Drúedain

In Tolkien's internal history the Drúedain (self-name Drughu) were early-migrating Men who left Hildórien and were among the first to cross the Anduin; some settled in the White Mountains and some went into Beleriand in the First Age where they lived among the Haladin and were friendly with Elves. A portion accompanied the Edain to Númenor but had left or died out there before the Downfall (Akallabêth). By the Third Age surviving groups lived in the Drúadan Forest and on the cape of Andrast, remembered in place-names such as Drúwaith Iaur ('Old Drûg land').

Other peoples describe the Drúedain as stumpy, clumsy-limbed, with short thick legs, fat gnarled arms, broad chests, fat bellies, and heavy buttocks; they were said to somewhat resemble Dwarves in stature and endurance. Their faces were judged 'unlovely'—wide, flat, and expressionless—with deep-set black eyes that 'glowed red when angered', horny brows, flat noses, and wide mouths. Hair was sparse and lank, with little facial hair except in a few men. They were described as short-lived and wore simple clothing (grass skirts are attested in at least one portrayal).

Sources report that the Drúedain 'had certain magical powers' (wording presents this as a reported attribute rather than detailed, named abilities) and that they 'sat still in meditation for long periods.' They were famed for exceptional woodcraft: in the Third Age Drúedain resisted and harassed Orcs with poisoned arrows and could guide allies through secret forest paths. They bore deep hatred of Orcs. They also made carved guardian statues for places and homes; some accounts state that certain statues 'evidently had the power to come to life.'