Dáinn (Norse dwarf)

Dáinn ("Dead") or Dain is a character in Norse mythology. Mostly the tales relate to him being a dwarf and in others as king of elves. However, in other stories the dwarf god is referred to as Dvalin.^[1]

A King's Sword

His name is found on king Högni's sword Dáinsleif^[2] ("Dáinn's legacy"). It is laid with a curse which says it must always kill a man when it is drawn.

Other Legends

In the Hyndluljóð (7) he is said to have made Freyja's boar Hildisvíni, along with another dwarf, his brother Nabbi.^[3]

Dáinn is referred to as a dwarf in the dwarf-þula of the Völuspá (11) and in a stanza by Sigvatr Þórðarson. But in the Hávamál (153) he is said to be an elf who carved the runes:

"Odin for Aesir, and Dain for the elves, Dvalin for the dwarfs, Asvid for the giants, I myself carve some". ~~Havamal 143^[4]

In Norse Astrology

In the constellations of Norse mythology there is also a constellation named after Dain, one that resembles a deer. It is considered as an elven name. Whereas there is also a constellation named Dvalin, which is considered a dwarf name and constellation.^[5]

References

1. "Dvalin". www.norse-mythology.cba.pl. Retrieved 18 November 2012.
2. "Dainsleif". www.norse-mythology.cba.p. Retrieved 18 November 2012.
3. "Dain". www.norse-mythology.cba.pl. Retrieved 18 November 2012.
4. "Of dwarves and elves". www.timelessmyths.com. Retrieved 18 November 2012.
5. "Norse Constellations". www.timothystephany.com. Retrieved 18 November 2012.