Shaped From Rock by Fuin  

Fanwork Notes

For the prompts Ethiopian architecture & Nogrod 

If you're interested, the story was inspired by these resources:

Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela

“The Lalibela complex comprises of twelve rock-hewn structures (11 churches and one tomb) divided in three clusters of the "eastern", "northern" and western complex, that were carved out of soft volcanic rock over four major phases which saw the transformation of what were initially defensive pre-existing structures of into churches.“ [Source] 

“It encompasses a wide range of building typologies, including rock-hewn churches carved directly from volcanic rock, distinctive castle complexes, and an array of monumental constructions, such as cathedrals, monasteries, palaces, mosques, shrines, and temples.“ [Source]

“The churches were not constructed in a traditional way but rather were hewn from the living rock of monolithic blocks. These blocks were further chiselled out, forming doors, windows, columns, various floors, roofs etc.“ [Source]

Dwarves of Nogrod

“Their most ancient dwellings were far to the East, [...] in those places which the Eldar named Belegost and Nogrod (but they Gabilgathol and Tumunzahar). [...] They say that Aulë the Maker, whom they call Mahal, brought them into being; and however that may be, certain it is that they were great smiths and masons, though of old there was little beauty in their works. Iron and copper they loved to work more than silver or gold, and stone more than wood.“ [The War of the Jewels, p. 9]

“Thus it was that Cranthir’s folk first came upon the Naugrim, who after the onslaught of Morgoth and the coming of the Noldor had ceased their traffick into Beleriand. Now, though either people loved skill and was eager to learn, there was little love between the Noldor and the Dwarves. For the Dwarves were secret and quick to resentment, whereas Cranthir was haughty and scarce concealed his scorn for the unloveliness of the Naugrim, and his folk followed their lord. Nonetheless, since both peoples feared and hated Morgoth they made alliance, and had of it great profit. For the Naugrim learned many secrets of craft in those days, so that the smiths and masons of Nogrod and Belegost became renowned among their kin; but the Noldor got great wealth of iron, and their armouries became filled with store of weapons and harness of war. Moreover thereafter, until the power of Maidros was overthrown, all the traffick of the dwarf-mines passed first through the hands of Cranthir, and thus he won great riches.“ [The War of the Jewels, p. 45]

Fanwork Information

Summary: A Dwarven merchant travels from Nogrod to the far south in search of greater wealth – and finds something else entirely.  Major Characters: Original Character(s), Dwarves Major Relationships: Genre: General Challenges: Building Middle-earth Rating: General Warnings:
Chapters: 1	Word Count: 2, 376
Posted on 24 July 2026	Updated on 24 July 2026
This fanwork is a work in progress.