Dwarf

This article is about dwarves in general. For the playable races, see Dwarf (playable). For the allied race, see Dark Iron dwarf (playable). For the language, see Dwarven (language).

Dwarves
Faction/Affiliation	Kingdom of Ironforge (Bronzebeard clan), Dark Iron clan, Wildhammer clan, Alliance, Kirin Tor, Earthen Ring, Silver Hand, Argent Crusade, Twilight's Hammer, Cult of the Damned, Pirate groups
Character classes	Death knight, Hunter, Mage, Monk, Paladin, Priest, Shaman, Rogue, Warlock, Warrior Various other classes
Racial capital	Ironforge (Bronzebeard) Aerie Peak (Wildhammer) Shadowforge City (Dark Iron) Frosthold (Frostborn) Thorium Point (Thorium Brotherhood)
Racial leader(s)	Council of Three Hammers  Muradin Bronzebeard  Moira Thaurissan  Falstad Wildhammer   Velog Icebellow   Oilfist
Racial mount	Ram Gryphon Stormcrest Eagle Core hound
Homeworld	Azeroth
Area(s)	Eastern Kingdoms, Kalimdor, Outland, Northrend
Language(s)	Dwarven, Common

Dwarves are an ancient, bold, and courageous race descended from the earthen. The race is split into various different clans, with the three most predominant being led by the Council of Three Hammers. Ironforge dwarves hold the majority of the mountainous Khaz Modan region in the Eastern Kingdoms. The Wildhammer dwarves made their homes within Aerie Peak in the Hinterlands and around their former home of Grim Batol in the Twilight Highlands. The Dark Iron dwarves hold parts of Blackrock Mountain from within their subterranean city of Shadowforge, and are spread throughout the surrounding regions of the Burning Steppes and Searing Gorge, including areas of the Badlands. The Frost dwarves made their home within the mountain hold of Frosthold in the Storm Peaks.

Dwarves are short and stout creatures. They are shorter than humans but taller than gnomes, taking advantage of their size when possible and relying on their robustness and strength when not. The average dwarf is steady, observant, and composed both during work and combat, yet able to rage with fierce zeal and persistence when the situation calls for it. While a dwarf prefers to plan forward to overcome challenges, many of them easily lose their temperament and self-restraint when exposed to conditions stirring their feelings and concerns.

In past ages, the dwarves rarely left the safety of their mountain fortresses, spending their time refining metal and stone into powerful weapons and beautiful jewelry. However, when the call to battle sounded, they rose up to defend their allies with unmatched courage and valor. Under the lead of King Magni Bronzebeard, the Kingdom of Ironforge became one of the most staunch members of the Alliance of Lordaeron during the Great Wars, and later with the Alliance following the Third War. After Magni was turned into diamond during a ritual in Old Ironforge, the dwarves created the Council of Three Hammers, a coalition that would share power among the three clans within Ironforge.

History

Origin and evolution

Main article: Earthen

The dwarves derive from the earthen, titan-made creatures created from the Forge of Wills.

The dwarves derive from the earthen, a prototype race of humanoid creatures consisting of living stone. The earthen were created by the original titan-forged known as keepers. These keepers were created by the titan Khaz'goroth in order to provide the Pantheon of Order an army to defeat the Black Empire, which had swarmed the world of Azeroth and threatened to corrupt the nascent world-soul within. After the great war that saw the titan-forged victorious, the titan-forged keepers Archaedas and Mimiron created two mighty machines, the Forge of Wills and the Forge of Origination; the former being what would be used to craft the next generation of titan-forged including the earthen using a so-called "subterranean being matrix".

After the betrayal of Keeper Loken and the tainting of the Forge of Wills with the Curse of Flesh, Keeper Tyr took the Discs of Norgannon and as many titan-forged he could find to the south. They eventually stopped at Uldaman, expanding the facility and using it to house the discs. However, the earthen soon began to show signs of the curse, turning them from metal and stone to flesh beings creatures, and the bulk of their race requested to be put into slumber by Archaedas until a cure could be found. Over time, their mechagnome watchers began to leave or break down until there was a final mechagnome left. Knowing her time was short, she used the last of her energy to activate the hibernation chambers so as to spare the earthen from being forgotten forever in the vaults, perishing once this was completed.

When they awoke, these now flesh earthen made their way out of the titan city and called themselves dwarves, although the night elves had already used it as a derogatory term for earthen before the War of the Ancients. Holding onto residual ties to their titan-forged heritage, they named their land Khaz Modan, or "Mountain of Khaz" after the titan Khaz'goroth, which they conquered from the ice trolls, and established their mighty nation Ironforge that stretched beneath the mountains.

Waterfalls of magma and bountiful supplies of metallic ores allowed the denizens of Ironforge to become masters of smithing and weaponry.

Diplomatic alliances

Around 2,500 BDP, as the dwarves set out to mine Khaz Modan's mountains and expand their holdings, they discovered the gnomes dwelling in the nearby caverns. The people of Ironforge were enthralled by the ingenuity and techno-savvy of their diminutive neighbors. They also sensed a natural kinship with the gnomes, due in large part to their shared titan-forged ancestry. The dwarves imparted their knowledge of stoneworking and construction to the gnomes, helping them lay the foundations of a wondrous city that would later be called Gnomeregan. In turn, the gnomes taught the dwarves engineering and science, introducing much-needed efficiency and advancements to Ironforge. Although the gnomes and dwarves would largely keep to themselves in the centuries that followed, they had formed an unbreakable bond and would aid each other in times of need.

In 1,200 BDP, the city-states of Gilneas and Alterac often combined their forces and led grand expeditions to secure the borders of the Empire of Arathor. They eventually discovered the dwarves and the gnomes. The human expeditionary forces marveled at the wondrous feats of construction and engineering that were Ironforge and Gnomeregan. The humans became quick friends with both races, especially the dwarves, who also shared their love of battle, storytelling, and strong ale. The three cultures engaged in rigorous trade, exchanging knowledge of smithing, mining, engineering, and even arcane magic.

Interaction between the dwarves and the humans increased, and the two races soon became allies. The humans also introduced the dwarves to the Holy Light.

War of the Three Hammers

Main article: War of the Three Hammers

The clans during War of the Three Hammers.

Gnomish and Dwarven lands following the War of the Three Hammers.

By the time of the trade with the various human city-states to the north, the dwarves, led by High King Modimus Anvilmar, had three powerful factions brooding within the city of Ironforge.

The Bronzebeard clan was the largest of the three factions, having controlled the military and mercantile classes (as well as claiming a distant blood tie to the Anvilmar family), the Wildhammer clan who controlled the foothills of the mountain with the most resilient of mountaineers, and the Dark Irons led by the Thaurissan family, who lived in the shadows of the mountain and held a strong penchant for political scheming as well as having cornered the gem market of the dwarves. When High King Modimus died, violence broke out into a civil war which resulted in the victorious Bronzebeard clan keeping Dun Morogh, the Wildhammers settling in Grim Batol in the Wetlands, and the Dark Irons settling in the Redridge Mountains and founding the kingdom of Thaurissan — named after their leader. Now king, Madoran Bronzebeard also granted the Anvilmar family a permanent seat on the Senate of Ironforge, so as to avoid making enemies of the family he deposed.

The Dark Irons remained bitter about their loss for years, and eventually attacked both kingdoms all at once to prevent one from coming to the other's aid. This backfired, however, as Khardros and Madoran put their differences aside and united against the Dark Irons regardless. Sorcerer-Thane Thaurissan led his army to Ironforge and was ultimately defeated. Thaurissan's wife, Modgud, invaded Grim Batol and used her magic to break through the gates and lay siege to the Wildhammers. Khardros Wildhammer, ruler of Grim Batol, slew the dark queen and was victorious. The clan of Ironforge then went on the offensive and marched onto the Dark Iron clan's capital. Alongside The Seven, the sorcerer-thane allowed his hatred to overwhelm himself, accidentally summoning the Elemental Lord of fire, Ragnaros. The summoning destroyed Thaurissan, both the city and the man and washed over the northern regions of Redridge, transforming them into the Burning Steppes and Searing Gorge.

From afar, the Wildhammers and Ironforge dwarves watched on in horror as Ragnaros destroyed the Dark Iron lands and turned back to their homes. Madoran and his dwarves rebuilt Ironforge in the years that followed. Madoran offered the Wildhammer dwarves a place in Ironforge as they had in years past, though Khardros was too prideful to accept. Unfortunately, Modgud's magic had made the Wildhammer homeland uninhabitable, so they left and migrated north and settled in the Hinterlands and founded the city of Aerie Peak, while others settled within the region of Northeron. There, the Wildhammers became more bonded with nature and learned to ride the mighty gryphons, the creatures becoming emblematic of Wildhammer culture. Following the two passing away, a monument was built to king Madoran and Khardros within the Valley of Kings to watch over the Dark Iron lands; alongside the arches of the Thandol Span being created to symbolize that Wildhammers and Ironforge dwarves would never raise arms to one another again. Under the enslavement of Ragnaros, the Dark Irons established a new capital within the depths of Blackrock Mountain known as Shadowforge City, brooding on their hatred for the rest of their kind.

First and Second Wars

Dwarven gryphon rider sinking a Horde oil tanker.

Some dwarves aided the humans during the First War, such as Thargas Anvilmar. Cho'gall negotiated with the Dark Irons who gave the Old Horde the upper levels of their home. Khaz Modan was besieged by the rampaging Horde that was heading north. The proud dwarves of Ironforge made their stand alongside their gnomish cousins. Inch by inch, the Horde claimed Khaz Modan; though the dwarves and gnomes made it difficult as the Horde forced their way through the territory. Eventually, the twin-race host was forced to split as both races retreated to their respective capitals, with Orgrim Doomhammer, Warchief of the orcish Horde, committed his forces to what he saw the greater threat of the two, Ironforge. Unlike with the rest of Khaz Modan, the siege of Ironforge was unsuccessful, with nearly every resident of the city taking up an axe to defend their home. By the end of the siege, ten orcs were slain for every dwarf felled, and Orgrim called off the attack to surround both Gnomeregan and Ironforge, instead of conquering them, leaving the Bleeding Hollow clan to this task. Khaz Modan was the prize, and its resources were soon being mined by the Blackrock clan to serve the Horde's needs.

After the destruction of the Kingdom of Stormwind, the humans banded together under the banner of the Council of Seven Nations. When the races such as the dwarves and gnomes arrived north in refugee droves, the Council was shocked. Moved by Turalyon, the Council united with the dwarves and gnomes to create the Alliance of Lordaeron. After a time, the bloodline of the Arathi was called upon by the Alliance's supreme commander, Anduin Lothar, bringing the high elves into the Alliance as well. United against the Horde, the four races battled throughout Lordaeron as the Horde also claimed the mountain citadel of Grim Batol, using it to imprison the Aspect Alexstrasza. As the war raged on, the Horde eventually breached into the northern reaches atop their dragons and with their mighty demonically infused armies. Formerly without question, the enslaved red dragonflight ravaged the Alliance's forces until thunderous wings suddenly began to ravage the Horde's rear lines. Having drawn too close to the Hinterlands, the Wildhammer dwarves, led by Kurdran Wildhammer rode atop their gryphons with their stormhammers, decimating the Horde. With their only battle-ready dragons having been sent off to guide the orcish fleet north, the Orcs were incapable of defeating the dwarves' hit-and-run tactics, leading to Doomhammer assailing Aerie Peak itself in an effort to subjugate the Wildhammer. As this went on, Orgrim split his forces and headed north, realizing that the dwarves were only concerned with defending their home. The Alliance soon arrived, aiding the Wildhammers in defeating the orcs; the attack having changed the Wildhammer isolationist point of view, leading to them joining the Alliance as well. The Wildhammers informed the Alliance that the Horde had slipped to the north, evading their army, and Lothar continued to pursue them.

The gnomes and dwarves worked together often with their engineering feats. Their frequent collaborations resulted in the creation of some of the Alliance's most amazing devices and weapons. Thus, the union has served the Alliance well; supplying Alliance armies with heavy artillery mortars, submarines, mechanical contraptions, siege engines, and flying machines. One of the most important events that strengthened this friendship was the building of Gnomeregan, which both races contributed to the city's construction.

As the war soured for the Horde and they lost more and more ground, they were eventually defeated and pushed out of Khaz Modan; forced to retreat all the way back to Blackrock Spire. The Bleeding Hollow was unable to continue dominion over the snow-capped hills of Khaz Modan, and for the first time since the Second War had begun, the races of the Alliance were fully united. When the Horde was finally defeated and the Alliance sought to subjugate Draenor, the dwarves continued with this, notably, led by Kurdran Wildhammer who headed through the portal with the Sons of Lothar.

Interim and Third War

During the interim of the Second and Third Wars, Falstad Wildhammer commanded a small flight of such gryphon riders who patrolled the shores of Lordaeron for any hostile draconic activity. During the Battle of Grim Batol, they helped Rhonin and Vereesa Windrunner to free the Dragonqueen Alexstrasza from the orcish Dragonmaw clan in Grim Batol.

At some point, a band of renegade dwarves fled to the human lands to try to escape justice after their failed attempt to overthrow the dwarven government. Davin's platoon intercepted them, capturing or killing all the dwarves.

In time, the nations of the Alliance of Lordaeron bickered and argued over territorial holdings and decreasing political influence. Though the Alliance was falling apart, King Terenas Menethil II of Lordaeron still had allies that he could count on, such as King Magni Bronzebeard who vowed that the dwarves of Ironforge would forever owe a debt of honor to the Alliance for liberating Khaz Modan from the Old Horde's control. The Wildhammer dwarves of Aerie Peak also remained faithful to their commitment.

During the course of the Third War, dwarves from Ironforge and Aerie Peak aided the Alliance in their campaigns across Lordaeron, Northrend, and Kalimdor, fighting the undead Scourge and the mighty Burning Legion. Prior to the Siege of Dalaran, Lady Jaina Proudmoore worked tirelessly to rally as many refugees as she could after she had been convinced by the mysterious Prophet that sailing west to Kalimdor was the only course to save humanity. When she set sail for Kalimdor, her forces included members from nearly every Alliance race, including dwarves and gnomes from the Alliance military. Meanwhile, King Magni himself crafted the powerful Ashbringer for Highlord Alexandros Mograine of the Knights of the Silver Hand.

When Gnomeregan was overtaken by troggs after the fall of Lordaeron, the gnome refugees moved to the dwarf capital of Ironforge, where King Magni granted them asylum and cleared out the entire Tinker Town district of his city for them to reside in.

Despite the collapse of the Alliance of Lordaeron, King Magni and the kingdom of Ironforge remained allies of the modern Alliance, becoming their staunchest and closest geographical allies.

World of Warcraft

This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.

King Magni Bronzebeard in Ironforge.

In the years following the Third War, the dwarves unearthed a series of ruins that held the key to the secrets of their lost heritage. Driven to discover the truth about his people's fabled origins, King Magni Bronzebeard ordered that the dwarves shift their industry from mining and engineering to that of archaeology. Founded before the Third War, Magni helped to create the famed Explorers' Guild of Ironforge, a group utterly devoted to plumbing the secrets of the ancient world and delving out the truth of the dwarves' fabled existence.

The Wildhammer dwarves of Aerie Peak were not part of the reformed Alliance after the Third War, but were still friendly and helpful to Alliance adventurers who have proven their worth to them.

The Burning Crusade

This section concerns content related to The Burning Crusade.

Following the opening of the Dark Portal, many dwarves were found across Outland, including Honor Hold, Allerian Stronghold, and Shattrath City. In Shadowmoon Valley, Thane Kurdran Wildhammer founded Wildhammer Stronghold as part of the bulwark against the Burning Legion.

Wrath of the Lich King

This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.

During the Scourge Invasion across Azeroth, Ironforge sent dwarven troops of fliers to help Stormwind City against the undead. In order to defeat the Plague of Undeath and the Scourge necropolises, members of the Church of the Holy Light traveled to Shattrath and created an artifact with the naaru's Light. Adventurers of the Alliance later delivered it to King Magni to defend Ironforge.

At the time of the war against the Lich King, the frostborn at Frosthold befriended the Explorers' League — unlike the iron dwarves — and welcomed all Alliance members into their homes. Yorg Stormheart, "King of the Frostborn," agreed to allow his people to join the Alliance against the Lich King. It was ultimately revealed that Yorg was in fact Muradin Bronzebeard who had lost his memory, long thought to have been killed when Arthas Menethil took up the runeblade Frostmourne. After he was reunited with his brothers Brann and Magni, he decided to leave the frost dwarves to hunt down Arthas, and chose Velog Icebellow to replace him as the new King of the Frostborn.

Ironforge troops supported the Alliance Vanguard expedition into Northrend and participated in the Argent Tournament in Icecrown.

Cataclysm

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

King Magni, petrified in Old Ironforge.

When natural disasters began rocking much of Azeroth just prior to the Cataclysm, the dwarven lands were not spared from the calamitous upheavals. A series of violent quakes tore through areas surrounding Ironforge, reducing settlements to rubble and taking the lives of many innocent dwarves in the process. To glean answers as to the troubling state of the world, King Magni Bronzebeard selflessly underwent a mystic ritual to commune with the earth. The archaic ceremony, however, had an unexpected effect: Magni was transformed into a diamond and became fused to the depths of Old Ironforge itself.

In the power vacuum that followed, his estranged daughter, Moira Thaurissan, who had married into the much despised Dark Iron clan, briefly claimed Ironforge's throne and effectively locked down the city. If not for the intervention of King Varian Wrynn of Stormwind and his son, Prince Anduin, her brash actions might have sparked another civil war. With Varian's guidance, control of Ironforge has since been divided equally among the Bronzebeard, Wildhammer, and Dark Iron clans through the Council of Three Hammers. Yet as bitterness and prejudice fester among the clans, the council's ability to govern as one remains uncertain.

The representatives of each dwarven clan in the council are:

• Muradin Bronzebeard, High Thane of the Bronzebeard clan
• Moira Thaurissan, Queen-Regent of the Dark Iron clan
• Falstad Wildhammer, High Thane of the Wildhammer clan

Meanwhile, the Dark Iron clan thus was no longer united. One group of Dark Irons has joined the Alliance under the lead of Moira, while the other group has followed Ragnaros into an alliance with Deathwing and joined the Twilight's Hammer. After traitorous Dark Iron dwarves attacked the Ironforge Airfield, Muradin and Falstad called Moira out for not being able to control her own people. With the help of adventurers, she determined that Ambassador Slaghammer was responsible and arrested him for treason.

Ironforge troops continued to defend their home across Khaz Modan. In Loch Modan, they thwarted the Axis of Awful and attacked the cult-aligned Mo'grosh ogres. In the Wetlands, Thargas Anvilmar led Alliance heroes in driving the Dark Irons out of Dun Modr. At some point, Muradin tasked Forba Slabchisel with leading the expedition sent to survey the damage that the Stonewrought Dam's destruction caused on the Wetlands.

In the Twilight Highlands, the Wildhammer clan fought against their long-time enemy, the Dragonmaw clan, who has recently rejoined the Horde. At the head of the Alliance forces in the region, Kurdran Wildhammer rallied the independent Wildhammer clans, resolving their various rivalries, and united them under the Alliance's banner to fend off the Twilight Hammer and the Dragonmaw orcs.

Mists of Pandaria

This section concerns content related to Mists of Pandaria.

During the Alliance-Horde war in Pandaria, the dwarven forces followed the Alliance and took part in their campaign against the Horde, attacking them in Domination Point.

After discovering the Zandalari trolls had turned their focus on rallying the Frostmane tribe of Dun Morogh against Ironforge, High King Varian Wrynn asked the Council of Three Hammers to help repel the invaders. Both Muradin Bronzebeard and Falstad Wildhammer declined, fearing if they left Ironforge to fight the trolls, the Dark Iron clan would take over the city. Only Moira Thaurissan offered aid, stating that the Dark Irons would prove their loyalty to the Council, Ironforge, and the Alliance in the defense of Ironforge. Together, they defeated their enemies and returned to Ironforge to announce Moira's victory to the Council. On their return, the other dwarven leaders were ashamed of their behavior and vowed never again to allow fear or distrust to cloud their judgment. Free to trust one another, all three dwarven leaders pledged their full strength to the Alliance cause.

To help promote the union of the dwarven clans, the Council of Three Hammers Hammers combined Fenella Darkvire, Carrick Irongrin and Fendrig Redbeard as a team to help rebuild the Jade Serpent statue.

During the Siege of Orgrimmar, Moira Thaurissan and a contingency of dwarven troops joined the Alliance on their march upon the city, where Warchief Garrosh Hellscream was ultimately defeated.

Warlords of Draenor

This section concerns content related to Warlords of Draenor.

When the Iron Horde invaded Azeroth, the Council of Three Hammers sent several Dark Iron dwarves to assist the Alliance. Hansel Heavyhands and Thaelin Darkanvil aided in the hijacking of the Iron Worldbreaker and the destruction of the Dark Portal.

In Gorgrond, the Dark Iron dwarves gathered to fight the Blackrock clan and established a hold called Bastion Rise in the savage jungle.

Legion

This section concerns content related to Legion.

Please add any available information to this section.

Magni awakened as the speaker of Azeroth's world-soul.

Within Old Ironforge, Magni Bronzebeard awakened just before the advent of the return of the Burning Legion. While many feared this would disrupt the new balance of the Council of Three Hammers, Magni did not assert control over Ironforge. Instead, he donned the moniker of Speaker of Azeroth, departing to ensure that the world would be protected from Sargeras, and acting as the voice of the planet in the wake of the monumental threat before them.

As part of the Legion Invasions, the Burning Legion attacked Dun Morogh, which was defended by the dwarves and their Alliance allies. Similarly, the Wildhammer dwarves in the Twilight Highlands were also attacked, but they were ultimately overrun by the invading demons.

Various dwarves later joined the class order halls to battle the demons during the remainder of the third invasion.

Battle for Azeroth

This section concerns content related to Battle for Azeroth.

Please add any available information to this section.

In the aftermath of the events on Argus, Sargeras plunged his weapon in Silithus which drew the attention of Magni, the Speaker of Azeroth to try and heal the wound.

Following an attack of the Venture Company on Shadowforge City, Queen-Regent Moira Thaurissan and High King Anduin Wrynn officially declared the Dark Irons members of the Alliance, as it had not been official before due to an oversight, what Moira only describes as a formality.

During the course of the Fourth War, Muradin Bronzebeard led a united dwarven coalition of the Three Hammers to aid Stromgarde against the Horde in the Battle for Stromgarde.

Dragonflight

This section concerns content related to Dragonflight.

A number of dwarves joined the Primalists and launched an attack across the Dragon Isles. They were fought off by the natives of the Isles, aided by adventurers of the Alliance and Horde.

Meanwhile, the Wildhammer dwarves and Dragonmaw orcs in the Twilight Highlands drawn a tenuous peace, united in their mistrust for the mysterious Bastion of Twilight.

The War Within

This section concerns content related to The War Within.

Following the destruction of Dalaran by Xal'atath, dwarven reinforcements from each clan were part of the Alliance forces that traveled to Khaz Algar under the command of Lord Commander Turalyon.

Biology

Dwarves are squat and powerfully built. Non-dwarves might have difficulty telling males and females apart from a distance. The women are of slightly lesser build and have slightly less gruff voices, but are known for fighting with as much (if not more) determination as the men. On average, women reach a height of 4'6" while men generally stand around 4'8" tall, regardless of which type of dwarf they are, with most being stout to varying degrees. Some males do reach just above five feet. Their stoutness belies great swiftness and dexterity, and they are able to move with a stealth that most other races assume impossible for such stocky beings.

Despite their small stature, dwarves have incredibly dense and muscular bodies, with especially hard and muscular torsos. They pack a lot of fight in their compact bodies and are able to easily carry weights that would leave many humans and high elves struggling. The average weight for a male dwarf is around "thirteen stone" (about 182 pounds) and presumably slightly less for females. As a result, most dwarves won't set foot on a boat since they don't float well and have a tendency to sink like rocks if they fall into water. However, this hasn't stopped some brave dwarves from becoming sailors.

The males always have beards, typically a long wild beard sometimes with hair to match. Some females sport strong beards as well, which is considered a sign of beauty among members of the race. Known examples of bearded dwarf women include two members of Rom's company during the Battle of Grim Batol, who looked the same as the men in the group but hinted at being sisters; one of Falstad Wildhammer's grandmothers; and Gubber Blump's cousin Graun. The comedian Perry Gatner's routine includes a joke about dwarven women shaving. Dwarves often hide things in their beards.

Dwarves are highly adaptable. They thrive in the cold mountains but seem to be equally vigorous and active in the jungles of Stranglethorn Vale or the deserts of the Badlands. Their constitution allows them to withstand the oppressive heat of Ironforge's Great Forge without breaking a sweat, even when in full armor. It's a little-known fact but dwarves, especially Dark Irons, need a lot of rest, and they have a hard time sleeping without pillows.

Culture

“If there's one thing dwarves love, it's drinking. And fighting. Two things.”

— Pewter Drinking Cup

A dwarven gryphon rider.

Dwarves are a strong and hardy people steeped in tradition with a zest for combat, exploration, and many a fine ale. While the monarchs of the past are honored, so, too, are the explorers that continue searching for answers regarding the mysterious origins of their race. What the dwarven people lack in height, they make up for in heart and valor. All dwarves are known for being stubborn and admiring bravery. As discovered during the first contact between dwarves and humans, the two races share a common love for battle and storytelling. Dwarves are fighters by nature and will do battle even to their deaths, preferring it to living as slaves, which they consider to be honorless. Like high elves, they can be far more patient than humans and are able to remain alert and ready to act even after hours of waiting. A common myth among other races is that dwarves are too hard-headed to learn from their mistakes. The night elf Cordressa Briarbow had heard dwarves described as thick-headed, drunken loudmouths who do nothing but unearth things that should be left hidden and only turn their faces up to the sun and moons when they have to, but these prejudices were quickly dispelled by her friendship with Gavvin Stoutarm and his team.

A dwarf hunter and his bear companion.

Dwarves sometimes call themselves "the earth folk" and (with the apparent exception of Wildhammers) prefer solid footing, to the point of sometimes choosing walking over teleportation. They are experts at navigating through tunnels, judging their rise or fall, and determining which is the right direction to head in by studying the striations in the rock as well the traces left by other beings. They also can instinctively ferret out the best places to hide in caves. They retain their earthen ancestors' natural affinity to stoneworking and mining and are by nature fascinated with shaping gems and stone. For most of their history, they were content with remaining in their home of Dun Morogh and mining the mountains for riches and precious minerals. Dwarves have a strong work ethic and are highly skilled craftsmen, especially metalworkers. While they produce many implements of war, they are adept at working with softer metals as well. When it comes to masonry and engineering, none are more skilled than they at delving into the bowels of the earth and shaping it to their purpose. Some believe that master dwarven blacksmiths have the ability to impart emotions into the weapons they create. According to Muradin Bronzebeard, dwarves are attracted to mines.

Dwarves count their blood connections in many ways. The most prominent of these is the clan, which they consider vital to their personal identities. The leader of a dwarven clan is its guardian. However, within and without the clan there are also other bindings. Of these, the ritual of Gwyarbrawden—in which participants vow to go to any length to avenge each other's deaths—is foremost among common warriors, but it is a part of dwarven society that very few outsiders know about.

Customs

• Dwarves love gold and dwarves love drinking, so gaming seemed like a natural fit for both. There are few dwarves of any kind who don't carry their own personal set of dice with them, and "rolling the bones" is a common way to resolve arguments. For example, during the summit to vote Gilneas into the Alliance, the emissaries from the three dwarf clans (on Kurdran Wildhammer's suggestion) used a dice roll to decide which of the three parties would get to enter Darnassus first.
• Dwarves love smoking and never go anywhere without their personal pipes, although they sometimes have to make do with ingredients found in the local environment—like mushrooms and weeds—rather than the plants they normally favor. This love of the pipe dates back to before the War of the Three Hammers and is retained by the skardyn.
• An old ascension ceremony for dwarven kings involved drinking from a rune-covered chalice and a "sword dance" done by female dwarven warriors. This performance, part ritual and part mock battle, apparently evolved from bloody duels fought during less sophisticated times in dwarven history.
• The Bronzebeard kings of the High Seat have gone through many scepters during their reigns. By tradition, the king would let certain of his top advisors and allies bear the scepter for a single day. These were rough days for the scepters, which saw the insides of taverns, were dropped off mountaintops, were used to smite troggs and so on.

Cuisine

The dwarves sharing their famous brew.

Dwarves love to eat and drink. Their meals always consists of filling, "stick-to-your-ribs" fare washed down with plenty of beer, but is not known for its succulent taste in either high elven or human realms. Haggis, consisting of oatmeal and sheep innards (specifically the sheep's lungs, liver, and heart) and seasoned with mild spices, is a common dwarven meal. Haggis and Ironforge pale ale is a dwarven favorite, and has been the lunch of champions for over 1,000 years. Spice bread is another longtime favorite in Ironforge. Dwarves are fond of boar meat. Thelsamar is known for its blood sausages, made from bear meat. The arctic char, which only dwells in the cold waters of Dun Morogh, is the most popular type of fish in Ironforge. Crayfish and cock-a-leekie soup are also known to be part of dwarven cuisine. During King Anduin Wrynn and the Prophet Velen's diplomatic visit to Ironforge, they were served braised boar meat with hearty brown bread to sop the juices, vegetables roasted with honey, and a mountain of pastries as dessert. Unless there is a matter of immediate life or death, custom demands that one takes the time to digest especially hearty meals with a pipe, brandy, or more desserts.

Faith

The Hall of Mysteries in the Mystic Ward.

Many Ironforge dwarves worship the Holy Light, having been introduced to it by the humans. Their paladins (members of the Knights of the Silver Hand) and priests (members of the Church of the Holy Light) are mainly present in Ironforge's Hall of Mysteries. Dwarven priests have their own special teachings of the Light that differ somewhat from those of humans.

Some dwarves worship the titans of the Pantheon of Order. The early dwarves who first emerged from Uldaman retained faint memories of their titan-forged heritage and worshipped Khaz'goroth as their "titan father". When they arrived at Ironforge Mountain, they crafted an altar for him in what would later become the Great Forge. However, the idea that the dwarves descend from creations of the titans was not viewed by the Explorers' League as anything more than theories and myth until the excavations of Uldaman after the Third War produced concrete evidence of the race's origins. Ever consumed with the research of their origins, the dwarves choose to celebrate the Feast of Winter Veil as a recognition of Greatfather Winter, whom they consider to be the personification of one of the titans. Much as they claim descent from the titans, they consider their snowy home of Dun Morogh to be the prime example of Greatfather Winter's blessings. Some dwarves use "Gods" or "By the gods" as exclamations. The dwarf Durgan One-God is notable for having disavowed most of the titans and believing that Eonar is the one true god who created everything. By Durgan's own admission, no one else shares this faith with him.

The Wildhammers practice shamanism. Whether they also have Light followers is unknown.

During their long enslavement by Ragnaros, the Dark Irons worshipped the Firelord as a demigod. A number of Dark Irons wield the Holy Light as priests and paladins.

Bronzebeard dwarves generally distrust warlocks. According to Gakin the Darkbinder, not many dwarves choose the path of the warlock, even going so far as to call a dwarven warlock "somewhat of an anomaly".

Folklore

• The legendary ram Toothgnasher was a wonder of Khaz Modan and the subject of many tales of dwarven folklore. He holds a warm place in dwarven hearts, and children are told that if they are good, Toothgnasher's spirit will let them ride on his back; if they are bad, he will toss them on his horns. This may account for how well-behaved dwarven children generally are.
• Dwarves have their own version of the legend of Goldrinn, the wolf Ancient.
• Rethiel the Greenwarden was considered to be a local legend of the Wetlands—described as "the plant-man, protector of the wetlands"—until he was discovered to be a real being.

Funerary practices

Ironbeard's Tomb in the Wetlands.

The summit of Thunderstrike Mountain in the Twilight Highlands.

Bronzebeards prefer to bury their dead, returning them to the ground that so benefits their race. They consider it both an honor and a repayment. Some dwarves seal their deceased in tombs, but those with a concern about the undead might prefer cremation. Bronzebeards believe that when they die, they join the ghosts of their comrades in "the great halls of the afterlife". Dagran Thaurissan II, who is half-Bronzebeard and half-Dark Iron, believes in an afterlife called "heaven".

The Wildhammers of the Twilight Highlands honor their dead heroes in Kirthaven before burying them with their gryphons atop Thunderstrike Mountain. There they are believed to spend eternity at one with the sky. The Wildhammers also believe that their dead ride into the hereafter to join "the halls of [their] ancestors" and that their spirits "fight proud through eternity". Wildhammers are known for honoring their dead with epic mourning songs. When speaking of a dead person, they sometimes slap a fist over their heart as a sign of respect.

Sayings

• Dwarves often use oaths that refer to the attributes of either famous people or people they personally know, like "Dagath's Hammer", "Madoran's hammer", "Hestra's wings", "Gimmel's blood", "Thorvald's Beard", "By Magni's beard", "By Muradin's beard", or even "Me own beard", to name a few.
• There's an old dwarf saying that goes "If ye want to topple a wall, start with the foundation".
• When saying goodbye to Cordressa Briarbow, Gavvin Stoutarm told her "May yer beer always flow freely".
• When saying goodbye to Grenda and her allies, the dragon Korialstrasz told them "May your axes be sharp and your tunnels strong".

Relations

See also: Dwarven relations

This section contains information that needs to be cleaned up. Reason: Sources needed

Ever since their first meeting dwarves have developed a strong friendly relationship with the gnomes, with the two races recognizing a kinship between each other, to the point that many dwarves call the gnomes their cousins. The two races frequently exchange with and help the other, with gnomes having taught science and engineering to dwarves while dwarves taught them metallurgy and stoneworking in return, and helped them lay the foundations of Gnomeregan.

During the Second War dwarves and gnomes worked together to fight the Old Horde's invasion off until each race was forced to retreat to its respective capital, and after the Third War king Magni Bronzebeard welcomed the gnomes refugees into Ironforge after the loss of Gnomeregan to the Troggs and Sicco Thermaplugg's treachery.

Dwarves are also strong allies with humans, with the two races having ties to go back to Arathor Empire, and the bells of Capital City and Stormwind City's respective cathedrals having been forged and given by the dwarves of Ironforge as a token of friendship to the kingdoms of Lordaeron and Stormwind. This bond has been strengthened after the Alliance of Lordaeron saved the dwarves during the Second War, by liberating them of the Old Horde's siege, which prompted them to pledge their allegiance to the Alliance and to offer military and technological support as well as supplying weaponry and armors to their human allies. Even after Quel'Thalas, Gilneas, and Stromgarde's departures, Magni Bronzebeard supported the Alliance, stating that the dwarves owed a debt that they could never repay to it.

Geneology

Ironforge, Wildhammer, and Dark Iron dwarves

Dwarves' appearances differ depending on the type of dwarf and where they are from. Dwarves from the Eastern Kingdoms derive from the Earthen, the stone-wrought titan-forged who shaped the deep places of Azeroth in ancient times.

•  Earthen — Stony titan-forged beings that were created by the titanic keepers, progenitors of the dwarves who are earthen afflicted by the Curse of Flesh. Some still remain, most recently seen aiding Magni Bronzebeard.
  •  Ironforge dwarf — Ironforge dwarves make up the major population of the eponymous Ironforge and its kingdom and are led by the Bronzebeard clan.
  •  Wildhammer dwarf — Nature-dwelling dwarves with a bond with the mighty gryphons. They make up the major population of the clans found in the Hinterlands and Twilight Highlands and are led by the eponymous Wildhammer clan. Previously, they made their home within the mountain citadel of Grim Batol before it was cursed during the War of the Three Hammers. Wildhammer dwarves are described in Day of the Dragon as taller and leaner than their earthier cousins.
  •  Dark Iron dwarf — Dark Iron clan dwarves that were enslaved by Ragnaros and his elementals at the end of the War of the Three Hammers. They primarily make their home in Blackrock Mountain and the surrounding Searing Gorge and Burning Steppes.
    • Skardyn — Cursed descendants of Dark Iron clan dwarves who fled into Grim Batol after it was cursed by queen Modgud wielding Xal'atath.
  •  Frost dwarf — A mysterious race of dwarves of unknown origin who make their home in the Storm Peaks of Northrend. Led by Velog Icebellow, they make up the faction known as the Frostborn. While their origins are murky, they do originate from the titan-forged by way of the Earthen.
•  Iron dwarf — Created by the corrupted watcher Loken as part of his Iron army by using the earthen's basic design, but with a saronite-iron composite. They now serve alongside the Earthen in the armies of the non-corrupted keepers, defending the city of Ulduar.

Dwarven clans

•  Bronzebeard clan — Rulers of Ironforge and Dun Morogh. Led by Muradin Bronzebeard.
  •  Stormpike clan — Primarily found in Alterac Valley, where they battle the Frostwolf clan of orcs. Led by Vanndar Stormpike.
  •   Rom's clan — Rom claims to be in a clan that once numbered in the hundreds but by the time of the Battle of Grim Batol only had 47 members left. He also mentions the existence of three other clans, two of which had more members.
•  Wildhammer clan — Reside in the Hinterlands and Twilight Highlands. Known for their gryphon riders. Led by Falstad Wildhammer.
  •  Doyle clan — Wiped out by twilight drakes.
  •  Dunwald clan
  •  Firebeard clan — Led by Keegan Firebeard.
  •  MacDuff clan
  •  Moore clan
  •  Mullan clan — Led by Duglas Mullan.
  •  Thundermar clan — Led by Colin Thundermar.
•  Dark Iron clan — Former slaves of the Fire Lord, Ragnaros. Now split between the Alliance and the Twilight's Hammer cult. Led by Moira Thaurissan.
  •  Shadowforge clan

Notable

Modimus Anvilmar depicted by the great statue at the Gates of Ironforge.

Ironforge dwarves

Name	Role	Affiliation	Status	Location
Modimus Anvilmar	High King of all dwarves prior to the War of the Three Hammers	Ironforge	Deceased	Unknown
Aegrim Bronzebeard	Ancient member of the Bronzebeard clan, thanks to whom the small clan began to flourish and command respect	Bronzebeard clan	Deceased	Unknown
Madoran Bronzebeard	Thane of the Bronzebeard clan during the War of the Three Hammers	Bronzebeard clan	Deceased	Unknown
Magni Bronzebeard	Speaker of the Azeroth world-soul, former King of Ironforge, eldest of the Bronzebeard brothers	Alliance, Ironforge, Bronzebeard clan	Active	Various Locations
Muradin Bronzebeard	Bronzebeard clan representative on the Council of Three Hammers, middle Bronzebeard brother	Alliance, Ironforge, Bronzebeard clan	Alive	Various Locations
Brann Bronzebeard	Leader of the Explorers' League, youngest of the Bronzebeard brothers	Alliance, Ironforge, Bronzebeard clan, Explorers' League	Alive	Various Locations
Moira Thaurissan	Daughter of Magni, Dark Iron clan representative on the Council of Three Hammers	Alliance, Ironforge, Dark Iron clan	Alive	Various Locations
Thargas Anvilmar	Defender of Thandol Span, wearer of the Helm of the Anvilmars, last direct descendant of Modimus Anvilmar	Anvilmar family, Ironforge	Alive	Dun Modr, Wetlands
Twinbraid	General representing Ironforge and Bael'dun	Alliance, Ironforge, Bael'dun, Operation: Shieldwall	Deceased	Various Locations
Hjalmar Anvilmar	Older brother of Thargas and former wearer of the Helm of the Anvilmars	Ironforge	Deceased	Unknown
Baelgun Flamebeard	Leader of the remnants of Muradin's Northrend expedition	Dwarven Expedition, Explorers' League	Deceased	Killed in Azjol-Nerub
High Priest Rohan	High Priest, Representative on the New Council of Tirisfal	Ironforge, New Council of Tirisfal	Alive	Hall of Mysteries, Ironforge
Vanndar Stormpike	General of the Stormpike Guard	Stormpike Guard, Stormpike clan	Alive	Various Locations
Hemet Nesingwary	World-renowned hunter	Independent	Alive	Various Locations
Rom	Helped Rhonin, Vereesa and Falstad save Alexstrasza	Alliance of Lordaeron	Deceased	Killed in Grim Batol
Thane Korth'azz	Formerly one of the Four Horsemen of Naxxramas.	Scourge	Deceased	Naxxramas

Wildhammer dwarves

Name	Role	Affiliation	Status	Location
Khardros Wildhammer	High Thane of the Wildhammer clan during the War of the Three Hammers	Wildhammer clan	Deceased	Unknown
Falstad Wildhammer	Wildhammer representative on the Council of Three Hammers	Alliance, Wildhammer clan	Alive	High Seat, Ironforge
Kurdran Wildhammer	Ruler of Highbank, member of the Alliance Expedition	Alliance, Wildhammer clan, Sons of Lothar	Alive	Various Locations

Dark Iron dwarves

Name	Role	Affiliation	Status	Location
Sorcerer-Thane Thaurissan	Emperor of the Dark Iron clan during the War of the Three Hammers, summoned Ragnaros to Azeroth	Dark Iron clan	Deceased	Athenaeum, Blackwing Descent
Modgud	Sorceress wife of Sorcerer-Thane Thaurissan, created the skardyn curse upon her death	Dark Iron clan	Deceased	Killed in Grim Batol
Dagran Thaurissan	Former Emperor of the Dark Iron clan, husband of Moira	Dark Iron clan	Deceased	Imperial Seat, Blackrock Depths
Dagran Thaurissan II	Son of Dagran and Moira, heir to Ironforge and Shadowforge	Alliance, Ironforge, Dark Iron clan	Alive	High Seat, Ironforge
Franclorn Forgewright	Former chief architect of the Dark Iron dwarves, oversaw the construction of Blackrock Spire and the Stonewrought Dam	Dark Iron clan	Deceased	Molten Span, Blackrock Mountain

Units

The dwarven playable units or classes.

• Bombardier, Engineer, Gryphon rider, Knight, Marksman, Mortar team, Mountain king, Mountaineer, Prospector, Rifleman, Sapper, Scout, Sharpshooter, Soldier, Sorcerer, Tinker
  
• Gyrocopter
  
• Demolition squad
  
• Assassin, Barbarian, Bonecrusher, Druid, Dwarven avatar, Elementalist, Geomancer, Gunman, Runemaster, Steam warrior, Windrider, Windwarrior

In the RPG

This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.

A dwarf among other Alliance races in Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game.

A modification created from the earthen were referred to as "Series Two".

The dwarves had followed the humans to Kalimdor as soldiers against the Burning Legion, and in the aftermath of this war the dwarves discovered they might have been created by powerful beings to shape the earth. Ruins in Kalimdor suggested that the dwarves' past may have been connected to the titans, and teams of prospectors, excavators, and archaeologists were quickly assembled and dispatched to all corners of the world in order to investigate.

Notes and trivia

• Demi-human is a term used to describe some humanoid races, including dwarves.
• Dwarves seem more accepting than other races about death knights, with several of their undead brethren having been invited back into the Alliance, sometimes in positions of leadership: Captain Crudbeard, Morgus Grimhatchet, Delvar Ironfist and Darth Doomstout.
• The RPG-only Sister of Steel class hinted two years before the actual release of Wrath of the Lich King that humans, dwarves and gnomes shared a common "metallic" ancestry.
• Some Lunar Festival Elders such as Elder Bronzebeard (Bronzebeard dwarves), Elder Ironband (Dark Iron dwarves) and Elder Firebeard (Wildhammer dwarves) suggest that even when they were earthen, the dwarves already had proto-clans in their society.
• While the males' voices are done by Carlos Larkin, the voice actress of the females is not yet known.
• There appears to be a female dwarf using druidic magic in the card art for Small Repairs in Hearthstone.
• Dwarves or dwarf-proxies have featured in almost every Blizzard IP since The Lost Vikings. Diablo is currently the only exception.

Development

• Earthen were originally stated to have been created by the titans, then degenerated into either troggs or dwarves. This was later changed by World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, which established that troggs were a failed prototype of earthen, and while related, were not a destabilization of one another.
• The Alliance Player's Guide RPG book (now non-canon) originally stated the dwarves met the gnomes 200 years ago. Chronicle states they had made contact 2,500 years prior to the opening of the Dark Portal.
• During the development of Warcraft III, there was a concept for dwarves to be riding spiders.

Inspirations

• The titular Vikings from Blizzard's The Lost Vikings series influenced the development of the dwarves in Warcraft. Of note, the Vikings themselves were heavily influenced by dwarven designs from mythology and folklore.
• Dwarf cultural inspiration derives largely from Tolkien-based dwarves and 20th century associations with Scotland and Ireland.
  • In-game dwarves are based upon real-world dwarf folklore and Tolkien dwarves, with elements of Warhammer dwarves. Associations with being underground and good at forging are part of Norse myth, but Warcraft's dwarven naming conventions are heavily Tolkien-derivative, who based his dwarves on how he imagined Jewish people and how he based Dwarvish on semitic languages.
  • Most notably, and common to both sources, are their facility with an affinity for mining and other crafts of earth and stone. Their short stature and general appearance are common throughout mythology as well as fiction. The Warcraft dwarves' descent from the earthen also mirrors both sources.
  • The Warcraft dwarven affinity for mechanical engineering may derive in part from the Warhammer games' depiction of dwarves as technologically apt or may itself simply be an extension of their affinity for mining and metalcraft. This also relates to Norse mythology where they are the creators of many of the gods' artifacts and weapons, such as Thor's hammer Mjollnir.
  • Heavily based on Scottish culture, such as "beer and haggis" being the lunch of champions for dwarves in  [Ironforge Rations].
  • The use of colored tattoos are likely based on the Picts use of war paint.
  • All dwarves in-game speak with Scottish accents. Dwarven association with Scottish accents in media is ultimately because of the use of Low British accents for Dwarves for the radio readings of the Lord of the Rings and subsequent use of Scottish actors and voice actors over the years.
  • The Council of Three Hammers may be based on the joint kingship of the High Kings of Ireland during the reign of Muimne, Luigne and Laigne, or other subsequent recurring instances of three-way joint kingships.

Speculation

This article or section includes speculation, observations or opinions possibly supported by lore or by Blizzard officials. It should not be taken as representing official lore.

It's assumed that dwarves have better eyesight in the dark than most races, due to living in the dark mountains ever since their awakening from the titan ruins.

Gallery

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  Male model, WoW alpha
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  Male, WoW
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  Female, WoW
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  Male, patch 6.0.2 model update preview
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  Female, patch 6.0.2 model update preview
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  Male, patch 6.0.2
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  Female, patch 6.0.2
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  Dwarf baby
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  Dwarf corpse
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  Dwarf skeleton
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  Male and female pre-release models from 2000.
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  Dwarf gryphon rider.
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  Dwarf shaman totems.
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  Dark Iron dwarf shaman totems.
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  Dwarven ram mount.

Technology

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  Dwarven golem
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  Wildhammer clan catapult.
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  Earthen catapult.
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  Dwarf steam tank.
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  Dwarf siege engine.
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  "Wolf" siege engine.
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  "Ram" siege engine.
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  Dark Iron dwarf mole machine.
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  Dwarven bunker.
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  Dwarf mortar team.
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  Dwarf Rifleman.
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  Dwarf Flying Machine.
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  Stormpike Landmine.
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  Dark Iron Land Mine.

Art and cinematics

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  Dwarf in the cinematic intro for World of Warcraft.
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  Dwarf as seen in the cinematic intro for Battle for Azeroth.
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  Wildhammer dwarf dragonrider, as seen in the Take to the Skies cinematic.
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  A dwarven demolition squad from the Warcraft II manual.
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  Dwarf rifleman.
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  Dwarf mortar team.
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  Dwarf mountaineer and his bear.
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  A dwarf attacking a Dark Iron dwarf in the Trading Card Game.
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  A dwarf with a shaven chin in the TCG.
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  Concept art of a female dwarf.
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  Concept art of dwarven mountaineer and watchkeeper.
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  Mountain king concept art.
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  Dwarf Windrider

Warcraft III

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  Mountain king
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  Rifleman
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  Mortar team
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  Gryphon rider
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  Dwarf gyrocopter
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  Dwarf flying machine
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  Steam tank
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  Siege engine
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  Dwarf car

Other

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  Wildhammer dwarves from the canceled Warcraft Adventures.
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  Female dwarves from the canceled Warcraft Adventures.
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  Dwarf models in Heroes of the Storm.
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  Dwarves in the Warcraft movie.
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  Harth Stonebrew as seen in Hearthstone animated shorts.

See also

• Dwarven relations
• Dwarven tossing hammer
• Dwarven flying machine
• Mortar
• Steam tank
• Siege engine