Elves vs Dwarves: A Battle of First Age Legendary Races in the World of Middle-earth

The question of who would win in an all-out war between the Elves and Dwarves of the realms of Nirn Arda and Thedas is a fascinating one for enthusiasts of Middle-earth. Although I may not be particularly enthralled with the concept of 'fighting abilities,' these legendary races possess unique advantages that reflect a deep understanding of their respective strengths.

Elves: Fundamental Strengths and Tactics

When discussing the Elves of the First Age, we must consider various branches and factions, excluding specific figures such as Thingol due to his intense dislike for the Noldor.

The Noldorin Elves

Fingolfin Feanor Maedhros Fingon Gwindor Glorfindel Ecthelion Melian

Elves in general, and the Noldor specifically, boast a wealth of advantages:

Experience and Skill: Immortal and with a legacy of battling Orcs for centuries. Enchanted Weapons and Armor: Crafted with great magic and craftsmanship. Greater Strength, Agility, and Resilience over their dwarven counterparts. Powerful Leaders: Chosen for their wisdom and strength, ensuring leadership in battle.

The Dwarves: Determination and Fortitude

Belegost Dwarves Dwarves of Erebor Aglarond Dwarves Dwarves of Moria Nogrod Dwarves Dwarves of the Iron Hills Dwarves of the Far East

The dwarves have their own strengths as well:

Stubborn and Hardy: Their ability to drive off enemies like Smaug and survive Moria. Enchanted Weapons and Armor: Crafted with the finest materials and magical properties. Melee Combatants: With heavy weapons and the renowned metal Mithril. Defensive Cities and Fortresses: Strategically defended with hidden tunnels and secret passages.

Advantages in Battle

The battle strategies and advantages in combat scenarios differ significantly:

Close-Quarters Battle and Defenses

On their home ground, the dwarves would certainly have an advantage. Kingdoms such as Moria were well-defended, making it difficult for the elves to capture them without heavy casualties. In close-range combat, dwarves, with their heavy weapons and strength, stand a better chance. The elves, with their slim builds, are more susceptible to blunt weapons.

Experience and Numbers

The elves' experience and numbers give them a significant advantage. Immortal and with a long history of battles, they have honed their skills over centuries. Numbers count for a lot in warfare, and with about 200,000 elves against 150,000 dwarves, the elves would have a numerical superiority.

Scenario Outcomes

The most likely outcome is an elf victory. Here are the potential scenarios in descending order:

Most Likely: Elf Victory 1

The elves and dwarves engage in several large-scale battles. The elven force, due to its skill, numbers, and range, is able to overrun the dwarves. The dwarves suffer heavy casualties but put up stubborn resistance, allowing them to prepare their defenses. Cities like Moria are too well-defended for an attack, leading to a prolonged siege. The dwarves’ underground tunnels and secret passages ensure they are well-supplied, and the elves are forced to call off the siege. The dwarves launch counter-attacks, taking over lesser-defended elf cities before the elves relieve the defenders, defeating the dwarves in several all-out battles. Smaller engagements follow, and the dwarves are ultimately defeated.

Second Most Likely: Dwarf Victory 1

The dwarves do not engage in all-out battles but instead fortify their cities. Their defenses cause heavy losses for the elves, especially at Moria. The elves are forced to withdraw and besiege the dwarves, but their efforts are in vain due to the dwarves' supplies and defensive strategies. The dwarves respond with counter-attacks, defeating the elves and sacking their cities. This forces the elves to sue for peace.

Third Most Likely: Dwarf Victory 2

The dwarves are defeated in all-out battles but retreat with a vow to defend their cities. Most of the retreating armies are destroyed, and the elves are diminished, facing well-defended and highly prepared cities. The elves are unable to capture these cities due to the skilled defenders, and their sieges prove ineffective. The dwarves continue to supply themselves and outlast the elves until they abandon the war.

Fourth Most Likely: Elf Victory 2

The elves and dwarves launch offensive campaigns. The elves withdraw from failed sieges and lure the dwarves into the open, where they are defeated in battle. The few remaining defenders in the dwarf cities fall victim to the overwhelming elven force.

Fifth Most Likely: Elf Victory 3

The dwarves avoid open combat and rely on their fortified cities. The elves choose to strike hard and fast, taking one or two cities before suffering heavy losses and retreating. The dwarves then launch offensives on elf cities, and the elves use their numerical advantage to strike at dwarf kingdoms and retake cities. The dwarves are defeated in open combat.

Sixth Most Likely: Dwarf Victory 3

The dwarves avoid open combat and use secret tunnels to strike near the elves. They sack and destroy many elf cities before retreating to their fortresses. This strategy is repeated until the elves are forced to sue for peace.

Conclusion

Given their experience, skill, and numbers, the elves would most likely triumph. However, unless the dwarves keep the conflict limited to their heavily defended home territory, the elves' numerical and tactical superiority would almost always result in victory. The elves likely win 6-7 out of 10.