| “ | When in doubt, blame the dark elves.
|
„ |
| ~ Kevin Hearne, Trapped |
Dark Elves (Old Norse: Dökkálfar) are enigmatic beings in Norse mythology, primarily mentioned in the Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson. They are contrasted with the Light Elves and associated with darkness and the earth, although much about them remains unclear due to limited references in surviving texts.
Description[]
In Norse cosmology, dark elves are described as "blacker than pitch" and are believed to live underground or in lower realms. They are often linked to shadows, darkness, and the chthonic aspects of the world, such as death, magic, and the hidden forces of nature. In contrast, the Light Elves are said to be "fairer than the sun" and dwell in the heavens, in a realm called Álfheimr.
Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda provides most of the information about dark elves, but it is vague. The text makes it clear that the Dökkálfar and Ljósálfar are two distinct groups of elves, though it does not elaborate on the nature of their differences beyond their appearance and habitats.
Confusion with Dwarves[]
One of the challenges in understanding dark elves in Norse mythology is the potential overlap with dwarves. In some interpretations, the Dökkálfar are seen as another name for dwarves, beings who also live underground and are skilled craftsmen. The Prose Edda sometimes uses the term Svartálfar (Black Elves) interchangeably with Dökkálfar, adding to the confusion. In other places, Svartálfheimr (World of the Black Elves) is mentioned as the realm where dwarves live, suggesting a close relationship between these two mythological entities.
Some scholars believe that dark elves may have been a later development or even a misunderstood or blended concept with dwarves. Dwarves, like dark elves, were thought to reside underground, had magical abilities, and were skilled in smithing and crafting powerful objects, such as Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir.
Biography[]
Role in Mythology[]
The concept of dark elves primarily comes from two Old Norse texts: the Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson and the Poetic Edda, a collection of earlier mythological poems. However, much of what we know about dark elves is derived from interpretations of these texts, as they do not provide detailed accounts of these beings.
According to the Prose Edda, the Dökkálfar (Dark Elves) live underground and are distinct from the Ljósálfar (Light Elves), who dwell in the heavens. Snorri describes the Light Elves as “fairer than the sun,” while the Dark Elves are “blacker than pitch.” This contrast is often interpreted symbolically, with Light Elves associated with light, goodness, and higher realms, while Dark Elves are connected with darkness, mystery, and perhaps more malevolent forces.
While the Light Elves are aligned with the Aesir gods and seen as benevolent, the dark elves might represent the darker, more chaotic aspects of nature and the cosmos. Their underground dwelling and association with darkness suggest a link to the hidden or dangerous aspects of existence, such as death or dark magic.
Svartálfheim: The Realm of Black Elves[]
Svartálfheim (also called Svartálfaheimr) is described as the realm of the black elves, a dark, underground world where these creatures reside. It is closely associated with the realm of the dwarves, Nidavellir, and many sources treat these two names as referring to the same place. Like dwarves, the Svartálfar are said to live in deep caverns and tunnels beneath the earth, where they mine precious metals and forge magical artifacts.
In Norse cosmology, Svartálfheim or Nidavellir is one of the Nine Worlds, connected by Yggdrasil, the World Tree. It is located beneath Midgard (the world of humans), emphasizing the dark, chthonic nature of its inhabitants.
Attributes and Abilities[]
The exact nature of dark elves is ambiguous, but they are often associated with shadowy, chthonic forces. They are typically described as secretive and dwelling in the earth or underworld, and are sometimes seen as malevolent or at least ambivalent toward humans and the gods. In this respect, they can be contrasted with Light Elves, who are associated with beauty, light, and often benevolent qualities.
The dark elves’ underground habitat and potential connection to death and the underworld suggest they may have been involved with matters related to death, magic, and hidden knowledge. Some modern interpretations portray dark elves as nocturnal beings, associated with dreams, shadows, and the night.
Later Germanic and Popular Culture[]
Over time, the idea of dark elves evolved in Germanic and Scandinavian folklore and literature. In some stories, dark elves became synonymous with malevolent spirits or trickster beings that cause illness, nightmares, or mischief. They are sometimes equated with huldufólk (hidden people) or other types of supernatural beings that live in nature, unseen by human eyes.
In modern fantasy literature and games, the concept of dark elves has been further developed, drawing inspiration from Norse and Germanic mythology. Dark elves often appear as distinct races or species in fantasy worlds, where they are typically depicted as a more sinister, evil counterpart to light elves. J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, for instance, feature elves with varying moral alignments, and in modern role-playing games, such as Dungeons & Dragons, dark elves (or drow) are often characterized as malevolent, subterranean creatures.
Gallery[]
