OK, but the French dynasty stuff is pretty obscure

Great grid, with some excellent red herrings. One in particular, but I won't say which so as not to give anything away.

The Carolingian dynasty one is pretty weak
- First, the kings of the Carolingian dynasty were rules of different Frankian empires, which "became" the Holy Roman Empire as much as it became France
- Louis could be any king/emperor of that title. The other three names are very specific. The association still works, but it's not great.

I don't know my Tolkien otherwise
straightforward. Thanks.

The Carolingians group is fine and not too obscure. Good grid

Dwarves not dwarfs

Great grid - didn't get the kings - some good answers that fit more than one category so kept me guessing.

@malcom Dwarves was coined by Tolkien and is used in his writings. The film is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. So I think dwarfs is the correct plural form for the link in that category.