Kingdoms of the Faerie Realm
European Underworld Hierarchies
By Stephen Cox
The last one and half millennia of suppression of our native cultural and magickal traditions have left us with a tenable inheritance. Not only have we been stripped of our native Gods but we have been left additionally with a psychosis which has caused us to grievously wound the planet and our fellow creature (human and otherwise), as well as contribute to our stasis in evolutionary terms. A prime example of this `fall from grace', to turn a Christian phrase on its head, is the severance of Western man from the Underworld. In our ancestors days every household knew their Household Guardians, Sprites and Fairies by name. The corner of each field was alive, working in harmony with this other realm. When mortals and fairies communed and worked in harmony for mutual wealth and evolution, every garden was prosperous via little visitors. Helping growth and harvest; children were safe in nature and away from home, parents knowing the "Little `Uns" would watch over them.
Then into the world came a shadow: Messianism. It taught that all things not ordained by the jealous desert god were evil, and to be destroyed. There were tricks and snares to keep us away from heaven. Itself a trick to rob us of evolution and planetary harmony. "Man shall have dominion over the Earth" if he became a slave to this alien god. So man, in turn, took his hatred out in the image of his god, upon the land. Progress was no longer a joyous partnership with cosmic forces, but war against `ungodly' matters. Judeo-Christianity and its entire putrid offspring taught us to turn our backs on nature. Even joyous sex became a dirty perversion. Condemned by an impotent god and all manner of natural things poisoned, to be purged. Nature in turn withdrew from man. Deserts flourished; forests perished, species were exterminated. Age old lore and herbalism was ignored. Natural rhythms and balances abused. No wonder people said in cynicism to children, "do you believe in fairies?" Adults, having lost paradise, quickly ridiculed the young so they might lose theirs too.
Yet things are changing. The Piscean age flounders and is consumed by it's own filthy mess. A new generation of Europeans no longer denies the existence of the Faerie Realm and strives to make contact with it. Many books by leading publishers such as Llewellyn and Element appear monthly on the subject. Long lost classics re-emerge. Foundations, such as Findhorn community in Scotland, imply fairy harmony in their prosperity from wilderness. In this series I'll not guide on methods of initiation, ritual or Gates to the Faerie Realm. That is better left to the officers of the Order. Instead to assist you I offer a manual of species inhabiting what is termed the Faerie Realm, the Underworld, the Secret Garden, The Lost World, Never-Never Land, etc.
I shall also describe existence in the historical, cosmic and magickal dimensions and aspects of our association with it. And alphabetically I shall list as many of the creatures that I have come to acknowledge and deal with Elves, pixies, dwarves, leprechauns, goblins, brownies and sprites. They have countless names and are of many species. I shall also describe ways and places of connecting with them. So, go now with, (like Lord Freyr), a song and joy in your heart. Go into the hidden recesses of your home, and your garden. Step into nature; embrace the wind, the dew, and every growing thing. You are alive. Tomorrow's evolution for you and yours can only begin today with a hand of friendship.
Puck
"Those that Hobgoblin call you and sweet Puck. You do their work, and they shall have good luck..."
The character coming to us as Puck, also known as Robin Goodfellow classically illustrates the alienation and rootlessness of which I spoke in Part 1. That is, that there was a time when Europeans were quite naturally attuned to working in harmony with the Faery Kingdom. Families and homes knew the various tribes, clans and classes, even individuals. The figure of Puck in the twentieth century illustrates two important things: (1) the manner in which Christianity sought to pervert and destroy our connections to soil, heritage, race and the Faerie realm. By maligning the character of Puck, he was turned into a lewd and spiteful prosecutor of mankind, effectively enlarging him to the point of a demon of immense power: and (2), that within the spiritual wilderness of Europeans there has been a growth of the character of Puck almost to the point of a demigod: a character which seems to be everywhere and capable of anything.
Puck to some extent is a general term. In Gaelic terminology it refers to a trait or tendency of a fairy spirit: `a puck', `a good fellow'. For example in Ireland even to this day there is still held a `Puck Fair' when a young girl of Killorglin in Co. Kerry is annually chosen to be the `Queen of the Puck' and places a crown on a goats head to crown him `Puck King of Ireland'. This is why I take time away from describing the classes and tribes of the "Little `Uns". Although this too is a misnomer for it is now becoming appreciated that not all classes of the Faerie realm were small and indeed many were of human proportion or larger in some instances. It is almost, as if in order to compensate for the loss of connection with the Mystic Underworld, Puck has been deliberately enlarged to the point of something so mystic and powerful that it can endure the ravages of materialism and messianism and thus, just keep alive the flame of comradeship with the sacred land. Who then or what is Puck?
One of the most endearing, enduring and alluring images we have of him is via William Shakespeare's `A Midsummer Night's Dream'. Here he is the lieutenant of Oberon, King of the Fairies, organizing the fairy dances and obtaining the potion from diverse parts of the world to perform the love match on the Athenians Lysander, Demetrius, Hermia and Helena "And the country proverb known, That every man shall have his own. In your waking shall be shown: Jack shall have Jill; Naught shall go ill; The Man shall have his mare again, and all shall be well". The character of Shakespeare's Puck comprises many of the traits, almost converted into one omnipresent being of the Faerie realm itself.
Dressed all in green, one of his other names was `Jack 0 the Green'. He was youthful and boy-like, yet with the mental agility and perspicacity of a sage. One of the `forever young' (a trait also seen in a 19th century fiction Peter Pan). He is witty, jocular and expert in riddles, even to the point of getting away with taunts and puns on the words of his master. He can fly and travel over land and water at great speed "I'll put a girdle about the Earth in forty minutes" he says, when asked to fetch a special herb for Oberon. He has the ability to become visible in one place and invisible in another, and lead humans wherever he will: "Up and down, up and down; I will lead them up and down, I am feared in field and town; Goblin lead them up and down", as he leads Lysander and Demetrius in opposite directions.
The characteristics of the Gaelic pucca are similar to that of Shakespeare's Puck. He has the power of conferring on humans the gift of understanding the speech of animals. Mischievous yet friendly, but never hurtful. He disliked grave robbers and dishonourable men and punished them severely. Often by blinding or crippling. He also protects humans from harmful spirits and was often invoked for blessing of the house and farm. But more important, he is an expert on animal husbandry- saving cattle from drowning, curing disease in sheep and goats and even causing race horses to run faster. `From the presence of the sun. Following the darkness like a dream, Now are frolic; not a mouse Shall disturb this hallow'd house: I am sent with broom before, To sweep the dust behind the door"
Shakespeare wrote that when folk custom was still strong in England. Although Catholicism had done its best to destroy our sacred traditions and Earth-love, the old festivals and practices lingered. It was before the advance of Puritanism and the materialism of the industrial revolution. The rural `ideal' as such was alive and well in terms of the power of the land. Agriculture was the base of the economy and humans worked in conjunction with nature. Land was still family lineage, and measured a man's stature in society, not the abstractions of coinage and speculation.
The word Puck seems to derive from the Irish goblin or fairy `pucca' in Irish; `boucca' in Welsh; and `bucca' in Cornish. And via this tradition his colour is usually black. Again taking us back to the Underworld concept of light and fertility emerging from the Moon and Earth world. The horns also seem to be all-important. A street chant goes "Pucca, Pucca, put out your horns". This links in with the goat crowning and even further back, the lycanthropic or anthropomorphic nature of the character. In it we may see strains even of the great god of fertility, and music. Pan, a goat-man-god roving the deep greenery of the European forests.
"If we shadows have offended, Think but this, and all is mended, That you have but slumber'd here, While these visions did appear ...Gentles, do not reprehend. If you pardon we will amend, And as I am an honest Puck, If we have unearthed luck.... We will make amends ere long.... So goodnight unto you all. Give me your hands, if we be friends, And Robin shall restore amends".
Teutonic Elves, Dwarves and Goblins
All forces went to council, mighty gods thought about it: who should create the people of Dwarfs, from the blood of Brim and the bones of Blain? (From The Voluspa)
We must be a little circumspect when dealing with such definitions as `light elves' so as not to fall prey to those dualistic and artificial concepts of good and evil. Rather we must approach these designations of light and dark elves and dwarves as intimations of function and locale and areas of governance, skills, and speciality.
It is perhaps in the Norse mythological traditions that the distinction is made most clear as specific `tribes' of Faerie folk. Although in other parts of Europe, especially in the west, there is a fairly clear understanding of these tribes as `elves', dwarves and goblins. What we might call light dwarves, dark and black dwarves in Norse terminology. J.R.R.Tolkein's master-work `The Lord of the Rings' for example, and also `The Hobbit' is a useful approach to the mythological identity, activity and characteristics of these creatures, for even here we have a fairly discernible picture of their most likely and preferred areas of habitat and earthly foci. This is perhaps the easiest way to approach some understanding of the tribal designation, rather than become influenced by the terms light or dark. Regard the term light as referring to those tribes and clan, which deal with flora and fauna, fields, woodland area. While the dwarves we may think of in terms of working with the earth itself both on the surface and beneath. Whereas the goblins (or black dwarves) being of a more primal force in terms of a concern which is deeper within the earth and thus perhaps less intelligible to us:
But we must not assume that Elves are only found above surface or Dwarves only found underground or Goblins even deeper still within the earth. The entirety of the natural realm may be their locale in terms of travel, mission or expedition. For example, the dwarves in `The Hobbit' travel by any time of day and above ground to undertake their duty, although their speciality was with the magick of the Earth and treasure.
We must be also equally aware of the difference between fairies as Elves, Dwarves and Goblins and the Elementals of earth, fire, water and air. We also mustn't place too much reliance in the misconception that these creatures are always small, for deeper examination of our tradition will reveal that creatures of the various Faerie realms may vary in size from the minuscule right up to being larger than mortals.
Saxon Elves were regarded as somewhat larger and more formidable, while in Scotland right up to the seventeenth century, the Elves were considered to be of full-size and Fairyland was called `Elfame'. Just as there is racial familial threads between the Celtic and Teutonic peoples, likewise we should not be surprised to find a similar connection between Celtic and Teutonic Alf species.
In the connection between ails (the Norse terms for elves, dwarfs and goblins) and humanity we must also be aware of the implication that there is some crossover. Two items come to mind. One that there were marriages between the various classes of ails and men and women This is also referred to in Celtic lore even more strongly than in Norse.
Secondly, there is the implication that some such creatures could be the souls of dead forebears. There are some Old Norse sources which make it clear that humans, once buried in a howe, can become elves who look after their tribal lands. Also recall that most all lore is traceable in a direct line. Essentially to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages (and before) when mound-burials were the common practice. For example, the early King Olaf was thought to have been reborn in the person of the Christian King Olaf the Holy: He was called `Elf of Geirstad' and sacrifices were said to have been made to him and also to the elves dwelling in hills (and probably burial mounds). There is also a hidden tradition that elves are the folk-memory of aboriginal races, diminished gods, totemic forces or nature spirits.
In the context of connection with humans and human dependence on the land, we may note two further aspects of this symbiosis. It was said in some Scandinavian traditions that some elfish folk would follow lucky humans to give them help in with hunting and fishing etc.: These `helpers' were said to live in mounds, hills, stones and rivers and sometimes appeared in the form of small men and women.
We are all aware of the proud and frightening dragonheads of the Viking long ships. Little do we realize these days that it was said to be the custom to forbid any prows in animal or dragon form or any kind of menacing figure-head lest it frightened the land spirits and elfish house guardians.
In the various eddaic texts it seems evident from the emphasis given to the creation of the Dwarves that they must hold an important place in the structure of the Norse cosmos. For example, there had even been a great Council of the Old Gods (see The Voluspa) who deliberated this great question. This implies that to our ancestors and to the gods, these creatures were held in high esteem not only in Asgard (which was later destroyed) but also in Midgard (which rose again as a New World after Ragnarok).
We may possibly deduce that the inference of these creatures was to be regarded as an ongoing part of the evolution of Earth. The precedence given in `The Voluspa"' suggests as much. Their involvement in smithing, jewels, mining, forging and other technology implies as much. They work with the earth: on, above, or below, (e.g. trees etc.), and may be regarded as representatives of transformation and/or an alchemical sense. Again balance and honour is implied here for in magick, as in all things, you get nothing, for nothing. An essential point to bear in mind in all dealings.
We should also take care about the word Dwarf. For in Norse mythology Dwarf can mean Light and Dark Elf and also Black Dwarf, just as Elf can mean both. For a comparison of how nouns must be carefully interpreted, witness the British people's use of the word "Danes" to mean not only those from Denmark, but also Norway and Sweden. Danes is a generic term for Vikings/Northmen no matter from what country they come.
There are three races of Elves descending from lightest to black. The Ljosalfar (Light Elves), Dokkalfar (Dark Elves) and Svartalfar (Black Elves also called Dwarves). All three classes are wise magicians but are somewhat unpredictable, which is disconcerting since they also take special interest in certain individual human beings. Therefore since they are easy to offend and like-wise pleased, it is smart to be exceedingly polite, respectful and generous in your dealings with them. In his book `Teutonic Magic', Gundarsson suggests that the name of Alf (Alfar) may be derived from the an Indo-European root meaning "shining" or "white" being related to the Latin albus and Sanskrit rhbu. Ingvar Ingvisson suggests here a connection may exist between the Celtic name for Scotland, Alba, and the Alfar-folk.
Equally it could be derived from the Aryan root Loh/Lebh/Lobh meaning to cheat or be cunning. The Anglo-Saxons for example had charms, which were supposed to heal the ills of dwarfs and elves if one happened to get on the wrong side of them. But generally speaking all three classes take an interest in individual human beings, or in specific houses, or geographic areas, or clans. But you must be most punctilious in your bearing and etiquette for they take offense easily. These creatures become very loyal to an area or homestead and will take great offense at any generation of human that they regard as dishonoring traditions of sacred troth.
For example, as humans, we assume that (or so we have been led to believe by malign Christian teaching which was unmitigating in its policy of robbing Faerie folk of any positive qualities) these creatures are untrustworthy and will rob, hurt and trick us willy-nilly. Yet consider the fact that it is humans who mine the earth, leave scars below and above ground, and plunder and pillage all aspects of Earth. Merely for greed's sake without even asking Gaia for such gifts and not even bothering to recompense the true owners of the earth. In addition of course to mindlessly erasing other species. Elves and dwarfs are at variance with us here for they hail from an ancient code of honour. Husbandry and harmony are a dynamic partnership we have all but forgotten. It is surprising to find they are still prepared to have any contact with humans at all.
They appear in myths as they do on Earth: private, secretive, invisible. Even today legends persist in mining communities that elves and dwarfs give advance warning of disaster, providing miners leave food out for them, for they do not like man to pry into or damage the Earth. Contrary to our upbringing, it is dwarfs and elves that complain most bitterly about the untrustworthiness and dishonesty of man. But to those who do them honour and kindness, they can be powerful friends. Small wonder that these creatures have become secretive and suspicious of human kind. Hence in our Order we emphasize the importance, after any ceremony or ritual, of leaving out gifts of an appropriate kind (e.g.: a small piece of metal or money for the dwarfs and goblins perhaps, or honey or milk or flowers for the elves: see Order guidance for further details).
In the Norse myths the Elves, Dark Dwarfs and Black Dwarfs appear in various myths, in both encounters with gods, giants, and humans. They are not merely incidental but their appearance and their various creations form part of the essential processes involved in the unfolding of Wyrd. For example Idun's Golden Apples, Sif's Golden Hair, The Brising's Necklace and various weapons for the gods such as Freyr's ship and golden boar, Wotan's spear, Thunnars' hammer, and the magical ring Draupnir and many others all came from Alfish skill and magic.
The lay of Alvis' for example the dark dwarf Alvis came to Asgard in search of a wife from Thor as the price for many weapons he had made for the gods, who engages Alvis in conversation and verbal wagers. It is clear Thor has no intention of honouring his promise. He tricked Alvis into naming all objects and inhabitants in the three worlds and Alvis was caught out by sunrise and turned to stone. It was the Dwarfs Nar, Nain, Nipping, Daiun, Bifur, Baflir, Bombor and Nori and others who made the fetter for the gods to contain Fenrir. They appear throughout the Eddas and sagas. For example the various stories concerning Volundrl Wayland the Smith.
It is always made clear though, and this is a point well worth remembering, that nothing can be taken from any class of the elves (or from any of the Little `Uns for that matter), by force or trickery without some great penalty eventually being exacted. They are a people (despite their maligning over the centuries of deception) of great honour and strict etiquette. They also have long memories and can wait for many years before exacting their vengeance, justice or tribute.
These are the characteristics and aspects of the traditions pertaining to the alfs/elves/dwarves in the Teutonic world. There are of course related species in the Celtic world, Wrench lies, Cornish pickles and sub-species in Brittany, Ireland, Wales, Scotland etc.) and all parts of Europe. I will discuss all of them in due course. I will proceed with a discussion of the Norse Germanic Light Elves
The Ljosolfar
The light Elves or Liosolfar, is a name specific to the North European peoples, although we must be careful to recognize that species of light or woodland elves also abound in other parts of Europe. For example in Germanic lands they are known as Fib, Eri or Mannikip. In Italy as Gianes and Guriuz. In England and Scandinavia as Elves and Alfar respectively. In the Celtic traditions they also appear. It is though, the Scandinavia name War (for which also became the English name Elf) that gives a clue to the characteristics: in Old Norse the name means, "light shining one."
Throughout all of Europe though their main characteristics can be seen to be standard: for example in all countries their element is that of the Earth and their abode or favored places are woodlands, trees, streams and fields. Italian elves also lived in the roots of trees. But in addition to that they are regarded as protectors and friends of the homestead.
It is however in the Norse, English and Germanic traditions that we find the most detailed and specific reference to them as a species. The Norse sagas in particular have much to say of them and from the mythologies of the Asgard Aeon we get a fairly full picture of their attributes and areas of governance. Here their home was called Alfheim or Ljossalfheim, which was fairly close to Asgard.
There was one god in particular, which was associated with them: Freyr, the brother of Freyja, was ruler of the Light Elves and probably the most favored and widely recorded god throughout Northern Europe. lngvi-Freyr was the patron of the English and of many Germanic tribes and he gave his name to the English. In our tradition It was said that Freyr was abandoned by his parents and was taken away by the Light Elves, protected and brought up by them in Alfheim (Alf-home). This was their abode in the None myths, and such a light ethereal dominion remains their spiritual root or homeland. It is the upper airs of the Middle-Garth near to the Ases' Garth (Asgard). It is these who come to the feasts of the gods in the eddaic poems.
One group of very interesting Elves were the Ivaldi, led by Volund (or Weland or Wayland) and his brothers. They had many of the traits of Dwarves, Giants and star Deities and were symbolized as mountain wolves and were often winged. There is a strong Weland-the-Smith legend in rural parts of England. One is particular has its centre of legend and ancient cult worship on the Ridgeway-the great trackway linking Neolithic sites of southern England such as Stonehenge, Avebury, the White Horse, Silbury, West Kennet etc.
Not far from the Ridgeway site of Uffington castle is a group of megalithic stones reputed to be one of the entrances to Weland's underground smithy. Legend says that a coin left on the stone will ensure a good journey and shoeing of horses. Throughout England there are many chambered tombs each having a legend associated with Elves and other beings. Another truth emerges from the legends: do not steal from or deceive the Fives. Wayland's revenge on his captor who cut his hamstrings to imprison him in enforced labour was to kill the sons and present their skulls as jeweled drinking horns and abduct his daughter.
According to Teutonic myth, Elf-smiths were stronger than giants were. There is a place in Asgard where some of the Elves work making fine weapons and magical jewelry for the gods. And of course it is the Elves who make toys and gifts for Santa Claus (Odin) to deliver to his followers at the time of Yule. Recall also that another name for Santa Claus is the Holly King a sacred tree of the Celts and other Germanic tribes and that the Light Elves are particularly associated with the forests.
Elves tend to be small human-like beings. They live in almost every wood and stream of Midgard. They love song, the brightness of the sun and are often seen at Sun festivals throughout the year and in the company of the gods. Spring and midsummer periods are an especially favorite time to see and invoke them. In the Italian tradition, (the Giriuz especially), they were regarded as spirits of the spring and of the harvest. Both Freyr and the Elves are associated with the Sun. Freyr is a sun god by virtue of his power over fertility and sunshine, rain and the earth, and the Ifs by the traditions of this association in Vance and fertility cults.
They are teachers and keepers of wisdom and a source of earthly inspiration. They communicate with humans in dreams and flashes of inspiration and may also appear physically as shining fair-human beings or as flashes of light-colored brightness.
Remember that by their own right and that of their companion Lord Freyr they have much lore and magic to impart. Thus to aid an ongoing relationship, gifts and tokens of friendship can be offered them. For example, gifts are left out for them, especially bowls of milk. Also setting aside a corner of the garden so wild flowers may grow, and caring for any trees in your neighborhood. Making rituals beneath trees is also recommended. It is worth noting that though they have few enemies, cats and elves do not traditionally get along. Considering that mice are their familiars and household pets of elves, treat the mice in your garden and in your home with some respect. There are ways of gently persuading mice not to interfere in household matters.
In the Midgard context they are to be found in our dimension and world in their preferred habitat of the woodlands and streams. We may see the essence of the primeval guardians of the mysteries of the Earth and natural forces. Thus sung, cheerful voices and fresh air in the home will attract them and make them feel welcome.
Likewise, the colour green and/or blue-green is much to be recommended when dealing with them. For not only is this the colour of the Greenwood, the Horned God and the Lady of the Greenwood, but also transposed, the mystical colour of those characters and creatures which have inherited aspects of the traditions and powers of the wood-elves. For instance, in the case of Herne the Hunter, Robin Hood, Robin Goodfellow, Puck, etc.
The Dark and Black Elves
The creatures known in the Norse mythology under the term `dark' must be taken with a little circumspection with regard to terminology. For under this classification we should also use the names: the Dark Elves and Dark Dwarves, and the Black Elves or Black Dwarves.
It may be best in fact, to view the hierarchies of the Faere folk in the Norse tradition in terms of three categories. Commencing with the Light Elves which are generically woodland and aerial creatures and associated with Asgard, and then two descending classes - in terms of their association with other regions of the Nine Worlds that is, not in terms of power or importance. For each class possessed great skills and power and magick.
Generally speaking we may regard both of the other two classes as being darker than the Light Elves and more generally associated with earth structures, including such places as rocks, mountains, caverns mounds, etc. And being `darker', the best time to approach them is at sunset either in your own home or at their abode, as they do not like daylight. They are somewhat pale yet beautiful in their way, just as the Light Elves are. Incidentally the term `dark-elves' refers not to their appearance or moral character, but to their places of abode (although the Black Elves are indeed darker). They can be seen by humans at their dwelling place after you have made a sacrifice to them or repaid them generously. They can also be seen at woodlands since they visit there when the mood takes them.
This race of Elves sometimes have need of human assistance and for this they repay most richly. An excellent modern example of the lore interpreted is of course J.R.R. Tolkein's `The Hobbit' and `The Lord of the Rings'. Most of the names to be found throughout his works are Nordic and refer directly to the myths. There is also a useful and clear distinction made between the three classes.
Some distinction must also be made between the creatures specifically spoken of in the context of the Norse Elves and Dwarfs and various other Earth-governance creatures found in Anglo-Saxon and. Germanic folklore, such as the English hobgoblins, Norwegian Thussers, Icelandic Vardogls and localised or national and regional lore. Though other names such as the German Huldra folk, and Nibelungen, are Dark or Black Dwarf creatures.
When considering these folk, it is well worth recalling the great importance that is accorded to them and their creation `The Voluspa'. A great council of the gods was called to consider the question of these folk and their creation.
We should see them not as some fanciful, afterthought in the structure of the worlds but as an intrinsic part of the very ecology of the spiritual and magickal planes.
The Dark Elves
Or the Dokkalfan they are also known as the mound elves or dwarfs, and in some traditions are regarded as the souls of dead-men. That is, once laid in their howes or burial chambers, (we must remember that this method of burial in mounds goes back several thousand years BCE) the dead became ails and became guardians of the land. Thus they were especially severe with anyone who was dishonorable to the land. There are instances of customs associated with this. Blessings to the Dark Elves were also made by placing a cake under the first furrow or upon a rock where they were known to exist. An excellent example of this of course is the chambered tomb known as Wayland Smithy in Oxfordshire England, where legend tells that if a coin is placed upon the rock at the entrance then a lame horse will be shoed. In Sweden there was a tradition of cup-like holes being made in the rocks and the sun-wheel being carved. Even until recent times milk and honey were poured into them.
Various illnesses and diseases were believed to be caused by dark and black elves, and in Anglo-Saxon England there were charms against such troubles-for example chicken pox, rheumatism, paralysis and the distress and confusion of the mind.
Like all faery folk they are averse to dishonour and trickery. Their real malice usually comes into play when human deceit is involved. Indeed, a fair reward is always given to a human who does a dwarf a good turn. Although the resultant gifts should always be accepted even though it may appear as nothing. For example, instances of a bag of leaves or a clod of earth being given and later turning to gold upon the human reaching home is not uncommon. Like Herne the Hunter, Herla and Odin, they are wont to test the pure spirit of humans they come into contact with.
In the Norse myths they are spoken of as the children of Dvalin, who was regarded as their first great leader. Ingvi-Freyr however, also seems to be associated with their governance.
The Black Elves
Also called Svartalfar. These are perhaps the most mischievous of the three races and are very clever smiths indeed. For example, they forged Freyja's necklaces, Thor's hammer Mjollnir, Sif's golden hair, Freyr's magickal ship Skidbladnir and many other treasures for the gods. They live in tunnels, holes and mines, deep beneath the surface of Midgard where they also store their vast hoards of gold and treasure.
They are not easily approached and will often put a curse on anything taken from them or what they are forced or tricked into making. It is also said that they steal human women and children. Gundarsson suggests that they are also very close to the dead, quoting that the meaning of dwarf names Dam and Mr are `dead one' and `corpse'.
They are the earthly craft and power which gives shape and being to the inspiration of the Ljosalfar, being somewhat more ill-tempered than the other Elves and unlike the others almost never willingly teach any of their magic to men. Though at times they may teach them the art of smithing. They often appear as small, very dark, wrinkled men with very long grey beards, yet very powerful. However, although they are miserly, vengeful, greedy and malicious, they can also be surprisingly loyal and helpful to humans when a bargain or project is agreed upon and friendly to those humans who treat them well.
It was the Svartalfar who slew Kvasir and made the mead Odliroerior from his blood, transforming this raw material of wisdom into the craft and art of poetry from which any might drink. We might regard these creatures as the Goblins of British and Anglo-Saxon imagery. They are more closely associated with the dark half of the year. In German tradition they are also called the Nibelungen.
They are mostly male and lust after both human females and goddesses. Note should be taken of the number of times that there is some sexual liaison between various goddesses and the dwarfs (and the giving of magickal weapons and treasure and favors as a result). All the great weapons and treasures of the gods were made by them.
If you work with metal or jewelry craft it is sensible to make some gift to them. They are very resentful of human intrusion into the earth, especially mining and the taking of gems and ores from Mother Earth. They are intensely aware of the old rule of a gift for a gift, and contrary to popular belief are not always turned to stone in daylight but can, under certain disguises, get about in the daylight. As with the ethics of any of the Old Religions they are never satisfied until all scores, both of friendship and enmity are settled evenly.
From the Baelder Journal, Balder Pan-European Headquarters, 60 Elmhurst Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 5HY England. | 
