Podcast and Discord Server:
/ menofthewest
Check out our Merch:
www.spreadshirt.com/shop/user...
Check out our music channel:
/ @musicmotw
Join us on Facebook at:
/ yoystan
Join us on Twitter at:
/ yoystan
Related articles:
tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Silmarils
tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Palant...
tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Three_...
5 Most Powerful Weapons in Middle-earth:
• 5 Most Powerful Weapon...
The Silmarils - Artifacts of Arda:
• The History of the Sil...
Mithril, Moria-silver - Artifacts of Arda:
• The History of Mithril...
Why did Galadriel Give Gimli Three Hairs? (Updated) Middle-earth Explained
• Why did Galadriel Give...
Why Did the Elves and Dwarves Dislike One Another? Middle-earth Explained:
• Why Did the Elves and ...
Thank you for your (Valar and Elf tiers) patronage!
Adrian De la Torre
Peter Sheppard
Chris Ortner
Blair Scouten
Sam McBee
Matt Sibbach
Elizabeth Calvert
Ben Gardner
Jonathan Putnam
Mark Kralick
Tobias Göldner
Merten
Ryan Ramsay
John Hume
Jennifer Wood
Condar
Kyle Wetzel
Rhys Jenkins
Adam Petrlik
Khuzan
Brandon Glidden
Dorwin Gray
Anthony Harmon
Diego Perez
Berni McCoy
Daniel Orlandi
John Crowley
Susan Henry
Atlas
Maz Gibs
Ryan Warren
Renato Filipe
Imiel Elenen
Chiara Siasat
Tyler Lund
Hydro Knight
Joshua W
Ádám Kis
Memory Troll
Dale Starbuck
April Green
Corwin Nemeth
Bryar Keyes
Matthew Rivas
Holy
OneErlend
Hjertholm
Metalguy87
Peter DeVault
Van Hardison, PhD
Matthew Jacoby
Margaretann Litawa
Brent Paredes
Maximilian Zim
Molly Sullivan
Matthew Shrubsole
Daniel Burns
Xanadu-King
The new Men of the West logo & thumbnail overlay was created by Raffe - Twitter: RaffetheRandom
The new Men of the West intro was created by Tyler Lund:
Tyler Josef Lund on Strikingly (mystrikingly.com)
The final image “Bag End” was created by Wayne Glassbrook at designly.net
The first song used in this video:
Virtutes Vocis by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: filmmusic.io/standard-license
The last song used in this video is from:
library.techsmith.com/
Many related and/or used art come from these artists and sources:
Ted Nasmith:
www.tednasmith.com/
Jenny Dolfen:
goldseven.wordpress.com/
Alan Lee:
www.iamag.co/the-art-of-alan-...
John Howe:
www.john-howe.com/portfolio/g...
Hildebrant brothers:
www.brothershildebrandt.com/Br...
DonatoArts:
www.deviantart.com/donatoarts
Magali Villeneuve
www.magali-villeneuve.com/
Wolfanita:
www.deviantart.com/wolfanita
Gerwell:
/ gerwell
Mirach Ravaia:
www.deviantart.com/mirachrava...
Kaprriss:
www.deviantart.com/kaprriss/g...
EKukanova:
www.deviantart.com/ekukanova/...
steamey:
www.deviantart.com/steamey
Laurelinartistry:
/ laurelinartistry
SaMo-art:
www.deviantart.com/samo-art/g...
kimberly80:
www.deviantart.com/kimberly80...
Anke Eissmann:
anke.edoras-art.de/anke_illust...
azaisya:
gemennair.tumblr.com/post/180...
BellaBergolts:
www.deviantart.com/bellabergo...
dakkun39:
/ dakkun39
alikuu:
www.silmarillionwritersguild.o...
Jos:
tolkienlibrary.com/press/Inte...
CorbinHunter:
www.deviantart.com/corbinhunt...
Mami02:
www.deviantart.com/mami02/art...
DavidGaillet:
www.deviantart.com/davidgaill...
Thaldir:
www.deviantart.com/thaldir/ar...
Eric Faure-Brac
Samuel Marcelino:
www.artstation.com/artwork/lR...
Nacho Castro
Angus McBride
Alexandra Lazarenko:
www.artstation.com/marketplac...
Torbjörn Källström:
www.artstation.com/artwork/e0...

[@v1e1r1g1e1]

When think like an immortal, you make things that echo with eternity. When you think like a mortal, you make things that reverberate with your people in the here and now.

[@semperuna1609]

booooeeeee team dwarves

[@markbritton6798]

Are you an immortal?

[@harryhorrocks6030]

I would think it would be the other way around cause if your immortal leaving something great behind wouldn't Matter that much compared to a mortal who would want to make something that will stand the test of time.

[@Exotic-ps7vi]

@@harryhorrocks6030 Typically items that are made with haste are lower quality. It's not that they are intentionally lower quality, rather that they simply don't have the time to craft and refine their skill compared to someone who is immortal. They'll always be limited by their life span. When you are immortal you want the item you craft to survive with you.

[@harryhorrocks6030]

@Exotic-ps7vi I'm just using real life for my reasonings. Most people who have lived throughout time have wanted to leave something behind something that will last like the roman emperors did with the aqueducts and so on . The reason why they did this, I think, is to leave behind a legacy because they know they themselves will not last. If you were immortal, where would the incentive come from after so long would anything be worth doing.

[@Halfwit_The_Brave]

I think elves may have crafted the few finest items, however they are few indeed. The Dwarves I think created most excellent items if that makes sense. Let’s say out of the best 100 items ever created the elves made the top 5, but the dwarves made 70 of the top 100. Those are obviously made up numbers, but I’m sure you all understand my meaning.

[@jesseestrada8914]

I have a similar belief. I think even more then the valar auley... Only feanor made something that morgoth lusted for. The greatest crafter I'd feanor followed by the valar and Meijer. Then I'd say celebrimbor is next then you have the greatest dwarves of which there many. The difference is that the noldor had divine Providence to work with and the dwarves had been born for it.

[@amandag.6186]

Quality vs Quantity

[@theheightsboy100]

totally agree

[@campion04]

an elvish warrior used to using quality elvish weapons wouldn’t think less of a quality dwarvish blade made for an elf.

[@matthaeusdecuiavia8637]

That's exactly how I think of that matter. There were few elves that could match, or outmatch dwarves in the art of craftsmanship, but there were such cases. However when we consider the races as a whole, it's hard to say that elves are better craftsmans than dwarves. Moreover, the most prominent of the elvish works were made with help or knowledge of the Vala or Maia, while the dwarves were able to create wonders without such help and even from "common" materials.

[@Dyundu]

Tangential, but fun: Narsil was forged by Dwarves and was reforged by Elves as Andúril but was ultimately wielded by Man to unite Middle-earth against the Shadow.

[@cuitaro]

Angrist was forged by Dwarves (Telchar) and was used retrieve the Silmarils of the Elves (Feänor) but was ultimately wielded by Man to unite Beleriand against Morgoth. (Beren) Also, Beren is Aragorn's direct ancestor

[@oguzhanenescetin5702]

Earendil the Halfelven used Vingilot , a ship blessed by Varda the Ainu, to slay Ancalagon the Black commander of the dragons of Morgoth by the help of a Silmaril made by Feanor the Elf

[@Nerobyrne]

I'm quite sure Tolkien did this on purpose as the perfect symbol of unity of all free peoples. That was a big theme throughout all of LotR, after all.

[@soron_2529]

I dont know why but this actually gave me goosebumps😅

[@TJDious]

Much the same way Sam and Frodo went into Mordor with items from all races. Dwarf mail, Elf cloaks, blades made by Men and Elves, cookware made by Hobbits.

[@trevorp8124]

I always got sort of a "physical vs metaphysical" vibe from the dwarf/elf differences in crafting skill. Dwarves could make magnificently crafted stuff that on a raw physical level was without peer, but at the end of the day it was still just *stuff* Elves meanwhile are like "Here're these gems that have the light of creation in them and can gauge your morality when you touch them" or "Here's a black bladed meteor-sword that can talk"

[@Thomas.Wright]

That's my feeling. The Dwarves are just better at finding the best materials and working those materials into powerful and useful items. But the Elves were better able to put their own essences (their thoughts, ideas, and feelings) into the things they craft. Which is why Sting, Glamdring, and Orchrist glowed in the presence of Orcs; the Elves put their own hatred of the Enemy's creatures into their weapons.

[@Nerobyrne]

Yeah I was trying to describe my feelings but you did it perfectly. I don't think one is superior, as their fields of focus are very different. Although I also understand that the Silmaril are quite an impressive feat of crafting, considering they can enable you to fly and have all sorts of cool powers. But nothing really beats the sheer grandiosity(?) of Dwarven architects.

[@Nerobyrne]

@@elrikk3419 Lord of the Rings: Gandalf uses Light-spell once, very low fantasy Lord of the Rings lore: So this dude stuck a gem on his boat and flew through the sky killing dragons with lazer beams

[@morgothbauglir8687]

I kinda agree with you. On one hand, the Elves are generally more “metaphysical” than Dwarves, so they could do more “cool magic stuff” than Dwarves. However, one factor to consider is that the Dwarves are really secretive. One of the only Elves to know a lot of the Dwarves and their methods was Eol, and he was also ultra secretive. From what we do know, the Dwarves are very capable of “cool magic stuff” though we just don’t hear of it as much. In the Silmarillion, the Lord of Nogrod curses the treasure of Doriath and Beren throws it in the river, in the “Song of Durin” we read of “runes of power upon the door”; in the Tale of the Nauglafring (early version of the Nauglamir) Mîm curses the treasure of Nargothrond and Thingol (here known as Tinwelint) allows the dwarves to combine this treasure with the Silmaril, but “the Dwarves were full of bitterness, and all its links were twined with baleful thoughts”. If we got a text written by the Dwarves, we’d probably see a lot more cool dwarf magic.

[@Cpint]

I was in the middle of typing almost this exact sentiment when I noticed this comment; I couldn't have put it better myself.

[@charliehill4951]

In fairness to the dwarves, the things they learn to create in their individual lifetimes proves a superior feat to me personally than immortal elves whom have many more resources, information access (valar and sauron) and time to learn. A dwarf lives a mere blink in the life of an elf

[@N38Productions]

Dwarven Talent vs Elven Skill

[@archades115]

The Noldor equipped heroes. The Dwarves equipped armies. But seriously, I loved this video. This is a debate my best friend and I still have to this day, 20yrs after first reading the Silmarillion.

[@christianfarren1179]

By Durin, that’s a line!

[@ricardoandre7049]

Krieg doesnt raise regiments, krieg raises armies. Oops wrong setting😉

[@archades115]

@@ricardoandre7049 I'm genuinely pleased someone else is a connoisseur of the grim dark. 😏

[@FenrisGabbriel]

Bravo on your line about the elves and dwarves! The only way I would modify it would be saying, "The elves equipped heroes. The dwarves equipped ARMIES."

[@RoleCrow]

Dwarves as a race were the better craftman overall in my opinion, Faenor and Celebrimbor created the most powerfull artifacts but there were helped by the magic of the Vala and Maia, if you read the sillmarilon even in the first age the elves were asking for the dwarves to help build their cities even until the third age the dwarves repaired Minas Tirith after Aragorns coronation.

[@Amondil1]

Gondolin caugh caugh, tell that to the elves of Gondolin lol

[@citizen_wayne]

This is where I am at personally. Without the magics and ultra-rare materials that came from the Undying Lands or from the Vala, elves were not especially talented. If one is prepared to accept that those things don't necessarily belong to the elves, then one must also accept them inferior to dwarves by ceteris paribus.

[@likac92009]

@@citizen_wayne Feanor made silima on his own, without any help from Valar. Valar didn’t know what silima was and they weren’t able to recreate it.

[@citizen_wayne]

@@likac92009 Silima/the silmarils required using power from the Two Trees of Valinor. So, yeah. With help from Vala magics...Closest example so far, but my point still stands.

[@dragonfly9083]

We have a handful of great crafts of the elves, the greatest crafts of all. But I do think that dwarves as a people rather than individuals are the better craftsmen.

[@sauron3488]

Seems like the Elves. Dwarves never made anything like the Silmarils or the Rings of Power.

[@markbritton6798]

Sauron never made the rings of power? Celimbrimbor did. Sauron made the one ring to rule the others

[@PTunnelly]

Hey didn’t you used to be Aule’s apprentice? How’s that going Lol

[@jessegreen6138]

Some of my friends and I have been debating this question since 1973. Yes 49 years and we still haven't decided this. It's hard to say on one hand Aule is the smith of the Valar, and the Elves are part of the song that created the world of Arda or Middle Earth if you like. I'm biased towards the Elves though. Elves did make the most powerful artifacts of Arda. Thank you for making this old man wrestle with this question again, Sir.

[@markbritton6798]

Aule was not just the smith of the valar he was the creator of the Dwarves!

[@citizen_wayne]

Do you think that elves actually /craft/ better items or do they simply "cheat" by having access to magics that dwarves do not? If dwarves could weave magic into their weapons (AKA ceteris paribus), THEN who would be the better crafters?

[@animation1234111]

I feel like Tolkein thought of the Dwarves as the best crafters, hence the quotes at the beginning one the vid, but his stories often centered around Men and Elves so they didn't really have the opportunity to show the same caliber of feats and achievements.

[@SNWWRNNG]

But the quote at the beginning states that the Dwarves were outmatched in everything, except in the tempering of steel and making chainmail armour. Personally, I think it's important to look at the individuals as well as their species. The greatest craftsmen were exceptional even among their peers.

[@venkelos6996]

I think that the dwarves, as a people, have superior craftsmen, even if the elves might have the the superior singular craftsman. Elves build when the mood strikes them, while dwarves build all the time. They build to improve, and to make great things that will long outlive even them, while elves have the expectation of living forever, so they lack the same drive to pour themselves into it. And that's actually kind of strange, because the elves built things that SHOULD have had a cost. The Rings of Power were meant to enhance the elves, and give them a bulwark against the ravages of time, in Middle Earth. When Sauron returned to Mordor, to craft the One Ring, he had to pour the majority of his Fea into that creation, in order to master the other rings, even though he was unaware of the Three, and so maybe shouldn't have known how much he'd need to dominate those he wasn't even aware of. One would think, then, that the crafting of nineteen other Rings should have demanded some sacrifice from Celebrimbor, but no. Feanor created both the Palantiri, and the Silmarils. Again, you'd think he'd have to pay, and he did later, for the sins they brought about, but it seemed elves could make things even a superior Maiar could, and for free. Had the dwarves been gifted with a superior, nigh divine spirit, like the elves, I think their skills would have been better. As is, the elves use magic in much that they do, while the dwarves, in my mind, tend to make do without it. I wouldn't want to detract from the creations of the elves; theircworks were exemplar, from those of Feanor, and Celebrimbor, to Lothlorien literally being shaped out of the forest, but I often feel like the immortal elves are simply able to make singularly amazing things once, and just a handful of even that perfect race can, while the dwarves can craft great things repetitively, and with certainty. They were also USEFUL. A particular elven lord hero might take to the field with an amazing sword, or spear, and no other hand might ever use it, but a fine mithril shirt could protect ANYBODY, even from the impact strength of said blows, and there could have been several. Mithril is rare, but more does exist. It also seems weird that I don't recall stories of Aule taking the elves to His forge, to teach them, nor any other Valar being particularly noted for craft, yet He created the dwarves to teach them. I'd say the dwarves are superior, on the whole, though the magic elves do have individuals more talented, if you actually want to believe the Silmarils are incredible, despite not having a real use, besides as mcguffins toppling several kingdoms.

[@ZiggidyZach]

Even after creating an entire race to share in his passion, Aulë gave individual instruction to the Elves. Maybe with a little more divine guidance Dwarves could have made something to rival the Silmarils

[@markbritton6798]

Aule taught the dwarves a whole language, though seldom is it spoken & the dwarves guard it in secrecy! Who knows what Aule taught them as he taught them their 1st language

[@Edisito]

@@markbritton6798 remember the dwarves we’re never suppose to exist if anything there like a middle child. Usually forgotten unless in trouble lol.

[@markbritton6798]

​@@Edisito yes my friend, your right there! but my point was that the Elves were the greatest smiths, or Feanor so says Tolkien himself. And as Eru himself blessed & allowed their creation, Aule almost destroyed his creation,till Eru allowed it?

[@markbritton6798]

No they couldn't. ask & il send you Tolkien's explanation to this idiotic question your still debating! you obviously missed my 1st explanation!

[@markbritton6798]

@@Edisito That's right, Aule was about to smite them all but for Eru's intervention. Remember Aule wife Yavvana wife created the Ents !, inder similar interests, self self bloody self, that Aule & his missus!

[@thegoudatimes]

This is a tough question to answer. It seems that the elves crafted items of a higher caliber than any other race because of their learning directly from the Valar and Maiar. In the case of the dwarves, they had no such guidance, only the inherent skill that was written into them during their creation by Aule. I would imagine if they had the opportunity to be taught directly by Aule, they would have been crafters of greater artifaces possible even greater than the elves.

[@markbritton6798]

Of course they had guidance from aule, just as Aule gave them their own unique language. Which they guard & keep so secret

[@darthgibsonlp6631]

Fëanor was the finest individual craftsman to ever live, of any species. Dwarves were, across the board, superior in metallurgy, blacksmithing, engineering etc.

[@kauetadaieski3131]

Fake. Not once stated. On the contrary actually.

[@JustYTWatching]

@@kauetadaieski3131 You're really gargling elves in the comments, bro sucks on their ears in his dreams

[@orrointhewise87]

"What about side by side with a friend?" This is a tricky question 🤔 I'd say in terms of endurance and and strength I'd give it to the dwarves. But in terms of power and purity it's the elves. They both have their qualities and if I had to choose which one to make my fortress or home I'd say to an elf build it for me please. Then I'd say to a dwarf, now lets see if u can make it stronger 😏

[@TheLastKentuckyIrregular9524]

Only if the Elves are allowed to enchant their works. Elven works are much weaker on a physical level. it is the Magic which makes them strong. So an Elven artisan would give you a much weaker item than a Dwarf by purely physical means.

[@ArawnsFire]

A third caveat : Tolkien wrote less of Dwarves that much I’d certain, and what he did was matter of fact. “ The race of Durin were craftsmen without equal .” Yet, Tolkien rarely expounded upon this statement. What we do know of Dwarves is they were suspicious of strangers and have a reputation of being greedy, We also know the Children of Aulë are a practical people, and therefore craft practical things. Dwarves would take more pride in crafting an helmet as opposed to an article of jewelry. such Items crafted as testament to the crafter’s skill was given as tribute to their king’s. Hoarded, and guarded jealously deep within their halls of stone. Perhaps the true riches of Dwarves were kept secret while lesser things worn openly so as not to attract the covetous glances of Elves and Men. Even Gimli looked upon Frodo’s Mithril shirt with a degree of reverence, astonishment, and glee. Like all treasures, the true skill of the Dwarves may never have seen the light of day, and therefore can only be hinted at.

[@stephanschafer5516]

this may be one of the best analysis in my opinion

[@gavinerickson9392]

I think we all know it was Sauron and the orcs, their industrial capacity and efficiency as well as unique crafting techniques were unmatched and allowed them to hold their own for centuries among the favored races of Middle Earth.

[@changniere7696]

Isnt Sauron a miar serving the smith valar? I forget lol. If so, that level of engineering and efficiency would make sense

[@qgqsrg1]

@@changniere7696 yh he used to follow the smith valar before switching sides.

[@tylersoto7465]

True, sauron with his industrial knowledge etc , could make morder area into a economic urbanize trade power in the middle earth as the Mass produce capital etc , morder has a industrial with large mass production properties in the northern part , with a inland freshwater sea for Fishing and abundant farming and a desert/semi dusty area that could be used to house the population in morder , if morder mass produce iron they could build skyscrapers and rail lines , with skyscrapers they can have a modern urban feel to it and háve rail lines built going through morder and out to move goods exporting and importing thing and they can use horses, oxen, donkeys and giant goats to pull railcars on tracks which ain't a problem and rail lines make things easier to move alot better even for animals to pull, morder and be a industrial workshop of middle earth and Isangard can too

[@prshntkmr173]

Feanor is perhaps the best craftsman in the entire tolkian universe

[@Sam__The__Slayer]

Yes he was, but a top class jerk tho, but as I said he was great, perhaps the GOAT in fiction

[@sachinpandey5090]

You're excluding Aüle and Sauron right?

[@Sam__The__Slayer]

@@sachinpandey5090 they were good, but Feanor was the first and the greatest.

[@yodaslovetoy]

@@Sam__The__Slayer feanor was the first? Aule and sauron where created BEFORE middle earth, long before feanor's mother and father bumped uglies

[@Sam__The__Slayer]

@@yodaslovetoy I know that but architectural master was Feanor, Aule was a Valar a god and Sauron entered way late to create things

[@warrengouldthorpe5091]

I think both the Elves and Drawfs are both really good crafters in their own ways

[@markbritton6798]

I agree, Magic weapons & awes inspiring jewels goes to the Elves & Armour & protective fabrics goes to the dwarves.IMO

[@Ulfhir]

I think it was in the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting where they said it best. An Elf and a Dwarf can both craft a suit of chainmail of similar quality, but the dwarf can crank out 12 suits while the Elf is busy engraving poetry on every link of his first suit.

[@sweeperboy]

I would say the "average Dwarf" outclassed the "average Elf" when it came to crafting. Although I'm sure many Elves were good at making things, I doubt it is quite as ingrained in their cultures as it is for the Dwarves. However, I agree with the overall premise of this video that the _very pinnacle_ of crafting by and large was done by Elves. And by Elves, let's be honest - we mean the Noldor. While the Vanyar and Teleri probably did make lots of lovely things (the Teleri of course, known for their shipbuilding skill), it is really the Noldor who have the greatest gifts as crafters, especially Feanor and the Gwaith-i-Mírdain (including Feanor's grandson, Celebrimbor). Their interest, knowledge, direct access to teachings from the Ainur and their magic was stronger than that of their kin. With regard to the Dwarves, the (Noldor) Elves were of course functionally immortal as opposed to "merely" long-lived. Let's take Feanor for instance, who did not live as long as some of his kin like Galadriel, Cirdan and so on. However, even he lived for 328 Valian Years or something over 47,000 Solar Years (as would be known in Middle Earth). 47,000 years to hone one's skill, compared to maybe 220 years of the working life of a dwarf - no comparison really. Celebrimbor was over 2,300 years old when he was killed, which is over 9x the average lifespan of a Dwarf.

[@fantasywind3923]

Well the Elves definitely since the beginning had many talents and skills, the Elves already started to develop their skills back at Cuivienen and from then on they would develop further, especially if receiving knowledge (in regards the Noldor) or simply hone their skills on their own (in regards to other kinds of Elves who remained, except for Sindar who received much help from Melian in developing their crafts and also in due time exchanged knowledge, skill and goods with the Dwarves, Sindar though also had skills in various craft, and as we see with Galadhrim of Third Age, even simple elven roper has skill to create ropes of mysterious and cunning workmanship: "And they added also coils of rope, three to each boat. Slender they looked, but strong, silken to the touch, grey of hue like the elven-cloaks. `What are these? ' asked Sam, handling one that lay upon the greensward. `Ropes indeed! ' answered an Elf from the boats. 'Never travel far without a rope! And one that is long and strong and light. Such are these. They may be a help in many needs.' 'You don't need to tell me that! ' said Sam. `I came without any and I've been worried ever since. But I was wondering what these were made of, knowing a bit about rope-making: it's in the family as you might say.' `They are made of hithlain,' said the Elf, `but there is no time now to instruct you in the art of their making. Had we known that this craft delighted you, we could have taught you much. But now alas!" Galadhrim of Lothlorien even seem to have some skill in working stone, as they had stone paved roads and other such structures (though that may be atributed to the influence of the Noldor and tutelage of their craft, though going by texts in the Nature of Middle-earth, even Teleri elves had some basic stone working skill and building skills). The Teleri curiously enough in Tolkien's various texts are mentioned for particular skills in various versions: ""for the Teleri prized silver above gold, and their skill as silversmiths was esteemed even by the Noldor."/" It was a frequent name among the Teleri, who in addition to navigation and ship-building were also renowned as silver- smiths."/"“became the most usual form among the Elves of Valinor, because the Teleri in their lands, to the north of the Noldor, found a great wealth of silver, & became the chief silver-smiths among the Eldar” (Letters 426)

[@likac92009]

One Valian year was around 9,7 Solar years.

[@dionshaewishum4179]

A thoughtful question and well researched answer. I concur with your analysis and appreciated the presentation.

[@andneekey]

I believe Dwarves to be the better Crafters as the items they made were pure craft. while the Elves may have made mighter items, part of that might came from magic hence they did not use pure craft/skill to make them

[@nordicblood8470]

Wow THIS IS .. maybe the BEST Topic about the LORE! Absolutely fascinating as it does make one wonder who did it better!!

[@TheSaneHatter]

This is one question that I never thought about very much, the kind of "who's-better-then-who" debate that I find makes reading fantasy less fun. My few insights were not much different than others expressed in both your video and in its comments: 1) That crafting was more central to Dwarven CULTURE than it was to the Elves, although both respected the arts involved. 2) That while Elves could and did impart a certain quality of magic into everything they did and everything they made, Dwarves had taken pure, unaided craftsmanship probably farther, and likely as far as it could go. Particularly regarding the latter point, I would simply say that each could clearly do things the other race couldn't, and so each had something to offer the other. Were that not the case, they would logically have had no need to deal with each other at all. Overall, it's necessary to remember that Tolkien was not a craftsman himself, save with words, and that this wasn't a branch of skill that he could write about with much authenticity.

[@johnmcgovern8481]

I enjoy the sound of your voice sir. Very professional narration & great content altogether! I give 3 👍👍👍 up. Keep up the great work! I will be following you from now on. 😃

[@theblackprince1346]

Will always have a soft spot for the dwarves, my favourite race in middle-earth.

[@Beechburry]

Hey Yoisten thanks for your consistent & interesting content, i was thinking about the upcoming series later this year & even if it’s good or not, i’m thankful we have your views & thoughts on middle earth & the topics related! This is where the good content really is

[@zayasmith1184]

Nice, I've been waiting on this.

[@alabamasbg]

I love this nerdy question that I have pondered as well. Excellent subject for your video!

[@MrSharpClaw]

It just occured to me that "Being down to earth" is a triple pun considering LotR Dwarves XD.

[@Huskytabby]

Can't wait for the what-if video for what if Gandalf never fell at the Bridge of Khazad-dum and continued with the fellowship to Lothlorien and on forward?

[@blinky297]

I absolutely agree with you assessment. While the dwarves were in general far better crafters, the works of the greatest elf craftsmen had them far outstripped. I mean the works of Feanor were by far the greatest things ever created. They were coveted by basically every being in Arda. The dwarves, however, had such a natural affinity for crafting that basic elf vs. the basic dwarf wouldn't have been much of a competition.

[@DanteDecimusValerius]

I think the true prowess of Dwarves lay in their remarkable architecture.

[@ianheins650]

Nice work dude

[@ToddTheTolerable]

No one ever outdoes the Elves in anything in Tolkien's legendarium. However as you said the best elven smiths were taught by the Valar. I'm curious if Dwarves would eventually be able to outcraft them were they given the chance to live forever in Valinor, with access to the materials and knowledge there.

[@randybarner6483]

Both of your points are so right on target.. I have been wanting to explore the various crafts done by everybody. The Dwarves' and Elves' "rivalries" is legendary even in practically everything.

[@eacalvert]

Another well done video my friend

[@Comicnut64]

Here we go let the comment section rants begin awesome video Yoystan

[@DWSP101]

The dwarves are the best

[@jddavidson4]

I feel it's an unfair comparison because the elves were the firstborn of an almighty creator, whereas the dwarves were the firstborn of a lesser being albeit still pretty powerful. I think that the fact that dwarves can even compete with elves is testament enough to their skill. I think I land where you did, the elves certainly had the biggest hits, but there is something to the consistency of dwarven arms and armaments.

[@reidp1727]

If I were to do battle right now and am given a selection of Elven and Dwarven equipment, I would go with Dwarven. Elven things seem to apply best for specific people while Dwarven things seem most practical and universal, if that makes sense. For instance, a trained archer with a bow may be better and more skillful with that bow, but anyone in my army can pick up a crossbow, then point and shoot with high efficiency. The bowman may be better but he is finely attuned to the draw weight, flex, and all around "ability" of that bow. Meanwhile, crossbow Joe can point and shoot effectively with any crossbow he finds. Obviously my analogy is not perfect, amd all archers here may want to argue but that is how I see this

[@jamesfry8983]

I would wonder about melkors mace and how it measured up to other great weapons of the gods

[@stimpsonjcat67]

As an artist blacksmith/bladesmith, this video parallels my thoughts through the professor's stories. I have many times thought along these lines. In the end, it makes sense to me that the Elves, so long-lived, would make weapons of legend. While the Dwarves would make more common, but above common, weapons to deal with the problems of now. But you forget something, my friend. Men...well...one man...unknown...made probably the most important blade ever wrought. "So passed the sword of the Barrow-downs, work of Westernesse. But glad would he have been to know its fate who wrought it slowly long ago in the North-kingdom when the Dúnedain were young, and chief among their foes was the dread realm of Angmar and its sorcerer king. No other blade, not though mightier hands had wielded it, would have dealt that foe a wound so bitter, cleaving the undead flesh, breaking the spell that knit his unseen sinews to his will." This passage...alone...made me a bladesmith.

[@Ancientreapers]

Each were excellent in their own unique way.

[@danielfiene7770]

I think there are a few different dimensions you can look at: Artistry vs. Utilitarianism: Elves, in general, had the edge when it came to more artistic expressions of craftsmanship, with their creation if objects like the Silmarils, Rings of Power, or just really fancy swords. Dwarves tended to craft more sturdy objects with a straightforward use, like heavy armor, Khazad Dûm or the new gate of Minas Tirith. I'm not saying that the dwarves can't craft works of art (e.g. Gimli's locket with Galadriel's hair) or elves can't build utilitarian things (Imladris, Palantiri), but that's the general cultural vibe I'm getting. Specialization in Materials: Whereas dwarves predominantly worked with and specialized in stone- and metalwork, elves did not really specialize in terms of their use of materials and also oftentimes worked with wood, cloth, and other organic materials. Exceptional individuals vs. a large number of pretty good individuals: Truly exceptional, unique craftspeople were usually elves (Feanor, Celebrimbor, Cirdan to some extent). I guess living forever helps when you REALLY want to be good at a craft. However, the dwarves probably had a much larger number of great, but not quite exceptional craftspeople, because their culture was, in large parts, built around crafting, so crafting knowledge was rather omnipresent in their society. Uniqueness vs. Reproducibility: Elves created some of the most significant and unique works in the history of Arda, but some of them may be fundamentally irreproducible - for instance, Feanor flat out stated that he would never be able to create additional Silmarils after the original three because that part of his creative self was spent forever, somewhat mirroring Sauron locking up the majority of his essence in the One Ring and therefore being unable to craft another (I know, Sauron is not an elf, but the technology he used was developed in cooperation with the elves of Eregion, so there's an elven link). Dwarves, on the other hand, could create thousands of copies of the same high quality item with no problem and I wouldn't be surprised if they spearheaded some sort of proto-industrial mass production in their cities. Technology vs. "Magic": Now, magic isn't that well defined in the Tolkienverse, but what I mean is: Elves are more attuned to the spiritual underpinnings of the world and have a higher degree of metaphysical understanding which they are using in their crafts. Dwarves, on the other hand, think more like modern-day engineers or material scientists when crafting. Each of the extremes of these dimensions can be argued to make for "good" craftsmen, depending on the situation, and the question "who are the better crafters" lacks this nuance a bit. It kind of depends on what you are looking for: Do you want a set of unique holy mystery gems which are the most beautiful objects in existence and emit the light of creation? Ask the one elf who is the only person in existence to have figured out how those work, exactly. Do you need a massive underground metropolis hewn into the heart of a mountain chain which will last for millennia and also doubles as a giant mining operation and near impenetrable fortress? Contact a crack team of dwarven craftsmen.

[@cjh8792]

I always thought of it as the elves being better “enchanters” and at making items, but Dwarves are better at making weapons and armor as well as stone work. You make a lot of great points in the video

[@seynimcduck]

I think the dwarves are better craftsmen than the elves. This is because it is true that the Alps learned this art from the Valar but the dwarves were created with this art, the craft was forged into their brains while they were created by Aula. It's true that the elves created things that so-called dwarves could not do, we have virtually no proof (as far as I can remember) that the dwarves could not create things like the Silmarills and the Palantiri (of course except for some technical failures like that they could not see the trees to create from their direct light things like The Silmarils). The difference between dwarf crafts and elven crafts is that elves have the desire to do it, the desire to create the beauty full of light and magic. The dwarves usually did not care that they would continue to create weapons and armor and if they had the desire they would go up and down the elves on several levels.

[@jackbaccarat4084]

A very loaded question. Can't say I have ever thought about this question. Simply put I think both races are masters of "their" respected crafts for their intended purposes.

[@marionbaggins]

Man, that is one of the hardest questions, I bet Gimli, and Legolas would have a better choice, (being they are that race) You have made great For and Against for this!!!! Thanks, Mellon, for this Epic Discussion, I can not wait for more Crafters in Middle Earth, Until Mery's ECH...Marion Baggins is Out!!!

[@IronDragon-2143]

I'd like to think that 1) It largely depends on the person crafting, Elf or Dwarf and 2) They both craft beautiful works of art that are simply unique.

[@pinkace]

6:21 shots fired! Take it back!!! LOL

[@averongodoffire8098]

Bringing this up in a room of dwarves and elves: fight fight! FIGHT! FIGHT!! FIGHT!!! FIGHT!!!

[@nikossak48]

I believe that if we want to be exact Dwarves were the better craftsmen. And by exact I mean due to the definition of a craftsman as someone who produces everyday items and stuff to help its kind to deal with a variety of issues. Elves were artists... Blacksmithing was not their job they just did as an art work. Fair and unimaginably beautiful items such as the Silmarils, or stuff that gave people additional power and made their abilities even greater such as the Rings of power. Dwarves were craftsmen and smiths but Elves were artists that were not always interested in creating stuff... But when they did it was the fairest !

[@johnrandolph1989]

I'm being biased because in RPGs I typically chose Dwarves as opposed to Elves. As in Dragon Commander I really like the personality of the Dwarves representative and the princess you can marry.🍺😍🥃

[@christianfarren1179]

Same I’ve loved them since I first discovered Tolkien, purely for the aesthetic. Then I learned about Gotrek Gurnisson from the Realmslayer audio dramas, and the character made me realize why I love them so much: they have a boisterous, bombastic approach to life, a love of strong drink and fierce battles and a fierce, diamond-hard dedication to their friends and loved ones.

[@andyhart358]

In my MERP campaign, I decided that as part of my keep, which housed mainly Rangers of both Mannish and Elven decent, one tower would be kept aside and called the Dwarf Tower. This is where I sited my forge, close to the armoury, and manned, not unsurprisingly, by Dwarves of the Ered Luin. Yes, there's rivalry, but also a mutual respect, and the work given to those who are best for the job. After all, we're all after the same thing, beating the Bad Guy.

[@Bavido4]

Take Fëanor out of the conversation and the Dwarves win hands down. Celebrimbor's only works of note are the rings of power, and the doors with moon letters. We don't know how much of Celebribor's skill in forging the rings was he's in origin and how much was Sauron's, and the Dwarves made an even more complex door at the Lonely Mountain (also involving moon letters). Fëanor was without a doubt the greatest craftsman of all time, but as a people the Dwarves are far more skilled.

[@christianfarren1179]

Opinion’s justifiably varied, and I’ll freely admit my Dwarven bias here, but I the way I see it they’re broken down into two schools of thought. Elves tend to focus on magic, enchantments and more subtle forms of defense. Their armor’s meant for speed and fast attacks, and their swords are a marriage of form and function, standing among the most famous weapons ever created. Dwarves on the other hand, go for practical defense, durability and pound for pound damage. Not to say that their armor and weapons couldn’t be beautiful as well-mithril needs no introduction here-but if you need something that can take a lot of punishment and dish it right back, you can’t go wrong with Dwarven craftsmanship. Ultimately, it comes down to what the wearer prefers or what best suits a given situation/battle.

[@TheJCJexe]

Great video! I always wanted to know whose crafting was superior when it comes to arms and armor. For some reason im leaning more towards the Dwarves.

[@velse9869]

I always put it like this: Dwarven Craftmanship = German Steel/Tools due to the strength their equipment has as well as longevity. It may not be as “pretty” but it is a solid choice. German knives are strong, long lasting and easy for anyone to sharpen. Their knives are used as workhorses in the kitchen. Elvish Craftsmanship = Japanese steel/tools. They are precise in sharpness and how much torque they can produce with little effort. They’re also reliable and have good edge retention but you must be experienced in sharpening their materials. Their knives are used for precise cuts for fine dining Dwarven/knipex/metabo/wiha/wera Elvish/fujiya/makita/tsunoda/spyderco

[@DingoNovember]

Good video, this is the topic that I’ve been wonder for a long time. In my opinion, Elves are more about beauty, exquisiteness and magical those kind of things but Dwarves are more about durability, functional, mass production and more about physical things.

[@Blackferret66]

I think that another facet that makes comparison harder is that the Elves, by virtue of being in Valinor, might have had access to materials and substances that Dwarves, who had to operate solely in the "mortal realm" would never had had access to. If Dwarves had been in Valinor, perhaps Telchar could have created something the equal of the Silmarils.

[@ericthetrickster4234]

The idea that Dwarves have more crafters is not necessarily correct. They would in the crafting of steel, but perhaps not if you included other things. The Elves possess a subtle art of creating where much of what they make seems magical to the race of Man. Their cloaks conceal their wearers presence and the lembas that they bake can keep a traveller on their feet after a full day traveling. The Dwarfs surpass the elves in original steel, but besides sheer quality the Elves surpass in the sheer variety. Their arts probably extend to their food, furniture, tools, cloths etc. So when comparing amounts, it's really Elven smiths, carpenters, masons, tailors, cobblers, and other professions vs the Dwarfs masons and smiths

[@shanenolan8252]

Thanks guys

[@matthewwithum8372]

Cool topic

[@DannyJane.]

I think the question lies in at least two areas. The first is whether the thing being crafted was of artisic or practical purpose. In the service of practicality; doors, weapons, or armor, the dwarves come ahead. Part of the reason is that they have the edge of mass production. But in the artistic sense or in the use of power you have to look to the elves. However, each of their products benefits only an individual or a small circle of individuals rather than larger groups. The unspoken advantage falls to the elves because their immortality and thus the benefit of time to learn and refine the skills.

[@Tinkering_Dim]

I really like this topic! A real brainteaser. But you missed 1 very important detail!!! (In my opinion) Lifespans: the elves lives long, which means they can work and train longer. For this reason I believe that the elves are better crafters. But only because of the concept of time.

[@Dr_Cole]

I thoroughly enjoyed this different topic. At the beginning of the video, my lay thought was that Elves exceed in the artistry of their crafted products whereas dwarves exceed in the durability of their products (mostly thinking about mail). While not directly answered, the summary points seem to be related.

[@Soloong_Gaybowzer]

The elves were artisans who couldn't produce weapons in vast quantities like the dwarves could, but what they did produce was sometimes strong enough to challenge a Valar. The dwarves made weapons and items in mass that were of better quality than what the humans could produce. It's like comparing Etsy with Amazon.

[@kauetadaieski3131]

The Noldor have received the teachings from Aulë and his servants Maiar for thousands of years: "Aulë it is who is named the Friend of the Noldor, for of him they learned much in after days, and they are the most skilled of the Elves;" "A note is appended to Aulendur: 'Servant of Aule': sc. one who was devoted to that Vala. It was applied especially to those persons, or families, among the Noldor who actually entered Aule's service, and who in return received instruction from him." They even surpassed those Ainur in many things after being taught: "...but the Noldor were beloved of Aulë, and he and his people came often among them. Great became their knowledge and their skill; yet even greater was their thirst for more knowledge, and in many things they soon surpassed their teachers." So because of the nature and knowledge acquired throught the centuries, this particular Elda Clan was viewed by Tolkien as the superior smiths, and so he says: "In the tempering of steel alone of all crafts the Dwarves were never outmatched even by the Noldor, and in the making of mail of linked rings (which the Enfeng first contrived) their work had no rival." Among all crafts only in the tempering of steel they weren’t OUTMATCHED by the Noldor, which means they were actually matched in that regard. So the only skill they were never actually MATCHED was in the making of mail, they were unbeatable in that regard. That quote alone should be the answer but let us delve into this a bit more. We know Thingol had, at some point, good relations with the Dwarves of Nogrod and so they forged many weapons for Doriath, among those that forged the weapons were Telchar and his master, the 2 greatest Dwarven smiths whom tales tell. Let us see what Tolkien has to say about this relation: "Now Thingol had in Menegroth deep armouries filled with great wealth of weapons: metal wrought like fishes' mail an shining like water in the moon; swords and axes, shields an helms, wrought by Telchar himself or by his master Gamil Zirak the old, or by elven-wrights more skilful still. For some things he had received in gift that came out of Valinor and were wrought by Fëanor in his mastery, than whom no craftsman was greater in all the days of the world." This further proves they (Noldor from Valinor) indeed matched the tempering of steel and went beyond that, actually having more skills in the final craft of weapons. The quote also shows who is the BEST craftsman of all time, the Noldo Fëanor. Even on Middle-Earth, during the second age, an elite group of Noldorin craftsman from Eregion surpassed all those that have ever wrought, including those of Valinor: "In Eregion the craftsmen of the Gwaith-i-Mírdain, the People of the Jewel-smiths, surpassed in cunning all that have ever wrought, save only Fëanor himself; and indeed greatest in skill among them was Celebrimbor, son of Curufin, ..." This also goes to show that the second greatest smith of Middle-Earth was Celebrimbor, another Noldo, who joined the tales of the ages by forging the 3 rings of power. Now this thread does talk about Elves in general, so I would like to mention Eöl, a Sinda (or in another account a Noldo Avari) who forged the two best swords in the Legendarium: Anglachel and Anguirel.

[@mojobag01]

Mate, it's kicking off in here :)

[@francisterrado1165]

Tangential: "...we do not see any mithril-based weapons in the canon..." --- I don't know why I didn't realize this, but now that I think about it, yes. Mithril artifacts are always mentioned in a protective/guardian context, e.g. the mithril mail, the Doors of Durin. Nenya is said to have the powers of preservation and concealment from evil. And what is Nenya made of? Mithril.

[@janneplanman6433]

The dwarwes were relentless and outstanding, but the elves were dramatic and superior. They both had their place. I am a designer and I used to manufacture a lot of medieval fantasy weapons, swords, axes, crossbows and all the other special items like that... I still have like thirty crossbow stocks downstairs my house and dozens and dozens of several axe models half way done at my fathers place that I call my Isengard😊 Now raising my kids and having no machinery I would need I can only draw at home... But the inspiration and the hunger will always be there, so maybe some day I will be that craftsman again🇫🇮🤘

[@shadowofchaos8932]

Of the great Dwarvish cities built, Khazadum, Erebor, Belegost, Nogrod and Gundabad, their size is never measured. Two were destroyed in the end of the first age. Gundabad was deserted and then taken over by orcs. Moria and the Lonely Mountain were fully populated and developed. In the Fourth Age, the Glittering Caves or Aglarond as the Dwarves called it was said to rival the capital of Doriath in beauty. Menegroth was built by dwarves of course. The engineering and construction of the dwarves was greater than the elves. But the elves crafted and created many things with time and enchantments.

[@miakoblastsprocket7379]

Hmmm... this is a tough question to answer. Logically, it would make sense for Elves that live for thousands of years to be able to create some of the most powerful and strange items in all of middle earth. While dwarves who don't live as long (Dáin was 252 at the time of the war of the ring), they could make some of the most powerful and industrious items. For example in the battle of 5 armies: Dáin unleashed the Twirly Whirlys, shredding the arrows of the Elves and scattering their lines. A functioning bolt launcher on a chariot with an auto loader and bolts in a feeder sleeve. Just the mass production line inside of erebor itself during the Desolation of smaug is an amazing feat. I think that the dwarves being as intelligent and ability to learn considering their age limitation, their ingenuity, and skill I'm sure that they could learn the elvish craft, and then improve on it, or mass produce it. So I would have to say the Dwarves.

[@futuresonex]

When it comes to skill, whether crafting or battle or anything else really, the elves have a huge advantage that neither dwarves nor men do. They have thousands of years to perfect their crafts while dwarves have only centuries and men only decades. A man or dwarf can spend his entire life working at perfecting his skills, but an elf who has spent that same amount of time has barely gotten started.

[@rlenn6512]

I read some other comments, and I conclude: I agree that the elves made the finest items, imbued with their spirits/energy, and that dwarves made amazing physical items. If the dwarves were early shown some craft by elves, the dwarves would then perfect the elven practice. Elves would learn what the dwarves did, so it is kind of symbiotic.

[@kaidorade1317]

Hmm a tough one. The elves through Celebrimbor were taught Sauron by ring making….but the dwarves mined Mithril and with it crafted wonders of their own. As light as a feather but as hard as dragon scales

[@30noir]

Nobody created Mithril. They just mined it.

[@Thomas.Wright]

I thought Sauron tought THEM ring-making. Remember, Sauron was a disciple of Aule the Smith prior to defecting to Morgoth's side (as was Saruman).

[@yodaslovetoy]

Sauron taught celebrimbor and the elves

[@kaidorade1317]

@@30noir thanks for the correction

[@kaidorade1317]

@@Thomas.Wright you are right thanks my mistake

[@rasinterpreter6480]

J.R.R. Tolkien most definitely learned a lot about the African genius of the ancient Egyptians, during his childhood in Africa when you posted this 1. I was almost instantly reminded about THE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN GOD “PTAH” (creator god and maker of things, god of craftsmanship and especially sculpting) . Ptah was was also a member of the African tribe called the (twa) ,a people exclusively known for their short stature similar to that of a (dwarf). My point is that Tolkien researched African people and created this Fantastic universe He owes so much CREDIBILITY to African Genius and African beauty its it’s kinda insulting IN A WAY ONE COULD SAY ITS PLAGIARISM ✨

[@goransekulic3671]

...Dammaz Kron thickens! Ay lad! :) For real, what you said is exactly my opinion. For ultra HQ stuff, nothing beats the Elves. But on average? It's the Dwarfs, for sure. Sorry, Dwarves.

[@veevee199x]

i agree with this video, when it comes to quality the Elves are unsurpassable but Dwarves takes the cake when it comes to quantity.

[@Pca32227]

I think Telchar creations had some sort of magic by the way they're described, maybe other dwarves could also create magical items considering that elven royality frecuently asked dwarves for personal items for them, like the dragon healm of dor lómin, the nauglamir, angrist, narsil, those items were not for ordinary soldiers but for great elven kings.

[@mistertaz94]

I think its a type of difference for crafting. Weapons, armor, and architecture is all higher quality with the dwarves while elves excel with enchantments and jewelry. Its also down to the style of craftsmanship where elves prefer much more dainty ornate designs and the dwarves prefer more geometric and sturdy designs

[@brianh9358]

I think that the Elves could probably craft the best individual items - partly due to skill but also due to the fact that at least in earlier ages they seemed to be able to call on magic to enhance their creations. However, in terms of scale the dwarves are much better. One thing you didn't mention was the works of architecture that the dwarves were able to build - Moria and Erebor were in terms of scale bigger and more intricate than anything the elves ever built. There were many other dwarf settlements that were taken or abandoned which were also massive in scale - although we don't as much about them (Gundabad for example). I would dare say that if the dwarves had as much skill in enchantment as the elves had they could have surpassed them.

[@davidandrews2972]

Elven crafters are artists, as their works are amazing, but are all one of a kind or one matching set. Dwarven crafters are extremely skilled workmen who turn out extremely high quality gear time after time.

[@xabun]

Narsil, the weapon that eventually led to Saurons destruction, and its twin blade Angrist, which cut Melkor (!) were both forged by Telchar, one of the greatest smiths ever in Middle Earth. He was a dwarf from Ered Luin ... debate closed.

[@markbritton6798]

Yup Narsil made by the dwarves broke like glass under Saurons foot? Thats shoddy goods for you! Like that repro stuff they sell in the shire! "Pun from movie" Till the Elves mended it Properly? Lets not forget that the sword was said to shine with light like the sun so maybe the dwarves knew some magic too?

[@brendonmartin246]

Gurthang had a blood lusting spirit within it " Yea, I will drink thy blood gladly. Interesting to ponder the hammer strokes that forge this " weapon ".

[@jayt9608]

I really think it depends on the items being considered. The Dwarven necklace that eventually held a Silmaril was perhaps the greatest single work of the race, and its joining to the Silmaril combined the best of both. I believe that with few exceptions, the Elves built the best artifacts (under these categories I include Sting, Orcrist, and Glamdring), but the Dwarves in general made the better armor and weaponry. That having been said, I believe the greatest and most wonderful works of both races are the ones that combine the work of both races, much as the best/worst sword in Middle Earth was created by two separate types of Elves (Turin's sword never speaks until after it is reforged in Nargathrond.) Thus the Doors of Durin and Anduril very likely join the ranks of greatest works in Middle Earth along with the great halls of Nargathrond, itself a joint working of the Elves and Dwarves.

[@MurthorOathstone]

The Answer is pretty obvious isn't it? Tolkien was the original Elf fanboy, and as such he made the elves the best at practically everything, even after the glories of the elder days have passed into legend he made the elves as being unmatched, and its only because the valar called them home that they are seen as diminished within the context of the story. And only actual divine entities such as Eru, the Valar and Maiar are capable of making anything beyond even the skills of the Elves.

[@hansolav5924]

I think you could put it like this; if you cared most about doing the job well, you went to the dwarves. if you cared more about looking good doing it, you'd go to the elves. :) the resulting item should be of roughly equal quality and power, barring any Special Additions.

[@Jayjay-qe6um]

"Hey! How do you like the old twirly-whirlies?! Ha ha, you buggers!" -- Dain Ironfoot

[@Marko777ify]

😂 them scary ballista

[@mountainblanc3200]

It seems that dwarves used a more industrial approach to their craft, while the Elves’ creations reflects their love for nature, intricacy and change of hues.

[@revylokesh1783]

Elves are artists, dwarves are artisans. Elves are architects, dwarves are engineers.

[@TheLastKentuckyIrregular9524]

Dwarves. The Elves went to them to have things made. If the Elves were superior they could've done it themselves.

[@Dare_To_Game]

My interpretation was that Dwarves were ridiculously talented smiths on average, but if an elf specialized in smithing, they could spend millenia perfecting the craft, so a few Elven smiths surpassed even the best Dwarven smiths, examples being Feanor and Celibrimbor.

[@davidpatrick522]

You forget the works of the Numenoreans at their height under the tutelage of the elves.. though not much survived the downfall. Numenor was one of the few places where mithril was found

[@Rebeccathompson23]

Although new to your videos and channel it's quickly becoming one of my favourites. To watch. I do have a question for you if you were in the lord of the rings what race would you be and what part of middle earth would you call home. ??? Hope you have a great day -bye 🧝

[@MenoftheWest]

Hi Rebecca! Thanks for watching, my friend. I think I would choose to be a Ranger of the North following Aragorn, living in Evendim near the Lake! How about you?

[@Rebeccathompson23]

@@MenoftheWest hey I would be an elleth from mirkwood with legolas or an elf from Rivendale.but my home would be near the forest

[@lynneglendenning947]

The Dwarves would work the steel down into a spindly thread by binding it with Silver. That's why it's so rare and significant as to why Bilbo gifted a gherkin to Frodo.

[@markstott6689]

For Elves I would say they were unsurpassed making fine, delicate and rare items of great beauty. With the added magical characteristics to enhance them beyond the ordinary. The Dwarves on the other hand didn't have the teachings of the Valar to aid their understanding and addition of magical abilities. Instead they were creators of of function in which I believe they were unsurpassed. If you want something making to do a Job then you go to the Dwarves. Sword, axe, armour and tools were their strengths. Elves feel like creatures of the ether whilst Dwarves were creatures of the earth: solid and dependable.

[@theemissary1313]

A bit like asking which is better, the bow or the arrow?

[@Davidofthelost]

I always look at the Mithril and remember, only Dwarves know how to make indestructible armor and weapons with it.

[@misaelfraga8196]

In general got to give it to the dwarves. Even some o the finest craft known by the elves were actually done with help of dwarves to the extent that it led to wars between them. Including the slain of a high elf king over a relic.