Aulë is the Tolkien character known as the father of the Dwarves.
Aulë is one of the Valar, the powerful beings who help shape Arda under Eru Ilúvatar. He is associated with craftsmanship, smithing, substances of the earth, and the creation of physical forms. Desiring pupils who could learn his skills, he made the first Dwarves before the awakening of Elves and Men.
Aulë’s creation was not authorized to give the Dwarves independent life. When Eru confronted him, Aulë showed humility and prepared to destroy his work rather than defy the creator. Eru then accepted the Dwarves and granted them life, but required that they sleep until after the Elves awoke.
The Seven Fathers of the Dwarves became the ancestors of the principal Dwarven peoples. Durin, the eldest, founded the line associated with Khazad-dûm. Aulë’s relationship with the Dwarves explains their love of craft, stone, mining, and making, while also linking their origins to one of the central creation stories in The Silmarillion.