Dvergr facts for kids
Dvergar or Norse dwarves are special creatures from Norse mythology. They are often linked to rocks, the earth, and amazing craft work. They are also known for their metal work, wisdom, and sometimes their greed for treasure.
The stories say that dwarves came from tiny creatures, like maggots, that formed on the body of a giant named Ymir after he was defeated by the gods Odin, Vé, and Vili. Odin then changed these maggots into the first dwarves. Many tales describe dwarves as skilled blacksmiths who made powerful weapons and magical items for the gods. Some old stories even suggest that dwarves and elves might have been the same kind of creature long ago.
Contents
Who Are the Norse Dwarves?
Norse dwarves are often pictured as short, strong beings with long beards. They usually live deep inside mountains or underground caves. These hidden homes are often filled with the precious metals and gems they love to work with.
Dwarves are famous for being incredible craftspeople. They can forge the strongest metals and create the most beautiful jewelry. They are also known for their deep knowledge and wisdom, especially about the earth's secrets. However, they can also be very greedy, always wanting more gold and treasures.
Famous Dwarf Creations
In Norse myths, dwarves made some of the most important items for the gods. For example, they crafted Mjölnir, the powerful hammer of Thor. They also made the golden ring Draupnir for Odin, which could create eight new rings every ninth night. Another famous creation was the ship Skíðblaðnir, which could be folded up and carried in a pocket! These stories show just how skilled and magical the dwarves were.
Dwarves in Modern Stories
Over time, the idea of dwarves has changed in many stories. Today, you can find dwarves in many fantasy books, movies, and games. They are often shown as brave warriors, expert miners, or clever engineers. While they still keep some of their old traits, like their love for crafting and their strong build, their personalities can be very different from the ancient Norse myths.
Related pages
Images for kids
-
Two dwarfs as depicted in a 19th-century edition of the Poetic Edda poem Völuspá (1895) by Lorenz Frølich.
-
The Seven dwarfs sing "Heigh-Ho" in the 1937 Disney film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
See also
In Spanish: Enano (mitología) para niños