Die Figur des Zwergs Alberich in der Heldendichtung Ortnit

Abstract

Dwarfs occupy a prominent place among the mythical creatures of Germanic literary traditions. They are usually described as anthropomorphic beings of small dimensions, dwelling underground and in rocks, skilled metal forgers and experts in magical arts. In Middle High German literature - both in heroic epics and chivalric romances - dwarfs appear repeatedly and often play an important role. In this cultural context, three types of dwarfs can be distinguished: 1) a gray-haired old man with a long beard, vigorous, strong and bold, equipped with armour and helmet (like Alberich in the Nibelungenlied); 2) Dwarf with the appearance of a handsome child (like Alberich in Ortnit); 3) Dwarf, who is characterized by the outward appearance of a knight of noble descent (prince, or even king), with the exception of his short stature (like the epic King Laurin of Dietrich's Laurin and his rose garden). This essay deals with the second type of dwarf, namely the figure of Alberich in the Ortnit epic written in the first half of the 13th century. His portrayal is that of an extraordinary Fabelwesen derived from the Germanic folk tradition, in which it is however possible to recognize elements of other cultures, including Romance and Celtic influences.