With the beards thread etc, there seems to be an interest in discussing how we all perceive of dwarves. So I researched a bit what the popular conception of them is and have been in various times and settings.
Images speak more than words. Actually, they don't speak at all, unless you hear voices in you head, and then you need consultation, but whatever. Here are images of typical conceptions of Dwarves. Do you share these, or do you have your own image in mind?
ProportionsThese are the proportions most of us have in mind when conceptualising Dwarves. These are notably shorter than the size 6 (vs the Human size 7) that are in the raws:
Modern take on Norse MythologyIn Norse mythology, Dwarves inhabit Niđavellir, the 5th world of the nine, where they forge rare metals, among others for the Aesir. Here is a Norse dwarf (from Warhammer, and a reference figure of a Valkyrie-ish shield maiden to set the ambience it goes with). This is probably the image most historically and mythologically inclined people have of dwarves (I will call this the "classical" dwarf form).
Reference shots of aesthetics and culture generally associated with Norse Scandinavian/Germanic dwarves:
18th and 19th Centuries images of Norse dwarvesThe above images are however modern "refinements" of a romantic conception of Teutonic/Germanic/Norse mythology in the vein of Wagner and others. This 1895 illustration of a book of Norse Edda may be more representative of the 18th and 19th centuries' images of the race:
Dwarves in Scandinavian FolkloreDwarves as conceived in Scandinavian and German folklore tend more to what in RPG parlour would be recognised as gnomes or halflings, or even gremlins (and in fact are the origin of the modern image of Santa Claus), and actually differ in image from that of Norse mythology, even though occupying the same regions and times. John Bauer is an 19th century Swedish artist that has made many images of Scandinavian dwarves/gnomes and trolls:
And an image by Brian Froud and Alan Lee:
Dwarves in AD&DThese are Dwarves as typically represented in AD&D media. Note the anthropomorphising almost-preformationistic representation. Dwarves are short stocky humans with braided beards and a penchant for axes and hammers. The females can be considered attractive by human standards.
Dwarves in TolkienBasically, these conform to Norse dwarves but inhabiting the same world as the other races. Their community also bears more resemblance to Teutonic romanticism á la Beowolf (as do some other societies in Middle-Earth, the Rohirrim and Gondor f.i.). The known illustrators generally also borrow that stereotype, for instance John Howe's depictation of Gimli and Legolas at the walls or Horn's Keep and a profile study of GImli:
Anopthe Alan Lee image, of Thorin at the Lonely Mountain, a study of Gimli, and Thorin laid to rest. Note that Lee perceives of Dwarves as smaller humans:
Dwarfs in WarhammerSpelled with an "f", in typical Warhammer style, Games Workshop transforms the stereotype into a caricature, then latches on to a few characteristics and inflates them beyond all reason, which creates a very distinctive conception. Warhammer dwarFs are divided into specialised roles (Trollslayers, Ironbreakers) and allegiances (vanilla and Chaos), creating a complex mythos. The different types have very distinctive styles, but are all generally more Gothic than the classical (Germanic/Teutonic) representation. Images of Troll Slayer, Ironbreakers from Warhammer Online, a Rune Smith figurine, and a heap of 'em.
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Battle scene with several types of dwarfs:
Bonus image not in typical Warhammer style (more Celtic), but a damn spiffy picture:
Chaos dwarfs, for some reason, are heavily inspired by medieval Russian art styles, only with extra skulls everywhere.
Mainstream "eclectic" adoptationsAnother dwarf figurine, this one clearly influenced by the classical form, yet adjusted to go well with the streamlines vanilla-RPG mainstream fantasy style:
A dwarf with exaggerated "viking" attributes and parodical emphasis of belly:
A dwarf in style apparently inspired by US cartoon art, with attributes emphasised and exaggerated beyond practical use in typical style for present (first decade of the 21th century) fantasy art (it menaces with spikes):
Some interesting resourcesFor the entire cliché, here is a typical AD&D adventurer party, showing off the stereotypes and "roles" quite well:
Here's a blog post somewhere about the development of Dwarves in computer games:
http://chaosmoon.gameriot.com/blogs/WAAAGH/Dwarfs-Are-Cool-Since-WhenComparative blog post about dwarves and other mythological creatures in Scandinavian folklore:
http://users.skynet.be/fa023784/trollmoon/TrollBlog/files/category-6.html