Warning: This article contains minor SPOILERS for The Rings of Power season 2, episodes 1-3.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power ignited a debate over whether female dwarfs should have beards, but season 2 settles this discourse once and for all. Amazon’s Lord of the Rings show digs deeper into the history of all the races of Middle-earth, and it’s the first adaptation of Tolkien’s work to feature female Dwarfs. Durin IV’s wife, Disa, plays a significant role in the series, and she isn’t the only female Dwarf shown during its run. Disa doesn’t have a beard in The Rings of Power‘s first season, and this sparked controversy among LOTR fans.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s books don’t reference many female Dwarfs, as male dwarfs are more prominent — and according to his writings, women were more likely to remain in their mountain homes. Tolkien’s War of the Jewels does make the claim that all Dwarfs have beards (via Tolkien Gateway), which is why so many fans believe The Rings of Power season 1 should have included this detail. However, Tolkien writes in The Nature of Middle-earth that all male Dwarfs have beards, leading fans to debate whether he ever intended for female Dwarfs to have facial hair.

The Rings Of Power Confirms It – Female Dwarfs DO Have Beards

Disa Has Facial Hair In Season 2

The Rings of Power season 2 confirms that female dwarfs do, in fact, have beards, settling the heated debate over the topic. Although Disa doesn’t have a lengthy beard to match her husband’s, she sports noticeable facial hair in season 2’s three-episode premiere. The Rings of Power season 2, episode 2 also sees her interacting with other Dwarf women. One of them has sideburns, confirming that facial hair isn’t out of the ordinary for them. It’s possible they groom theirs more than their male counterparts do, but their appearance still lives up to Tolkien’s claim in The War of the Jewels.

By showing female Dwarfs with beards, The Rings of Power finally takes a stance when it comes to the Lord of the Rings’ beard debate.

Whether this is what the author intended is anyone’s guess. But by showing female Dwarfs with beards, The Rings of Power finally takes a stance when it comes to the Lord of the Rings’ beard debate. Some might feel this is inconsistent with Disa’s portrayal in season 1. However, The Rings of Power season 1’s ending offers a possible explanation for why her facial hair is more perceptible in season 2.

Why Disa Has Facial Hair In The Rings Of Power Season 2

It Might Be Due To Durin IV’s Falling Out With His Father

Disa suddenly having a beard in The Rings of Power season 2 makes sense when you consider Durin IV’s falling out with his father in season 1. Durin IV and Disa appear to be living in poverty now that King Durin III is at odds with his son. This means they won’t be able to keep up appearances as well as when they were considered royalty.

Although The Rings of Power season 2 never confirms this is the reason for Disa’s facial hair, it’s the most logical explanation for its sudden appearance. Perhaps the series will address the topic further in the coming episodes. However, the inclusion of this detail is sufficient to settle the debate that cropped up in the wake of season 1.

Source: Tolkien Gateway