A Dwarf is a short, stout, stocky and strong humanoid creature in Norse mythology as well as other Germanic mythologies, fairy tales, fantasy fiction and role-playing games. The plural of the word dwarf was historically spelled dwarfs, but fantasy author J. R. R. Tolkien used the plural dwarves, which has entered general usage. However, the older spelling is still actively used.

In mythology, Dwarves are much like humans, but generally prefer to live underground or in mountainous areas. Some literature and games ascribe to dwarves the ability to see in the dark and other adaptations for living underground. Here they have accumulated treasures of gold, silver, and precious stones, and pass their time in fabricating costly weapons and armour. They are famed miners and smiths although, like humans, they specialise in any number of trades. Generally shorter than humans, they are on average stockier and hairier, usually sporting full beards. Though slow runners and poor riders, dwarves are said to be excellent warriors and defenders of their strongholds. Some myths and games also ascribe to dwarves the ability to forge magical items. In Norse mythology, for instance, dwarvish smiths created some of the greatest and most powerful items of power, including the magic chain that bound the wolf, Fenris


. Speaking of Fenris........The dwarves had to make an unbreakeable chain to hold him and here's what they made it of the unkownthings such as: the footfalls of a cat, a mountain's roots, and other various impossible to find things (which is why he couldn't break it). i know this page is about dwarves, but i just thought i'd add it in....