Svartalfheim
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Svartalfheim, sometimes spelled Svartalvheim, is an intriguing part of Norse mythology. However, it doesn't receive as much attention in popular culture as Asgard or Midgard.
Svartalfheim, also known as Nidavellir, is one of the nine realms in Norse mythology. It is the home of the Dwarves, the master craftsmen of Norse tales. The name Svartalfheim translates to "Home of the Black Elves," while Nidavellir means "Dark Fields" or "Low Fields."
This article explores Svartalfheim and the creatures that reside there. It also delves into the appearance of Dwarves in Norse mythology and the difference between Dökkálfar (Dark Elves) and Ljósálfar (Light Elves).
What Does Old Norse Literature Say About Svartalfheim?
In the original Völuspá poem from the Poetic Edda, the term "Svartalfheim" is never mentioned. Instead, it refers to Nidavellir, simply stating that it lies in the north and that Sindri's family lives there in a golden hall. In Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda, Svartalfheim is described in more detail.
Most people agree that the beings living in Svartalfheim are Dwarves. However, in the Prose Edda, Sturluson calls them "Dark Elves" or "Black Elves," which can confuse readers of Norse mythology.
The general consensus is that the inhabitants of Svartalfheim are Dwarves.
The realm itself is dark but not grim. It is the darkness of caves, mines, and underground forges, not the bleakness of Hel or other lonely, despairing places. The caves and caverns where the Dwarves live are also home to their workshops, where they craft some of the most powerful items ever forged.
What Do Dwarves Look Like in Norse Mythology?
In Norse mythology, Dwarves are small, stocky, and incredibly skilled craftsmen. They created almost all the fantastical items owned by the gods, such as Odin's magical ring and spear, Thor's hammer, Freyr's foldable ship, and the chain-like band that bound the mighty wolf Fenrir.
In Sturluson's Prose Edda, Dwarves are also described as being deep black. (They were created from the maggots that emerged from Ymir's rotting flesh after Odin and his brothers killed him.)
Not only are they excellent craftsmen, but they are also magical beings and are often described as shapeshifters in ancient tales. They are also sensitive to sunlight. In one notable story, the Dwarf Alviss comes to Thor to claim his daughter, who had been promised to him in marriage.
Thor, unwilling to let Alviss marry his daughter, tricks the Dwarf into talking with him all night, answering questions to prove he is the wisest of the Dwarves. When the sun rises the next morning, it turns Alviss to stone, solving Thor's problem for him.
Despite their small stature, Dwarves are incredibly strong. Two Dwarves, Brokkr and Sindri, forged Thor's hammer, Mjölnir. This means they could also hold and carry it, a feat accomplished by very few beings, demonstrating their extraordinary strength.
Odin tasked four additional Dwarves:
- Austri (East),
- Vestri (West),
- Nordri (North),
- Sudri (South),
to hold the corners of Ymir's massive skull, which forms the sky and celestial bodies in Norse mythology.
Although they are mentioned only briefly, there were female Dwarves in addition to the male ones. However, little is known about them.
What Are Dökkálfar and Ljósálfar?
In Norse mythology (and various other mythologies), Dökkálfar are Dark Elves, and Ljósálfar are Light Elves. Dark Elves live underground or in the earth and are sometimes seen as malevolent. Light Elves live in Alfheim, are beautiful and radiant, inspire musicians, and make things grow.
Light Elves (Ljósálfar)
According to Norse mythology, there are nine worlds (or realms), all connected by Yggdrasil, the World Tree. One of these realms, Alfheim, is the closest to the Christian heaven in Norse mythology, though people don't go there when they die.
Instead, it's a beautiful place with eternally blue skies, green grass, lovely trees and rivers, and everything else one might expect in a "perfect" world. This is where the Light Elves reside.
In appearance, they resemble Legolas, Galadriel, and other blonde-haired, blue-eyed elves from The Lord of the Rings films. People often associate them with the sun, nature, and everything bright, beautiful, and alive.
They were magical creatures connected to nature, harvest, fertility, and music. The gods Freyr and Freya are often associated with Light Elves.
Dark Elves (Dökkálfar)
In his book Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs, John Lindow speculates that Dökkálfar are the same as svartálfar (Black Elves), making them Dwarves. However, most readers of Norse mythology distinguish between the two creatures.
For those who agree with Lindow, Dark Elves would be just like the dark-skinned, small-statured craftsmen mentioned earlier. They are not beings of pure light, but they are also not evil creatures of darkness. They are simply Dwarves; some are good, others are not.
Scholars who believe Dark Elves were separate, non-Dwarven beings have a different view of them.
First, Dark Elves were exclusively male, and while they were occasionally seen as protectors, they were also malevolent toward those who crossed or offended them. They lived in dark places, mostly underground, and in this way, they are very similar to Dwarves.
These Dökkálfar (Dark Elves) didn't play a significant role in Norse mythology. They were more prevalent in Germanic and Scottish folklore, where they were traditionally "evil" or "mischievous" creatures.
Modern Depictions
Today, depictions of Dark Elves and Light Elves appear in books, games, movies, and television. Both races frequently feature in role-playing games like World of Warcraft and The Elder Scrolls.
Additionally, elves in all Tolkien-based films and series are closely tied to the Light Elves. Meanwhile, the villains in Hellboy II: The Golden Army are clearly representations of Dark Elves. Both elf races also appear in Marvel Comics and in the popular books, games, and TV series The Witcher.