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Doli was one of the Fair Folk, a red-haired dwarf from The Kingdom of Tylwyth Teg. During the events of The Book of Three, King Eiddileg appointed him as the guide for the Companions -- Eilonwy, Taran, Fflewddur Fflam, Gurgi, Hen Wen and Melyngar -- to Caer Dathyl. Doli later joined the companions on several adventures.
Physical Description, Skills and Persona
Being a dwarf, Doli was shorter and stockier than a normal human. He had a bright shock of red hair, and wore a leather cap, a rust-colored leather jacket, and knee-high boots. Like many among the Fair Folk, he was grumpy and gruff, and complained loudly about having to do one task or another, but afterward was usually quite pleased with himself. Occasionally he let his affection for the others show through his prickly exterior.
Doli was a skilled woodsman, tracker and mountaineer, and a fierce fighter. While at the beginning of his time with the companions he lacked the usual Fair Folk power to turn himself invisible, this skill was given him by the Sons of Don after his help in the defeat of the Horned King.
Biography
The Book of Three
From his first appearance Doli spoke critically and harshly to the companions. On encountering the Gwythaint Fledgling, Doli would have chopped the creature's head off; after Taran decided to keep it, the dwarf warned the bird would attack them and report then to Annuvin, Later he made a cage for it, from which it soon escaped, whereupon Doli repeated his warnings.
Doli fought alongside Fflewddur against the Horned King's men. After the travelers had reached Caer Dathyl, Prince Gwydion gave Doli the ability to turn invisible, just like the rest of his folk.
The Black Cauldron
During the quest to find and destroy the Black Crochan, Doli was brave enough to enter Annuvin on his own, invisible (an act which hurt his ears) in search of the Crochan. He later saved Taran and the companions, and led them to the outpost of Gwystyl of the Fair Folk. In the end Doli freed the companions and fought valiantly beside Gwydion, helping to save Taran and the others from the camp of King Morgant.
Taran Wanderer
Doli was found, having been turned into a frog, by Fflewddur's giant cat Llyan. The dwarf had been investigating the burglary of a Fair Folk treasure trove. Once returned to normal he gratefully accepted The Crescent Moon of Llyr, and told Taran of the Free Commots, and of the power of Taran's Battle Horn, before departing.
The High King
Doli led the Fair Folk warriors into battle with Taran, and helped them to defeat the Huntsmen of Annuvin. He also guided the band through Annuvin (the only one of the Fair Folk who could do so).