Also called Dwarves, Dwarfs, Svartálfar (in Snorri).
Their story
Völuspá tells how the gods made the dwarves from the blood of Brimir and the bones of Bláinn, and lists dozens of their names; Snorri says they quickened like maggots in Ymir's flesh and the gods gave them wit and human shape. They live in rocks and earth, and are the finest smiths: they made Mjöllnir, Gungnir, Draupnir, Sif's golden hair, Freyja's necklace and the fetter Gleipnir. Four dwarves, Norðri, Suðri, Austri and Vestri, hold up the sky at its four corners.
Best times to give to them
- before making things with your hands
- when working metal, stone or wood
- at night
What they like being given
- a small coin or bright bead left in a crack in rock
- honest, patient craftwork
- bread and ale, or bread and apple juice
How to honour them
- Dedicate a piece of craft to them, done with care from start to finish.
- Treat caves and rocky places with respect and leave nothing behind but thanks.
- Be careful what you promise; dwarves in the tales hold people to bargains.
How they can help you
- craft skills
- patience in making
- fair bargains
Symbols
- forge and hammer
- caves and rocks
- gold and rings
The short, bearded dwarf is largely a later image; the sources say little about their appearance.
Sources
- Poetic Edda, Völuspá 9–16
- Prose Edda, Gylfaginning 8 and 14
- Simek, Dictionary of Northern Mythology
More Norse spirits
- The Dísir Ancestral mothers and guardian women
- The Álfar The elves, bright and hidden folk
- The Landvættir The spirits of the land
- Jötnar The giants, elder powers of the wild
- The Daughters of Ægir and Rán The nine waves of the sea
- The Sons of Ivaldi The dwarf smiths of Sif's hair and Skíðblaðnir
- Einherjar The chosen dead of Valhalla
- Fylgja The follower spirit at your side