Dwarves are known as being fierce, weapon yielding small creatures that live within mountains, mines, or underground. They are considered master smith-craftsmen and are known for their hard work ethic and guardians of treasure.
But the question is, how long have dwarves been crafting magic swords?
Dwarves first appeared in literature during the 13th Century in an old Norse textbook called, Gylfaginning. There are three sections of this book, one in particular is named, Prose Edda. It was written by an Iceland native named, Snorri Sturluson (no, I did not make this name up). Much of the information within his collected text reflects most of the basic information we reference in relation to Dwarves today.
According to Snorri, dwarves were born in Old Norse mythology. As the story goes, the first four dwarves were created from a decomposing Giant, named Ymir. When those first four dwarves emerged from the Giant’s rotting flesh, the bodies were indistinguishable and lacked intelligence. The Norse Gods, called the Aesir’s gods (Odin, Thor, Fredda, Loki, & Baldur) transformed the weird little creatures into how we know them today—more human looking and highly intelligent. Those first four dwarves took their rightful place in the corners of the Earth as North, East, South, and West. Together, they held up the world’s sky.
Sidenote: I didn’t find any information about how the first 4 dwarves procreated and a whole society of dwarves were made. Big questions there. No answers. Let’s move on. Regardless, a whole society of dwarves was created and they all live in a realm called, Nidavellir.
Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s break down how dwarves can play a role in your speculative fiction story.
In Film: dwarves are often depicted for their magical abilities, specifically in how they can forge metal into powerful, magical, weapons. Thor’s famous hammer, Mjolnir, was forged by a dwarf. According to the Marvel movies, a dwarf also forged Thor’s axe after his hammer was shattered.
In literature, dwarves created both the Ring and Durin’s axe, in the Lord of the Rings. In Harry Potter, dwarves weren’t stereotypical in appearance, as they were clean shaven and well-dressed; except their natural characteristics didn’t change. They were still the guardians of the gold in the bank. In RA Salvatore’s Drizzt Series, Bruener Battlehammer played a major role in three books of the first eight that I’ve read. Bruener was the king of his clan, a master craft-smith, a good friend to the main character, Drizzt.
If you’re going to include Dwarves in your story, determine if they are a side character, a main character, or an obstacle. Here’s an idea – and please feel free to steal it – A Dwarf’s identity is deeply entwined with their ability to create and forge magical weapons. What if…and I’m thinking Young Adult here, the young dwarf in your story never got a good grasp of forging metal and the rest of the clan considers him a dunce. How would this young main character move through the story knowing the rest of the clan think he’s a failure? How will he overcome this huge obstacle? What other special abilities does he possess that his clan members do not? What kind of character arc will undergo?
How you use Dwarves in your story is up to you.
Happy Writing,
-RADolence
Dwarfs in Norse Mythology: Origins, Role, Powers, & Abilities – World History Edu
* Not all images are not mine; therefore, I cannot take credit.