The most reliable information about the alfs (or altos) can be gleaned from familiarization with the Snorra Edda, better known as the Younger Edda. This work, written in 1225 by the Icelandic writer Snorri Sturluson, still remains one of the main sources of information in the study of Germanic-Scandinavian mythology. It contains, among other things, brief references to the alves, creatures that are now commonly called “ elves ”.
The origin of the alves is not fully understood, according to one of the theories, they appeared thanks to Odin and, initially, were almost equal to the gods. Subsequently, for some unknown reason, they were divided into two types, each of which was assigned a separate state for residence. The Bright Alves took over the world of Alfheimr, which has since been considered their home. The dark alves went to Svartalfheim, which in translation means “ House of the Black Alves ”. What was the impetus for the decision of the gods to divide one people into two, unlike each other, remains a mystery.
Light alves in Scandinavian mythology are described as forever young (most likely immortal) and beautiful creatures. They are similar to humans, but they are small in stature and extraordinary attractiveness. Bright Alves are skilled blacksmiths and very powerful magicians. They practically do not appear in the human world, preferring to remain invisible. The lord of the bright alves is the heavenly blacksmith Welund.
The second name for the dark violas is the zwergs, today better known as the “ gnomes ”. They are also called “ dwarves ”, i.e. dwarfs. Dark alves are short and dark in color. Male miniatures wear huge beards, while a detailed description of the appearance of female gnomes has not yet been found. These creatures are renowned as craftsmen in metalworking and jewelry. An interesting detail - the description of the adventures of the most famous dwarfs in Scandinavian legends is given much more attention than their relatives, the bright elves. For example, Odin's celebrated magic spear, Gungnir, was made by two brothers, the sons of the dwarf Ivaldi. Also, other, no less significant, weapons from the arsenal of the Scandinavian gods owe their appearance to the skill of the dark alves.
In later times, the light alts began to be perceived, rather, as disembodied spirits that live in the forests and are the guardians of the plant world. The gnomes began to appear in the form of sullen, silent creatures that went deep into the bowels of the mountains. Both of them take little interest in the life of people, preferring solitude in their own worlds inaccessible to mortals.