Dvalinn

Dvalinn is a dwarf from Norse mythology, appearing in several Old Norse texts, most notably in the Hávamál, the Skáldskaparmál, and the Völuspá. He is typically associated with craftsmanship, magic, and the creation of powerful artifacts.

In the Hávamál, Dvalinn is credited with creating runes. Stanza 143 reads, in some translations, that Odin carved runes, Dvalinn fashioned them, Dainn coloured them, and Asvidr interpreted them. This establishes him as a significant figure in the origin and use of runic magic and knowledge.

Within the Skáldskaparmál, Dvalinn is listed as one of the dwarves who crafted the necklace Brísingamen for the goddess Freyja. This reinforces his association with exceptional craftsmanship and the creation of valuable objects. The Skáldskaparmál recounts the story of Freyja obtaining the necklace from the dwarves.

The Völuspá, an important poem of Norse mythology, includes Dvalinn in a list of dwarves, further confirming his place within the dwarven pantheon. While the Völuspá does not elaborate on his specific deeds, his inclusion among other prominent dwarves speaks to his significance in Norse cosmology and the wider world of the gods and mythological beings.

Dvalinn's name is often translated as "the dormant one" or "the sleeping one," which may allude to the dwarves' underground dwelling and their connection to the earth. His character emphasizes the dwarves' traditional roles as skilled artisans, knowledgeable in magic, and creators of valuable items within Norse mythology. He is a powerful symbolic figure connected to creation, knowledge, and hidden craft.