Dwarven society is male dominated, and rarely do Dwarven women go to war or wander far abroad, for they are few and the continuation of the race depends on their safety. Although like mortal Men the Dwarves do die of old age, like the immortal Elves they do not leave this sphere, and are gathered into the Halls of Mandos. The Elves, however, claim that the Dwarves have no life beyond Arda and the death of their bodies. In battle the Dwarven hero has a definite advantage. Against such foes Men and Elves are generally more successful.
Dwarves exhibit no magical powers save in their crafts.
They are known to have crafted magical weapons and items, as well as magical doors and other subtle mechanisms. Another Elvish form is Gonnhirrim, meaning Masters of Stone. The Dwarven Fathers awoke not long after the Elves. To the north of Dolmed the Broadbeams founded Belegost, or Gabilgathol in their tongue, the Mickleburg, the Mighty Fortress. The remaining Fathers awoke far to the east and south of Beleriand, and come little into the tales of these days.