Dwarf King
cas371 · Castle
Fantasy Era · 2008. The figure debuted in the set 7036 Dwarves' Mine, marking the peak of the popular Fantasy Era sub-theme which introduced orcs, trolls, and dwarves to the LEGO Castle lineup.
Figure ID
cas371
Theme
Castle
Year Released
2008. The figure debuted in the set 7036 Dwarves' Mine, marking the peak of the popular Fantasy Era sub-theme which introduced orcs, trolls, and dwarves to the LEGO Castle lineup.
Rarity
Uncommon. While widely available during its 2008-2009 run, it was only included in two specific sets. Its rarity has increased because it is a desirable 'army builder' leader and features a unique beard and crown printing.
Head
Standard yellow head with a classic black-eyed grin. The defining facial feature is the large, flat-back black beard with two braids that fits over the neck peg.
Torso
Dark Blue torso with silver plate armor printing on the front and back. Features a reddish-brown belt with a prominent gold crown emblem center-print. Dark blue arms with yellow hands.
Legs
Short reddish-brown legs, fixed (unarticulated). These represent the shorter stature of the dwarf race in the Castle theme.
Accessories
Metallic Silver dwarf helmet with a 'nose guard' design. In its original set, it usually carries a large silver battle axe or a chrome gold broadsword and a round shield with a crown emblem.
Color Scheme
Primary colors are Dark Blue, Reddish Brown, and Metallic Silver. Accents of Yellow (hands/head) and Gold (belt buckle) provide contrast.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing for its era. The crown emblem on the belt is crisp, and the silver 'chainmail' texture on the torso is highly detailed. There is no printing on the short legs.
Variants
There are no direct color variants of the King, though other dwarves in the same wave (cas370, cas372) share similar parts but use different headgear, beard colors, or torso colors (like sand green).
Condition Notes
The metallic silver helmet is prone to surface scratches. The black beard piece can develop stress marks or 'whiting' at the neck ring if removed frequently. The short legs are sturdy but the hip joint can lose friction over time.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $12 - $18 USD. New/Mint: $25 - $35 USD. The value is largely driven by the beard piece and the crown-printed torso.
Price (New)
Originally available in Set 7036 ($50.00 retail) and Set 7040 ($7.00 retail). In the small impulse set 7040, the price-per-minifigure was excellent.
Compatible Sets
7036 Dwarves' Mine (2007/2008), 7040 Dwarf Fire Dragon (2008).
Character Background
The Dwarf King is the leader of the mining faction within the LEGO Fantasy Era lore. This faction is often depicted as the allies of the Crown Knights, defending their underground mines from the Troll and Orc armies.
Design Notes
The beard mold was a significant advancement in 2007, allowing for a 'bulky' look without hindering the helmet fit. The transition to short unbendable legs was the standard for non-human tall characters at the time.
Similar Minifigures
Gimli from Lord of the Rings (lor002), Series 5 Collectible Minifigure Evil Dwarf (col071), and the modern 2024 Dungeons & Dragons Dwarf Barbarian.
Collectibility
High. Fantasy Era Castle is currently seeing a massive resurgence in value among AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO). This figure is essential for completing a 'Crown' faction collection.
History
Before 2007, LEGO 'dwarves' were mostly just standard minifigures with beards. This specific design cycle introduced the specialized short-leg dwarf with the wide beard, which became the template for subsequent fantasy licenses.
Interesting Facts
The crown logo on this dwarf's belt is the exact same design used by the 'human' Crown Knights, signifying their political alliance in the theme's storyline. This figure's helmet mold was later reused for many years in various themes.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed leading a squad of Dwarf Warriors (cas370) inside a rockwork MOC or on a dedicated 2x4 stud stand with a 'Crown' shield behind him.
Modification Potential
The head can be swapped with modern 'flesh' tones to create a Gimli or general D&D character. The black beard is a highly sought-after part for custom medieval MOCs.
Overall Assessment
A standout figure from one of LEGO's most beloved eras. It combines classic yellow-skin charm with detailed fantasy armor. Desirability: 8/10. Value-for-money: 7/10.