Dwarves in Tolkien's Universe: Farming and Agriculture

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary Middle-earth, the Dwarves are known for their mining prowess and craftsmanship. However, the question of whether these earthy beings engaged in farming has intrigued readers for decades. While Tolkien does not extensively detail the agricultural practices of the Dwarves, there are implicit indications and creative interpretations that shed light on this aspect of their lives. This article explores the potential agricultural activities undertaken by the Dwarves, particularly in their strongholds, and provides a comprehensive overview of their self-sufficiency.

Food Production in Tolkien's Universe

It is widely known that the Dwarves traded for food whenever possible, as attested to by the description in The Hobbit where Dungeons Dragons game master adopted additional ingenious methods to sustain the Dwarven communities. In The Lord of the Rings, it is explicitly stated that the Dwarves practiced agriculture when isolated and unable to trade, indicating their capability to produce their own food.

Indications of Agricultural Activities

One of the most notable instances where Dwarves engaged in agricultural activities is in the stronghold of Moria. This underground dwarven fortress, as described in The Adventure of A Bag End, is speculated to contain hidden gardens and farms. If Moria indeed possessed such areas, it would be a testament to the Dwarves' ability to create and maintain thriving green spaces underground.

Self-Sufficiency and Practicality

Dwarves, being pragmatic and resourceful, would have recognized the need to sustain themselves during long periods in their mountain homes. Limited farming or gardening would be a logical solution to ensure self-sufficiency. This self-sustaining practice would align with the Dwarves' reputation as highly independent and capable of meeting their own needs.

Creative Solutions: Sunstone and Composting

For a more detailed exploration of Dwarven agriculture, we can look to the creative solutions proposed by the author of a Dungeons Dragons campaign. This game master suggested that the Dwarves utilized a mineral called ‘sunstone’ and sewage to create sustainable agricultural environments.

Sunstone: A mineral that could be heated to radiate light from the portion of the spectrum most needed by plants. This light could also be stored and used after sunset, providing a unique lighting solution for underground gardens. Sunstone could be placed in ovoid containers, roughly the size of a soda can, and used to grow plants in caverns.

Composting and Sewage: Sewage was composted along with vegetable table scraps, sawdust, and wood chips. This compost was mixed into existing soil and spread across designated areas in caverns. New farming areas would be prepared by importing human solid waste, animal manure, sawdust, and wood chips to create rich compost soil. This method not only provided nutrients but also contributed to the self-sufficiency of the Dwarven communities.

Integration with the Storytelling

These agricultural practices were carefully integrated into the narrative so as not to detract from the main story. Activities like farming were kept hidden from outsiders unless they were trusted friends or allies. This ensured that the Dwarves could maintain their independence and avoid unnecessary conflict.

Trade with humans and elves also played a crucial role in the Dwarves' sustenance. While it was assumed that the Dwarves imported food, it was actually a combination of imports and their own agricultural efforts that allowed them to thrive.

Conclusion

While Tolkien’s works may not delve deeply into the details of Dwarven agriculture, the evidence and creative interpretations suggest that the Dwarves practiced a form of farming to sustain their communities. Whether it was through limited gardening, ingenious use of resources like sunstone, or hidden underground farms, the Dwarves demonstrated their resourcefulness and self-sufficiency in the challenging environment of Middle-earth.