The Hobbit: Smaug/Fafnir

That would make for an interesting thread, Celene!

And yep, just like Loki. Spicing up all the stories and making things interesting for us all. Haha.

Dear gods I loved this post! I noticed to connection as well. The One Ring goes on to cause harm over and over again. Just like Andvari's ring. And the dwarves are off to kill a wyrm. Just like in the Volsunga saga. Great post Percy :D

This was very interesting to read. The only things missing are hobbits.

I'm glad someone read it. Yes, this centers around the dwarves and there aren't hobbits (per say) in Norse lore, but I think it really was a huge source of inspiration for Tolkein. I personally like to compare Andvari with Gollum, Fafnir with Smaug, Loki (somewhat) as Bilbo (simply because he steals the ring, and is kind of the ignition or spark that turns the story out the way it did) and Sigurd as Bard the Bowman who *spoiler alert* kills Smaug. I think Tolkein got a fair amount of creative inspiration from the Norse/Germanic dwarves, alfar (elves) and the stories involving them, which is why I am such a fan of his work.

Wow this post draws you in. I very much enjoyed reading this and I too enjoy the movies. Thank you for posting this, wonderful!

Thanks for this post. I wasn't going to read it before I saw who had written it. I am glad I did now.

Blessed Be.

Well thank you for reading :)

This thread has been moved to Heathenism from Misc Topics.

To bring this old thread back to the surface, it is also interesting to mention that the names of the twelve dwarves (Dwalin, Balin, Fili, Kili, Biffur, Boffur, Bombur, Dori, Ori, Nori, Oin, Gloin) can be found in the Prose Edda during the story of the creation of the dwarves and their blood line, as well as the names Thrain, Thorin, Thror, Gand-Elf (Gandalf) and Oakenshield. The names of the dwarves ancestor, Durinn, is also found in the Edda as one of the first dwarves in existence.
It is also noticeable to see the parallels between Odin and Gandalf. Both are known to be "Wandering Wizards", both are very wise and seek knowledge almost to a fault, both are considered to be one of the most ancient beings in existence, both are very serious yet have a more light hearted side, and both have been known to put other people into situations considered outside of their comfort zone. Even the depictions of the two are strikingly similar, both wear wide brimmed hats, blue and gray colors, both carry a rod like device (Odin's Spear and Gandalf's staff), both are fond of smoking but only with a pipe, both look fairly old but are praised for their skill in battle, both are more powerful than they lead on to be, and both travel by horse.
The similarities and parallels between Tolkein's middle earth and the Northern Lore is remarkable, and is a prime example of how ancient tales are still being used to shape culture even in modern times.
It is truly amazing.

Smaug is a dragon that took the Misty Mountains Cold from the dwarfs.