Mîm the Petty Dwarf

The Petty-dwarves were a secretive sect of the Dwarven race. They loved only themselves and were few in number (some said they had been banished long ago from the Dwarven cities).Without access to metals and smiths they became a stealthy folk, lesser in stature than other Dwarves, but very hardy as all Dwarves are. They hated Elves, in particular the Noldor whom they said stole their lands. Nargothrond, for example, was first discovered and delved by the Petty-dwarves before Finrod claimed it. Mîm, and his two sons were the last remaining Petty-dwarves in Middle-earth. And by ill-chance they would enter into the curse of Húrin's children.

Once Beleg had departed Túrin led his company southward. They found no better fare there as Orcs raided in increasing number and rains flooded the land. Túrin longed for a secure location to house himself and the men. For three days they marched to the western edges of the woods by Sirion's Vale. And as they camped at dusk they became aware of three hooded shapes moving quickly and quietly and bearing sacks. Andróg shot his bow and the two faster shapes escaped while the slower one was soon captured. It took many men to subdue it and Túrin was ill-pleased at how his men treated it. Andróg angrily defended the actions because it bit his hand. But Túrin recognizing it to be a Dwarf and finding only roots and small rocks in his sack bid them men to let go. Mîm it was they had caught and he begged for mercy at Túrin's feet.

Though Túrin did pity him he thought there was more to the Dwarf then just roots and rocks. "'If I said we do not spare for pity's sake only, being in great need, what would you offer for a ransom?''' (p. 124, The Children of Húrin). Túrin revealed he wanted Mîm to take his men to where ever he resided. Mîm was wary to do this saying he was too old to be thrown into the wild. Andróg offered to make sure he became no older and approached with a knife. In great fear Mîm said he would lead Túrin and the band of outlaws to his lair and share it with them.

Andróg was still wanted blood and wished to kill Mîm once they reached his dwelling place. Túrin stated: "'If Mîm brings us to his home without trickery, and it is good, then his life is ransomed; and he shall not be slain by any man who followes me'" (p. 124, The Children of Húrin). Andróg still spoke harsh words to Mîm who returned with some of his own. The Dwarf promised friendship to Túrin and picked up his sack to leave saying he would return to lead them onward. It was now Túrin's turn to be wary. He would not let Mîm leave without a pledge so sought to keep the sack. Mîm fell on his knees and declared he would return and old sack of roots would not make him come back; but it was obvious he would not be parted from the sack. So Túrin did not let him leave; he (along with other men) noted that the contents in the sack must have been worth more than what the eye could tell. So they bound Mîm and brought him to their camp. 

The next day Túrin roused Mîm. Being unbound Mîm had proud words for his captors repented his promise to lead them to his home. Túrin did not relent and Mîm could not stand the stare of his eyes (there were few who could). Túrin did offer one grace, that Mîm would no longer be bound.,Mîm began to lead the band of outlaws to where he had been originally captured and he pointed out his home, Amon Rûdh, The Bald Hill, which was a single hill in the midst of plains. Andróg thought this a bad idea wondering how they could hide at the top of a hill. Túrin was willing to go on and see what Mîm's home beheld thinking perhaps a view of the land a better defense.

They journeyed for the whole day before reaching the base of Amon Rûdh at dusk. Mîm led the company up the hill by secret paths where a small crack the in walls opened before them in a single-file path. There they were led the crown of Amon Rûdh hollowed out the hands and years of the Petty-dwarves. Sheer cliffs were about the hill and only form the north, the single-file path they had tred could not be breached with ease. Small birches grew on the hill by a clear pool of spring water. Beyond that a cave opened up with many rooms. A fine place to settle indeed.

Middle-earth timeline: First Age, 486

Today's reading comes from: The Children of Húrin, pages 121-130