@Background Pony #B89C  
So, in other words the griffin’s story is inverted version of the dwarf’s story. That’s how they similar to each other! (Heh, sound weird… but somehow logical!)

@Vaidelot
 
The dwarves grew greedier with their Rings of Power, yes, but that didn’t last for long, and the griffons became honourable only because of the artifact, whereas the dwarves were naturally honourable.

@Background Pony #58A5  
Actually, in Tolkien universe Sauron used the Rings to instigate the greed for gold in Dwarven hearts, whereas in MLP-verse Griffins uses their artefact to diminish that greed in theirs… So, both nations, despite not being completely similar, still very akin to each other.

@Vaidelot
 
The dwarves are nowhere like griffons, for various reasons. For instance, the griffons are as greedy as dragons. Dwarves took pride in their mining skills, and the riches they dug up were like trophies to them. Some cases, like Thror, result in greed, yes, but normally, they’re simply proud and possessive.
 
Another thing is that dwarves have a sense of honour and duty. These griffons, on the other hand, display no honour in the slightest, with only one of them displaying any care for friendship.
 
In other words, dwarves are far better than griffons.

@Vaidelot  
That and in the original legends told about them griffins kept gold in their nests. People used to try and steal it, which was a bad idea as griffins fed humans to their young.

@Vaidelot
 
Yeah the Idol just made me think “Arkenstone”

@Vaidelot  
That is exactly what I likened them to, this part reminded me so much of the start of The Hobbit.
 
Maybe that was partly the inspiration.

So griffins in MLP universe is akin to Tolkien Dwarfs…

Cool

They did their homework.
 
I like that.