Thirteen reasons the dwarves of Middle Earth would make good analysts.
At least Peter Jackson’s version
Tolkien’s dwarves were an allegory for the Jews. He said as much later in his life. But I would offer that Jackson’s dwarves offer an allegory for analysts and data scientists. Perhaps later in life, he too will admit this — though I won’t hold my breath. Here are some thoughts on why:
1. They enjoy trying to breaking things down.
Gimli: Then what are we waiting for?
2. They are masters of observation.
3. They understand scoring and causality.
Legolas: Final count, forty-two.
Gimli: Forty-two? Oh, that’s not bad for a pointy-eared elvish princeling. Hmph! I myself am sitting pretty on forty-THREE.
4. And complex processes…
5. As a team, they stick together…
6. They are willing to bring on consultants…
but not too willing. They make sure that the consultants spring for food and drinks. And frame iron-clad contracts…
7. They dig deep… and find treasure.
One of the easiest comparisons, the dwarves are natural miners but perhaps too greedy for the worth it provides.
Saruman:
Moria… You fear to go into those mines. The dwarves delved too greedily and too deep. You know what they awoke in the darkness of Khazad-dum… shadow and flame.
8. They have an affinity for technology, tools, and equipment.
They make them. They collect them. And they know how to use them.
Seven to the Dwarf Lords, great miners and craftsmen of the mountain halls.
9. They are innovative.
10. They are gamers at heart.
Thanks to CinemaSins. This clip is a few seconds long. Be sure to watch the full video when you get a chance.
11. They ask good questions…
Gandalf: He’s suffered a defeat, yes, but… behind the walls of Mordor, our enemy is regrouping.
Gimli: Let him stay there. *Let him rot!* Why should we care?
Gandalf: Because ten-thousand Orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom. I’ve sent him to his death.
Aragorn: No. There is still hope for Frodo. He needs time… and safe passage across the plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that.
Gimli: How?
Aragorn: Draw out Sauron’s armies. Empty his lands. Then we gather our full strength and march on the Black Gate.
12. …and make tough decisions
Eomer: We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms.
Aragorn: Not for ourselves. But we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron’s Eye fixed upon us. Keep him blind to all else that moves.
Legolas: A diversion.
Gimli: Certainty of death, *small* chance of success… What are we waiting for?
13. They take risks and overcome fears and obstacles.
Tolkien’s dwarves, or at least Peter Jackson’s version, would make a formidable team of analysts. Miners and craftsmen, armed with tools and courage, they have no fear of complex processes or strategic risks. They ask good questions, calculate risks and rewards, and are always willing to make a tough decision.
We Dwarves are natural sprinters, very dangerous over short distances. — Gimli
Perhaps, but they are also Analysts by Nature. We stopped at 13, in honor of the Company of Thorin Oakenshield, but I bet you have more. Leave them in the comments and thanks for reading!
