The Norse dwarves reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Norse dwarves

The Norse dwarves are highly significant entities within Norse mythology. They are the makers of most of the artefacts of the gods, both Aesir and Vanir. Their dwelling places is one of the nine worlds upon the world-ash Yggdrasil, Nidavellir.

They are often identified and seem to be interchangable with the Svartalfar (dark elves) and the trolls.

J. R. R. Tolkien got some of the names of the Dwarves in his books from Norse mythology: Dwalin, Nain, Dain, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Nori, Thorin, Thrain, Fili, and Kili.

See also: Brokk, Eitri, Ivaldi, Iluvatar