Dvalin
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In Norse mythology, Dvalin is a common dwarf name found in several mythological tales and kennings.
In Völuspá, Dvalin is mentioned as a name in the listing of dwarves, and again in a later stanza as a leader taking a host of dwarves from the mountains to find a new dwelling place:
- "The rocks they left, and through wet lands
- They sought a home, in the fields of sand"
In Hávamál, Dvalin is said to have introduced the writing of runes to the dwarves, as Dain had done for the elves and Odin for the gods.
In Alvíssmál, a kenning for the sun is listed as the "deceiver of Dvalin", referring to the sun's power of turning dwarves into stone. In skaldic poetry, "Dvalin's drink" is used as a kenning for poetry, since the mead of poetry was originally created by the dwarves.
In Fáfnismál, during a discussion between Sigurd and Fafnir concerning the minor Norns (apart from the three great Norns), those who govern the lives and destinies of dwarves are also known as "Dvalin's daughters".
In Sörla tháttr, Dvalin was one of the four dwarves (including Alfrigg, Berling and Grer) who fashioned the necklace Brisingamen, later acquired by the goddess Freyja after she agreed to spend a night with each of them.
In Hervarar saga, Dvalin is one of a pair of dwarves (including Durin) who forged the magic sword Tyrfing.
Lastly, Dvalin is listed in both Grímnismál and Gylfaginning as one of the four stags of Yggdrasill.
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