Dvergar and the Dead

BARREIRO, SANTIAGO

Brathair

UEMA

Lugar: San Luis; Año: 2008 p. 3 - 16

1519-9053

In this article we analyze, through Old Norse sources, the evidence that has lead scholars to propose a connection between mythical dvergar and the dead in the Scandinavian middle ages. Instead of focusing on the reconstruction of original meanings and etymological roots, we analyze the sources under the light of the social system exiting in the Scandinavian cultural area, beginning with the late pre-Christian period up to the late Middle Ages. We criticize the perspective that imagines dvergar were representing the dead, and propose an alternative interpretation for their possible meaning and association during the analyzed timeframe, connecting them with outsiders and to the role of the gift-exchange as a creator of social ties.