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Contrary to a common misconception, Durin is not the original father of all Dwarves, comparable to a mythological Adam of sorts. Instead, Durin is one of the seven patriarchs created by Aulë, one of the Valar, who sought to craft a race in his own way while awaiting the creation of the Elves and Men by Eru Ilúvatar, the supreme deity of the universe. Durin was the first Dwarf created and, as such, became the leader of the Longbeards, one of seven distinct Dwarf clans. Each patriarch was accompanied by a female companion, marking the foundation of Dwarven society.