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In memory of Mimak

Often a rumbling sound could be heard from the Lonely Mountain which would make passersby look up in fear, dreading an avalanche or the return of the great wyrm Smaug. It was, in fact, something much more terrifying: the mighty laughter of Mimak Stonehead.

Although Mimak was a great warrior of the Baruk Khazad-dum and a renowned hero of the Battle of Five Armies, combat was not his only passion. He was a lover of all things beautiful (in his eyes, all that is shiny and mithril) and, above all, a good drinking song and a reason to sing one.

Mimak was a proud father of the Stonehead dynasty, a family well-known in the Lonely Mountain for its honour, bravery, and thick brown beards. At its peek even considered royal, the Stoneheads once fullfilled a centre role in the Dwarven society and their ongoing fight to reclaim Moria.

Yet it was neither arrow nor sword that ended the life of Mimak Stonehead. One fatal night, a vicious ale proved to be one too many and Mimak collapsed after one last tremendous belch. Then the Dwarves raised up the body of Mimak and bore it away; and with slow steps they walked behind singing a dirge in deep voices, a funeral pomp in their own mountain, and gave no heed more to their ale; and no drink dared to stay them. When they returned, their revenge on the accursed ale and its kin was utter and complete, and no mug was left unfinished. Many songs were sung that night in his name, and continue to be sung to this very day.

"Oi oi oi, to the barrel I go, to heal my heart and drown my woe!"