Notes:

1. Dwarf. --- The Dwarfs were a species of beings bred in the dust of the earth; just as worms are in a dead carcase. It was in the body of the Giant Hymer that they were first engendered, and began to move and live. At first they were only worms; but by order of the Gods, they at length partook of both human shape and reason. They always dwell in subterraneous caverns, and among rocks. Edda of Snorro. This passage from Snorro deserves attention. We may discover here, one of the effects of that ignorant prejudice, which has made us for so many ages, regard all arts and handicrafts, as the occupation of mean people and slaves. Our Celtic and Gothic ancestors, imagining there was something magical, and beyond the reach of man, in mechanical skill, could scarcely believe that an able artist was one of their own species, or descended from the same common origin. Let us consider what might facilitate the entrance of such an idea into their minds. There were, perhaps, some neighbouring people, who bordered upon one of the Celtic or Gothic tribes; and who, although less warlike than themselves, and much inferior in strength and stature, might yet excel them in dexterity: and addicting themselves to manual arts, might carry on a commerce with them, sufficiently extensive to have the same of it spread considerably far. All these circumstances will agree very well with the Laplanders; who are still as famous for their magic, as remarkable for the lowness of their stature: pacific even to a degree of cowardice; but of a mechanic industry, which formerly must have appeared very considerable. The stories which were invented concerning this people, passing through the mouths of so many ignorant relaters, would soon acquire all the degrees of the marvelous, of which they were susceptible. Thus, as we see in ancient romances, the dwarfs soon became the forgers of enchanted armour, on which neither swords nor conjurations could make any impression. They were possessed of caverns full of treasure, entirely at their own disposal. As the dwarfs were feeble and but of small courage, they were supposed to be crafty, and full of deceit and artifice. This, which in old romances is called Disloyalty, is the character always given them in those fabulous narrations. Even at this time, the notion is not every where exploded, that there are, in the bowels of the earth, Fairies, or a kind of dwarfish and tiny beings, of human shape, remarkable for their riches, their activity, and malevolence. Shakspeare, availing himself of these popular notions, made, perhaps, a creation of his own, and amuses the world, to this day, with the vagaries of Puck and Oberon. In many countries of the North, the people are still firmly persuaded of their existence. In Iceland, they shew the very rocks and hills, in which they maintain, that there are swarms of these small subterraneous men, of the most tiny size, but most delicate figures. [Back]
2. Valfander, one of the names of Odin. [Back]
3. "Learned Guest." --- Thor changes his tone, and begins to flatter him, that he might more easily engage him in some long disquisition. [Back]
4. "The fiery." --- The Duergi or Pygmies were a nation of Genii who shunned the light; and it was anciently believed, that if ever they were exposed to the rays of the sun, they would be turned into stone. [Back]