Dwarfs (Old Norse dvergr = 'dwarf') are a sub-group of the svartálfar according to Snorri while in the Hávamál the dwarfs are in the hierarchy of Æsir, elves and dwarfs. According to folk-belief, they are merely beings (mostly helpful). Originally they were not thought of as being small. This concept first appears in the sagas, where they are described as being small and usually ugly. Much more characteristic is their wisdom. [1]