Direct Involvement:
* The Fellowship of the Ring:
* Gimli: A member of the Fellowship, Gimli, son of Gloin, was a brave and loyal warrior who sought to reclaim the lost treasures of his people. He formed a strong bond with Legolas the Elf and played a crucial role in battles like Helm's Deep.
* Balin: Balin led a company of Dwarves who tried to reclaim Moria, but ultimately failed and perished. He is mentioned in connection with the events leading to Gandalf's encounter with the Balrog.
* The War of the Ring:
* The Battle of Helm's Deep: Dwarves from the Iron Hills, led by King Dáin Ironfoot, came to the aid of Rohan and fought alongside the Rohirrim against Saruman's forces.
* The Battle of Minas Tirith: Dwarves from the Iron Hills also joined the battle against Sauron's army and contributed significantly to the victory.
* The Siege of Gondor: The Dwarves of Erebor, led by Dáin, also fought bravely against Sauron's forces during the siege.
Indirect Impact:
* The Mines of Moria: The Dwarves' legacy and the fate of their ancient kingdom in Moria heavily impacted the events of the story. The Mines became a dangerous place inhabited by orcs and the Balrog, making it a threat to the Fellowship and influencing Gandalf's fate.
* The One Ring: The Dwarves, like the Elves and Men, were affected by the Ring's corruption. Durin's Bane, a Balrog, was driven to madness by the Ring's influence and ultimately destroyed Moria.
* The Glittering Caves of Aglarond: The Dwarves' lost treasure, including the treasure of the hoard of Smaug, was a major factor in the events of The Hobbit, which set the stage for The Lord of the Rings.
Overall Significance:
While not as prominent as some other races in the story, the Dwarves played an important role in the Lord of the Rings. Their strength, courage, and loyalty were essential to the victory over Sauron, and their history and fate intertwined with the events of the Third Age. Their presence also added a rich element of diversity and mythology to Tolkien's world.