While America has decided to celebrate 250 years of utter bullshit, I wish a happy ZudraibrizamrΓ’g to all my fellow Tolkien fans, especially those who are dwarves at heart!
While traditionally a Firebeard festival, this festival has evolved to an inter-clan gathering held in Tumunzahar (The Firebeard Hall in the Ered Luin). The Firebeard King extends an invitation to the leaders and nobility of all of the other clans, as well as an invitation to the traders and craftspeople to come and show their wares. Many families will travel together for the celebration, causing this to be one of the largest inter-clan gatherings that occurs.
The festival is four days long, starting on the 19th of βafgalkhabsΓ’t, and each day has its own name, purpose, and traditions. They are listed below.
Day 1) Nurtu Galabi (Day of Words) - The first day starts with the 7 kings meeting privately to discuss the affairs of their various rules and bring up relevant interracial matters. However, for the populous, the evening of this day marks the beginning of the festival. The kings emerge, marking the start of a great feast, and traditional Firebeard food, drink, and music are the hallmarks of the evening.
Day 2) Nurtu AsjΓ’r (Day of Trade) - During this day, the great halls are cleared for crafters and traders to set up displays and sell their wares in a large dwarven fayre. This day ends with yet another feast; however, this feast highlights the importance of trade with regional delicacies from across the 7 clans.
Day 3) Nurtu Finit (Wide Day) - This day is said to be named after the girth of oneβs belt come the evening, as this is the day of feasting. The day is filled with heavy eating and drinking. Dwarves are encouraged to socialize and meet with new and old friends alike.
Day 4) Nurtu Zarkh (Spire Day) - The last day of the festival, this is a somber day in which the dwarves gather to unite in worship and thank Mahal and Sulladad for their good fortune.
