My first "get to know the game" character is a Nord - I figured that would be the most natural. Nords get a bonus with Two Handed, so I figured I'd just go with that.

My first dungeon, of Draugr, was not particularly difficult.

But then I picked another dungeon to crawl, with Falmers and Chaurus. That that was very difficult with a Two Handed Warhammer as the primary weapon. My character did that dungeon at level 4 and 5. I had put all level up points into Health, and the first two perks for Two Handed weapon damage. Still I was being killed with about two hits and had a tough time damaging my enemies At normal (I guess it's called Adept) difficulty.

By attacking then retreating I was able to eventually defeat the enemies.

But then I ran into a Falmer Gloomlurker. That was just about impossible with my Iron Warhammer, and backup Steel Greatsword. So I ended up picking up some Falmer bow and arrows and started sneaking and sniping the Gloomlurker. That worked out really well, even though that was the first time my character used sneak and a bow.

So is Two Handed melee just difficult compared with being a marksman. Or am I just missing something.

No spoilers please.

Thanks.

You're not missing anything, you're fighting enemies that are above your level.

Im level 30 and I have yet to come across those enemies you listed.

Maybe you just wandered into a higher level dungeon?

Damn, you're level 30 and haven't seen Falmer or their bug pets?

There are quite a few caves that have them and I believe every single dwarven ruin has them.

They're not so difficult on my mage, OP, but I can see where they'd be a pain on a melee. They soak up the damage and dish out really heavy hits.

Stamina is your friend with two handed. I'm playing a Nord char who likes big hammers and axes too.

I have been leveling up alternating health and stamina. It's a big help unless you use stamina potions...and sometimes your need that also. My character also likes bows though, and I sneak a lot and try to see what's in a dungeon and try to get a sneak shot instead of just running in with a hammer. I will eventually wind up using the hammer in close contact melee.

Skill Smithing and Enchanting (and Alchemy, but its not really a MUST since you get enough health-pots anyway and using Alchemy only to buff Smithing and Enchanting furthermore is de facto an exploit), make use of blocking perks that don′t require a shield and there you go.
You′ll have a difficult time till you can make your own higherlevel-weapons and armors and can enchant them accordingly, but after that (most likely lvl 12-17) and with some Dragon Shouts you are MORE than fine (read: You get unstopable even on Master).

Btw, u can kite melee-enemies with 2h. Abuse your superior range. All you need is a good timing.

This, most enemies don't level scale like in oblivion. You should try that place again at level 15+